How to Choose Holiday Gifts for Family

The list for holiday preparation seems to grow longer each year—decorations, food, cards, family gatherings and presents. Make the season less stressful by starting your shopping early. Look for meaningful gifts that family members will enjoy and appreciate beyond Christmas morning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Brainstorm early with a list you can add to as you discover interesting items or when loved ones drop hints throughout the year. Save money by buying gifts whenever you find them on sale (as long as they're not perishable). Store the early acquisitions with your holiday decorations so you won't forget them when December rolls around.
2. Find hobby-related gifts or gift cards to the related specialty shops. Skiers will enjoy lift passes, crafters will love gift certificates for technique workshops, and gardeners will appreciate more bulbs and tools, for example.
3. Start family members off on new collections that you can contribute to each year. Imagine how easy it will be each Christmas, buying your mom a new quilt, your brother another autographed baseball and your niece a different music box, for instance.
4. Compile customized, do-it-yourself kits as holiday presents if money is tight. Gather beads and string for girls to create their own jewelry, dry ingredients for moms to make homemade soup or boxes and feed for dads to build a birdfeeder.
5. Make a donation in your family's name if there's a cause you all support.
6. Buy one large gift that the entire family can enjoy, particularly if your loved ones seem to have everything else. Try amusement-park passes, a video-game console or a subscription to a cookie-of-the-month club.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check the age and safety requirements when purchasing toys, clothing and equipment for children.