HAVE A MASTER PLAN
Before you start your gift shopping, have a plan on paper. Write down who you need to buy for and the interests they have. Even indicators such as ‘loves vintage fashion/green/dogs’ can help direct your shopping choice! OK, so we’re not suggested you to try to find a green dog wearing vintage fashion but ‘vintage fashion’ might lead you to a gorgeous piece of antique costume jewellery with green stone detailing or even something for dog lovers. The point is to plan so that when you get bombarded with visionary overload, you don’t get too distracted!
SIZE MATTERS
There is nothing more frustrating than getting a gift, and it’s the wrong size. Do your homework, so you know their sizes. If that means asking their partner, family, friends or having a sneak in their wardrobe, then do it – getting the size right wins brownie points and saves on the stress and long queues of the returns desk in January.
BUY FOR THEM NOT YOU
When you are choosing a gift, remember to buy for the person, not yourself. Yes, we agree you have to like it but really think about the recipient and if they would honestly like the gift or whether its really only you that loves polka dot wellington boots in baby pink.
BE IMAGINATIVE
If you are on a budget, then you will need to be imaginative in your present choice but thinking outside of the box will also ensure that your gift is unique as well. Look to shop at small independent stores online and on the high street for those fantastic one-off finds. Our clients, retailers La Di Da always have great gift ideas that don’t cost a small fortune but will be worth so much more to see the surprise and pleasure on their faces when they receive a unique and unusual gift.
SPEND WISELY
Be careful when shopping online to check UK delivery timescales and also if it’s a secure shopping site before merrily typing in your credit card details. You should also check that they have full contact details such as postal address, email and telephone number. In our experience, if there isn’t a number at the very least and just email, the response time can be slow. Also, be wary of the ‘should be delivered within 24 hours’ notice that some websites make a habit of using. This can mean that the product is never physically stocked by the retailer and once your order is placed, then the retailer contacts the manufacturer to action the purchase. There is, therefore, no guarantee on delivery time so buyer beware if you don’t want disappointment and space under the Christmas tree.
Use these tips to bring you Christmas shopping cheer and banish any hint of humbug this festive season!
MirrorMePR is an award-winning equestrian, country and canine PR & social media marketing agency representing premium brands and products.
