Every year, it’s a gamble. Will she love your Christmas gift? Will he find a place for it at the back of his closet? Will you need to keep the receipt handy? Don’t stress when it comes to holiday shopping. Consider it a challenge to find just the right thing. And, before you resort to the gift of nothing (or gift cards), consider these suggestions designed to put a smile on the face of any potential Grinch on your list.
For the purely practical
Forget tchotchkes or pretty ornamental things; these folks greet them with derision and a roll of the eyes. The only way to squash such reactions is to think practical — items that serve a practical purpose in everyday living. Consider kitchen staples, like steak knives, a tall wooden pepper grinder, hot new gadgets (from digital meat thermometer to foldable cutting boards), a teapot with contemporary style, or a coffee maker. For gifts that are equal parts practical and mind-blowing, make sure to stop by Staples for all of your appliance needs.
For globetrotting wanderers
They are constantly on the go and rack up frequent flyer miles faster than anyone you know. They’re open to new experiences, yet they can be incredibly picky. Appeal to their jet-setting sensibilities with gifts like: a personalized luggage tag, an eReader (helpful for keeping their baggage light, with several models available at Staples), a GPS navigation unit for road trips, compact wireless speakers designed to travel, a leather passport cover, noise-cancelling headphones, a toiletry bag with compartments, or a universal power adapter kit (perfect for charging electronics around the world).
For neat freaks
A pile of ripped Christmas wrapping paper and a mound of ribbons makes these folks break out in hives. They are happiest when everything is in its place. Help them achieve that goal with savvy gifts like: nesting boxes, a personal label maker, decorative shelves, magazine files, a hand-held vacuum, or a cordless sweeper. For stocking stuffers, toss in magnetic hooks and bottles of travel-size hand sanitizer.
For the have-it-alls
They seem to be well stocked with everything under the sun, so it’s tough to find something unique. But these gifts are sure to please: a cocktail shaker and matching ice bucket with vintage style, the latest top-selling cookbook, a donation to their favourite charity, a custom-printed calendar using photos of their friends and family, monogrammed linen napkins, or indoor plants that flower over the winter (paper whites or an amaryllis).
For all-business entrepreneurs
More and more, people are choosing to work for themselves and launching their own start-up companies. One of the keys to success is being well-equipped. For the choosy sole proprietor, take care of business with gifts large or small, from an ergonomic workstation and chair to fax machine/scanner/printer combos, extra power bars and a desk lamp. Tap into their inner tycoon and create cool corporate style with sleek desk accessories, a laptop carrying case, a leather tablet cover and an elegant business card holder. It goes without saying that every young professional keeps a keen eye on the products available at Staples.
For the critic
They’re the first to share their opinions on current films, books, music, and art. They know what they like and what they don’t. Please these critical thinkers with gifts like: an annual membership for the local museum, a signed first edition of a classic novel, craft kits, paint supplies (canvas, paint, easel, brushes and palette to start), a portfolio case for their future masterpieces, an art or movie-themed calendar, or an over-sized coffee-table book featuring a favourite artist or photographer.
You’ll fill up your wish list (make sure to check it twice!) in no time by paying close attention to the wide variety of giftable goodies available at Staples.
