Finding the perfect gift

Buying gifts for children is easy. Not only do they write you a list specifying just what they want, but this list is seemingly endless, so you are sure to find a few things on it that are both affordable and comprehensible. You can also buy children the same kind of presents year after year and they never seem to tire of them. Another computer game, more lego, another doll, a new game, they all work again and again. Whether this is because they have shorter memory spans than adults, or because they actually want slight variations of the original winning model is undefined, but it makes gift giving to children relatively straightforward if not sometimes expansive and wrought with competition over availability.

Adults on the other hand can be a little trickier. Young women aren’t so bad; makeup and beauty products are always welcomed. Men on the other hand can be harder and older people are almost impossible to buy for, if you actually want to buy them something other than a book or bath salts.

How many times has your grandmother told you she doesn’t want anything; ‘what could I need at my age?’ she says. Your grandfather also has few answers; ‘I like reading of course’ comes as little news or for that matter, help.

The pressure is on this year as people try to make their money stretch as far as possible. This means consumers have to reel in spending and try not to rely on credit and store cards. So how do you combine affordability with creativity? You need to look online.

The virtual high street has many more options than the real one. Choice is vast and prices, on most things at least, are far cheaper. You don’t have to make do with the shops on your local high street or your nearest shopping mall. You don’t even need to feel confined to shops in the UK. The internet opens virtual store doors all around the world.

You can then exploit favourable exchange rates and tap into international markets. Many online retailers even offer free or heavily discounted delivery and shipping at Christmas and others include free gift wrapping, taking the hassle out of Christmas too.

The fact that you can buy from myriad different places means you are better equipped to tailor gift to receiver. Check out Studio 24 for a wide range of personalised gifts.