The present dilemma

Dec 13 2007 by Emma Pinch, Liverpool Daily Post

Emma Pinch shows how to get the Christmas gifts you really want

YOU stick on a smile, swallow the disappointment and mutter “Oh, you shouldn’t have” but in your mind’s eye your new novelty ironing board cover is already on Ebay.

We’ve never spent so much on Christmas presents as we do now, and never have we got it more wrong.

It’s estimated that we return, sell or give away 50% of the gifts received at Christmas, and worldwide a staggering £2.3bn is thought to be wasted on them.

The choice out there is mind- boggling. You can purchase online, via the TV, or you can do it the old-fashioned way, on foot. So how is it so many people rip off the wrapping paper to lacklustre gifts of socks, pants and pyjamas, supermarket chocolates, smellies and vouchers every year?

And then, when we do venture out of our present–buying rut, we end up with items that are utterly useless, bizarre or, at worst, downright offensive.

Lynne Johnston, who works at ACC Liverpool, was understand- ably non-plussed when she unwrapped a present from her father, to find he had given her a toilet roll holder-cum-radio.

“Why was it so bad?” she smiles. “Apart from the obvious, the gift was purchased from a second-hand store and therefore came with no fixture and fittings, just a used foam sticky pad that had lost its adhesiveness and gained some dust and dirt!”

One of the problems is that we already have so much stuff these days. This has prompted John Lewis, in Liverpool, to open a Christmas list service, similar to the traditional wedding list, where the potential recipient catalogues specific products they want, and friends and relatives choose which ones to buy. It may seem a tad presumptuous, but it’s a sensible option.

Emily Howells, a personal shopper at the store, says if loved ones haven’t said specifically what they want – squirrel away any dropped hints throughout the year – sit down somewhere quiet and think about their interests, lifestyle and events coming up in their lives in the New Year. “Give yourself time to think about it,” she says.

“One well thought out present is better than 10 that are just thrown together. If they are getting married in the spring, perhaps buy a bridal book. If they like golf, perhaps a pro-golf lesson. Experiences are very popular, and better than golf tees, which aren’t very inspired.”

For women, she says, clothing and any sort of kitchen equip- ment were potential minefields. “Only buy clothing if you are sure of a person’s size,” she in- structs. “Otherwise, you are much better buying accessories. A beautiful cashmere scarf is always nice for a touch of luxury and is not so size specific.

“Generally, women prefer something romantic and thoughtful rather than solidly functional presents.”

Carolyn Hughes, Style City columnist, agrees. She was scarcely able not to notice that all of her friends loved to splash on her Agent Provocateur perfume before they went out. “For Christ- mas, I went out and got each of them an Agent Provocateur gift set. They were thrilled and it meant mine lasted a bit longer!

“One thing that is really beautiful, like a gorgeous scented candle or notebook, is better than something pricey bought without consideration, like chocolates when you’re on a diet.”

When buying for men, says Emily, try to steer clear of socks, pants, pyjamas and ties. “They’re just not very exciting. Vouchers are a bit of a cop-out, too. Think outside of the box a little bit. Concert tickets make nice gifts. Or for £15–£20 you can get a real- ly nice bottle of Cham- pagne, which you know will be used.”

emma.pinch@dailypost.co.uk

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