Deck the halls because we are officially deep into the Christmas season. While it is wonderful to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, they can bring their own set of problems. 

Maybe you’re a talented gift giver, and the thought of gifting fills you with warmth. But, for the rest of us, choosing Christmas gifts for the important people in your life can feel more like a chore than a celebration. Nobody wants to disappoint with their gifts, and you certainly don’t want to give anyone more “stuff” that won’t make it far from under the tree. 

Fear not because Chelsea has some gifting tips to get you through this holiday season. Consider this my gift to you. 

Let’s begin with parents. Moms are notoriously difficult to shop for. Fortunately, you can never go wrong with sentimental gifts here. Did you have a picture-worthy moment with your mom this year? Buy a picture frame, print out the picture, and just like that, you have one gift down. If your mom doesn’t already own a few too many mugs or cups, there are plenty of creative ones that could be perfect for your mom – another gift down. Of course, you can never go wrong with jewelry, but make sure to consider what style she might like best when shopping. Most importantly, top off your meaningful gifts with a thoughtful card and your mom is sure to have a wonderful Christmas morning. 

Dads, however, may be interested in very different gifts. Practicality is the name of the game here. New gloves or shoes are sure to be used. A good coffee mug, like a Yeti, is almost guaranteed to be a success. Of course, sentimental gift ideas apply here too. It’s hard to go wrong with a picture or heartfelt card, so be sure to consider including that as well. 

When shopping for friends, it’s much easier to determine what they might be interested in. Ask about their favorite movies, TV shows and books, and you are almost guaranteed to get some gifting ideas. Find something themed that matches their interests and you’ll be sleighing through the holiday. 

It’s probably worth mentioning here that all of these gift ideas can be pulled off at the last minute, in case you’ve been putting off the whole process. 

However, no matter what, you know your friends and family the best. A cliché, sure, but still true, gifting is never about how much money you spend, but rather about the thought behind it. As long as you express your appreciation for the people in your life, Christmas will be a breeze. 

Merry Christmas and happy gifting!