Being so far from home I didn’t think I’d get that warm fuzzy feeling I’m used to for the weeks leading up to Christmas but I was wrong. Waking up yesterday morning to see the ground covered in a blanket of snow made it feel so Christmassy! I took a walk through the town and the pretty decorations and fairy lights brightened up the little town of Blagoevgrad so much.
![IMG_2057[1]](https://ourrunway.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/img_20571.jpg)
I love Christmas for so many reasons, but mainly because it cheers everyone up. This year I’m looking forward to it even more than usual because I will be reunited with my family and friends who I haven’t seen for months because of mine and their travelling.
The one thing most people despise about Christmas is something I really enjoy which is obviously Christmas shopping. I always try to get the most thoughtful gifts possible and am the personal shopper in my family. My mom asks for advice on my dads present and vice verse, my sister and brothers ask about each others presents and my brother asks about his girlfriends presents. I help them shop, give suggestions and quite often end up just telling them I’ll sort it out!
So I thought I would give you all some tips on getting gifts for your loved ones.
I always think a nice hamper or gift basket is a lovely idea for anyone and any budget.
I put all of the little things that they like, their favorite bottle of wine, a nice box of chocolates, things they like, a book by their favorite author, some treats like perfume or jewelery, shower gel, little but essential things. I think the key to this is to make it as personal as possible. To me, personal gifts are the best, they are things money can’t buy. Alternatively you can do a hamper that (almost) everyone would like, filled to the brim of sweets and treats!
Another nice unique gift idea is a picture of you and that person in a pretty picture frame. It is something they will have forever and it is thoughtful.
After this it depends very much on the person. So I’ll give you an idea of what I’m thinking of for my loved ones. (Hopefully they won’t see this post!)
So for my brother seeing as he is going to Australia travelling in the New Year I thought it would be nice to get him something that would come in handy over there. So I’m thinking of some sunglasses like the Ray ban aviators below.
For my mom and dad I think my brothers and sister are getting them a weekend away to a nice hotel in Ireland somewhere, just to have a little relaxing break.
My other brother, is a huge fan of music and is always listening to it at full blast, driving the whole house mad so I thought some new ear phones or head phone would be a good idea for everyone! I’m just not sure between the two yet.
My sister is also a major music fan and has thousands of songs on her iPod so I think I’m going to get her a connection for her phone to her car so she can listen to her favorite songs while chauffeuring me around town!
As for my boyfriend, I’m not getting him anything, he doesn’t deserve it! (Only joking, he’ll be reading this I’m sure so I won’t be giving it away I’m afraid!) Last year we went to Egypt on holiday as our Christmas present so it’ll be tough to top that!
My tips for Christmas shopping are;
1. Make it as personal as possible
2. Don’t spend loads of money, you don’t need to
3. Always make a list
4. Start early (now!)
5. Shop around, don’t just settle on the first one you see. And check online.
6. Try DIY. If you don’t have the money to spend then why not make something, even a card, it’s thoughtful and often will be more appreciated that something that cost you a weeks wages.
7. Give a gift that keeps on giving from sites like gorta or concern where you make a donation to a charity on your behalf.
8. Bake something if you know someone with a sweet tooth. Maybe brownies of cookies, decorate them and wrap them up nice.
9. A cute thing to do if you have someone special (even your mom/dad/child/etc) in your life is to buy them a star. You can get it named after them and get the directions for it so you will be able to find it in the sky. You will get a certificate and a map on some sites online.
I hope some of these tips help and I hope you all enjoy the run up to Christmas, I know I will! 🙂
The world is your runway. 