We all have to buy gifts sometime or the other for people we know and love, and sometimes even for those whom we may not like much or know at all. The big question that always hovers on our minds is how to choose the right gift. Should the gift be pretty? Should it be useful? How can it be bought in a limited budget? If you want to be the girl who gives the best gifts in town, follow our super suggestions and watch your name crop up on every party list in town.

Shopping For Your Honey!
Are you one of those who is forever stocking your man’s wardrobe with garish ties and boring cufflinks? Stop now! Buying gifts for your man is really quite easy. An easy- to-follow thumb rule: guys just like girls are suckers for branded goods. If they’ve heard of it before then they will like it. That’s why a Nike, Adidas, GIVO, Allen Solley, etc. will always find a place in his wardrobe.

Another rule to keep in mind is to get the product category right. There are certain items that always work for men like video games, simple electronic and sports equipment, and cool little gadgets.

When shopping for your man listen for little messages and reminders every now and then because if he keeps on moaning about his ageing boxing gloves or smashed tennis racquet, you are on to a winner. Deliver the goods before he goes out and buys it himself and you will be climb notches in his eyes. Look out for the odd holes in his undies or his forever-diminishing handkerchief stock. Trust us, he would be just as grateful for a new pair of boxer shorts as he would be for golf clubs.

No Entry: Stay away from buying clothes such as jackets, trousers, sweat shirts and footwear for men especially if you are still on base one in your relationship. Unless you explicitly know what he wants (read model number, brand name, etc.), steer clear of buying any sophisticated pieces of electronic gadgetry such as computers or sound systems.

Best Bets: Video or computer games, music CD’s, watches, writing pens, leather goods, sports equipments, boxer shorts, socks, aftershave, exercise equipment, simple gadgets, alcohol, cigars.

Souvenirs For a Friend!
Pals are the best people to buy presents for. You know them inside out, they are not related to you and are usually thrilled to get any kind of gift. The real beauty of buying gifts for friends is that you can get away with buying something that you actually like and want.
The buzzword while buying a gift for a dear friend is to be creative. If he or she is really a good friend, you should know what they like, what they hate and even what’s in between. Armed with all your in-depth knowledge, it’s time to surf the stores.

However, before you dig into your purse, think about what you want this gift to represent. Is it a casual reminder of your friendship, something more practical that he or she needs or is it a special thank you for something they might have done for you recently? So give a little thought to what your friend really desires and aim to get him or her that very thing.

No Entry: Don’t take this as your chance to be lazy or inconsiderate and buy the first thing that catches your eye. Your friend deserves the best effort from your end. Also, very expensive things are not always a good idea because your friend might find it tough to reciprocate the gesture.

Best Bets: Concert tickets, magazine subscriptions, books, board games, home décor items, aromatherapy candles, sunglasses.

Choosing Gifts For Co-workers
Love them or hate them, your work colleagues are very much your second family. You do end up spending a better part of your waking hours in their company. So it is natural that you know all about their birthdays, weddings, new homes, and just announced promotions. Therefore an occasion that deserves a gift will arise at some point or the other. Depending on how much you like a certain workmate, demarcate a budget accordingly.

If it is someone you don’t know very well or don’t like, stick with the office pool gifts. In these cases, the office secretary will collect an equal amount from everyone and then buy a gift. This way you save some moolah and also end up not spending too much time on gift for someone who doesn’t matter to you.

If the co-worker is a friend and you know her well, you should have no problem finding an appropriate gift for him or her but if you still can’t think of something, opt for items like desk trinkets, a latest best-seller or even flowers.

Mind you, it’s not a bad idea to spend a bit more cash (if you’ve got it) on a present for your boss. You never know good things may come of it. So, what do you know about your boss for sure? Her work habits! A nice, thoughtful little present that could make the day pass away more quickly is quite a good place to start. Make your boss’ day a little less stressful by getting her a set of massage rollers for her feet or a comfortable pillow to sit on or a swanky new coffee mug if she is a coffee addict. Little gifts like that will be greatly appreciated.

No Entry: Personalised items like clothing or even hugely expensive gifts are not a good idea for workmates. Another gift item that should be scratched off any office gift list is alcohol.

Best Buys: Books, desk trinkets like a table clock, small potted plants, cool toys, lunch box, flask for tea, diary, desk calendar, pen, desk lamp.

Presents For Strangers
Wondering why should you ever be in a position to buy a gift for a stranger? Sample this: a foreign client is visiting your office and you are in charge of buying her a gift; you have to attend your husband’s colleagues’ wedding bash; or you are invited by a friend to join him to at his friend’s housewarming party.

Admit it, we all have to face situations where we have to buy presents for people not known to us. Don’t worry, it’s easy to choose gifts for strangers because they usually don’t expect anything from someone they don’t know.

If it’s a birthday bash, a nice bottle of wine or champagne is spot on. Going to a wedding? An appliance or some crockery is always welcome. Stay safe, spend low and stick to common items.

No Entry: One thing you should never do is try and guess what they are into. If they are PETA supporters, you wouldn’t want to end up buying snakeskin wallets or ‘shahtoosh’ shawls for them. They are strangers and you don’t know them, so stick with neutral gifts.

Best Bets: Alcohol, gift vouchers, chocolates, flowers, home appliances.