How to ease the pain of shopper's nightmare

Published: 12:00am, 16 Dec 2006

If you find the idea of buying presents terrifying, time-consuming or just boring, there are ways to make it easier.

Most large department stores have personal shoppers or stylists to help you choose gifts, you can browse magazines and newspapers for seasonal gift lists and ideas, and here in Hong Kong you can visit one of the many Christmas fairs (see local press for details).

There are hundreds of shops online that will deliver directly to your door, but even better, there are some that will help pinpoint the perfect gift by profiling the recipient's personality - and it's great fun too.

By answering a few simple questions, Gifts.com (www.gifts.com/finder) will pigeonhole the man in your life as an Achiever, Adventurer, Guys' Guy, Devoted Dad or Metro Man (among other categories). Along with a quirky profile, you also receive an extensive list of gift ideas.

Who would have guessed he needed a business card scanner or a monogrammed golf club marker?

Women are also divided into categories including Trendanistas, Urban Sophisticates, Supermoms, Thinkers and Domestic Divas. There is a range of gifts from jewellery and clothes down to clever and inventive presents such as Invent Your Own Scent kit, Karaoke Kit for iPods and an 'I Love Me' bathroom mirror and shower curtain.

Teenagers, children and babies are also catered for. You don't have to buy online, but it will certainly give you more than enough ideas. Similar websites include www.presentpicker.com.

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