It might be the season for merriment, feasting and family. But it is also the season of gift anxiety and that mad shopping scramble. Even the most well-adjusted of us can succumb to the delusion that, yes, your friends will love their novelty slippers and bath salts, and your partner will be overjoyed by a framed 'relationship' photo-montage.
A stylish friend of mine used to host an annual Christmas gathering where she would bestow gifts, saying things like, 'It's an antique opal necklace I picked up for you in a souk in Marrakesh' or 'I know these Hermes calf-leather gloves will go so well with the hand-stitched brogues I got you last year.' The rest of us would then present each other with our mostly inappropriate gifts, along with awkward shuffles and mumbling noises.
Now, having learned a few lessons about gift giving, things are considerably better at Christmas. Instead of 'surprising' my dad with yet another novelty tie that he would only wear out of pity, I have managed to garner some respect during the holiday season.
When it comes to buying gifts with style and personality, here are seven simple guidelines for the confused shopper:
Go for quality, not quantity
Something that has a visible touch of considered craftsmanship is wonderful. Whether it's accessories, clothing or ornaments, good workmanship is a valuable and rare thing. Also stick to few items - don't make the mistake of overcompensating for one rubbish gift by buying five rubbish gifts.
Character is important