These dos and don’ts of Christmas present shopping will save you from that awkward moment this year

We all know it is the most wonderful time of the year, but finding those perfect presents for family and friends can be frustrating and taxing even for hard core Christmas shopaholics.

As mall crowds and stress rise during the season, so too does the pressure to find the right gifts. After a long day trudging through shopping malls without success, it’s tempting to avoid the fuss and resort to typical boring gifts.

Perhaps the best thing is to not resist. Approach the season with Zen – like water, just go with the flow. Maybe it’s time to embrace classic gifts. The trick, though, is to pick out stylish new versions that make them more desirable.

Dad gifts are notoriously cringeworthy, and nothing makes a man feel more middle-aged than to unwrap a boring tie and practical socks on Christmas morning.

It does not have to be that way, though. There are now plenty of stylish and attractive business ties. Make dad hip for a day with a classic American look from Ralph Lauren or a silky Hermès sample.

The same goes for socks. Argyle might be dad’s idea of wild and crazy. Show him it’s OK to flash even funkier colours and patterns. Go online and find a pair with Homer Simpson on them.

The beauty of socks is they’re discreet enough to be relatively hidden while he can still feel like a bit of a rebel.

As for mum, we know it’s sexist and patronising to give her cooking equipment for Christmas. She does not need a new spatula or a “World’s Best Mum” apron to be reminded that without her, your diet would be little more than instant noodles. Luckily, there are more exciting gifts for people who enjoy cooking and the culinary arts.

A slow-cooking sous vide machine is probably something mum wouldn’t splurge on but might like to play with. If Italian food is her thing, a proper pasta maker is another good kitchen toy. But make sure it’s a solid one, not a cheap model.