6 tips for choosing the perfect Christmas present

Christmas presents are a great opportunity to show that to the people we love in a symbolic way.

We''re not talking about expensive gifts, or the misconception that the more expensive the gift, the more it means to us. We can say thank you with a nice gesture or a symbolic gift that won''t hit us in the wallet, but still lets the recipient know how much we appreciate them. Here are some tips to make your Christmas shopping easier.

Check your financial situation

Before you start shopping for a Christmas present, think carefully about how much you are prepared to spend on it. No matter how deep you dig into your pockets, the first rule of thumb when buying gifts is to know your financial situation and set a price range based on that.

Consider a Christmas hamper

This tip might not apply so much this year, but it''s definitely one you can start following as soon as the holidays are over. Whether you start buying more or less expensive gifts, saving throughout the year can help ensure that you don''t end up in a financial hole at the end of the year.

How? You can get a special wallet to save for Christmas presents, which you can call a "Christmas Sparse". You can fill it up weekly or monthly with a certain amount, which you set at the start of your savings, or you can fill it up periodically with change that is otherwise just left over in your wallet. No matter how often you fill up your piggy bank, every extra euro will come in handy at the end of the year.

Ask yourself what the recipient needs

This is probably one of the hardest questions to answer, as the recipient will most likely say they don''t need anything.

But look beyond that and try to remember if he or she has ever mentioned in passing during the year what he or she would like to have but has not yet managed to buy.

Or maybe he''s thought about a massage but just can''t find the time - then you know what to do.

If you can''t think of anything that he needs, ask your loved ones, or check his social media profile if he has one - you''re sure to find a hint for a Christmas present he''ll love.

Make a list of all the things he''s interested in

No matter how well you know him, you''re bound to think of at least one thing he''s passionate about. Try to write down as many things as you can think of on a piece of paper, even those that might not seem appropriate for a Christmas present at first glance. For example, if the recipient likes gardening or tidying up corners of their home, you could buy them some tools or give them a handbook with tips on how to brighten up their interior.

Look back into his past

Everyone reminisces about a certain time in their life, so you can surprise your recipient with a gift that will take them back in time. You could buy him a favourite sweet from his childhood, or take him to a place he visited often at a certain time in his life.

Include a piece of yourself in the gift

Personalise the gift in a different way - tell the recipient not only about him or herself, but also about you. You can draw or write something beautiful, make him a scarf to keep him warm on cold winter days, or cook his favourite dish.

And because no chocoholic''s gift is complete unless it''s accompanied by chocolate, don''t forget to include some of the sweet treats you can choose from in our online shop Mojačokolada.si.