Saturday 28 November 2015

Shopping for the Perfect Christmas Gift

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the next major gift-giving holiday is Christmas, less than a month away.


It's often said, by Christians and non-Christians alike, that Christmas is a time for giving. It is usually thought to be following the tradition of the Three Wise Men (or Three Kings) who brought gifts of Gold, Frankincence and Myrrh to the infant Jesus  - a kind of Christening Present or even a forerunner of the Baby Shower!

But it seems to be true that we all like to give - and receive! - gifts to celebrate any kind of High Day or Holiday; birthdays, of course, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and all the other feasts and festivals celebrated by religious and non-religious folk alike.




For instance, the Jewish festival, Hanukkah, comes before Christmas, in early December. 

So, as I've been so busy, making Collections for my Zazzle stores that I haven't had time for any new artwork, here are just a few ideas for Hanukkah Gifts and Greeting Cards:

Click on the image below to see the full Collection


.....


As you get older,
Your Christmas List gets shorter.
Not because you want less,
But because the things you want
Can't be bought.



At my time of life, I'm in a position to confirm that!

My perfect Christmas List would start with 'more time with my family' and continue with things like: a more equal society, where everyone's voice is heard, politicians who behave like grown-ups, an end to global poverty and pollution, a cure for cancer, a world free of the fear of terrorist attacks and the ravages of war . . . I could go on and on!

But while none of those things can be expected in my Christmas stocking, I continue to try to assemble a little list of material things I'd like to receive. My aim is to make the Christmas present-buying decisions a little easier for my nearest and dearest and to avoid a situation where unwanted gifts are either returned to the store or donated to a charity shop!

Looked at from a purely logical point of view, maybe we should all give one another gift vouchers or money to choose our own gifts - and sometimes that is the best solution. 

But imagine how our Christmas Trees would look, without their intriguingly-shaped, festively-wrapped packages and parcels! And if we've all stuck faithfully to the 'Christmas List', there's far less temptation to prod and poke the parcels, to try and guess what's inside - surely part of the excited anticipation of Christmas for children of all ages!

So while the Christmas List may have its advantages, it's always nice to add some little unexpected gift, as long as you choose it carefully - it doesn't need to cost a lot of money as long as it's something to make the recipient's face light up as they unwrap it, something to show you really know what will make them smile.

With that in mind, I've put together some Collections of gift ideas in a wide range of prices and to suit all ages, gifts that you won't find in the High Street! 

Many of them can be personalized with a name, initials or monogram. Some of them are ready for you to choose your own background colour and customize by changing the scale of the pattern or rotating it for a completely different 'look'.

Go ahead, experiment with the 'Customize' button and create a truly unique and personalized Christmas gift!


Click on the images below to see the full Collections.



Gifts for Kids -
'Skating Penguins' Gifts 



'Fish in the Sea' Gifts




Gifts for the 'girliest' Girl -

'Candy Floss' Fashion and Accessories



Gifts for Lads - 

'Faux Snakeskin' Fashion and Accessories 


Gifts for the Home -

'Indigo' Gifts for the Bedroom and Bathroom 




Fashion Gifts 'for Her' - Accessories and Apparel


'For the Love of Lilies' Fashion and Accessories






Gifts 'for Him'


Plaid and Check T-shirts and Footwear for Men



 
'Heffalumps' Gifts for Men



Gifts for Grandma -

'Rosy Posy' Home Decor Gifts 



Gifts for Grandpa -


Coffee Mugs for Men


In my experience, buying gifts for men of all ages - once they get into double figures - is the most challenging of all!

So I very much hope you found something here to fit the bill! 

And next month, I shall be looking at some of the reasons why it's so hard to choose a gift for a man - and offering tips and suggestions to make it a little easier! 

So be sure to pop back after Christmas - and in the meantime, why not pay a visit to my other Posh & Painterly blog, where I post a brand new Collection every day of the week!

Till then -



- and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous
 New Year!