The Ultimate Guide to Gift-Giving

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Christmas is coming, and Christmas means presents. And presents means that you have to decide what to get for all of your friends, family, and…teachers? Here’s a guide for what to get for who!:

Category 1: Parents
When asked what they want for Christmas, parents will usually reply, “Some housework from you!” or “Everyone getting along for the break.” To get out of these painful gift-certificate items, it’s a good idea to give your parents something useful, such as a hairbrush or an inexpensive electric toothbrush. These are the things they need, and you can be sure that they will use and appreciate them.

Category 2: Siblings
Brothers and sisters are a bit harder. They won’t necessarily go for the economical gift. You alone know what your siblings like, but music or movies are generally a good choice. If your siblings don’t like music or movies, get them books. If they don’t like books, then get them food. Everyone likes food.

Category 3: Best Friends
Besties usually merit a gift of some meaning, such as “Best Friends Forever” bracelets or a scrapbook of fun times. A collection of pictures is always a great gift, or, if you are very creative, a movie of you two is also memorable and unique. For other gifts, girls generally love anything that smells good or is pretty. Lotions and bubble bath are good options. For boys, boys like…well, I'm not sure. If you know one, think about what he likes, and get him that.

Category 4: Significant Others
As mentioned above, girls love anything bath and body. Boys like...sports and football? Candy is a great present if you are stuck, or a picture frame with a photo of the two of you in it. You can also go with the sibling-type or friend-type presents if you are lacking a touchy-feely gift idea.

Category 5: Friends And Acquaintances Who Are Not Your Best Friends, But You Still Know Them Well Enough To Feel Obligated To Get Them Something
For people you talk to at school but don’t necessarily spend scads of time with outside of class, Christmas cards are a great gift. A card is not expensive or more than is due, but it still tells a person that you care about him and wish him a happy holiday season. For people you know better, you can always go with candy.

Category 6: Teachers
Christmas cards are the number one gift for teachers, but they also are usually paired with something else. For goodness sakes, DON’T get your teachers another candle. Who knows how many candles she has stocked away from gifts from Students Past? Teachers like it when you show that you put effort into something, so baking them some cookies would be a great way to show your appreciation. Also, flowers are lovely.

If you still don’t know what to get for someone, ask your mom. Usually, moms know everything!

What are you giving as gifts this holiday season?

Related: The SparkNotes Gift Guide!

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