As it's nearly December (WHAT) I feel like I'm allowed to talk about Christmas now. I see a lot of gift guides on the internet, but I can guarantee that none of them will ever give me inspiration. Not because they're bad gift guides - it's just that my family are notoriously difficult to buy presents for. My mum always say "oh don't get me anything" which is literally 0% helpful; my sister is too much of a tomboy to enjoy makeup or bath salts; and my father has no interest in sports, DIY, gardening, or growing a moustache, which means most of the men's gift sets out there won't suit him at all.
After dealing with buying them gifts for quite some time now, I have a few failsafe presents when I'm really struggling for ideas. The great thing about all of these is that you can customise them for every budget!
Toiletries.
I used to fill my sister's stocking with chocolate and sweets, but she's on a healthy eating kick now so I thought I could grab some of her favourite toiletries instead. I know that shampoo, shower gel and body butter might not always be the most exciting gift but it's certainly practical - and I know for a fact she will actually use them. If you want something a little more luxurious, try one of the many gift sets from The Body Shop.
Sweet Treats.
Apart from my sister, everyone else will be expecting chocolate in their stockings. If the person you're buying for has a sweet tooth, this is the time to go for it. After all, there are no calories on Christmas Day. Fact.
Tea & Coffee.
Another good stocking filler or Secret Santa gift is tea or coffee - as long as you know what they like, of course! My mum loves Sleep Easy Tea, and my sister is a big fan of Néscafe Azera Coffee. If you have a bigger budget, maybe get a hot chocolate kit or a coffee machine.
Comfy Things.
Yes, I know socks and slippers are a massive cliché, but just like toiletries you know the recipient is going to use these. Stock up on gloves if you're after stocking fillers, or invest in a cashmere scarf if you seriously want to treat someone.
Candles.
Because everyone loves a candle... right? (Ok, there's probably one grumpy sod who doesn't, but everyone else does.)
Stationary.
I literally can't think of a single person in my life who wouldn't be thrilled to get a set of coloured pens for Christmas. Not one person. 2017 diaries will also go down a treat.
And if all else fails... give them a gift card and tell them to buy their own damn present.