1. Establish a price range – there would be nothing worse than handing over a box of Celebrations to someone who’s bought you an M&S hamper, champagne and all.
2. Decide on an objective – jokey or heartfelt, genuine or ironic. Make sure everyone is on the same page otherwise those glow in the dark condoms might not go down so well.
3. Don’t take big risks – if buying for your boss, an elderly relative or someone you maybe don’t know that well steer clear of Ann Summers. Stick to standard festive offerings, who doesn’t love an annual hot water bottle?
4. Don’t leave it until the last minute – a 98p potato masher from Tesco wrapped in white A4 paper is a bit of a giveaway.
5. Actually keep it a secret – it’s in the name and makes for a much more interesting gift exchange.
6. If in doubt head to Urban Outfitters – the novelties range has something for everyone from Sudoku toilet roll to artsy photography books. Sorted.
