The best way to approach the task of buying exciting, ingenious and pleasing gifts is to be prepared. Carefully consider the recipient, and analyse their interests. Presents which are impulse buys rarely delight and are often a waste of money. By now, you will be well underway with your present buying but to complete your shopping, set a day, write a list and stay in your home town. 

Girls and Boys under 3 years
For individual and beautiful gifts try Cot’N’Togs. A superb dressing up outfit or a handmade fabric bag of butterflies will excite. A ‘decorate your own’ duffle bag will provide a useful end product as well as a creative outlet. The Kitchen Range Cookshop have a great range of children's cutlery by Alessi and practical crockery.

Girls 5-11 years
How about a funky pair of the classic Hunter Wellington boots in pink or yellow from Welland Valley Feeds, or try Silverpot for fun and colourful rings and beautiful coloured heart pendants. Buy them paint and a stretched canvas from Quinns for a permanent piece of art.

Boys 5-11 years
Oxfam sell unusual and ethical
board games and toys, while George Halls Cycles stock cool bicycle accessories such as cycling gloves and drinks bottles. A watch from Time toTime for the older boys will satisfy those looking for a traditional gift and a classic bedtime book from Quinns will captivate even the most streetwise of children.

Teens
Mayhem is perfect for this age group for clothes and accessories. Consider wallets, hats, clothing and belts or some Billabong Peruvian slipper boots for cosy feet. Silver jewellery is often a better choice than gold for this age and Mayhem stocks locally made of chains and bracelets. Also try Halo for an extensive selection. A facial or manicure could be a first beauty treat, The Beauty Manor offer tailored combinations.

30 Somethings
The Kitchen Range Cookshop for a serious corkscrew or an essential cook’s knife. Bagel & Griff for objet d’art and interior conversation pieces and gifts.

Mum
A photo frame from Solutions could contain a favourite shot, while beautifully shaped soap would provide a perfumed stocking filler from Lavender Blue. This shop is present heaven, how about organising your Mum with a kitchen blackboard or treating her to a continental quilt for her bedroom. For that special present why not book a photo shoot with Nigel Ord-Smith and capture a family day for posterity. Also try Pugh and Sons for leather goods and gloves.

Dad
Croft Wingates is perfect for original pictures for an exclusive gift while a beginners starter fishing kit from End Peg Angling could be the start of life long hobby. A clockwork radio from Oxfam could entertain while on the riverbank or in the garage. 

Husband
A carefully considered book gives hours of pleasure. Ask for guidance for recent releases or order a classic from Quinns. A relaxing massage would ease commuter stress, while the staff at Duncan Murray Wines can advise on the perfect bottle to revive in other ways. For a more practical present Lavender Blue stock quality boot scrapers and wine carriers.

Wife
Harwayes can provide guidance and advice on perfect underwear.  The best choice is not always the most obvious where underwear is concerned. The Beauty Manor salon can advise for specific and individual treatments, a course will provide a lasting and effective present. For a social gift Carla’s Catering can provide a perfect date for your wife and her friends to prepare and eat lunch together.  Surprise her with a piece of modern jewellery rather than the more traditional choices from Silverpot.

Pet lovers
Artist Linda Chambers paints exquisite images of all animals. A considerate gift of a portrait of a loved pet will bring everlasting pleasure to the owner.

Grandmother and Grandfather
Select Christmas delicacies from Farndon Fields Farm shop and present them in a Hamper for year- round treats. Following the theme of foody presents Lavender Blue sell individual pieces of pottery that will complement any collection. A cream or custard jug would work as a useful and charming gift.