Christmas Gift

How to Find the Ideal Gifts this Festive Season

We all know Christmas is a time for giving and that's why Brits spend a huge amount every year on presents and festivities. It's not always easy to mix saving and festivities, but this hotukdeals guide will help savvy shoppers get it right, find the right gifts for their friends and families, and save money on their festive spend.

Sharpen Up Your Gift-Giving

Every year, the same problems arise. When we get to October or November, we start to panic about what to get the people we love. And it is not always easy finding them the right gift. So here are some quick suggestions about how to zero in on specific gifts for different types of people.

• Christmas gifts for men – The rise of men's grooming in recent years has created a new area of men's gifts. From clippers to beard moisturiser, these gifts can be perfect for under the tree but they are also stocking-sized too, a handy way to fill gaps. Alongside grooming, guys often love gadgets, and merchants like I Want One of Those have no shortage to choose from. Accessories like cuff links and watches go down well with some men, while sports based gifts like football kits and water bottles are always appreciated by others. And then there are classic standbys like socks and toiletries, which are always needed!

• Christmas gifts for women – When it comes to women's gifts, men are often pretty clueless but there are plenty of options. You might look for savings on luxury spa breaks or beauty treatments, a selection of gift vouchers from popular apparel retailers like Boohoo or Miss Selfridge, or dive into the accessory collections at merchants like Missguided. From clutch bags and purses to beanie hats, make-up, and gloves, accessories are always a good place to look. But there's more; be sure to check out scented candles, jewellery boxes, chocolates, and fragrances as well.

• Christmas gifts for boys – Buying for boys can be hard. However, there are some options that always seem to work. Some of the best options are toys and gadgets that boys can enjoy with their dads! Remote-controlled cars, drones, and table games all fit into this category. If the recipient is a keen gamer, accessories like mouse pads, figurines or headphone stands work well, but gift cards at merchants like GAME are also going to be well-received. And, as with men, socks, pants and t-shirts are also always needed and definitely safe bets.

• Christmas gifts for girls – Girls' gifts could include versions of womens' accessories tailored to a younger audience, but we can do better than that. Make a splash with big box Disney Lego sets, or give a gift that can inspire a girls' creative side. Fashion design kits and face painting sets would be great fun, and mums and dads can share the fun too. Aside from that, check out designer brands like Cath Kidston for cool bags and other essentials that girls will love, and don't be afraid to buy a book. But when buying Christmas gifts for kids who read, make sure they are at the right reading level for the child you are buying for.

• Christmas gifts for teens – Teens are often the hardest people to buy for, falling awkwardly in between adults and children. But actually this widens the possibilities. Many merchants specialise in offering gifts for teens, which stretch from smartphone cases and screen protectors to sunglasses. Other good ideas include: decorative bedroom lights, bath products, cosmetics, gadgets and stationery for school. Teens are also big consumers of entertainment, but if you aren't sure about their tastes, go for gifts like Netflix gift vouchers or PlayStation Network credit. That way, you show that you know their passions, but aren't telling them what to watch or play - and teens hate being told what to do!

• Christmas gifts for parents – If you're buying for parents, don't be fooled. While mum and dad will express elation at receiving anything from their kids, they can still feel disappointed by gifts that don't show real care and thought. In terms of Christmas gifts for dad, think about what he needs. Check his toiletries bag to see which aftershave or razors he uses and if he has a favourite movie franchise like Star Wars, something themed around the series could work well. On the other hand, Christmas gifts for mum could include cosmetics and fragrances, and chocolates always go down a treat!

• Christmas gifts for grandparents – Even if your grandparents seem happy just to see you at Christmas, there's no reason not to find great gifts for grandparents, and you aren't be short of options. Tea towels, soft furnishings, a good bottle of wine, a customised mug with their name on it - all of these gifts can delight grandparents! Items to freshen up their home might be the best option - from fragrance sprays to scented candles, these products are affordable, practical and grandparents tend to love them.

• Christmas gifts for pets – These days, there's no excuse to leave your pets out at Christmas! Gifts like cakes and treats, which are totally edible and delicious for our canine and feline pals, as well as a wide variety of toys and accessories, like blankets and cushions, all help your pets share in the Christmas fun. And you can also find festive collars and hats designed especially to get them in the festive mood!

Getting into Santa's Detail: General Ideas for the Perfect Gift

Now that we've got a better idea of the types of recipients, it probably helps to outline some of the most popular gift categories in more depth. That way, you can tick off a couple of areas for each person, making sure you cover all of the things that matter to them:

Food

• Chocolate – The UK is full of boutique chocolatiers these days, including companies like Montezuma or Hotel Chocolat. Head to their websites or the deals pages on hotukdeals and you'll find ways to build your own special chocolate boxes, or opt for ready-made luxury assortments from trusted retailers like John Lewis or Tesco.

• BBQ equipment – Christmas may not be timed brilliantly for barbecue season, but it's a great time to give BBQ equipment as gifts. Things like tongs, gloves, chefs caps, plates and barbecue ovens themselves are often discounted in the off-season. So it's the ideal time to stock up for spring and summer spectaculars.

• Gift hampers – If you're not sure what to buy, but know that the recipient is a foodie, premium hampers from upmarket merchants like Fortnum and Mason, Harrods or John Lewis will include plenty of delights. Other merchants like Moonpig put together festive hampers full of classics like panettone and mince pies, so you can't go wrong there either.

Drinks

• Alcoholic drinks – There's no better time to raise a toast than Christmas afternoon, and there are plenty of fantastic alcohol-based gifts around. Sets of whisky or gin miniatures could help to get the Christmas party started, beer making sets offer weeks of hands-on fun with delicious results, while merchants like Waitrose make it easy to compile cases of fine wines from the recipients' favourite regions.

• Coffee – If you're buying for a coffee lover, there's no lack of possibilities. Boutique coffees from brands like Bills and Monmouth will be ideal for waking up snoozy family members on Christmas Day, while mugs, stove-top espresso makers, grinders and filters are always gratefully received. And if you want a big ticket coffee gift, espresso machines from brands like Tassimo would be perfect.

• Tea – More and more people are getting serious about their brews, and tea fans have plenty of gift possibilities. Tea sets from brands like Whittard offer a blend of aromas and tastes, while tea equipment stretches from strainers and cups to infusers and teapots. And if you want something old school, a designer tea cosy could be ideal.

Beauty

• Perfume – Fragrances are excellent gifts for men and women alike. A good idea is to note down the recipient's favourite brand and take the information to stores like John Lewis or Selfridges, where experts can recommend similar products. That way, you won't just be replacing something they use, but adding something they will probably adore to their options.

• Makeup – Makeup is always a good stocking filler for girls and women. To avoid buying totally wrong colours, try to find out what the recipient wears, and go for leading brands like L'Oreal, Rimmel or Estee Lauder. Makeup kits are great for people who travel or teens who love to experiment, while accessories like brushes and pocket mirrors are always well received.

Fashion and Accessories

• Gloves, socks and ties – Everyone likes to accessorise, and when you do, you can never have enough options. Whether you're buying for a professional who needs to freshen up their suits, or just for people who take their weekend outfits seriously, you can't go wrong with accessories. If you buy ties, check to see if there are any gaps in the recipient's collection, and don't buy colours that clash with their suits or shirts. Socks are always a good gift to receive, especially ultra-soft cotton varieties from brands like Pantherella.

• Bags and purses - Buying bags and purses can be a minefield for guys, but it's often worth taking the risk. Again, people love to have a wide choice of bags to carry, so don't worry if the recipient already has a few. But check what types they have. For instance, if they don't have a shoulder bag, adding one to their collection could be a great idea.

• Shirts – When it comes to shirts, you shouldn't find it too hard to find good-looking, high-quality designs. The UK is lucky to have a huge array of brands, so choice isn't an issue. The trick with shirts is buying the right size and cut. The easiest way around this is to look at a shirt that fits well, then buying the same size - instead of just guessing that the recipient is a medium. It's surprisingly easy to make mistakes that way.

• Pullovers – Christmas is famous for its sweaters, so feel free to wrap up a garish festive design. But not everyone appreciates jumpers that can only be worn once a year. Instead, buy a sweater or two in colours that will fit neatly into almost any wardrobe. Neutral blues and browns tend to work well, or anything that harmonises well with denim.

• Keyrings – If you're hunting for a reliable stocking filler, keyrings could fit the bill. Almost everyone has a set of keys that they need to keep safe, and keyrings come in a wide variety of styles. Pick one from a brand that the recipient loves, such as their favourite football team or superhero franchise. Or go for more elaborate keyrings with features like torches or multi-tools, great for guys who spend long afternoons tinkering in sheds.

Jewellery

• Watches – High-quality timepieces make fantastic Christmas gifts, but take care when choosing as everyone has their favourite styles. If you want premium brands like Rolex or Timex, but don't want to spend huge amounts of money, check out companies like Watchfinder, which hook up buyers and sellers or pre-owned designer varieties.

• Rings, necklaces and earrings – Jewellery can be the kind of gift that lasts for a lifetime, and it doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to look the part and fit into the jewellery collection of the recipient. So pay attention to what they wear. What colour gems do they prefer (if at all)? Are they gold or silver fans? Would they like a personalised bracelet with their name embossed upon it? Some people just want disposable earrings to clip on for an evening out. In those cases, buying a few low-cost accessories can be a great idea, and merchants like Forever21 are good places to find them.

Decorations

• Candle holders – Christmas is all about decorations, and accessories to beautify the home always make a good impression. For example, tea light holders can create a magical festive atmosphere, while scented candles will look better in their own special holders as well. Retailers like Not on the High Street offer a huge selection of ways to arrange candles around the home, making your Christmas decorations even more special.

• Christmas decorations – While they don't work so well as gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning, Christmas decorations can be given earlier in December as a kind of pre-Christmas present. So if you want to give your parents or partner a helping hand with preparing for the festivities, check out baubles, tinsel, candles, garlands, hanging decorations, Christmas figurines and all of the other decorations available as the season gets underway.

• Flowers – Flowers are a fabulous idea for making certain loved ones feel special. Merchants like Appleyard London offer special Christmas bouquets with red and green themes and seasonal plants like holly and spruce. And don't forget a few sprigs of mistletoe as well; no Christmas would be complete without it!

Travel

• Short breaks – Travel is one of the best gifts anyone can give, and it doesn't have to be expensive. For example, you can purchase boutique hotel vouchers across Europe from i-Escape, or put some money towards a special homestay at Coolstays. Your gift might not cover the whole holiday, but you can make a huge contribution via travel vouchers.

• Wellness experiences – Alternatively, why not give the gift of total relaxation? There are plenty of places to arrange spa getaways or buy vouchers for relaxing breaks. Virgin Experiences is a good place to look, as is Spabreaks.com, who regularly offer discount codes for 700 different spa centres in the UK and Ireland.

Electronics

• Games and accessories – If you're buying for a hardcore gamer, accessories like figurines, mouse pads or collectors prints are sure to go down well. But you can also buy credit at the most popular gaming platforms, including the PlayStation Network, Origin, Steam and Xbox Live.

• Mobile phones - If you need to find gifts for smartphone obsessives, screen protectors always make sense, as do designer cases. But check the make and model of their phone before buying accessories, and double check that they match up.

• Gadgets – These days, merchants like I Want One of Those (IWOOT), MenKindand Prezzybox offer a galaxy of gadgets, with unusual gizmos to suit everyone. If you want a relatively affordable small gift that hits the spot, you're sure to find something fun.

• Household electronics – Christmas is an excellent time to buy bigger electronics gifts as well. If the recipient is building a home cinema system or smart audio network around the home, adding a Sonos speaker or an Amazon Dot could be ideal. In fact, smart tech in general is a good bet, and major stores like John Lewis offer plenty of options.

6 Things to Think About When Buying Your Christmas Gifts

By now, you should have a better idea about what to buy for the different people in your life. But it's still handy to lay out some guidelines about how to buy the perfect gift. With that in mind, here are some tips that should set you on the right path.

1. Less is often more – Don't assume that people are going to be wowed by expensive gifts. That's not how Christmas works! Instead, the key is finding a gift that the recipient loves, not a price tag that impresses them.

2. Always think about the recipient, not yourself – This seems obvious, but when you're under pressure to buy "x" amount of gifts by 25th December, you can sometimes lose sight of who you are buying for. Spend some time thinking about what they want, and what they love to do. Then make a shortlist of gifts, you can use the ideas outlined above as a guide if you like, and with that shortlist, you can then zero in on the perfect gifts.

3. Shop around to find discounts – Don't be trapped in one store where you feel pressurised to make your gift purchases. We've all been there, desperately buying items to get it all over and done with. That doesn't result in good gifts, and it doesn't help your bank balance. Instead, use hotukdeals Christmas overview to shop around. Compare different merchants and find the best price for the best possible gifts.

4. Start shopping early – This is huge. If you buy at the last minute, you won't buy well, and your hasty purchases will be easy to detect. The run-up to Christmas lasts for 2-3 months, so you've got plenty of time to think about presents and buy exactly what people want. What's more, thanks to Black Friday deals, November can be the best time to shop, offering far lower prices than mid-December.

5. A personal touch goes a long way – If you want to make an impression without spending huge amounts of money, consider personalised products. From bracelets to mugs, football shirts to trainers, all sorts of products can be given unique touches that make them special to the recipient, much more so than their branding ever could be.

6. Presentation matters – When it comes to actually giving Christmas gifts, the way you package them is vital. Even a run-of-the-mill gift can be made more special by being wrapped up lovingly in gorgeous paper, with a colourful bow. So invest in craft materials and wrapping paper, and sharpen up your wrapping skills. It's not hard, and the results are delightful.

Key Merchants When Selecting Presents

After picking the right kind of gifts for each recipient and picking a few possible products, the only thing left is making the purchase. At hotukdeals, you'll find deals on a huge amount of leading UK merchants, including all the options you need to make Christmas unforgettable. Here are just a few to check out:

• Amazon – The world's leading online retailer, Amazon rivals Santa Claus as the UK's gift delivery service, and they sell pretty much everything. Christmas can be a good time to set up an Amazon Prime account if you haven't already, as the free delivery can come in handy. Look out for free trial deals and time them for the festive period to avoid paying full subscription fees.

• John Lewis – John Lewis dive into the festive season head first, and they are often the go-to retailer for panicking gift buyers. Their Christmas section is a treasure trove of decorations, gift boxes, flowers and many more essentials, with special gift sections for men and women. Be sure to pay their site a visit well before Christmas to stock up on everything you need.

• Very – If you need electronics and entertainment products, Very is an excellent merchant to try. Again, they start the season early, offering advent calendars and decorations aplenty, as well as pre-Christmas discounts on popular toy brands like Lego. But be fast, as their discounts become much less common as Christmas approaches.

• Next – Next is a great place to shop for clothes and accessories, but also stocks a wide range of decorations, including some wonderful festive fragrances. But the stars of the show for gift buyers are their gift guides, which you'll find at the bottom of their festive pages. Check out the Secret Santa pages in particular for low cost, thoughtful gifts.

• Boohoo – When you need stylish girls and women's fashion, you can't go far wrong with Boohoo. Pick up colourful Christmas jumpers well before party season kicks off, along with party essentials like glitter fixing gel. And for guys, be sure to head to their "gifts for her" section - it could be a lifesaver.

• I Want One of Those – One of the best places in the UK to find unique gadgets and toys, IWOOT is the ideal place to fill any awkward gaps in your family's stockings. Shop early to benefit from generous discounts, and check out their gift suggestions divided by price bracket - a nice way to make finding the right products easier.

Cut the Cost of Buying Gifts this Festive Season

Christmas doesn't have to be stressful, although all-too-often it is. Take the hassle out of gift buying by finding the ideal presents at the perfect prices. At hotukdeals, you'll find all of the UK's biggest brands and merchants, with their festive discounts laid out clearly. Whether you shop on Black Friday or you need something a couple of days before Christmas, you'll find ways to cut the cost.

There's no need to settle for generic gifts or disappoint people with badly chosen items. And you don't have to opt for safe options like vouchers, either. As this gift buying guide has shown, there's a gift for everyone at hotukdeals. Whether you're buying Xmas gifts for your gran or Christmas gifts for your boyfriend, it's all here. And it's all much cheaper than you think.

Ho, Ho, Ho! – Christmas Gifts Offers at hotukdeals

Make this Christmas merrier than ever before by fine-tuning your gift buying strategy. Buying festive presents isn't always easy, especially if you leave everything to the last minute. But with this hotukdeals buyer's guide and the help of our many merchants, you can always find the ideal gifts. So start making a shortlist and dive into the bargains at the hotukdeals Christmas gift listings.