10 Tips for Making a Holiday Gift Wish List

How do you feel about wish lists? Do you resent the concept because you feel that your loved ones should put more effort into coming up with brilliant ideas themselves, rather than relying on you to tell them what to get? Are you shy about making one because you don't feel worthy of asking for a specific gift? Do you battle to think of things to add to your list because you're having to compile it at the last minute?

A wish list is a small gift in itself; it's a gift of time-saving and ease of mind that you give to the person who wants to give you something you will value.

If your list consists of things you think you "should" ask for (in other words, things you think the person would probably get you anyway if you didn't make the list) you're not doing anybody any favours.

Here are some more tips for drawing up a wish list for Christmas or other holidays, or your birthday.

1. Keep your list handy throughout the year and add ideas whenever you think of them or see something you would like. Delete items when you receive them so that you always have an up-to-date list to hand to someone.


2. List items that you can't justify spending money on for yourself, but that you want or need.


3. Alternatively, ask for a contribution towards an item that you would like to save up for. It may be too expensive for one person to purchase, but together several family members could arrange a joint gift.


4. What do you stop and look at every time you enter a particular store? Perhaps you love the displays of colourful pens and stationery, or maybe you have to resist the chocolate. Ideas for stocking fillers can be difficult to come up with, so adding all sorts of small items to your list can really help. Someone who can't afford a big gift might decide to get you a good selection of little gifts. Has a new product caught your eye, but you don't want to spend the money to try it out? It might make a great gift.


5. What do you need for your home? Is there an item that you wouldn't mind having dozens of? Think of practical things like tea towels, guest towels, and bed linen, or tools and gadgets that you never seem to have to hand when you need them.


6. Are you still hanging onto an old and daggy item because it is still in working order? Ask for a new one, an upgrade, or a more fashionable version. Then donate the old one to someone who needs it.


7. Do you need to do some organising, filing, or tidying up? Having nice storage boxes, holders, folders, dividers, and cateloguing items can make this job much more pleasant, but might not be items you're prepared to pay for yourself.


8. What do you do for entertainment? Do you love movies? Music? Books? Dining out? Horseriding? Ask for vouchers, specific titles, or a membership option, or ask a loved one to take you to a specific event or activity. What have you always wanted to do or try?


9. Do you have a hobby or collection that the giver can add to? Be specific about tools, special products, holders, or specific pieces that you need. If you're thinking of starting something new, ask for some beginner's items.


10. Browse online stores for items you want or need. List the sites or the brick and mortar equivalent to help the giver out.

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Still stuck for ideas for your wishlist? Browse through these gift ideas for items you like - and email the page as a suggestion...

Gift lists for ladies

Gift lists for men