The question on everyone’s mind as the holiday season rolls around is what gifts we should get for our best friend, parent, sibling or family members. Another thing to mull over is if the person will like it or if we have enough spare cash. Christmas may be a jolly time, but not when you open a bad gift. I will first start with what you don’t want to give or get this season.

1. Common Items- Stuff like toothpaste, soap or shampoo, unless it’s from Bath and Body Works, are a complete no-no. Those things can be bought at anytime and on any day of the year. What you need is something that you can’t buy all the time and that isn’t a regular common item that you would find in any home or at the Dollar Store.

2. School Supplies- Unless your friend or family member loves school or art, don’t buy them anything that is related to school. A nice diary or fancy stationary is fine, but normal Five Star notebooks or a pencil case are not the best choice for a present. It’s like telling them to forget about fun and study!

3. Food- Of course, there are people who love food and will take anything you give them but a gift card from a restaurant is better than buying a box of cookies or nuts. Getting food as a present is not as enjoyable as a game or toy, especially if you are very close to that person. Beware the person you are giving it to may be expecting something more.

4. Clothing
If you are a guy and you’re buying something for your girlfriend, it is better to ask for advice from a close friend of hers first. Her style may not be what your style is and if you buy her a football tee when she is a lover of basketball, which could cause a horrible break-up. The next best thing would be a gift card to her favorite store.

5. A Pet
They may be wishing for a cute little puppy or kitten, but do not get it unless you have their parent’s permission and know that they are completely ready for it! If not, that puppy or kitten may end up back in the shelter or be causing problems for that family.

That should limit the items you should not get someone, but now you are wondering what you should buy for a gift. Keep reading for what gifts to buy!

1. Games and Electronics
Though most boys would love to have these as a present, there are girls who love games as well. The prices range when it comes to what system and how new a game is, but overall these items can be pretty pricey, yet wonderful to get. These are mainly for parents to buy for their kids. I’m sure no one would be disappointed with an iPad, iPhone or a PS4 for Christmas.

2. A Date
This is for both girls and boys who have a girlfriend or boyfriend. Christmas time is one of the best holidays to have a date on, other than Valentine’s Day. If you plan accordingly, it may not be as expensive and your date is just excited to have you near him or her in a place other than school. Maybe go to a nice restaurant or concert. However, if you are a boy, be prepared to go to the mall.

3. Sport Related
Again, mainly for boys though there are girls who also love sports. If your friend likes football or basketball, why don’t you buy him a jersey or ball? Not overly pricey and quite easy to find at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy. How about tickets to a game for them and you? Score a goal in your relationship with sports! It’s a great present for dads who shout at the TV during a Sunday football game.

4. Giftcards
This is often seen for friends and people that just didn’t want to pick out the wrong present or couldn’t find one. When Christmas comes around, stores normally have gift cards made for the season. However, go the extra mile by making them cute and festive for a present. The best part is that you can put however much money you want on there. It can be expensive or it can be moderately priced, but if it is less that $10 for a store where the items are quite expensive, then that would be a bad idea.

5. Beauty Products
The main gifts for girls are items that care for their body or looks. The prices range on what kind of products you buy, but it is sure to make many girls happy. Just make sure you don’t pick an overly bright color of mascara or something unless that girl does wear it. Also, be careful when choosing a lipstick color- that depends on skin tone.

Overall, what you are trying to buy something special that person likes, be it flowers or tools from Home Depot. Ideally, the other 364 days of the year should help you in selecting a present, especially if you have been around that person for a long time. Remember though these are just guidelines; the choice is always yours as what want to give as a gift and the only truly wrong gift is forgetting to get one!