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The lead up to Christmas can be hectic. Christmas shopping and trying to find the right presents for people is without a doubt one of the biggest things that is sure to keep you out of the holiday mood for a while.

To help make things that little bit easier for you - and keep your stress levels down - here's some top tips for choosing the right presents for people:

• Think about the person's interests. Have they recently taken up a new hobby or developed a new interest for which you could buy something for? Have they made a major purchase for which you can get something that compliments it (think an accessory for a car, ornament for a house, accessory for a phone etc)?


• When buying presents for several people, start your Christmas shopping by going through stores without having any particular person in mind. See if there's something that "jumps out" at you.


• Aim for smaller specialist stores first. If you go to popular areas of large retailers and department stores to begin with, such as the perfume section, you can inadvertently put yourself on a tangent that'll see you focusing on mainstream presents rather than something that really has a special meaning for the other person - resulting in it being harder for you to choose something that's "right".


• Try to remember recent conversations you've had with the person, their friends or family. Do any ideas spring to mind when you think about what the person's been up to?


• Check their Facebook profile and pictures - does any recent activity they've done trigger a gift idea?


• Presents that are meant to be "humorous" can be risky. If you do decide to go down that path, make sure the present you buy doesn't risk unintentionally insulting the person.


• Check the Internet for current present buying trends based on the person's interests. There are lots of sites out there to help you out.


• Look at innovative produces - things that are new to the market, do something different, something that will intrigue the recipient.


• Avoid re-giving presents you've received previously - it's risky - the other person might notice and the original giver might find out.


• Try customised presents - something with their name engraved/printed, a hand-drawn sketch or painting from a professional artist, or even get a couple of music or video-orientated friends together and put together a personalised song/video.


• Consider "experience presents" - like gift vouchers for bridge climbs, car racing, concert tickets, flying, or a small hotel/holiday weekend away.


• Putting together a basket or box of several smaller items is a good way to create a present for someone that's difficult to choose something for. Ideas could include a selection of sweets and chocolates, soaps etc. Often it's all in the presentation - wrapping it up nicely can make a big difference to how it's perceived by the recipient.