Perfect time to think outside box on gifts

DOESN’T shopping for Christmas presents just stress you out?

I used to think it was only the poor men of the nation that had no clue – the fathers, husbands, sons – but the struggle is real for the rest of us.

When I worked for the Inland Revenue, there was a secret Santa for staff and, of course, I got my snooty, rich boss who already had everything.

I hope you’re still wearing your Primark onesie (insert name which I purposely erased from my memory)... it was bought with love.

What’s more embarrassing than getting a rubbish gift for someone or receiving one is spending too much or too little on that gift.

A secret Santa without a spending cap is a disaster and should be avoided at all costs.

And I think my present rule should go for general gift buying.

Although, with boyfriends I do tend to go overboard. And I see a lot of my friends doing the same with their children too.

Those mums kicking about with a Nokia 3310 while their 11-year-old has the latest iPhone 12 Max. That’s what you call true love. But I think this year, like everything else, will be different.

I definitely believe we should buy more locally, even a gift voucher if you’re unsure, or send an eVoucher if you can’t physically see a loved one.

No matter how large the gift, people still appreciate being thought of in some way.

I find if I buy a present from a smaller business, you can personalise gifts and I love this little added touch.

There is so much waste, for example with fast fashion.

I see it a lot in my industry. It may sound strange to some but you can find amazing pieces in charity shops or a good vintage shop. I donate to my local charity shops every few months and I definitely have many brand new and/or some pricey items that would love a new home.

So, get inventive this Christmas, think outside the box with your gift buying, give back a little to the environment and get rummaging.

A secret Santa without a spending cap is a disaster to be avoided

IT’S nearly Scotland’s big day. Happy St Andrew’s Day for Monday everyone. Let’s celebrate our Saltire. But, did you know St Andrew is also the patron saint of Cyprus, parts of Barbados, Romania, Russia and a few more? I certainly didn’t. Thanks, Google. This will be my first time celebrating St Andrew’s Day on home soil since it became a national holiday back in 2006. With a growing number of Scots residing in Dubai, I’ve been lucky enough to be around great company most years attending the Annual Scots Ball on November 30. Whether you celebrate or not, it might feel a little less crowded this year. Gosh, I can’t wait for my ceilidh.