HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT PRESENT FOR SOMEONE WHO IS HARD TO BUY FOR

WITH ERICA STEWART, FOUNDER OF HARDTOFIND.COM.AU

GET PERSONAL A gift that’s customised with a special date, a meaningful message or a monogram is sure to wow, and ticks the “thoughtful” box every time. Choose a personalised keepsake they can treasure for years to come, like a piece of jewellery, a leather box for cufflinks or an engraved wooden key ring.

MAKE THE “GIVING” AN EVENT Wrap the present in beautiful paper, spray it with perfume, use a big bow, choose a thoughtful card, hide the gift in a secret location and leave little clue cards all over the house – you get my drift. Nothing will make that hard-to-buy-for loved one feel extra-special quite like exquisite wrapping and some fanfare.

MAKE THEM LAUGH A gift that shows your humorous side will always receive a smile. Think funny quotes to hang on their wall, clever slogans on totes or tees, or fun novelty presents like a shark-shaped ice-cube tray or a customisable cookie cutter. And don’t forget the witty card.

MATCH THEIR PASSION Do they like gin? Get them an artisan tasting kit they can sample at home. Do they love travelling? Why not buy them a small piece of Ireland? (Seriously!) It makes for a much more memorable gift than a bottle of wine or a dinner out.

STALK THEM Not literally, but why not put your spy skills to good use and find out if they have a saved wish list on one of their favourite online stores? This approach is 100 per cent foolproof.

MIX IT UP A present with a bit of variety can work brilliantly, especially if you don’t know them that well. Hampers and gift sets can be winners as they’ll likely combine a surefire hit with a new discovery or two. GIVE TO A WORTHY CAUSE Show them you care by sponsoring an animal or child. IF ALL ELSE FAILS… For the really picky loved one, you can’t go wrong with a gift card.