Gwyneth Paltrow plans Christmas shopping

Gwyneth Paltrow plans her Christmas shopping with Excel spreadsheets. The self-confessed ‘nerd’ prepares her annual present buying with military precision by organising all her gift ideas in a special document.

In a video for Hugo Boss fragrances, she explained: “I have a master list of people I need to get presents for. Work presents, kids presents, god kids, friends. I see on this Excel sheet what I’ve got - I’m a total nerd – what I got them last year, and the year before.”

The 41-year-old actress – who has son Moses, seven, and daughter Apple, nine, with her husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin - begins preparations for the festive season at least two months before the big day, so she can ensure her presents are the most unique ones under the Christmas tree.

Gwyneth revealed: “I generally start my Christmas shopping at least two months before. I like to get things personalised, my gifts usually require some advance time. I’m definitely a planner.”

The Iron Man 3 star thinks it’s worth the effort because she likes to show the people she cares about how much she loves them during the festive season.

She added: “I’m a solo shopper, I don’t rope my friends into it. I spend a lot of time searching for things on the Internet after the kids go to bed.

“I also send Christmas cards. I just think it’s such a nice, warm time of year. It’s nice to get gifts and I really enjoy it.”