Swirling snow, twinkling lights, family traditions, movie marathons, advent calendars, holiday parties (are you feeling it?), eggnog, cookie baking, gingerbread houses, cocoa by the fire, elf on the shelf (the building excitement), decorating the tree, a wreath on the door, posing with Santa, Christmas music, winter break, mistletoe, building a snowman (and the anticlimax), shopping in a crowded mall… ugh… choosing the perfect gifts.

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the worst. The merriment starts December first, but as the days progress, the inevitable stress snowballs exponentially. Those twenty-five days you have to prepare can seem bountiful at first, but expect an avalanche of emotion, stress, and holiday heebie jeebies as Christmas day approaches.

Sure, finding the ideal gingerbread recipe and stringing lights can be tough, but gift buying is easily the most challenging task of the holidays. While visions of sugarplums–new TV’s and cameras and computers and cars– dance in our heads, we also dream of handing out the perfect gifts to loved ones. Let me loosen the Christmas noose by offering a few ideas that may surprise you, and are sure to please everyone on your list while not draining your budget.

We all have our favorite go-to boutiques in our go-to malls where we buy our go-to gifts year after year. Don’t get me wrong, fuzzy socks, silky lotions, coffee mugs, and yummy candles are always appreciated, but let me suggest stepping out of your predictable zone for some unexpected treasures. This year, try thinking outside the gift box. Actually, try thinking outside the mall. In fact, gravitate toward the empty parking lots.

You will not find frenzied shoppers at places like auto parts stores, farmers’ markets, or feed and garden shops, but you will find terrific treasures for everyone on your list. Think car organizers, seat covers, steering wheel accents, key fobs, or gift buckets of car wash items for the driving enthusiast; maybe a good quality watering can, garden tool, work gloves, decorative plant pot, or bird feeder for the outdoor lover; and who doesn’t love special eats and handicrafts or even a cookbook? Perhaps even a logo tee shirt. Possibilities abound.

I think you get the idea. Get your creative juices flowing and get going. The days are numbered!