I have a big family and we all tend to go overboard at the holidays. I LOVE shopping and searching and finding the perfect gifts for family and friends.  It is such a high to walk into the store and load up my basket with gifts that I know my loved ones will enjoy. I find that it is really easy shopping for some people who I know really well, such as Hubby and my best friend, but other people are not so easy to shop for. It is hard to find the perfect gift for family members I don’t see as often or who live out of state, such as my Sister-in-law or Aunt. Not only do I know ‘know’ their likes and dislikes, I don’t know what the really want. Plus, I really dislike having to mail gifts, especially around the holidays.

We used to just send out gift cards or money to each-other, but I found that to be so impersonal. I mean, don’t get me wrong, money and gift cards are nice, but opening that bottle of perfume that I wanted but wouldn’t buy for myself, or seeing my  favorite flower delivery is awesome, right? Also, I don’t know about you, but when I receive gift cards or money, I tend to spend them on the kids, so actually receiving a gift for myself, ensures that I actually receive a gift for myself, ha, ha, ha!

Since it is hard to know the perfect gifts for these out-of-town loved ones, my family and I have come up with a plan; each of us fills out a questionnaire about our favorite items, such as scent, color, flower, and home décor.We make sure these questionnaires are filled out by Thanksgiving so that we have enough time to shop and send the gifts. I begin my shopping by heading to my computer to shop online.  I love the wide assortment of gifts available and that most places will wrap and ship directly to my recipient. This year I found that there are some great women’s gift ideas from Interflora where you can find flower assortments and filled gift boxes. Knowing my recipients favorites makes shopping a whole lot easier and ensures that none of us will have to face the long after-holiday return lines.

How do you shop for your out-of-town loved ones?