This week in the last fashion slot on BBC Radio Kent before Christmas, I’m going to be talking Christmas gift ideas and last minute tips.

Christmas Tips & Don’ts : BBC Radio Kent

Tips

Buy well known brands

If you are thinking of buying clothing for christmas gifts. Make sure you stick to well known brands. This makes it easier for you to get sizing right, if you are comfortable with the brand and you can anticipate your recipients size, it will make life easier. With well known high street and designer brands you also know the quality you’re getting and you will tend to know if the styles suit the people you are buying for.

Use a gift wrapping service

Christmas can be a stressful time. Nowadays plenty of department stores, shopping centres and larger shops offer a free gift wrapping service. Take advantage of this. It eases the pressure of getting your presents wrapped in time for events, it means that your presents will look extra pretty without you getting sellotape everywhere and saves you a great deal of time.

Have some extras tucked away

You never know when long lost Aunt Margaret or Cousin Paul might make an unannounced visit during the festive season. Make sure you have some generic reasonably priced gifts under the Christmas Tree. Some good chocolates, locally produced beer, a colourful scarf, a cute purse. Wrap them up and put a sticky note on the box stating what the item is that you can whip off before presenting it. Then there won’t be any embarrassment if such a situation arises!

Don’ts

Don’t buy novelty

We know there are some fabulous fun gifts out there on the market. Novelty office gifts, gadgets and gizmos. But think about the day after Christmas. Will these just spend the rest of their life in a cupboard drawer after the laughter dies down on Christmas Day? Why not go retro with your gifts? There are lots of fun items out there that lend back to the vintage era, the 70′s to the 90′s but are still fabulous and practical. Vintage designed calendars; rubix cubes, Marmite logo mugs, retro fabric cushions.

Stuff & Good Sense; A retro and vintage shop in Tunbridge Wells, Kent; have a late night shopping night this Thursday, 20th December until 8pm. Along with cava to sip and mince pies to nibble there is 10% discount on some fabulous stocking fillers and vintage party dresses.

Don’t buy red underwear!

Don’t buy any underwear for your partner if you can avoid it. It can be one of the biggest pitfalls open to men. If you are going to go lingerie shopping; choose black, it’s a safe option and know the size you’re after. It really is a personal preference item, so if you really want to give this gift this Christmas, why not go shopping together.. so you know you’ll be buying something she loves!

Don’t forget the receipt

Just in case there are any issues with the presents you buy, any duplication or simply your recipient would prefer something different. Make sure you keep the receipt or get a gift receipt from the store. I know it seems crass but it really shouldn’t create ill feeling. It’s much better to be honest and open and prepare for the worst (well a present swap) than think that everyone will be happy with their lot!

I’ll be back on BBC Radio Kent in January 2013 with Dominic King on Tuesdays at 4:40pm. Don’t forget to listen in!