Finding the perfect gift has to be one of the most anxiety-filled, frustrating,time consuming things we do. How about taking a look at some ideas for Christmas gifts that I have compiled. If you are like me, you probably have to buy for all age groups and both sexes. It's not that hard, and sometimes it's as easy as just asking!

Ideas for Women

The over 18 crowd. What do women want? First of all, what women DO NOT want is anything that has to do with housework. Don't think it's a great idea to buy a vacuum cleaner or a new ironing board for Christmas.BIG no-no. Women are often both bread winners as well as mothers and housekeepers. Great ideas for women include simple gifts like candles, perfumes, and jewelry, to gifts that range from finding the perfect spa to gourmet treats to a gift certificate at her favorite beauty salon. Personalized gifts can be a real hit if you can find something she collects in her spare time.

Gifts for Men

Depending on the man you are shopping for, a gift can be of a personal nature or more mainstream. While getting a woman a traditonal household gift may not be a good idea, buying a toolbox full of nifty tools may be just the right thing for him. Does he like sports? How about buying tickets to his favorite sports event? If he's a golf nut, what about a really nice driver or putter? Perhaps coupons to play a free game at his favorite golf course? And like women, gourmet gift baskets like his favorite beef jerky, or even steaks can be bought for the man in your life. Really!

Gifts for Girls

Younger girls love dolls. Baby dolls, barbie dolls, Tiny dolls, and all the accessories that go with them. Another thing girls love are hide-aways. Big tents and playhouses give her the feeling that it's her little domain to play make-believe. Another big hit with girls is arts and crafts. Painting, coloring, beads, jewelry making; anything she can create on her own, and especially show off to her friends! Anything that spruces up her room and makes it more personal is also a great gift idea.

Gifts for Teen Girls

Music, Movies, and Gift certificates. Teen aged girls will tell you that with these three things you can't go wrong. Stuff her stocking with perfumes, makeup, and earrings, and you have yourself a very happy young woman. Of course, as they get older, they will tell you that good old cash is also a big favorite with them, so perhaps you could mix money and gifts to make for a perfect holiday, and a smiling teen!

Gifts for Boys

Boys love action and movement! Bikes, bike accessories, trampolines, scooters, balls, and more balls are perfect gifts for young boys. For quieter times, Playstation games, and all things construction! Building blocks like legos and Lincoln logs are long standing favorites for any boy. Don't forget that young boys love cars, trucks, motorcycles, rockets and planes. Whether he just wants to pretend with them, or wants to build them, anything motorized is a great idea for boys.

Gifts for Teen Boys

Like teenaged girls, Music, Movies and Gift Certificates are always a great idea. Does he play a musical instrument? Does he like sports? Is he always looking for ways to fix up his car? Of course, hard cash is a favorite as well. Anything to do with gaming equipment for Playstations and Xboxes are fun, if that is what he is into. Perhaps he shows an interest in photography. Help get him started with video and photography equipment. Ask him what his hobbies are, and find a plethora of ideas for teenaged boys.

Gifts for Pets

It's amazing the amount of gift ideas out there for animals. Pets love to be included in the festivities, and looking for gifts for them is a lot of fun. Cat toys, dog toys, scrumptious treats from simple to gourmet are out there for your favorite pet. New collars, leashes, houses, beds, blankets and even a new costume makes a pet feel especially appreciated, and will love to extra attention lavished on them from others.

Buying the perfect gift takes a little ingenuity, but lots of us draw blanks. It happens to all of us. Take a few moments to really think a gift through, and your loved ones are going to adore the gift you give. It truly is the thought that counts!

Ideas for Christmas. Great gift giving ideas for the holidays

Kathy Donica