I’ve always been a bit skeptical about gift lifts. Presents are so personal that when a mag (or blog!) suggests stuff readers should buy for people the writer doesn’t know, it can feel a bit...arbitrary. This may lead you to wonder why in the world you are reading a Never too Busy gift list?! The answer is because I know when you’re short on time it’s even harder to find the perfect pressie. And I think there is a way to offer a list that’s customizable. Hopefully, this will let you cut out the stress of starting from scratch, but still get something as individual as your nearest and dearest. Here are 10 principles for busy gals to shop by. Happy hunting!

1. Give something they’ll find as valuable as you do

Busy gals gift guide productivity planner

My dear friend (and colleague) Deanna has a big job, two lively kids and admirable commitments in her community. What she does not have, is time. So, it was no surprise that when I told her about the time management ah-ha of a productivity planner, she fancied getting one too. Ding. That was the perfect cue to get a tried-and-tested gift for a like-minded friend. What have you discovered that a kindred spirit may value? Whether it’s an object, app or experience, why not share the love?

2. Help them reach their goals

With New Years’ approaching, we’ll be more determined than ever to achieve our goals. Could you help your loved ones attain theirs? Perhaps they want to exercise more and you could assist with a yoga mat, weights gloves or balance ball...? Perhaps they want to start meditating and a Zafu cushion or Headspace subscription would suit...? Just make sure to tailor your choice to their taste, skill and environment. The running gloves I got my sister-in-law in Kentucky would cause frostbite in MN!

3. Support their hobbies

Life is short. And we’d all like to spend more of it doing what we love (like writing this blog!) and less of what we loathe (like doing endless laundry!) Why not spark joy by giving something that supports your sib’s side hustle or hubbie’s hobby? Maybe your green-thumbed friend would like a better set of gardening tools or a terracotta sub for those plastic plant pots...? Perhaps your gourmet grandpa would like a better set of kitchen knives...? If you’re not an expert on the activity, don’t be afraid to seek input from someone who is.

4. Respect where they’re at in life

new minnesota winter-ready hat (nordstrom) for my friend christine’s beautiful baby, uly.

We typically need new things when we have some sort of change in life. We have a baby; we need a bouncy seat. We get a puppy; we need a crate. We move to a new house; we need doormats. If we think about what our loved ones are experiencing, we can tailor gifts to suit. If your friend has just become a single mum, maybe they’d appreciate a gift that makes life easier – like an Instant Pot or Roomba. Your niece in her first apartment may prefer a gift certificate from West Elm or IKEA.

5. Go unapologetically practical

this is a well-loved tea kettle - does everything but drink the tea for you!

The best gift my husband ever bought me was a Breville tea maker. It ticked all the boxes of a perfect gift. 1) It suited me as a tea-worshiping Brit. 2) At over $200 (for a tea kettle?!) it was something I would never have bought it for myself. 3) It was useful. I use it every day and miss it like a family member when I travel. Clearly, this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (sorry) but you can find an equivalently indispensable item by thinking about what someone needs, not just what they want.

6. Buy what they love but won’t buy for themselves

Busy gals gift guide lulumlemon Karen Firus

Busy gals gift guide Lululemon Karen Firus

Karen, an awe-inspiring artist, filmmaker and journalist and my oldest friend on this continent, loves Lululemon. But like most fans of their leg-toning tights and just-right jackets, the price tag gives her pause. What a great opportunity for her family and friends to expand her collection! When you know someone adores a brand but might not buy it for themselves, it’s a great way to be confident your gift will be a true (and risk-free) treat.

7. Let the store curate your options

Busy gals gift guide Paris Market ornament

Another safe way to treat your dear ones is to buy from a store that caters to their precise taste. Maybe it’s Minzuu or The Little Market for a worldly spirit or Smythson for a traditional type who still writes letters. There’s a store in Savannah called the Paris Market that I think my mother-in-law could happily live in. When I bought her a giant glass Christmas ornament from there recently, her first reaction was “oh I was just admiring those. I love everything from the Paris Market!”

8. Buy some time

Many of us have too much stuff but not enough time. A perfect gift for such a busy lad or lass might be a service. Listen to your loved one for hints – and make sure they’d feel comfortable using what you give. Are they feeling too overwhelmed to cut through their clutter? An afternoon with an organizer might be a good choice – as long as they don’t mind having a stranger in their space. Are they looking for meal-time inspiration? A few months of Hello Fresh could help – if they have time for cooking.

9. Opt for an item they can never have enough of

longstanding tv friend anne craig in a bracelet gift from circa 2015

Because I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached to my body, things that get separated from me tend to go astray. Water bottles - eventually get lost or dented. Sunglasses – often short-lived. Everybody has these things. Items they’re always going to want because at some point they’re sure to need. Why not pre-empt the need? There are also some categories where you truly can’t have too much of a good thing. Kids’ books, craft supplies and perfectly chosen jewelry all come to mind.

10. Buy a better version of what they already have

Is your oenophile friend making do with awful wine glasses or your husband wearing a worn-out belt? Here’s a great chance to get something you know they need that they’re obviously not buying for themselves! If you’re going to give them an upgrade, make sure they’ll think its better too. Even something as simple as a coffee mug needs to be calibrated to your loved one’s lifestyle. Is it more important it be leak-proof, comfortable or stylish? As goes the golden rule for all gifts: make sure you buy for them, not for you!

At such a busy time of the year, I hope this list was helpful. Please share your favorite tips - or gifts - with a comment. We’d love to learn from your ideas!