8 Thoughtful gift ideas for your loved ones this festive season

With the Holiday season fast approaching and deadlines screaming our names most of us tend to procrastinate till the last minute and end up getting substandard gifts for our loved ones.

While there are a time and place to give classic (read cliche) gifts, Christmas just isn't one of them.

The trick is to start shopping early, one; make a list of everyone you intend on gifting.

Two; don't go shopping all at once as you'll either end up getting confused or overspending.

Order things or buy accordingly as early as now when stores are still stocked and holiday offers are ongoing.

Note, as Christmas approaches prices will tend to skyrocket as sellers know things are in demand.

Here are some unique Christmas gift ideas, by yours truly that'll put you on the top spot as everyone's favourite this holiday season.

1. Personalized Scrabble family print.

You can literally spell love with this gift. It's the perfect game for large families. Or parents with an empty nest as well. You can customize the pieces to be able to spell out members of the family.

Try adding other words that describe family. If you're trying to stick to a budget you might as well make it yourself, then it will have more sentimental value

2. A customized phone case.

For that one friend who is absolutely obsessed with her phone (and mirror selfies) a customized phone case of something, they love (like the show f.r.i.e.n.d.s or a cute picture of the two of you together) really speaks volumes on how much they mean to you.

Plus they'll always be reminded of you and you've just elevated their mirror selfie game as they'll want to flaunt their gift.

3. A top model book.

Top model (a 'dress me up' or makeup templates sticker/colouring book with different volumes) is literally the perfect gift for a creative little young one. Whether their interest is in art, fashion and design or makeup, top model has it all. Get them one and let their inner creative spark shine.

4. A gift voucher.

For those hard to please loved ones, it's better to get them a gift voucher from a well-stocked outlet. Preferably a supermarket and let them pick out their heart's desire, whether a new iron box or a crate of cheese and milk.

It is a win-win situation for both of you. You don.t have to struggle with gift shopping and they don't have to settle for something they don't like.

5. Scented/terrarium candles

Candles are therapeutic for certain people and really thoughtful considering the details of choosing the scent, shape, colour and everything in between.

Giving someone a plant is great in theory, but it often comes with unwanted responsibilities. Hand-crafted terrarium candles are the perfect solution. They look like cacti and poppies, but don't require any watering, sunlight or upkeep. Plant moms will def fall in love with these.

6. Etched/ customized wine or whisky glasses

These are beyond perfect, she loves Paris and you can't take her there yet get a set of wine glasses etched with a cafe or landmark she loves to remind her you know and will actualize the dream soon.

Customize his whisky or beer glasses with witty quotes, bears and woods or something manly he adores.

You can get these for your mom or friends as well, they are so versatile.

7. Charging cord bracelet

Impressing a teenager is hard, especially males. Minus gadgets and play station there really isn't much to choose from.

Watch your teen light up with this gift.

One its a cool bracelet, two they never have to worry about their electronics running low.

There's a hidden power inside this braided faux leather bracelet: Beyond its sleek and stylish look, this pick charges compatible phones and tablets.

8.  3-in-1 charging stand

This nightstand-friendly charging stand will keep his three most-used gadgets — smartphone, Air Pods and smartwatch — in the green. Since this sleek stand doesn't come with chargers and cords, you might as well use this moment to refresh his stash.

This festive season as you deck the halls with boughs of holly remember to pick up a thoughtful (I insist, not last minute) gift for your loved ones.

As the early bird catches the worm so does the early shopper bag the best gift.

Happy Holidays.