So I’ve been thinking about this question all week, and to be honest, I was kind of hoping to find some good tips from my fellow cozy chicks.  Which I have — thanks!

Before writing this post, I really should have called my Aunt Jane, who always has the knack for picking the perfect gift — including the Donnie and Marie Osmond Microphone sets she sent my sister and me in 1979. (I remember because I unwrapped its accompanying lantern battery for my one gift on Christmas Eve. Can you say “disappointed”?) But unfortunately for the purpose of this blog, I didn’t call her, and I’m not one of those fabulously savvy shoppers. But I’ve gotten better over the years, largely by doing the following:

1) Make a list and check it twice… or more than twice.

Sometime early in the season — like January, if you’re an overachiever — start listing out all the people you have to find gifts for. Then — before you hit the stores — start brainstorming ideas. Do they like nature? How about a birdfeeder? Were they short on chip and dip trays last time you visited? Do they love a particular author or movie? I keep the list on my desk and add to it as I come up with things. (Including, usually, six or seven people I forgot about.) By the end of about a week’s time, I usually have a few ideas for each person.

2) Go to the mall — or shopping center — with a specific list, including back-ups.

This will prevent the “Isn’t this chicken and egg cookie jar just darling!” syndrome that seems to hit me after three hours of relatively fruitless shopping. (This is also known as desperation.)

3) Save your catalogs — and use them.

If you can’t find what you want in the stores, are looking for something for that hard-to-buy-for-person, or just can’t stand waiting in line, this is the strategy for you. Just brew up a pot of coffee, sit down at the computer, and shop till you drop. Unless you recently won the lottery, however, and don’t mind paying mega shipping charges, it is best to implement this strategy early.

4) When in doubt, buy all the Cozy Chicks’ books and send a set to each and every one of your friends and family.

Just kidding. Sort of.

And, just for grins, here’s a list of some of my favorite all-purpose gifts:

Narcissus bulbs in a pretty pot or vase, complete with attractive pebbles and growing instructions. (Hyacinths are also nice.) You can make these or buy them at many stores — I often find them at the SteinMart down the street.

Local chocolates or specialty foods are often a hit with the out-of-towners. How about sending someone their favorite pecan pie? Or maybe you could order a live lobster or two for your sibling who grew up in Cape Cod and is now stuck in Iowa.  I like to send my grandmother tidbits from Downhomer, a publication that also has a catalog of Newfoundlandia.  (We share a passion for that part of the world, and I usually end up with a few jars of Bakeapple jam in the bargain.)

A gift card for a store they like (Williams Sonoma, Barnes and Noble, etc.) with an accompanying, related object — say, a book light with the B&N card or a set of pretty dishtowels or a cookbook with the WS card. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than just the gift card.

And for neighbors, I love to make a big batch of fudge — I’m hoping Maggie will share her famous mint fudge recipe this December — or bake chocolate chip cookies and distribute little plates of them.

Oh — and one last tip? I haven’t sent a Christmas card since the last century. Honestly. Think of all the trees I’ve saved!

Hope your holidays are shaping up great, and I’ll be back with my rosemary pork loin recipe soon!