 Husband
 Wife
 Daughter
 Son
 Mother
 Father
 Grandmother
 Grandfather
 Grandchildren
 Roommate(s)
 Sister
 Brother
 Mother-in-law  
 Father-in-law
 Sister-in-law
 Boss
 Secretary
 Teacher
 Baby Sitter
 Neighbors

List the names in the same order each year so you can easily refer to what you did last year. That way you don’t have to wonder, What did I give them already? Now you know!

Look for the gift with a surprise element. It should be something the receiver likes, but not something expected. That’s the magic of Christmas.

Celebrate the Reason for the Season

One tradition we’ve started is to put the reason for the season, the baby of Bethlehem, at the top of our Christmas gift list. We write “Jesus” on our list first and then ask God to show us what we can give back to him. You might want to do this too. You might help a down-and-out family in need of groceries, financially worthy charities locally or worldwide, or help with a community or church Christmas pageant. I find that when I put God first and give something of worth back to Him, He multiplies that gift and organizes my time so I can get everything important done. Write Jesus at the top of your Master Gift List. You'll be amazed at what happens each year.

Simplify with a Gift Theme

Simplify your gift shopping by visiting only certain types of stores for everyone on your list. Choose a giving “theme” for the year but get a different gift in that theme for each person so it is personalized. For example, all the women get jewelry, spa baskets, gift certificates or robes. Men get sporting event tickets, restaurant certificates, or tools. Sweaters, CDs, DVDs or books all make great themes, too.

A Dozen Gift Theme Ideas

1. Sweaters for everyone
2. Favorite restaurant or movie gift cards
3.Gloves and mittens
4. DVD's
5. CD's or books
6.Tickets to a play, musical, or retreat
7. Photo book or digital camera
8. A trip or the latest technology.
9. Favorite magazine plus a year’s subscription
10. Chocolate, nuts, or gourmet food baskets
11. Spa, massage, or bath items
12. Jewelry, purse, or accessories

For Men
(Practical is generally better than sentimental.)

Tool Kit
Computer Software
Travel clock
TV, radio, cell phone
Favorite hobby gear
Sporting event tickets
Camping equipment
Hunting or fishing gear

For Women
(Personal is generally better than practical.)