With Thanksgiving slowly digesting and Black Friday behind us, I think it's safe to say we can start looking forward to Christmas (even though I've had my Pentatonix Christmas CD playing in the car since September #notsorry).

But with Christmas just around the corner, now comes the short amount of time we have to cross items off everyone’s wish list. There is something satisfying in getting exactly what you wanted. What is even better is the surprise of something you didn’t have on your list, but is also somehow exactly what you needed.

Giving these kinds of gifts can be hard, but half the battle is just being a good listener and noticing what your loved one seems to need based on their daily habits and conversation. I got a nice Aveeno shower wash one year and didn’t realize it was exactly what I needed for more moisturized skin during the dry Minnesota winter.

Also, thinking about their personality traits is a great place to start. Are they a spender or a saver when it comes to money? Maybe a tangible gift for the spender and a gift card for the saver. Where/when are they happiest? Can you get something to enhance this space or time-- like a lamp for the space, or an item for the specific activity that makes them happy (books, food, tools, etc.).

Worst case scenario you can always go for a sentimental item, like a photograph of the two of you or a gift certificate to a restaurant or tickets to a show/concert of an act you both love. Time spent with your loved one is a gift that cannot be beat.

Whatever you end up giving, as long as it’s from the heart, it will surely be appreciated and cherished.