46 - Wednesday, December 20, 1989 - North Shore News EVEN THOSE of us who start out early with the best intentions somehow wind up searching fran- tically for last-minute presents at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24, and buying any- thing that can be wrapped up and given away. And that usually takes all the pleasure out of giving. : Although buying and selecting presents for loved ones should be among the happiest moments of the holiday season, indecision, bad weather, lines and crowds of har- ried shoppers can get you down. So what’s the best way to keep from getting frazzied during the holidays? A few simple gift shopp- ing tips shculd help keep your spirits up. One common mistake Christmas shoppers make is concentrating too much on the specific interests and hobbies of the person for whom the gift is intended. Rest assured, your friend, the cat lover will have plenty of kitty calendars and posters and proba- bly prefers to select hez own any- way. Your athletic pal has more tennis tie clips than he knows what to do with, precisely because everyone thinks they’re the “‘perfect gift.”’ And don’t try, for example, to find an instrument or other piece of equipment for your musician friend unless you know exactly what you’re looking for. He al- ready will have very specific ideas about what model and brand of equipment he needs and, more than likely, it will be too sophisticated for you to afford. REFINED BEAUTY Simple curves and luscious diamonds make this necklace special ease last-minute Uniess you know for sure that he wants exactly this microphone over 100 others on the market, chances are you'll get him the wrong one. However, if you stay away from friends’ areas of expertise, there really is no ‘‘wrong’’ gift. Remember, few people have only one interest in life, and most of us enjoy receiving the little luxuries we ordinarily deny ourselves. If you make use of your own knowledge and interests, you have a much better chance of choosing a gift that will be appreciated. The silk scarf you found on sale is just your color? Maybe there’s another shade that would suit a friend. Although we usually rely on our own judgment when shopping for ourselves, it’s amazing how little faith we have in our own taste when choosing for others. Just because you’ve never seen your college roommate wear pur- ple doesn’t mean it won’t look smashing on her. Ask yourself first, ‘‘Do I like it?’”? Then con- sider why it may or may not be suitable for someone else. Still unsure? If it’s a good buy and a gift that might please move than one person, go ahead and get it. You'll thank yourself on Dec. 24 when you need a last minute gift for someone you forgot. Even if you have enough presents for everyone, if you like it, you won't be unhappy keeping it for yourself. Another tip is to buy multiples of an inexpensive, sure-to-please item, like an organizer or a drawer JEWELER Park Royal South 922-2255 Pacific Centre Atrium 682-0711 sachet and wrap them before the season gets busy. This precaution is a life-saver when your colleagues show up at your Christmas party and you've forgotten their wives and husbands. Of course you're not obligated to give them gifts, but it certainly makes exchanging pres- ents less awkward when one person isn’t left out. And think how touched and grateful the outsiders will feel when you include them. When selecting presents for children, especially other people’s Cluiistitas ®FOH s DUAL CONVERSION SUPERHETERODYNE RADAR DETECTORG ry * 20/20 False Alarm Recagnition™ Circuitry * 20/20 Polluting Radar Reject™ Circuitry * Lock & Load™: 25 Milliseconds © Target Lock™: 2.0 Milliseconds * GalAs Tracer Diodes shopping woes children, it seems impossible to keep up with the trends in ‘‘in”’ toys and gadgets. Children are ac- tually much choosier than adults. You may have hit on the latest hot toy car, but buy it in blue when Johnny’s favorite color is red and you've got a disappointed tot on your hands. Since children develop at dif- ferent rates, it’s best not to give a toy that’s for a specific age group. If you’re really at a loss, as most of us are, ask the salesperson at your local toy siore what the hot- Rival Travel fron - Dual voltage - Packs flat ~- and goes anywhere! - Reg. $36.95 Sale! $97% Sliding Alarm Clock - When closed it fits in the palm of your hand! A timely stocking stuffer \ ° ‘Sinclair. Ctr. 688-8810 fan Park Royal N.- * .922-9650°° test sellers are, or watch a child for a few minutes. Observe what he or she picks out or even ask him what he wants from Santa. If nothing else is gained, the Christmas spirit may be infectious. With a little ingenuity, you’ll spend your time off during the holidays relaxing instead of runn- ing around. 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