Another year is set to come to an end, with the impending holiday season, which begins with Christmas, spans China’s Spring Festival and even goes all the way to Valentine’s Day, particularly exciting for younger people. But despite all the festive fun and holiday happiness, there always comes the routine (or headache, probably), that you’ll just have to face.

Yes, it’s the love it or hate it concept of giving and receiving gifts.

Well, in case you are desperate to find the best gifts possible for your picky significant others, awkward family members or finicky friends, we have some tips to help you cope with such a challenge.

Have you ever heard of “The Gift of the Magi”? The short story by O. Henry describes a poor young couple who sacrifice the only two possessions they have between them to buy each other Christmas gifts, but end up with items that neither one can use.

It’s quite understandable that you want to show your love towards your nearest and dearest in a way you believe best represents your affection for them, without breaking the bank.

But for those who receive your special gift, they might just wonder: “What do I do with it?” We’ve all received a gift like that, right?

According to a new study in Current Directions on psychology, gift givers often make critical errors as they focus on the “wow” moment of exchange, while gift recipients tend to want something that will be useful for them in the long-term.  

When it comes to Chinese culture, after running around for a whole year and finally coming home for a family reunion, the key thing is to know each family members’ lifestyle habits well enough to see what gift they really need.

For your parents: Surprise them with small choices like yummy pastries or fresh fruit, before hitting them with the big and useful item like a TV or refrigerator. 

Electronic goods are a good call for a gift, as long as they come with a user’s guide (with pictures!) and explain how to use such “newfangled nonsense” in simple mom and dad terms. 

There were reports of a young Chinese man who created a hand-drawn guide with text and graphics to help his parents understand how to use WeChat – that’s a good example of being sincere. Don’t just dump a big gift on your parents and leave them to it – show them how to use it, and this in turn shows them you care.

For your in-laws: Again, do some homework about their vocational background and personal preferences so that you can avoid the minefield of an awkward gift. A good bottle of your father-in-law’s favorite tipple, some tea for your mother-in-law or a decent watch if you want to splash your cash are all good options. 

In general, mid-priced items are always better for the older generation, otherwise they might be reluctant to even tear off the packaging of a high-end gift. 

For younger members of the family: Chinese culture makes this an easy gift and removes the element of choice. Simply give them some “lucky money” in red envelopes, and they will be delighted.

For your co-workers: Send out some thank-you messages and kind wishes with a sincere expression, rather than making a dedicated gift plan.

Some online shops have done us all a favor by solving the puzzle of gift-giving in their own ways.

Online private auction site eBay is using emotional recognition technology: simply with a screen, headphones and a camera, the technology can help shoppers decide what gifts they want the most for Christmas, according to CNBC.

Another food retail brand has even come up with a smart packaging idea on their chocolate boxes, taking after the style of Russian nesting dolls. You can buy their product, keep one box for yourself and give the other to someone else, dispelling gift-selection anxiety for those who have no idea what to buy.

What are the most valuable gifts yo u have ever received? What would you like to get the most, during this holiday season? Leave a comment @CCTVNEWS and let us know your thoughts.

And one last word of advice. Whether you’re giving or receiving a gift, it’s not about swiping your credit card, but about giving something that comes from the heart. That’s what matters, and nothing else.

(Written by Zhang Meng)