Let's be real, finding the right Christmas present for someone can be stressful. Will the recipient like what you got for them? Is it something they will use? What does it say about them? What does it say about you in relation to them? Will they secretly want to return it but feel too guilty that it ends up sitting in the back of their closet like the flowered sweater your aunt Margaret bought for you three years ago? These are all valid questions that make the art of gift-giving difficult. Here are a number of suggestions for you to find a really good gift.

1. Don't buy them something they've asked for.

Using their Christmas list as a shopping list is taking the easy way out. Leave that to some other, less creative person than yourself. Buying them something that they anticipate getting takes all the surprise out of receiving presents, which is a key factor in finding a great gift! An exception to this rule is buying them something they asked for a long time ago that they have probably forgotten about. Actually, this exception merits bonus points because it means you have been paying attention to the person.

2. Don't buy it because it is "practical."

It's a present. It's not supposed to be practical. Practical items are boring. Examples include dishtowels, rakes, utensils...items that are solely practical and usually not in the least bit fun. If you find a fun rake, then we can talk and see if it is appropriate as a gift. Until then, put the rake back on the shelf and find something that won't make the recipient give the "pity oh" (you know, the standard look of forced enthusiasm) when they tear open your wrapping paper.

3. Do buy from local or small businesses.

Not only is this beneficial to the local economy, but it is way more likely that the person you are buying for will have never seen what you got them, especially if they are from a different area than you! Remember how important the aspect of surprise is? Plus, typically, small businesses are associated with feelings of familiarity, closeness and personality. These are all traits that you want your present to have. Small-business-centered online vendors are also a fun option, such as Uncommon Goods or Etsy.

4. Just because it is bigger or more expensive does not make it better.

Money does not equate to meaning. Keep this in mind! A small, thoughtful gift wins out over something fancy and generic, as cheesy as that sounds.

5. DIY!

Elaborating on tip #4, do-it-yourself gifts are a great way to give a thoughtful gift without blowing your budget. Get crafty.

6. Relate the gift back to a shared experience.

Giving a present that reminds a person of something in their past is a fail-safe way for your gift to be meaningful and memorable.

7. Be creative.

Your sister or your mom or your best friend deserve to receive something more interesting than a t-shirt or a Starbucks gift card (even though Starbucks gift cards are always appreciated...let someone else buy it for them). Pick out something unique that will be a reflection on your relationship!

The ultimate goal with gift-giving is to find something the recipient didn't even know that they wanted until you gave it to them. And remember, a present isn't special because of what it is as a material object, it is special because of the thought and care that went behind picking it out.