If you want to ensure that you don't fall into the embarrassment trap, then you need to make sure that you have a good idea of a monetary limit before you go out there to buy your next gift. Same holds true for any kind of celebration; if you are thinking of using a catering company to throw a surprise party, for example, then you better ensure that you have a budget in mind before you start booking all the extras.

Gift giving is something that could go either way -- that is, either a great experience or a disaster. You can avoid the disaster part by ensuring that you do your research first before going out to buy your gift. Buying gifts is always easiest for the people you know well - it might be perfectly acceptable to buy your spouse a gift certificate for example, or a membership to the local gym, but it could also be taken the wrong way! If you are thinking of buying a gift for one of your coworkers in your office, then it may be a good idea to seek the assistance and input from others, particularly if you're the newbie at your company. You don't want to get Tim Horton's swag for a Starbucks fanatic, or an outdoor patio set for someone who lives with their parents. You don't want to upset anyone by buying a gift that's seen as too extravagant or too cheap. Better to be safe rather than sorry.

Christmas is always the time when we all go out there to shop for gifts for friends and loved ones. You may be the type of person who enjoys thinking about and giving a gift to each one of your friends or you may simply prefer a fun low-key event like a white elephant exchange for everyone to participate in together.

Sometimes, someone's job or profession may not be the best way to determine what to buy him or her as a gift. If, for example, your brother works as a power quality analysis manager, and you frankly have no idea what that means, you may have to dig a bit deeper to come up with something that he would appreciate. In this case, you may very well have to seek the assistance of his wife, friends or coworkers.

There are gifts for almost every occasion. For the kid at Christmas. For the house warming occasion. For a get well soon sentiment. For a going away present. Even for someone who starting a new career.

And speaking of new careers, some people are even making a profession out of specializing in helping others to find the right type of gift to suit the occasion. The gift giving business could be indeed a very rewarding type of venture, for the right person. We all love to receive gifts and most of us enjoy giving them as well. But not everyone enjoys the shopping part! It does not really matter what time of the year it is, gift-giving can be a great joy and pleasure, if you approach it the right way, avoid the pitfalls and keep a tight rein on the budget.