The season of joy can be even merrier when you give a really great gift. Finding the perfect present, however, can result in a whole lot of stress. Especially if you find “sold out” messages when you try to purchase.

When it comes to giving and receiving, everyone loves a really unique gift. It can be functional, practical or simply fun but it should always be unique. By shopping early and making a list, you should easily find great gifts. If you’d rather wait and lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the mall, you may find the job a little more demanding.

Putting your shopping off until the last minute does make gift-giving more challenging, but these tips should help you to experience a little more joy of shopping:

List Your Loved Ones

When you categorize your shopping list in order of coworkers, casual friends and closest loved ones, you can narrow down what types of gifts to look for. By narrowing the task down to specific groups of people, you can determine a general idea of what you need to buy.

Careful planning does pay off, particularly to those nearest and dearest to your heart. A list helps you to consider their wants, needs and personal interests.

Make it Personal

Simple yet personal gifts are perfect for coworkers and casual friends. A fun coffee mug, box of treats or homemade goodies is always a great choice, and gift cards to their favorite stores are always appreciated.

Think of gifts that will make your loved ones’ hearts glow. It could be something he or she as always wanted or a little bit of luxury. Consider a personalized necklace for mom, the newest gadget for your best friend, a day at the spa for sis.

Great Gifts are a Click Away

If you hate battling crowds at the mall, online shopping is a real blessing. Browsing the Internet is a great way to find thoughtful and unique gift ideas too. You can easily compare features and prices from store to store, and find the right gift for your budget. There has never been a more convenient way to shop from the comfort of your own home.

Many websites provide a showcase of the latest and hottest new items, so shopping online makes it easy to stay on top of the latest trends. Remember that must-have toys, computer accessories and tech savvy gadgets can be hard to buy online. On Amazon.com, the Nintendo Wii sold out in minutes. Toys, like the superhot Zhu Zhu pets, quickly become “out of stock” items. If you are searching for a newly released item, such as a Bluetooth device to keep your loved one safer on the road, you need to know which websites to visit, and be quick to buy.

Shopping can be stressful during the holidays, but it can also be fun and even easy to find a great gift. Plan ahead and use some online shopping savvy to experience as much joy in giving, as they will have in receiving. In the end, it’s the thought that counts, and whatever gift you give will glow with true holiday magic.

Reese Morss is a shopping and consumer behavior expert. To quickly and easily move to the front of the line for products on Amazon that are out of stock visit his website now and set up a free sold out items alert to warn you when they are available.