Christmas, birthdays, gifts - shopping

JavaScript is disabled
If possible, please enable JavaScript for an enhanced experience on the CHOICE website.

Christmas, birthdays and gifts

Choosing the perfect gift for that special occasion needn't cause you stress.

It can be a daunting task buying a gift for a special occasion such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary or Christmas – especially when you've got absolutely no idea what the person wants or needs. If you ever thought buying someone a foot spa was a good idea, we're sorry but we can't help - you're too far gone. For the rest of you, read on for advice on choosing the perfect gift that the recipient won't even have to lie about loving.

Buying guides

Read this before you buy a gift card They're a great last-minute present idea, but there are some pitfalls to avoid. Plus, how to make your money go further.

How to buy a diamond When you're buying the bling for your intended's engagement ring, do your homework first to make the perfect choice.

Father's Day gifts dads will actually want Forget the socks and jerky, here's our guide to smart gifts for modern dads.

Articles

6 ways to save on your Christmas groceries Reduce festive season stress with these tips to slash the cost of the big Christmas shop.

CHOICE experts' top picks for Christmas gifts The presents to buy this festive season – and the ones to avoid.

Our expert Christmas cooking tips Our in-house home economist shares her in-depth guide to catering a delicious Christmas lunch.

Should you buy Christmas presents now? Experts warn you may want to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping this year.

10 tips that might be handy in the week before Christmas It can be a stressful week, but we've got you covered with these simple tips for common last-minute Christmas issues.

9 thoughts you'll probably have if you visit a shopping centre days before Christmas Does the thought 'I'm going to do all my shopping online next year' sound familiar? You're not alone

JB Hi-Fi rethinks gift card policy After ruling out using a JB Hi-Fi gift card for pre-ordered PS5 or Xbox Series X/S consoles, the retailer will now accept them.

Are these the worst Christmas gifts ever? CHOICE staff share the worst gifts they've ever received – from a classic lump of coal to a bag of peppercorns.

Summer holiday injuries: the most common ways we get hurt The Christmas and New Year period presents unique risks – on top of hazards posed by millions of unsafe products in Australia.

Got a dud product this festive season? Here are your rights What can you do if your Christmas gift or Boxing Day sale bargain turns out to be a dud?

The best kitchen gifts 2019: from KitchenAid to Nespresso and NutriBullets Splurge or save on our pick of the best kitchen gifts for Christmas, as recommended by CHOICE experts.

Best tech gift ideas for Christmas Here's what to buy to keep the tech geek in your life happy this Christmas.

Are lab grown diamonds the real deal? Technology means a perfectly real diamond can be made in a lab and sold for less than a quarter of the price of a natural gem.

Christmas shopping scams Your Christmas-time stress might make you more vulnerable to schemes and scams – here's how to avoid the main ones.

Show 10 more articles

Christmas, birthdays and gifts

Related

Shopping for special occasions

Shopping

Taking action and making a complaint