With the end of 2017 here, it is the time when you stress out over what to get your parents or colleagues or that friend who got you the best gift last year. If you're still confused as to what gift you should be getting them, read on.

TIP #1: GET SOMETHING THEY ACTUALLY NEED

Even though most people would graciously accept a beautifully wrapped box of confetti, you know that they wouldn't really be using it. Do some research and get them what they actually need. It might just be that they ran out of their favourite shampoo a week ago or the soles of their running shoes have completely worn out. Concoct up a care package or get them a pair of woollen socks. Trust me, you'd linger on their minds every time they use it.

TIP #2: GET SENTIMENTAL

These are the gifts that bear more meaning to both the giver and the recipient. It may signify your friendship, or simply how well you know the other person. You might print out and frame a collage of the best photos you have with the person. You can also make a mixtape of all his/her favourite songs. If they love books, get them a new book with a bookmark and a box of coffee for sipping on while reading.

TIP #3: DIY IF YOUR POCKETS ARE EMPTY

Don't worry if you don't have a huge budget because it is possible for you to make the perfect gift with supplies you already have lying in your house. You could try making an inspiration jar - with 365 quotes that the person can read every day of the coming year for some daily inspiration. Or you could make a movie night gift set: movie DVDs, a few packets of ready-to-make popcorn, and if the person is extra-emotional, maybe even a box of tissues. For those who love gardening, you could get them seeds of different plants inside a pot.

And now…

FOR THE SENIORS

In order to signify how hard your mother works all year to look after the entire family and how badly she deserves a break, you could give her a box full of relaxation products. It could have face masks, toners, moisturisers, her favourite uptaan, essential oils and maybe even a gift card to her favourite beauty salon. If you're ready to splurge, get your parents a ticket to the place they've been dreaming of going or if you're under a budget, get them something they really want but probably wouldn't buy for themselves. In the case of your dad, it could be the fancy razor that he saw in the shop the other day or a new sweater vest.

FOR THE KIDS

This is for all of us who have young cousins or nieces and nephews. You might want to take the easy way out and gift toys, but we all know it – it'd be in pieces the next time you see each other. Instead, you could get them the new Spiderman schoolbag for the new school year or colouring books and pencils that are more likely to be approved of by their parents. You could even give them something fun and educational like puzzles and words games such as Scrabble, Pictionary, or even Lego.

FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE

If you don't know what to get her – jewellery is the answer. It doesn't even have to be made of diamonds or other precious stones. It could be something simple like a pair of earrings or a locket that she could wear regularly. You could even get them their favourite perfume because who doesn't want to smell nice. Likewise, for the girls, you could get your guy a new wristwatch or a leather wallet that he needs oh-so-badly. If you're on a tight budget, try the more sentimental route and buy him a journal to write about the memories that you'll share in 2018.

In the end, it really doesn't matter if you couldn't give them the perfect gift. It's the effort that counts and if the person really loves you (and if you've wrapped up the present nicely), they'd hug you and say thank you anyway. Happy new year!