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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.

Meet the gift shopping experts

Buying guides

Father's Day gift ideas Show dad you love him by buying him stuff.

Diamond buying guide When you're buying the bling for your intended's engagement ring, do your homework first to make the perfect choice.

Gift card buying guide They're a great last-minute present idea, but gift cards can be a waste of money.

Articles

The cut flower industry A beautiful bouquet of flowers may have an ugly back-story.

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

Arbitrary expiry dates scrapped in new gift card reforms New South Wales could be the first state to mandate expiry periods.

Toys "R" Us honours 20-year-old gift cards Father stumbles across decades-old gift cards in daughter's room.

Rights to a refund at Christmas What can you do if your Christmas gift turns out to be a dud?

Christmas technology buying guide Stuff your stockings with joy instead of junk.

12 recalls of Christmas CHOICE says it’s time to check your homes for products which could ruin your festive season

Spending up big on Mother's Day 7 May 2015 | Australians are set to spend $1.3 billion on mums.

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The gift shopping experts

Our CHOICE experts enjoy the gift of giving as much as everyone else. They've bought the fondue sets and the wine racks and they've even re-gifted the odd scented candle or two. Learn from their experiences (mistakes) and enjoy the warm glow of appreciation generated by your truly heartfelt gift.