What’s up geeks and gamers? This Christmas, it’s time to level up your gift-giving action. Christmas is a time for showing the important folks in your life how much they mean to you, and one of the best ways to do that is by coming up with creative gift ideas that will spark joy in them for years to come. So, what’s the secret? Check out this guide on how to be more thoughtful with your Christmas shopping this holiday season so you never feel lost when figuring out what to get your friends and family.

Step 1: Plan who’s on your shopping list

Okay, so you’re probably not getting everyone who follows your stream a gift this Christmas. Chances are you’ve got a close gang in your life who you’ll get gifts for, in addition to people like your mom, dad, and siblings. Figure out who your core group is and make a definitive list of the people who will receive gifts this Christmas. Our go-to gift recipients?

• Mom
• Dad
• Brothers and/or sisters
• Your SO, if you have one
• 5 of your closest friends

Narrowing down your list gives you more time to make sure you pick out something truly special for everyone on your list, rather than getting a bunch of people some random thing they’ll never want or use. Plus, if you have a list of people you’re closer to you, it’s easier to go out on a limb with something like funny Christmas pajamas or a hilarious prank gift!

Step 2: Decide your budget

There’s no way around it: the holidays are expensive. One way to make sure you don’t get a credit card statement in the mail that makes your eyes pop right out of your skull is to make a budget before you buy. Decide what your all-in budget for holiday gifts is, then decide how much you want to spend on each person. You can do this by trying out the gift “tier system.” It works like this:

1. Divide the people in your life into three tiers of importance.
2. Sort your friends and family into the tiers (probably best not to show this part off though).
3. Decide how much you want to spend on a person in each tier.

You probably will be able to get away with buying your uncle once removed a decent bottle of wine, for instance, but your little sister deserves something a bit more thoughtful – so spending a bit more on her is totally okay. Once you’ve made your budget, it’s time to start thinking about what exactly you’ll want to gift each person on your list! Is it stressful? A bit. But it’s also the fun part. That brings us to Step 3.

Step 3: Think about what your people love

For each person on your list, sit down for a few minutes and think about what they love. It could be a pet they’re obsessed with or a hobby they just can’t get enough of. Maybe they’re a food lover, a nature enthusiast, or a patron of the arts. Carefully consider the lifestyle they lead and how your gift could improve it.

If someone you love is really into a hobby that you don’t really know too much about, there’s always a timeless solution: gift cards. Sure, Target or Amazon gift cards can be a little impersonal and seem like something you’d get a nephew you didn’t know well. But if you go for a card from a store specifically tailored to your their interests, it’s much more personal. This also allows them to choose their own gift. Don’t know which set of fishing hooks is best? Don’t worry; with a gift card, they can make their own selection.

This holiday season, show the people in your life that you really care by providing them with thoughtful, novel gifts that they will cherish all year long. It takes a little more time and effort, but it’s all part of being a good friend or family member. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.