One big thing or lots of little ones? Planned for months or picked up yesterday? Everyone has a gifting style: these are some of our favourites… and how to master them.

Huge fans of the whole Christmas season, these are the people who can’t sleep on Christmas Eve because they’re overexcited about the moment they get to give their present. And it’s all about the big one. Whatever budget they’re working to, the whole of it (and possibly even slightly more than they had originally bargained for) is going on one item. It’s not all about the spend, though – it’s about the time and effort, too: tracking down rare finds, looking into provenance, personalising with hand-added touches, crafting or curating a gift set based on the recipient’s likes.

Most likely to say: “Do you like it? Really though? Really?”

How to be the best at it: More than any other style of gifting, it’s the thought that counts with this one. You’ve got one shot to get it right, so you need to be sure you’re alert for any hints from the giftee. Or, you know, keep the receipt.

Lists, lists, lists and the joy of organisation. These are the people with an Excel spreadsheet of what they’re giving to who. They love the exchange of Christmas – so much better than a birthday when all the attention is on just one person. Rather than one gift, they like to give several smaller items, covering all bases. A stocking full is their ideal giving system. Most likely started Christmas shopping back in April, when they happened to see the perfect thing for uncle Ted – and they’ve not stopped since.

Most likely to say: “I got you something else, actually…”

How to be the best at it: Vary the gifts – a bit of sparkle, a bit of luxe and a bit of practicality. And don’t go overboard if you want to avoid gift fatigue.

This giver knows it’s not about what people want – it’s about what they need. Often side-lined into the ‘not-that-exciting’ category, we think they actually come from a place of sentimental fondness (mixed with practicality, of course). They love the idea of passing over something that will be used on a regular – even a daily – basis, which might just get the recipient to remember who gave it to them, with a little glow of happiness. They can usually do their shopping in the week before Christmas because they know what they’re after and where to get it.

Most likely to say: “I saw yours was broken…”

How to be the best at it: Go for the best version you possibly can, whatever you’re gifting. Towels? Hmmm. But towels that envelope you in a cocoon of softness that feels like you’re in a five-star hotel? That’s the one.

No wish-lists, please – this gifter despises them as an afront to their own creative inspiration and gift-buying abilities. They are likely to have notes all over the place – scribbled in diaries, tapped onto phones, a Post-It note on the fridge, with random ideas of presents for their nearest and dearest. They like to shop in person, wandering around stores until something catches their eye and their imagination. Often personalising or curating gifts themselves. For instance, they will gift a vase, but have it filled with flowers, or place-card holders, but with the cards already written out in exquisite calligraphy.

Most likely to say: “I saw one just like it when I was in Nepal…”

How to be the best at it: Make sure you’re thinking as the recipient, not as yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in what would have deep meaning for you, but leftfield gifts can be surprising to receive.

Originally the preserve of office parties, Secret Santa-ing is becoming increasingly popular among families because it’s a great way to keep gifting to a budget. It’s thought to derive from the Scandinavian tradition of the ‘Christmas Knock’, where anonymous gifts would be left on the doorstep. Although some people like the randomness of a lucky-dip distribution, where presents are picked from a Santa sack, we think this method works best if you are assigned a specific recipient for the present, and given plenty of time and regular reminders to shop, so you don’t leave it until Christmas Eve in the supermarket.

Top tip: Make the budget a little flexible, but stick to a range. Some people in the group will have more to spend than others, so a bit of wiggle room covers this. But it’s as important not to go wildly over budget as miserably under it – you can end up making people feel embarrassed.