Photo Courtesy / Jessica Lee

When it comes to the holidays, the most difficult part is not figuring out ways to avoid the in-laws; nor is it about that good old annual family feud where everyone is forced to take sides, and the next thing you know, you find yourself hammered on eggnog, spooning a turkey leg in bed.

No, the hardest part of the holidays, is deciding which gifts to get for whom. And let’s be honest, half of us don’t start this process until we’re at least a month behind schedule. Let’s face it, the best part of Christmas is getting that present you’ve been dying for, from the one you love.

So buck up, wake up early this weekend, get your savings together and haul your ass to the closest department store. And take this guide along with you (don’t forget, none of these categories are mutually exclusive: mix and match).

Gifts for Intellectual/Hipster: We all know one, granted we’re not all BFF’s with one, because that would be exhausting. This one’s simpler than it seems. Think obscure. Let’s start with some great vintage record shops, for example, Sonic Boom, Rotate This, and Criminal Records, all located in downtown Toronto are bound to find you that one record you know your friend doesn’t have.

One hipster staple is a Macbook, and while you’re out looking for some skins, pick up twelvesouth.com’s BookBook Hardback Leather Case, which makes your Mac look like some serious vintage lit (great conversation starter, think Steinbeck or Nietzsche!). Oh, and Polaroid Cameras are also a hit with this bunch.

The Boyfriend: You know, the man’s man, loves sports, total outsider. Perhaps an iPod Dockable Toilet Paper Holder, with built-in speakers, easily transported to any bathroom (or bedroom, if that’s your thing) in the house (check out Amazon). There’s always your trusty quirky t-shirts (ex. FBI: Federal Boob Inspector, In Case Of Emergency: Break Dance, etc).

And to add to his car seat massager and/or the recliner you got him last year, throw in a Heineken Beer Dispenser or Home Beer Kit, so he can brew his own, all without moving! Last but not least, create your own Converse or Nikes, one-of-a-kinds you know he’ll like.

The Girlfriend: If we’re talking a classic girl’s girl, here’s what we’re looking at: something simple, like a hot chocolate/ice cream maker or Chocolate Of The Month Club subscription is great for those long, hot nights (we’re talking aphrodisiacs, guys, you may enjoy these yourself).

If you’re feeling a little playful, throw in a diamond encrusted flask. Coffee table books are always a plus (Who, What Wear, Influence, Gunn’s Golden Rules, The World In Vogue, Vanity Fair: The Portraits). Jewellery, chocolate, clothes, shoes are always acceptable, as long as some thought goes into it (no gift card nonsense!). A mix-tape is still romantic, and a weekend road-trip getaway while you’re at it is just as good.

The Tech Geek: We all know and love (at least) one! Geeks will be faring well this holiday season, what with Apple’s new iPad on everyone’s wish list. But if that’s a bit of a financial stretch for you, not to worry. Why not pick up some iPhone App Magnets over at Amazon? If you’re willing to shell out a bit more, there’s also the Kindle for the book-challenged. Don’t forget the new Limited Edition Red Wii Console, also for the gamers, the Nintendo Collector’s Edition Monopoly.

For the more hands-on people, there’s Lego Architect Sets, much more large scale than when we were kids. For the very technically-inclined, a ton of new creative USB drives have hit the market, with Lego Building Block USB’s, the USB Beverage Warmer & Chiller (great for those all-nighters), Star Wars USB’s (envision C-3PO’s head popping off for your flash drive pleasure), and of course personalized USBs to remind your friend who loves ‘em. Lastly, we’ve got comics (The Walking Dead, Scott Pilgrim), DVD’s (Avatar Collector’s Edition, anyone?), and speaking of zombies, don’t forget The Zombie Survival Guide.

The ‘I-Don’t-Need-A-Gift-And-Neither-Does-Society’ Activist: They’d much rather be saving the environment, and giving to those who are truly in need; the kind who will have you thinking outside the box. Oxfam, an organization that works with developing countries, tackles poverty and inequity, and helps to create sustainable living. Oxfam Unwrapped allows you to buy donkeys, goats, chickens or clean water in Africa, Asia, or the Americas (at a more than affordable rate) on behalf of your friend. You can get the Unwrapped Gift Card at your local Shoppers Drug Mart.