A Practical Strategy for Christmas Shopping!

Good gosh, October's here and the holidays are closing in fast. Already on TV we're seeing the Energizer Bunny ads for all the gadgets and toys under the Christmas tree. The Pillsbury Doughboy is popping up on every channel. And all those silly sexy perfume commercials are well under way.

But if you plan everything carefully there's really no need for stress or panic - and I thought perhaps you'd like to know how we handle all the shopping madness in a billionaire's home. The simple key is to divide your gifts into rank and groups, then proceed accordingly. Here's the categories we follow around here:

People You Hate: This would be your neighbors, your co-workers and distant relatives who've heard about your success and money. Try to get these token gifts out of the way as soon as possible so you can get into the joyous mood of holiday shopping. I recommend Harry and David where you'll find gift baskets of cheese, candy or nuts - from cheap to expensive. You'll probably want to go cheap in this category since it's the thought that counts, right?

People You Need: This category includes your top employees, your corporate CEO, your business partners, your attorney (who has saved your butt more than once from frivolous lawsuits), maybe even your massage therapist who'll run over in a moment's notice. In addition to a bonus, again I'm going to recommend Harry and David, although this time you'll want to go high-dollar with expensive wines and cheese included in the gift basket.

People You Like: Of course, this will be a short list and can be dispensed with quite easily. There's a wonderful store called Hammacher Schlemmer in New York that has the most amazing and exciting gadgets and gifts you can find anywhere, from low dollar to high. You can shop online, and they'll send the gifts for you.

People You Love: This list might include your mother, a new girlfriend, your children, perhaps even your wife. Whatever the case, get ready to spend some big bucks in this category. Neiman's, Bergdorf, Tiffany and Cartier come to mind. And you might want to make this effort on your own, instead of sending out your house staff or personal shopper.

So you see, all said and done, this need not be a stressful time of year. Just get organized - divide and conquer as it were, and get started.

Thanks for dropping by, and happy shopping!

Andrew