Know who you're buying for
What makes someone a "good gift giver"? Contrary to what some believe, it is not the amount of money that you spend; it is the amount of thought that you put into it. A $100 omelet pan means nothing to someone with an egg allergy. If the recipient is someone close to you, keep your eyes and ears open. Look around their home and make a note of what they need. Pick up on random comments they make during the year, such as their desire to master Asian cuisine. When they unwrap that wok eight months later, they will be pleasantly stunned that you were actually listening. If you are shopping for someone that you don't know so well, do some investigating. Low-cost, generic items such as candles or picture frames are usually good options.