Start your Christmas gift shopping early this year

Yes, it’s just Thanksgiving this weekend, but if you’ve been paying attention to shopping trends and advice this fall, we’re all being told to get on board the gift-giving train early this year.

Why? The global supply chain continues to lag. It was tough enough in a pre-pandemic year to get those in-demand items, and it’s possible this year will be worse. As if 2021 hasn’t been tough enough in so many ways.

But there is somewhat of a bright light on the B.C. wine horizon—the 2021 vintage is looking good. The extreme heat earlier this summer happened at an opportune time and the excessive smoke wasn’t hanging in the air when grapes were at their most vulnerable.

In fact, that heat has led to the berries being picked now and through the fall to have intense, concentrated flavours this vintage. That said, overall tonnage is down.

Translation? If there’s a wine lover on your holiday gift list, there is a possibility there will be less wine from the 2021 bottles to buy upon the eventual release of this vintage. Solution? Join a wine club now, or sign up for e-newsletters from your favourite winery (or other beverage producers), so you’ll be alerted to new releases.

Start looking now for table-shaping elements from charcuterie boards to glassware to linens. Stemless champagne flutes surely will become a trend soon so don’t miss out. And consider new cloth napkins, since paper goods seem to have supply issues off and on. Get environmentally friendly with the reusable version this year.

Books are always a solid choice, but there have been warnings already to order early since shipping may take longer than usual if you’re buying online. Better yet, hit the culinary section of your favourite bookshop and stock up on a few hardcovers.

And it’s easy to support small businesses with custom gift baskets, keep an eye out for tasting rooms and gift shops offering this service. Or buy a basket and start filling it now with local products. Note: staff shortages may make it harder to have a basket put together at the last minute this holiday season.

Finally, the go to—gift cards. Sure, you can leave these to the last minute but why not get a jump on it now?

We’ve all been stressed this year, so let’s collectively ease into the holidays with a bit of a strategy. Get done early and reward yourself with a glass of something bubbly.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.