The Guide to Holiday Shopping Part II - Tips from Stephanie Finkelstein, Hamptons Hostess de jour:

Holiday Shopping Tip #6: From your heart and hands to their home: Homemade gifts always add a degree of thought and charm that can’t be purchased at a store. At this time of year many people are entertaining and would appreciate one less item to prepare because you gave them a tray of cookies or a set of exotic dips. If you are a sewer or knitter don’t forget to add tags that read “Homemade with love by ___” You’re friends and family will never forget thought creativity and thoughtfulness.

Holiday Shopping Tip #7: I’ve love this if it were the just the right color and the right size . .: Always ask stores for gift receipts. With the varying return policies out there then first not being about to enjoy a present because it doesn’t fit and then second - returning it is a nightmare. In the unfortunate event that someone must make a return, your friends and family will have much less hassle if they are armed with a gift reciept. It makes an even exchange much easier or a store credit will be given in its place. In the end, everyone will be satisfied with their gifts.

Holiday Shopping Tip #8: Bigger is NOT always better: Sometimes it is hard to enjoy your shopping experience because larger stores have larger lines and waits to match. Try exploring local towns and villages with smaller, specialty stores. In our shop we offer pesonalized, on-one-on shopping assistance that you just can’t get in the larger chain stores. In smaller stores you may find unique things that you didn’t even know you were looking for but it will make the perfect gift. And just like in the larger department stores, small stores to offer their own special sales and discounts.

Holiday Shopping Tip #9: I’m sorry Sir, your gift-wrapped vacuum cleaner just won’t fit in the overhead compartment!:  If you are travelling for the holidays, don’t be afraid to ship gifts ahead of time. With increased baggage limitation, flying with gifts can add an extra headache to your travel time. And even with 3rd rows and roof racks, the family SUV can only hold so much. Travel with an added sense of ease knowing your gifts will be awaiting your arrival at out of state friends or families.

Holiday Shopping Tip #10: Even Santa gets some cookies at every stop! : Have you found the perfect sweater for your sister and it just happens to be perfect for you too? Go ahead and treat yourself to something special. If you’re fighting early birds, late owls and the endless lines, you deserve that scented bath oil and chocolate truffle tray to help relax afterwards. Keeping yourself relaxed and happy will help you to enjoy the holiday season even more!

By To27 Contributor Stephanie Finkelstein , owner of Southampton’s The Elegant Setting .