Purchasing gifts is ultimately a rewarding exercise, however, it can also be trying in the extreme. If you and the person for whom you are buying the present do not have very similar tastes, the business of looking for something appropriate is often as difficult and frustrating as working out the payments for your great uncle's equity release schemes
If you are struggling to think of things to buy for a new friend or acquaintance, you might want to consider looking at entertainment material. Music, films and television series make fantastic presents, and it shouldn't be too complicated to figure out what a person enjoys, even if you don't necessarily agree with the preference.
To begin with, you should cast a covert eye over their CD collection the next time the opportunity to do so arises, and while you are at it, sneak a peak at their DVD cupboard as well. This should give you a broad idea of what kind of genres and styles to go for, and should also tell you what the person has already.
If you feel that this strategy hasn't given you a clear enough idea of what direction to go in, it might also be a good idea to talk to the person's partner, parents or spouse. Ask these people for suggestions and ideas to help ensure that your purchase is successful.
Sometimes – especially if the recipient of your gift is not someone you know very well – it is a good idea simply to buy a gift certificate for a music and DVD shop. This way, the person will be able to buy whatever appeals to them the most, and you are saved a good deal of hassle and agonised decision making.