JOHN TIERNEY: In Pursuit of the Perfect Gift? It’s a Lot Closer Than You Think. “Traditionalists and etiquette mavens are complaining, but the rest of us can thank social scientists this season. They have come up with experimental evidence to support three revolutionary rules for people who hate shopping for holiday gifts.”

Personally, I recommend starting here. But that’s just my interest talking. Though from reading the article, maybe it’s still good advice . . .