I have a hard time picking out presents this time of year for some of the friends and family on my gift list. Some people are easy. For example, my 15 year old niece likes just about everything - What 15 year old girl doesn't, right? But, then there's my mother who has just about everything she could want or need. She's not necessarily rich, but she is comfortable in her retirement. Then there are my sisters, again, not rich and not poor, but busy women who may not get the chance to shop for themselves very often.

So this year, for those people I wasn't sure about, I just flat-out asked them what they wanted. I think I tend to be a little difficult to buy for as well because I often have people asking me to do the same for them - make a list of things I'd like to have.

It sounds a little calculating. I know, but it is so much easier on the gift giver to have some options and ideas of items you may really want or need. So, my advice is to make a short list of jewelry (whether it be a new gold bracelet or those must-have silver hoop earrings) that you'd like to have this year and have it ready. Also include the store or web site that sells the jewelry items so your gift givers can find them easily. Then ask those on your list that you're having trouble deciding on the perfect gift for, and I think you'll find many of them will also ask you the same question. Then you'll be ready with jewelry list in hand.