As the winter break quickly approaches, students will soon set down their textbooks and begin Christmas shopping.

While the exchange of presents tends to be the highlight of the season, many view Christmas shopping as a tedious chore. But with a little effort and the right set of rules, Christmas shopping can prove to be a painless, and even fun-filled, experience.

Here are three rules for Christmas shopping that you may not have considered:

1. Don’t select your gift purely based on sales.

The stresses of Christmas shopping are further intensified when you aren’t sure which gifts to purchase. What should you get for the cousin who you only see once each year? Or the relative who already seems to have everything?

While it’s tempting to stroll down the “half off everything aisle” and start throwing generic items in your buggy, remember the times you’ve received random gifts.

“Thanks, Aunt Carol, for the… potted lily.”

As a cheap skate, I have no problem with shopping during sales as long as there is a little thought behind each gift.

For the aunt who enjoys cooking, buy a creative apron.

For the mother who is constantly curled on the couch with a book, buy a Kindle.

For the brother who plays video games 24/7, buy a gift card to Game Stop — but beware of rule No. 2!

2. Gift cards are safe but can seem lazy.

If you aren’t familiar with the gaming world, the example above would be the ideal route to take.

Gifts based on personal taste, such as clothes and jewelry, can be tricky. I can recall several accounts when I was given a purse or wallet that was absolutely hideous. For example, the hot pink, studded purse from the ex-boyfriend’s mom. Ugh.

In that case, I wish that I would have received a gift card to pick out a purse that fits my personality, rather than that of a 5-year-old.

But gift cards are also the easy way out.

It should appear that you put effort into selecting the perfect gift, but if you’re confident that your gift will be liked, go for it.

3. Think back to your purchases from last year.

In every family, there’s always one predictable relative. Why are they so predictable? Because they give the same presents every year.

Obviously, accept the annual hand-knit sweater from your grandmother. Although you only wear the kitten clad sweater for one day before stashing it in the back of your closet, it would be rude to refuse the gift.

But maybe you’re the re-gifter.

Of course, it’s a treat to receive a gift basket with your favorite lotions and soaps from Bath & Body Works. But when the gift is repeated year after year, the present loses meaning.

So here’s where you can change your shopping behavior. Stop giving your friends and family the same presents and think outside the box.

All it takes is a little thought and effort to select your gifts to make the holidays a little sweeter for your family and friends. Hopefully, you’ll also receive some great gifts in return.

Good luck with finals, and happy holiday shopping!