A Casual Acquaintance Who Unexpectedly Gave You A Gift 

Just when you think you’ve covered all your bases, your sort-of friend from that one hobby you indulge in on a semi-regular basis shows up with a knickknack that “made me think of you right away, so I just had to get it!”

Fear not. Keeping a few extra bottles (and extra gift bags!) on hand throughout the holiday season is easy—plus, whatever goes ungiven can be added to your Boxing Day libation collection.

A Coworker With a Mysterious Personal Life

If you’re giving a gift to a coworker because you want to, chances are you’re friends outside of work—a category of person we’re not covering in this guide because we have faith you’ve sorted them out by now. However, many of us are put into awkward workplace gift-giving situations thanks to a well-meaning Secret Santa initiative or something else of the sort. No fear! We recommend something easy-drinking and fun, so they’ll think fondly of you as they let loose post-5pm.

It’s Your Boss

You drew the head honcho’s name in Secret Santa, or you took a few too many sick days this year: either way, it’s time to suck up to the boss. Ensure a glowing performance review next year with this recommendation.

Your Neighbour Who Might Drop By Over the Holidays

Some neighbours get along fantastically, others mutter at each other under their breath when they’re woken up for the third time in a week by a barking dog or early-morning landscaping. No matter what kind of neighbour you have, we recommend a local gift for this local character. It’s poetic, we think.

Your Hairstylist / Barber / Waxer / Tattoo Artist

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but most of us engage the services of at least one person in an attempt to look great (or, at least, a little less bedraggled). Not everyone chooses to bring a gift to their last personal services appointment before the holidays—and it’s fine if you don’t—but perhaps it will make it easier to score a coveted last-minute appointment in the new year. Plus, after getting up close and personal with clients all day, wouldn’t you want a strong drink once you got home?

You No-Showed Them Earlier This Year

Uh oh: you broke the first rule of appointment-making, which is that you must show up for your appointment. Erase your sins and start the new year with a clean slate by kicking your gift up a notch.

A Friend Whose Birthday Falls On Or Near Christmas Day

‘Tis the season to feel cheated. December and early January babies have a lot to compete with:  holiday travel, parties, meals, and an already-stretched gift-giving budget. Combo gifts are common for those with December birthdays, and they’re always wrapped in Christmas paper. Sure, there are many worse problems to have, but it’s time to make your December-born pal feel twice as special. Adding a bottle of bubbly to their holiday gift—in birthday-themed wrapping paper, should you want to be a real hero—will set you apart as their favourite person, and thus the person they’re most likely to share it with.

Your Brand New Significant Other

What is it about the impending winter weather that makes people want to settle down and commit (at least for a few months)? If you’ve just started dating a new person, deciding on a holiday gift can turn into a terrifying exercise in nuance and balance. While an all-inclusive trip to Aruba might be a stretch, a special bottle hits just the right spot—and raises the bar for gifts you’ll receive for the rest of the relationship. Cheers to new love!

Their Parent(s)

If your new partner has decided a family get-together around the holidays is the perfect time for you to meet the parents, we’re here to help reduce your anxiety. Choose this crowd-pleaser that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Your Step-Cousin, Half-Sibling’s Sibling, or Other Sort-Of Family Member

Now, we’re not here to tell you which family members are most important—if your step-cousin is your favourite cousin, well, you don’t need this section of the guide. Inevitably, though, your familial holiday gatherings will put you in close proximity to certain people you are technically related to, but know little about. We suggest something inexpensive and cheerful, just like your uncle’s cousin’s niece’s Christmas tablecloth.

Have you encountered a gift-giving emergency not covered in this guide? Let us know for next year on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter—but first, start your search for inspiration by using our wine, spirits, and beer selector! It’s an easy, interactive tool to help you discover new products for others (and, of course, yourself) based on taste, region, style, food pairings, and more.