What to buy, what to buy? I have some tips for you on what to get your parents for the holidays.

It is that time of year again and finding a present for your parents can be somewhat disconcerting. Over Thanksgiving Break, I hustled into a busy shopping mall frantically looking for the perfect present for the two most important people in my life.

Questions about how much to spend, how much to buy and where to purchase the perfect gift fluttered through my mind. I needed time to really think about what I was purchasing, so I ended up walking out that day after Thanksgiving empty-handed.

With limited shopping in Charleston, I have found plenty of time to brainstorm about what I want to buy when I am home for break again. While no one knows their own mom and dad better than themselves, here are a few general suggestions if you find yourself stuck in a bind at the shopping mall. If none of these help, try going online and browsing their favorite stores’ Web sites and possibly order something online for them.

So here are some suggestions for both mom and dad:

n Gift cards to their favorite store are always a bonus. You can never go wrong with giving them a gift certificate at their favorite store. This way they can pick out what they want when they want it.

n A night out on the town to their favorite restaurant is always a plus because parents usually want to actually spend time with their children when they come home from college. Or if they don’t like you, give them time to spend time without you.

n Parents always need clothing because oftentimes they don’t buy it for themselves. Just make sure you know their right sizes!

n For dad, tickets to a sports contest, especially football or basketball games that are in season are a way to impress him and a way to spend quality time as sports fans.

n For mom, a certificate for a massage, spa, manicure or pedicure will go over big, especially if the holidays stress her out.

n Functional items such as a wallet, perfume, magazine or newspaper subscription or something they normally would not purchase on their own are greatly appreciated.

n Books from their favorite author.

n A photograph of you and your siblings in a frame. It’s a perfect decoration for the house.

n A certificate for a free car wash for either of them.

n An Eastern mom or dad sweatshirt from the bookstore. (Ok, so I was getting desperate for ideas, but seriously it’s a great wear for when they come down for Parent’s Weekend.)

n CDs from their favorite artist or maybe something you like that you wish they would listen to. (Make sure you keep the receipt though, just in case).

n A cute ornament. If you’re crafty, which I most definitely am not, you can make it yourself.

So good luck shopping, and remember, it can never hurt to get your mom or dad too much!