Shoes for Christmas gift is one of the most practical and thoughtful presents given during the holidays. They are the one thing that everyone can use, and they can use multiple pairs. With thousands of shoes styles available, picking out the appropriate pair should be easy as long as you understand who you are shopping for during the holiday season.

History tells us that years ago it was was bad luck to give footwear as a present, but these days it can be a personal gift that shows much thought went into selecting your loved one's present. It was once thought that giving footwear would make your friends walk away from you, but in today's world it might bring them even closer.

To begin shopping, establish what size footwear the recipient wears. The most covert way is to check what size shoes they have in their closet, other wise you can just ask. But by asking outright you risk the chance of them figuring out what they will be opening Christmas morning.

The thought comes in when determining what type of footwear to give your loved one. There are endless options to chose from, so it's important to consider who you are buying for when shopping.

Hiking boots for a man who enjoys the outdoors or steel toe boots for the construction worker in your life would be a good fit. If he owns a boat and spends a lot of time by the ocean, a pair of flip flops or boat shoes would be a perfect choice. Skate shoes for a skateboarder, leather loafers for a businessman or a pair of high top sneakers for the basketball player in your life are appropriate choices. Golf spikes for the retired gentleman who spends time on the golf course is a thoughtful present.

For women, there are running shoes for the ones who love to visit the gym or go for a jog. Strappy stilettos and knee high boots for the young fashionistas who enjoy a night out on the town with friends are a good fit. There are cozy slippers for those women who like to curl up with a blanket on cold winter days and sensible pumps for women with professional careers.

For kids, gather ideas from what they are into. If they like soccer, a new pair of cleats for the upcoming season would be a great gift. Ballet slippers for the dancer or cowboy boots for the horse lover are other options. Another fun idea for girls are high heels to play dress up with.

Custom footwear is also available for those people that seem to have everything. Some brands now give options to design your own shoe. Color, style, logos and design can all be personalized. New shoes on your loved one's front steps every month is now available through shoe of the month clubs, which can be found on the internet. Just give them the size, gender and address and you can deliver a present to your loved one for a whole year.