Nothing kills the joy of ripping the paper off a gift faster than realizing you need an engineering degree to use what’s inside. To keep Mom’s pleasure from turning to frustration as she struggles to find the power button on her new gadget, make sure she gets instant gratification: Charge the batteries, study the directions so you can save her some trouble with a quick demonstration or an easy-to-follow cheat sheet, or download some of her favorite songs onto her new MP3 player. Similarly, assemble anything that needs it, like a baby stroller, to ensure that your gift isn’t remembered mostly for the hassle of setting the thing up. And if there’s an accessory that’s required a frame for a piece of art, batteries for a toy — you’ll score big points by providing it. After all, what’s sadder than a kid with a new Game Boy and no way to play with it?

Gift Checklist

Make sure it’s ready to go right out of the box. Some examples:

Digital Camera

Include an extra memory card.

Take a photo of yourself holding a Happy Holidays sign.

Cell Phone

Charge the battery.

Program in family phone numbers.

Add a cheat sheet on checking voice mail.

Start a camera phone off with a few fun snaps.

PDA

Set date and time.

Record important addresses.

Download games from the Web.

Put important birthdays on the calendar.

Electronic Game

Supply extra game cartridges.

Learn how to play and give a lesson (just try not to beat them at their own game).