Getting Personal

                Thrifty Gifts - Ideas for the Cost Conscious
            
                Whether we care to admit it or not, the next few years could see a turn in fortune for many people as the economy struggles to cope with rising costs and stringent banking. The high streets are deserted and the credit cards remain unused as people become more aware of what it really means to spend, spend, and spend. But fear not, because there are still plenty of affordable gifts available, all it takes is a little bit of forethought and careful planning. 

Personalised gifts are great way of ensuring that your loved ones receive a present that is not only personal to them, but that can last a lifetime too – in terms of value-for-money, personalised are gifts are a bargain and they're easy to get hold of too. 

Personalised calendars come in a variety of themes from sports to music and film, even the pet dog is catered for as these unique gifts offer twelve bold and original images with the recipient's name integrated into them. For less than fifteen pounds, your loved ones can tell their friends that they have not only been to the Great Wall of China, but that they have flown over the top in a hot air balloon with their name on it! The personalised calendar 'For Her' will see her name written in the beautiful sands on an exotic beach and even on her own brand of perfume; the personalised 'Kid's calendar' will celebrate their name in balloons across the sky and in the bubbles of a bath – the calendar will last for a whole year but the images can be saved for a lifetime.
 
Photo gifts are another great way of giving someone a truly unique gift and the best part is that you get to provide the image that will appear on any item you choose. Dig out those photograph albums and find that special image that will become the main design on any bag, chair, apron or cushion. For less than thirty five pounds, you or your loved one could become the star muse of an 'Andy Warhol Style Pop Art Print' – priceless gifts for art lovers and a present that will be admired forever. 

When it comes to Christmas and Birthdays, it is the childrens' gifts that tend to empty the bank accounts the fastest; trends for computer games and the latest in techno gadgets means that parents often find themselves doing a last minute dash to find a shop that still stocks the latest craze. Why not create your own craze this year with a choice in affordable gifts that won't become redundant when the next phase of gifts arrives? The 'Secret Message Kit' is fun for kids to make and decipher their own codes, just like James Bond, they'll be ready to outwit any spy that crosses their path; an ideal accompaniment to the 'Fingerprint Kit'.

Being money conscious is something that we all need to be aware of, particularly in these difficult times; so why not encourage the younger generation to do a bit of saving of their own by investing in a fabulous money box gift? 'The Farm' Personalised Money Box makes a stunning hand-painted ornament by itself, and the sound of that cash rolling around inside will only encourage the kids to save more. The 'Mini Engraved Money Box; and the 'Little Feet Piggy Bank-Blue' are just as pretty as they are practical, but don't presume that piggy bank gifts are exclusively for children as there are a number of designs that will encourage the grown ups to put some cash aside too – the 'Beer Fund Money Box' and the 'Handbag Fund Money Box' are just a little reminder of how our some of our favourite pastimes and hobbies may need a little more planning in future. 

It seems almost impossible to turn on the television these days without someone reminding us that the economy has been in terrible times before and that the best way to survive, is to become more self-sufficient. The increase in sales of sewing machines is perhaps one example of how people intend to revive that great 'Make do and Mend' wartime expression. With the likes of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay telling us that organic food is always better, perhaps now is the time to take the lead from Tom and Barbara Good and learn to relish the real joys of growing our own food. For some true organic produce, why not encourage your loved ones to get back in the garden with some gardening gifts such as the 'Antique Apple Crate Planter'? Even those without the land to grow their own can enjoy their own produce thanks to the 'Pocket Garden' range. For less than five pounds a packet, they'll soon see their own organic basil, organic herbs and even their own 'hot stuff chilli'. Hopefully it won't be long before they're offering to cook for you too – so consider it a personal investment – money well spent indeed!

Related article: A Gift is for Life, not just for Christmas (Gifts)