| During this economic down turn, it's fair to say, | | | | her and her family- a really personal gift which in |
| most of us are cutting down on our spending, | | | | fact made her cry. Here are some of my |
| whether it be spending nights in rather than nights | | | | suggested gift ideas if you are sharing the cost |
| out, or deciding not to buy those fabulous new | | | | with others: |
| pair of shoes. When it comes to buying a gift for | | | | Personalised Poem and Photo Montage Canvas- |
| a loved one, I would suggest that applying this | | | | this really special gift is made up of a canvas of |
| may seem quite difficult, because of the fear of | | | | your photos and a bespoke poem written by a |
| being called 'stingy'. | | | | professional poet. It is an ideal for anniversaries |
| However, giving a special gift doesn't have to cost | | | | and milestone birthdays. |
| the earth. Here are my top tips. | | | | Engraved Crystal Cut Glassware- with a choice of |
| Set a budget and stick to it- whatever your | | | | wine, champagne and brandy glasses, this |
| budget and however much you want to spend, | | | | beautifully presented gift can be engraved with |
| the key here is to do some searching to filter | | | | your own message. |
| down gifts which are within what you are able to | | | | Day at a Professional Recording Studio- a |
| spend. For example, if you have a favourite online | | | | somewhat unconventional gift, this allows the |
| gift shop, the chances are the website will allow | | | | recipient a have a day of fun singing and recording |
| you to find gifts which are within a prince range. | | | | in a professional recording studio. Individual or |
| Another way would be to type in a price range | | | | group bookings can be made via a purchase of a |
| related search term on your search engine, eg | | | | voucher. |
| gifts under £10. You'll find an array of | | | | Make the gift yourself- if you really want to save |
| shops selling things from practical USB gadgets, | | | | on costs and have a little bit of creative flare, |
| spa lights to rather funny gifts. Here are my | | | | making your gift can be a very lovely way of |
| suggested gifts under £10: | | | | giving something a little special, as it's extremely |
| USB Vacuum Cleaner- suitable for men and | | | | personal and the recipient will know you put |
| women, this practical gadget is not just useful, but | | | | thought and real effort behind it. You'll be |
| at less than £10, it certainly won't put a big | | | | surprised at some of the things that could easily |
| hole in your pocket. | | | | be made even for those who have never done it |
| Bath Pearl Lights- for those women who love to | | | | before. For example, why not make your own |
| soak and relax in the bath, these colour changing | | | | birthday card? There are plenty of shops where |
| spa lights are perfect. | | | | you can source card stock, embellishments and |
| Gentlemen's Ballscratcher- although probably not a | | | | decorations. A great resource to show you how |
| practical gift, for anyone who wants to cause | | | | to make things are video websites. Having |
| some laughter, this really will make him laugh! It is | | | | searched 'how to make a photo frame', a vast |
| made of quality silver and shaped as a delicate | | | | range of videos appeared which gives you step |
| female hand and comes in a beautiful metal case. | | | | by step visual instructions. Some other ideas I |
| Buy a gift with other members- I believe the | | | | found: |
| term for this is 'clubbing in'. This way, you will be | | | | - Make your own collage picture frame. |
| able to buy a more expensive gift between you. | | | | - Make your own paper flower bouquet. |
| For example, my siblings and I recently purchased | | | | - Make your own drop charm necklace. |
| my aunt a large personalised photo montage | | | | I hope my suggestions above have helped you to |
| which cost £94, so divided between us, | | | | find ways of cuttings costs, but not value when it |
| individually it cost us just £15 each. The gift | | | | comes to giving a gift. |
| itself is was a canvas print of various photos of | | | | |