Keep your Wallet as Fat as the Goose this Christmas

Keep your wallet as fat as the goose this Christmas with our money saving present ideas

Christmas is fast approaching; the geese are getting fat... our thoughts turn to presents... Arrrgghh where to begin??!

As we all know Christmas can be hard on a tight budget and trying to find the right gift can be a headache and a large expense.

Hampers are a good way of tailoring the gift to the individual without breaking the bank. Especially if you plan them around supermarket BOGOF ( buy one get one free) offers, you get two presents for the price of one.

We have put together some ideas below - but you can be as creative as you like!! Share your ideas with us via the forum.

A selection of speciality coffees with a personal coffee cup
Teacup with a selection of herbal teas for the hippy chick
A selection of special sparkling ciders (try saying that after a couple)
Basket filled with deli cheese and homemade chutney for uncle Dave
Homemade bread in a pretty basket filled with special jams - ideal for Gran
An assortment of chocolate bars tied with a ribbon for the chocoholic
Packets of muffin mixes with chocolate chips and a muffin baking tray
A basket filled with a bottle of wine and glasses for the connoisseur
Deck of cards and magic book to keep the family entertained on Boxing day
Gel pens and pretty stationery
Decorative napkins and napkin rings
Decorative glass filled with sweets
Nail manicure set
Pretty box for keepsakes
Special soaps
Make up gift set
Car polishing set for dad
Herbs and Spices for the master chef
Homemade sauces and chutneys
Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns or - not for the faint hearted, you could include some hot chilli oils!

It you are a little artier, try something more creative. Be careful though, because if you’re no Van Gogh or Jamie Oliver it could go horribly wrong and turn into a primary school project!

Craft supplies
Photo album, hand decorated is even better
Favourite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief
Baking cookies
Picture frames with that favourite photo
Make your own Christmas tipple - Wines, Beers or Cider

If none of the above hit the spot don’t forget there are always the good old vouchers, this time with a twist

Cinema and theatre vouchers
Magazine subscription
Family Vouchers - for example you could design and make a voucher exchangable for babysitting, dog walking, gardening
i-tunes Voucher
High street store vouchers