The recession and alleged national austerity drive, need not mean a giftless festive season. Times like these call for us to be inventive and creative.



While eBay has all sorts of magical offerings, the risks we take are sometimes unjustifiable and we can usually get the perfect gift at below budget prices, if we just shop around a little. We also forget that sometimes it's the small gifts that go a long way to pleasing the receiver. My son once gave me this most hideous looking clown, but the gift was so special I cannot part with it. He won it at a fair and it was the only thing he could muster for my birthday (He was six years old), but he wrapped it up in carefully sourced wrapping and made a beautiful card to go with it. Despite its appearance, I will NEVER part with it. It's an affirmation of our relationship and how much we love each other. To me its no longer a hideous clown, but a symbol of what makes being a parent so special.


Again I digress..... change in financial circumstances, dictates change in shopping and spending habits and rather than just spending less at the same old same old, if we look carefully, we can spend less for more. I tend to support the smaller business for all sorts of reasons and if you want to know why its a good idea go here


Often we'll pay the same at a small online specialist that the high street, but my experience dictates that the personal service is so much better.This is particularly true of clothing, jewellery and toys, but applies to almost anything. On the other hand there is very little that you cannot purchase from Amazon and their logistics is so excellent I've only ever had a parcel go astray once - and I use them a lot.


Getting him the special gift that doesn't break the bank


So when getting him a gift that's special but doesn't break the bank, set aside the socks and aftershave and think a little further. Does he like to read? what about music? Everyone owns a mobile phone, but it's the accessories that make people feel they have kudos nowadays.


I have a few ideas about shopping for him, but feel free to ask for shopping resources and I'll do best to find you the places to go.


We have something different for everyone, so take the challenge search in the box for anything from jeans to ipads and look for the vouchers and great deals just waiting for you out there.