Gift ideas to suit every budget ... and tips for not spending too much

It’s still November, but the best bargains for Christmas are bought early. A very organised Carol O’Callaghan has gift ideas to suit every budget

ARE you daunted by the search for perfect Christmas gifts? Getting it wrong can leave you and the recipient feeling awkward, but getting it right can be a great feeling for both of you, and it doesn’t have to involve a huge spend.

In fact a great deal can be achieved for under €50 and even under €10 for that matter.

It’s easy to be lured into making hasty and expensive purchases just to get the stressful business out of the way, but if you do you’ll be sorry when the credit card arrives in January. Wallet-friendly purchases can be appreciated as much as the big spends.

The internet is a good place to start. There’s still time to shop online but don’t leave it too late or stocks may be depleted. If you prefer to shop in the traditional way and don’t mind the legwork, decide more or less the type of gifts you want to buy before you plunder your nearest shopping centre. It will make the whole process easier and you’ll know exactly the financial commitment you’re making before you leave home.

Any self-possessed child of your acquaintance will be conversant with the contents of every toy shop catalogue by now and will have despatched their list to Santa Claus. Ask their parents if there is something on that list you could buy, bearing your budget in mind. It will help you and also a parent who is stressing about meeting the demands of that list.

For adults, consider their hobbies.

Are they keep-fit enthusiasts, foodies, or great readers? Is there a domestic goddess in your circle who would welcome the latest cookbook, some glasses, candles or a crafted object? Best avoid kitchenware unless it’s specifically requested as it stirs up notions of hard work. But do consider a luxury food item like champagne or smoked salmon which will come in well under €50. Each is special and can be a welcome addition to the Christmas larder and drinks’ cabinet.

For a family, what about the traditional gift of a trip to the pantomime? Cork Opera House is staging The Sleeping Beauty with tickets starting at €26, or a family ticket (for four) costing €100. Tickets for Red Riding Hood at The Everyman Palace start at €23 with the family ticket costing €80.

For those who have everything, consider an ethical gift — starting at under €10, you can purchase anything from a pig or a goat, to a daily breakfast for a child at Oxfam shops or at www.oxfamireland.org, and also at www.concerngifts.org

TOP TIPS TO AVOID SPENDING TOO MUCH

* Research shops on the internet, decide what you’re buying and stick to it.

* Plan the route you will take from shop to shop so you won’t be distracted and lured into making other and more expensive purchases.

* Buy a group gift like a board game, or a complicated jigsaw for a family rather than individual gifts.

* Leave the credit card at home and use cash or a debit card, preferably the former if the big spender in you is not yet in full remission.

* Finally, treat yourself to a coffee and cup cake break mid-way, or even indulge in a glass of wine at the end of the shopping expedition. Having something to look forward to makes the whole process much easier.