In times like these, it is best to revert to the time-old cliché: ‘it’s the thought that counts’. Thankfully, most credit-crunch gift ideas are very high on the ‘thought’ quota that they compensate for falling short on other areas, such as desirability and return policy.

Seriously, there are lots of lovely things that we can make for our friends that require a minimal outlay. On the sewing front, rejoice that shabby chic is still popular! Retro dachshund draught excluders, aprons and tea cosies are charming for country cottage interiors – just look at Cath Kidston for inspiration. On the knitting front, Chloe’s winter accessories affirm the chunky scarf’s longevity – at least for another winter. And if your talents lie more in the kitchen, home made jam, fudge and truffles make excellent little presents, especially in our organic, farm-shop obsessed society.

If your creativity is limited and you have children, you have an ‘out’. Anything that turns out badly can always be passed off onto your progeny. ‘Look darling, little Archie has made you some deformed gingerbread men. Aren’t they lovely?!’ It’s best to leave before the answer is given.

For those who can’t bear the thought of crafting and have no children to carry the can, keep an eye out for lovely antique and vintage pieces at car boot sales, jumble sales and my beloved eBay. If you can’t spend as much, it’s good to buy something unique and something that the recipient can’t immediately price. The other strategy is to be organised. I do admire people who have completed their Christmas shopping by October; especially if that means that they have cannily bought it all from sales.

For all gifts, beautiful wrapping provides a little je ne sais quoi. Old fashioned brown paper, luggage labels and string can be customised with gold sprayed holly, origami animals or roses from the garden. For more ideas, look at the queen of craft’s website: www.marthastewart.com.

Finally, nothing makes your sentiments clearer than a lovely handwritten card. I confess that this is a shameless plug for www.paperlilystationery.com but isn’t it lovely when you see that personal envelope sticking out from the daily stack of bills and mailshots? Like fresh snow and the first scent of a newly mowed lawn, it creates a sense of innocent delight – a welcome ‘time out’ from our frenetic and digitised lifestyles. And did you know that if you buy a set of stunningly engraved personal stationery, it works out so much cheaper than buying individual greetings cards? OK, I’ll stop now…