It's the thought that counts: gifts out of the box

With only 34 sleeps until Christmas, our thoughts are turning towards ways of easing the financial pressure over the holiday period. What about gifts that cost little - except time and planning? Here are some ideas.

Canny Scot from Christchurch says: "Last year I made pickles and chutney and made nice home-made labels for them on my computer. I wrapped each jar in a bright red or green new tea towel and tied them with ribbon. My friends seemed well pleased with them and if you make a few extra they come in handy for gifts for people who visit around Christmas (recycle the jars, of course). These can be made in advance and take a lot of stress out of Xmas."

M.G. from Hastings says: "Our wider family got together and decided to limit Christmas gifts to a few dollars a person. That way, nobody is too disappointed when they don't get anything flash. So what can you give for a few dollars? Photos with a message printed across them, from digital machines; photo frames, bought or home-made; plants grown from seed or cuttings; and home-made biscuits, cakes, drinks, etc."

Check out the number of credits you have on your reward cards, like Fly Buys. Redeem your points for product or vouchers and use them as gifts. This is a great way to save cash and for some, it's like being a member of a Christmas Club.

Give a tree. There are many gardens with self-sown native trees that can be replanted without difficulty.

Present one in a special pot and you have a gift that is great for the environment and can be enjoyed for years.

Or what about giving a sunflower plant? Kids love them and it's a real treat to see them grow into huge, happy flowers. When they die off, the seeds in the flower head can be used for snacks or placed in a bird-feeder to attract all sorts of bird life.

Have a "make or bake Christmas" - exchange only gifts that have been made or baked by the giver.

Start making presents now - a piece of pottery, a painting, a calendar featuring family photos, or a family recipe book.

Have a kids-only Christmas. One reader says that this year the extended family have agreed to only give presents to kids.

Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Readers can submit their oily rag tips online at www.oilyrag.co.nz