Every now and then (usually when you’re down to your last penny), some so-called friend will decide to have a birthday and expect to be bestowed with lavish gifts.

Okay, so if you’re all students you know that your mates can barely afford the wrapping paper, let alone anything to put in it. So improvise a bit – don’t be ashamed to get them something in the sales (it’ll probably be nicer than anything you could afford at full price) or to club together with a few friends to get them something they’d really like.

Think outside the box (or at least outside the wrapping paper) – why not get a group together to see a play, go out for a nice meal or try something a bit different like paintballing or ice-skating. All chip in a bit extra to cover the costs of the birthday boy or girl so everyone gets a treat and, hopefully, something nice to remember.

When it comes to family birthdays and anniversaries and Christmas, you’ll probably have to use your common sense and maybe a little bit of artistic license to come up with a novel gift idea.

It’s not as if Christmas should come as a surprise. Apart from falling on the same date every year, you may find subtle hints of its approach in shop windows and TV trailers from late September onwards.

Even with a big and demanding family, you should be able to plan and limit the expenditure and the good news is that however many presents you have to give, you’ll probably get about the same number back. Make this work for you by putting out the word about what you want good and early.

Also, when the January sales come around, seize the opportunity to buy some reduced Christmas cards and half-price pressies.

Better still, make your own cards – the ones in the shops aren’t cheap considering they’re just bits of folded card. Making your own will give it that special ‘individual’ touch, even if you don’t have a single creative bone in your body.

After all, it’s the thought that counts. Although Push has always found that even believers of telepathy struggle to accept someone just thinking about buying a present. Nevertheless, if you can find something really thoughtful for a few pounds, it’ll often go down better than something impersonal for a lot more.

Oh, and don’t forget birthdays. A card on the right day is worth more than a hurriedly bought present three weeks late.

• Costs you might forget about
• Dosh drains

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