Well, it's that time of year again! Christmas is on its way and the papers are full of doom and gloom about the worlds financial difficulties and how we're all going to be in mass debt if we are ever able to afford Christmas. The cost of food and fuel has risen so we will all be staying at home for the duration of the season, eating nothing more than roast sprouts. The fuel crisis will see us all sitting around candles trying to sing cheering Christmas songs for entertainment and Tiny Tim has fallen down the well.

Ok, I may be exaggerating here but that is what they would have us believe because nothing sells papers quite so well as bad news.

However, things aren't as bad as the press would have us think. Yes, we may be pulling our belts in somewhat but people are still buying what would have been considered luxuries not so long ago, whether they be in the form of food, clothing, home furnishings and the like. Sales may be slowing but they haven't stopped. So, how can we make Christmas that little bit special when we are needing to watch the pennies a little closer?

Well, the best tip is to buy good quality presents for our loved ones but less of them. This is much better value for money than spending the equivalent on lots of cheap presents that don't last five minutes. Your gift will last for years, bringing the recipient much joy and many happy memories of a good Christmas, the one where Tiny Tim got rescued!

So, what constitutes a good quality gift? One that will be useful and show thoughtfulness. A digital photo frame for example, means that the recipient will be able to display happy memories all year round in style. A good quality digital photo frame won't break the bank but it won't come across as a cheap gift either. Everybody loves a bit of new technology to play with on Christmas day and the digital photo frame is one gift that will fit the bill.

Alternatively, you could give a memory as a gift. A voucher might not sound that exciting but when it covers the expense of a day at Brands Hatch racing track and the chance to drive a Ferrari or Porsche, then that voucher creates an experience that will never be forgotten. There are also trips like balloon rides and local light aircraft flights that can be purchased as gifts. On top of that, all these events create pictures that can be framed indefinitely in a digital photo frame.

Of course, if you're really stuck for gift ideas you could always revert to the trusted slippers and socks but these won't last longer than one season whereas if you give a little time to really thinking about the recipient then coming up with something that will suit their interests shouldn't be too difficult. If you can't come up with anything more inventive, then a digital photo frame is something that can be kept and used now and in the future.

Food and drink are also good gift ideas but the problem is that they don't last. They may well be enjoyed at the time but the memory fades by the next meal and a gift that lasts longer will be much more appreciated.