Giving gifts is fun. What could be more supremely satisfying than seeing the look of delight on the face of a friend or loved one as they receive a gift from you that turns out to be something that suits them and their personality perfectly? There is one thing. All that, plus knowing you paid a pittance for the aforementioned gift. Not that you’re cheap, but possibly you just have a great many friends and loved ones. Or possibly, you just know that everything isn’t all about money, and have decided to shop smarter rather than applying the brute force of cold hard cash to your gift giving.

There are several things to bear in mind when shopping for a cheap gift. Firstly, don’t purchase it anywhere the recipient is likely to shop. That should be common sense, but it’s easy to forget in the heat of gift shopping. This is especially important when the gifts are inexpensive. It would be exactly as if you left the price on the gift.

If you are giving cheap gifts whether by necessity or choice, it’s the thought that counts. That said, you couldn’t afford to appear as if you’ve not put much thought into it. You may want to use the Net. Say your budget is £15. Chances are not only will you and the recipient not cross paths, and you can stretch your £15 further. Less cash inevitably means more effort, or at least it should. Your cheap gift needn’t look cheap if you shop around carefully enough to get something that suits the recipient just so.

There are a number of approaches to cheap gifts, some of which you might never have considered to look for. Consider handmade jewellery. It’s potentially quite satisfying and silver in particular is remarkably cheap. You can find designs on the Net that she’ll never stumble upon on High Street.

Odd little baubles that no one really needs, but everyone finds spiffy when they’re suited to their personality, are an excellent option. Consider something the recipient doesn’t really need, and wouldn’t ever buy, but would really find satisfying. Those little dangly things that attach to mobile phones are an excellent example. Chances are you’ll find something—her favourite cartoon character, his favourite footy team—that reflects their preferences or personality.

Gadgets and gizmos may be a good option. The key here lies in choosing something tailored to your recipient and not to your own needs and wants. Gadgets aren’t necessarily only for the male of the species—a great many girls would be delighted with a spiffy USB storage key ring, of the type that look like jewellery.

Wrap the gift carefully and thoughtfully. Whether it is a book, a stuffed animal, a bauble or a gadget, a thoughtful and interesting approach to wrapping the gift will cost you little and sound grace notes upon being given. Importantly, don’t apologize or mention the gift’s cost or act sheepish. Give with confidence! After all, you chose for the recipient only, and you chose thoughtfully and well.