Too many times we are secretly strapped for cash but feel we need to save face in front of Joe Public. By the end of the year all of the toys and gadgets have lost their initial appeal/excitement and we’re left with “maxed out” credit cards.

They say that insanity is when you do the same thing over and over again expecting different results. This year, prepare yourself to do something different. Break the cycle of debt, get your family on board and create some new stress-free traditions that don’t break the bank. Here are a few inexpensive gift giving ideas for Christmas.

Give token gifts to children from children. Allow the children to buy gifts for each other with a $10 limit. Most kids are excited just to know that they are receiving anything wrapped.

If everyone is participating, then $10 becomes the expected norm. The problem arises when everyone doesn’t buy into the programme - and your child gives the $10 gift and their cousin gives a $60 gift. There’s just no need. Gifts are merely a token to say, “I wanted you to know that I’m thinking about you.”

Let’s stop the madness and save. Get the kids involved. Have your children design and decorate their own Christmas cards and include handmade vouchers donating their services to wash their grandparents’ cars or iron shirts and polish shoes. How many grandparents do you know who would turn that down?

Make use of your hobbies - I have a friend who as an amateur photographer would take photos of loved ones and make beautiful collages to present as gifts. Another sculpted one of a kind angel decorations from clay.

Another idea is participating in family gift exchanges. If you usually celebrate the holidays with your extended family, instead of buying gifts for everyone, draw names and stick to a budget within your financial comfort zone.

Giving a gift of your talents is another creative idea. Last year a member of my book club astonished everyone by making several gifts - knitting ponchos, crocheting scarves, sewing lingerie bags, designing purses and making sachets filled with cedar shavings. As recipients, we treasured those gifts. I have another very talented friend who decorates fresh wreaths and crafts gorgeous table topiaries as gifts for the festive season.

ReGift. No one likes to talk about it but let’s face it - although we appreciate the kind gesture, sometimes we are given gifts that either don’t suit our personal style or we can’t use and are unable to exchange. We can either do one of two things - pack it away in some dark corner of the closet and allow it to collect dust or let it be a blessing to someone else who could actually use it.

Single and broke? Give the gift of babysitting services. After watching your friends’ kids for a few hours you’ll see how invaluable and appreciated that gift truly is.

Do you have a knack for organising? Create a gift certificate donating your time and expertise to help someone clear their clutter to make a fresh start to the New Year. Use cuttings from your favourite houseplants and shrubs; repot and fertilise in time for Christmas. Buy some inexpensive craft paint and decorate and personalise the pot.

Make a signature dish and attach a recipe card. For years I have made a variety of Christmas cookies. Another lady makes miniature puddings and attaches the recipe, while another makes a special vegetable dip.

Start a new tradition or revisit an old one. As a child, my parents always filled our stockings and gave us one main gift for Christmas. My brother and I were so excited to wake up on Christmas morning to discover what bounty was contained in our bulging stockings. It was only years later that we realised that other kids received far more extravagant gifts. Fortunately, by that time, it mattered little to us because the stockings were so much fun.

I’ve continued that tradition with my own child. My parents have often told me the story of a large extended family that has colouring book competitions every year and both children and adults compete quite seriously.

Entertain inexpensively. Cut costs for everyone and have a potluck followed by a “trash or treasure” Chinese gift exchange. Another idea that’s always fun is to house hop with a group of friends (be sure to allocate a designated driver): the first stop offers appetisers, the next home will have the main course, and the final destination will serve dessert and beverages.

Should you insist on purchasing a gift for the person who has everything:

[bul]Donate money to a charity in their name/honor.

[bul]To reduce clutter, give gift certificates for services/entertainment they would appreciate such as massages, movie tickets, dinner or brunch, etc.

[bul]Make a themed gift basket e.g. Movie Night - $10 gift certificate for movie rentals, microwave popcorn and some candy.