Christmas all wrapped up.

With less than six weeks to go, many of you may be wondering what gifts to buy for your friends and family this Christmas. Our current times of economic uncertainty make this perhaps a more difficult task than in previous years.

With not as much money freely available to spend this holiday season, budgets may be tighter. There is the worry that we might not be able to give the gifts that people really want or appreciate. What can be done this year to make this holiday season be just as festive and happy as other years? Not only do we have to think about gifts for others people this Christmas but also what others can give us this Christmas?

Let's start by looking back at last Christmas. Can you remember all the presents you received? How many of them did you really want? Or, more importantly, how many of them did you really need? Do you still use or wear any of them and are there any you have simply never used? Perhaps there are some that are still in their boxes.

As I was considering what I wanted this Christmas - I realized I needed very little but wanted lots (I had forgotten how easy and fun it is to create a shopping list) - so the hunt began into alternative gifts.

Here are some alternative ideas:

1. Let people know what you really need. This avoids unwanted gifts. If you don't know what to give, then what about gift vouchers? Choosing is such fun! Why not give them a voucher towards coaching sessions or one of our courses?

2. The priceless gift to a loved one: 'a promise' e.g. to do the washing up for a week or a year!

3. Adopt and thereby support a wild animal through WWF. Dolphins and many other wild animals are available. They come with great giftboxes.

4. Your very own tree: www.forests4life.com/gifts.htm

5. Sponsor a child: www.actionaid.org.uk

6. Gift Membership (eg RSPB)

7. A consumable gift to be used locally: e.g. a manicure, pedicure, a facial, a cinema ticket or a meditation CD

8. Select a gift from World Vision's 'The Alternative Gift Catalogue' or Oxfam's 'Unwrapped' catalogue. Buy a flock of sheep or a herd of goats for an African community.

9. Buying a for a child laptop? How about buy one give one free? With One Laptop per Child. Click here

Why give a laptop to a child in the emerging world? If you replace the word "laptop" with "education" the answer becomes clear. You don't wait to educate until all other challenges are resolved. You educate at the same time because it's such an important part of all the other solutions.

The XO laptop was designed especially for children. So no matter who they are or where they live, this computer has the perfect features and software to get them excited about learning. Just imagine how the world would change if every child had the tools to unleash their full potential.

Amazon UK

While the holidays are here for a short time, the gifts you give to your friends and relatives can positively impact their lives in years to come. Money is great, but knowledge is better. Think about the recipient of your gift, and choose the right gift to enhance his/her life.