WITH everyone watching their purse strings and shoppers being a lot more selective over the Christmas presents they are buying, the key seems to be this year to buy token gifts.

So rather than the last minute panic as you dash around the shops trying to find that perfect something for your special someone, this Christmas is going to be more about being savvy about your purchase, waiting for some sales and buying it all a little bit earlier than usual.

Some top tips for getting the most out of your money and show that it’s the thought that counts is to try to create a big impact with your chosen present but make sure you stick to your budget for each person.

Another really good idea is to look for fun, novelty items, which should not be too expensive but also fun.

Or why not try wrapping your presents up in an unusual way and glam it up with some glitter and ribbon to make it look special.

For the kid in you, you could try creating a hamper or stocking filled with smaller gifts you know they will love but won’t cost the earth, or just buy them one fashionable item which will help them make their outfit special and unique.

Here’s a selection of what’s on offer in Worcester to help you stick to a budget with your Christmas purchases.

Store will hold special evening to treat men

MEN in Worcester are in for a treat at a special evening created for them this month.

From 6pm until 9pm on Wednesday, December 10, at the House of Fraser in CrownGate, the menswear section of the store will be transformed into a James Bond-style casino and visitors can enjoy food and drinktasting supported by the Slug and Lettuce. There will also be a fashion show of the store’s lingerie selection and those who buy gifts on the night can have them expertly gift-wrapped.

Clementina Fraser, House of Fraser store manager, said: “As well as entertainment and refreshments men can do Christmas shopping without their other halves and even have it wrapped up ready to put under the tree – what could be easier.”

Entry is free. For more information, call the store on 01905 723456.

Guide has got everything to design website

CALLING all budding website designers, this is the perfect way to set up a site with minimum hassle.

The Mr Site’s Takeaway Website is perfect for anyone who can switch on a PC and is looking for creative ways to earn money during the credit crunch.

Beginner gives users everything they need to set up a professionally designed dot com website with their own online shop. It doesn’t matter if you want to set up a website for a business, a band, a charity or simply for a personal online profile, anyone can create it using Mr Site’s Takeaway Website.

For details contact 0870 8031495 or visit mrsite.com.

Handy little gadget will get you home safely during dark nights

WITH the party season upon us and the evenings getting darker, it’s important you look after yourself to get home safely after a night out.

The Ila DUSK is a new, revolutionary personal safety alarm that gives you your voice back as research has shown that when you are in a vulnerable situation the adrenalin in your body can cause you to lose your voice.

So this handy little gadget gives women their voice back by emitting a powerful, high decibel piercing female scream, giving you precious seconds to get away.

It comes in a range of nice designs and is small enough to attach to your key chain.

Ila Dusk costs £19.50 from Marks and Spencer stores and is available online at marksandspencer.com

What we’re lovin’

1. Stocking fillers

2. Cool gadgets

3. Wrapping up warm

4. Santa’s grott

5. Getting home safely

What we’re hating

1. Holes in our stocking

2. No batteries for the new gadget

3. Cold outsid

4. Grotty present

5. Getting home slowly