DIY Christmas gift ideas

More than half of Brits would consider giving their loved ones a DIY present for Christmas this year, such as handmade clothes, arts and crafts, or even homemade cakes and chocolates, according to research by Principality Building Society.

Thankfully only one in five people said they would even consider giving a ‘second-hand' gift found in a car boot sale, jumble sale or charity shop - although a sneaky 29% said they would give a second hand item as a present if they believed the recipient would not notice!

However, an antique or a valuable collectible, such as a book or memorabilia, would be acceptable as 75% of people surveyed by Principality said they would give such a gift.

54% of people would give something they had made, such as a piece of art or craft, or an item of clothing they had sewn or knitted

50% said they would consider giving something they had cooked, such as a cake or chocolates

36% would consider giving a charity donation or gift for Christmas, such as donating a goat via Oxfam or adopting an animal through the WWF

14% of people said they would do a favour or a chore, such as doing the ironing or babysitting, as a Christmas gift

20% of people who would consider giving a second-hand present

James Wright, Marketing Director at Principality Building Society, said: "It looks like people want to treat themselves and their loved ones this Christmas to banish some of the economic gloom we have felt during the year.

"It's great that people are coming up with innovative gift ideas that will actually help them to save money this Christmas, reducing the likelihood of a financial hangover in January. Christmas is traditionally a time for giving, but it doesn't have to cost the earth - presents of homemade cakes and chocolates are a lot more personal than socks or aftershave - and who wouldn't love the gift of having their ironing done for a month!"

If you're struggling for gift ideas, Principality has compiled a top ten list of inspired presents, from charitable causes through to DIY stocking fillers:

Be good this Christmas: With Oxfam you can give a goat for £25 or safe drinking water for less than a tenner. Visit oxfamunwrapped.com for more info

Dreaming of a Green Christmas?: Green gifts galore from water powered clocks to drinking glasses made from recycled beer bottles at thegreenstoreonline.co.uk  

Tasty treats: Tons of free recipes for Christmas themed chocolates, such as festive truffles, at inspired-by-chocolate-and-cakes.com/christmas-chocolate.html  

Get knitted: If you're hankering for a Christmas bobble hat or a woollen  angel for your tree, check out the patterns at knittingonthenet.com/holxmas.htm  

Here's one I made earlier: Novelty snowmen, table decorations, Christmas wreaths and more from a range of free DIY guides at allfreecrafts.com/christmas/  

Bag a bargain: Better than a car boot sale, auction site ebay.co.uk currently has a section devoted to Christmas deals for him, for her and for the kids