Hello Donna,

I'm having trouble with Christmas gift ideas. I want to give my best friend something unique for her house. She's really in to interior design. The house is fairly new and really nicely decorated. What's 'in' this season but not massively expensive!

Thank you!
Jo

Our Homes And Property Expert replies:

Hi Jo,

The best way to make sure your gift is truly unique is to actually create something yourself. I'm not talking about you throwing together a piece of corny craftwork or pitiful pottery. A fantastic way to create a one-off piece of art is to choose a treasured photo and have it blown up either onto stretched canvas or onto photographic paper that you can then frame. You could either pick an evocative landscape or flower image or choose a beautiful black and white portrait shot of your friend's children or pet. Take a look at Snappy Snaps website for a host of ways to create your own photographic art.

Alternatively, there are a few inspiring gift collections that won't break the bank and include some pretty impressive designs to appeal to all tastes. Woolworth's is better-known for its pick-and-mix and music collections, but delve a little deeper and you'll find lots of interiors stunners at rock bottom prices that I honestly believe rival some high-end designer collections. Take a look at this elegant smoky glassware (see image). You'd never guess that the large denim globe glass vase is £8.99, the blue swirl globe design is £5.99 and the mini perfume bottle vase is just £3.99, all from Woolworths, (01706) 862 789.

If your friend is a fan of exquisite glamour, check out the Plumo website where you'll find such gems as boudoir style velvet cushions adorned with a green or pink bow for £24; embroidered brocade cushions from £45; Mohair and suede cushions, £59; and Venetian-style wine goblets in durable plastic, £49 for six. For more retro tastes, take a look at Baileys By Mail - a fantastic emporium of all things vintage and reclaimed. Highlights include tin trunks in various sizes, from £40; a Fifties anglepoise lamp, £185; retro Murano-style glass vases, from £14; Fifties print cushions, £36 each; and Forties and Fifties mirrors, from £35.

Have fun!

Donna