Many of us will be pinching pennies again this year, but there's no need for you to play Scroogey Grinch Pants in the Christmas panto. Check out my eco-friendly (and often economical) gift ideas in this month's Favourite Find section. One tasty idea: bake your own, but don't bother unless you're making double batches – once you smell them baking, you'll simply have to sample a few (call it 'quality control'; the pre-Christmas crunch is no time for self-denial). I'm making my Dad's famous ginger snaps again this year. Get in touch if you want the recipe, but be warned: they're shockingly moreish (better make that a triple batch).

Another tip: support UK craftspeople by shopping at Christmas markets. I'll be at the Pullens Yards open days this Saturday and Sunday. The cobbled streets of Iliffe Yard, Peacock Yard and Clements Yard are home to a collection of fabulous artists and craftspeople (and the odd copywriter...). It's the perfect place to pick up beautifully crafted gifts: colourful cups and saucers from potter Viktoria Redman, a gorgeous wrap or skirt from Linda Brooker of L'Atelier de Couture, unique jewellery, distinctive photographs and more (you can even buy a hand-crafted lute!).

 

I'll also be heading to Hidden Art Open Studios this weekend, to see amazing artists including Madeleine Boulesteix with her one-of-a-kind chandeliers. We're market-obsessed this year, even catching the Eurostar to Antwerp mid-December for the Christmas markets there. Can I make it through December without hitting the high street? Fingers crossed...

 

And if anyone's remotely interested, what I really want for Christmas this year is this 'make tea not war' wall hanging from HunkyDory Home to hang in my office. If it's not under the tree, I'm buying it for myself come January.