There are many items that a child or young adult will add to their birthday or Christmas list which are simply out of their parents price range such as a laptop , MP3 player or motorbike and it upsets many mums and dads when they are unable to afford them.

One idea, particularly if you come from a large family with many aunties and uncles, is to consider giving the child a joint present from several family members and this can work very well. This means that several family members would contribute Birthday or Christmas money, or even vouchers, towards the one item that the child or teenager is simply desperate for.

The upside to this is obvious, as the recipient gets what they truly desire. The downside though is that the mum or dad organising it with relatives has to be careful not to make the giver feel that they are under any pressure to participate and they should certainly not suggest how much to contribute.

Many people are not comfortable with people knowing how much they spend on gifts and they may feel that this pre-emptive way of giving a gift is a little too presumptuous and mercenary.

However, organised in the right way and with the right spirit, this can be a very good way of kids and young adults receiving what they really want or need.