In anticipation of the T-shirt, the novelty rucksack and the book on how to cope with being dumped (that was sooo last year) that you'll inevitably receive, here are some ideas on how to recycle your gifts and get the presents you'd really like.

If you're looking to palm off your gifts online you don't have to just plump for eBay (because that's what everyone else will be doing, right? Supply and demand dearest, supply and demand). WhatsMineIsYours.com is a nifty site that lets you play swapsies with strangers and Sellstuffeasy.com speaks for itself, we think.

Shops-wise my personal favourite is the Music and Video Exchange concept based in Notting Hill.

This cluster of stores has dedicated outlets selling second hand music, films, computer games, men's and women's clothing, accessories, homewares, objects of desire, books... Well, everything you can think of, really.

Just pack a suitcase or two, wait for the sales girl to fix you a withering look as she sorts the Missoni from the Moss Bros and pocket the money there and then. Or opt for vouchers instead to double your money.

Ahhh, now that's the spirit of Christmas.