Christmas gift guide

Sterling tumbled to a record low against the euro and to its weakest level against the dollar for over two years after Alistair Darling's weekend comments about the economy facing its biggest challenge for 60 years Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Who wouldn't want to receive a nice crisp £10? It's the ideal gift for young relatives you don't see that much but want to impress, or older relatives you're not that keen on. Cost: £10-£11.85, depending on which ATM you use Photograph: Guardian

The £1 coin - not so much a main gift as a stocking filler - unless, of course, you can afford to give a stocking full of them. Available in 14 designs, including the new-for-this year Gateshead Millennium Bridge styling, so you can tailor your gift to the recipient, or get them started on the whole collection Photograph: Linda Nylind/Guardian

The lowest percentage of people since 1999 are happy with Threadneedle Street's handling of inflation. Read the article Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Euros - a great gift for younger relatives who think nothing of hopping on an easyJet flight and spending a long weekend on the continent. You'll look like you've made a bit of an effort, but at the same time be able to get away with giving less by pretending the exchange rate must have dropped since you sealed the card Photograph: Joerg Sarbach/AP

Looking for a quirky way to wrap small gifts? A dollar bill, or greenback as our American cousins are want to call it, conjures up the glamour of LA and Hollywood, while being flexible, hard wearing and reusable - and all at a cost of less than 50p. Available from banks, friends just back from holidays, and some ATMs in London Photograph: David Sillitoe/Guardian