A global crafty Christmas to you

This sculpted tree can be seen in Yeovil, in the UK.

'Tis the season to count the pennies, and the BBC has been asking its global audience to share their Christmas gift ideas.

People from around the world have been emailing us and joining us on social networking sites to tell us about their ideas for innovative Christmas gifts.

See the tips from our BBC News website readers in the UK

YOUR IDEAS IN ONLY 12 SECONDS

Tips for a cheaper Christmas

Users of the video website 12seconds replied to our challenge: Money is tight. Will you be a "creative" gift giver?

See the ideas they came up with to have a cheaper Christmas and how they managed to say it in only 12 seconds.

CHRISTMAS TIPS

BBC viewers share their gift ideas

BBC viewers from around the world have also been sharing Christmas gift tips with us on the social networking site, Seesmic.

Here, Freida from California, Cathy in Texas and Brian from Pennsylvania take us through their hints for creating the perfect DIY Christmas without breaking the bank.

OTHER TIPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

I have been putting money aside all year for Christmas, so it's not breaking the bank. That said, my list has way too many people on it, and next year I'm going to suggest to my siblings that we don't bother sending each other gifts. I would honestly prefer not to get a gift at all than get a homemade one - the suggestions I have seen in magazines are all for things I would have no interest in - send me a letter instead, even a generic one.
Rachel, Kentucky, US

But if you can knit or remember how to sew, make things. Or make promises of lending a helping hand. If you are fortunate enough to have a charity store nearby shop there.
Mary Gravitt, Iowa, US

I do not believe in an expensive Christmas anyway, if credit crunch or boom - nothing too commercialised. We have made a game as a present called "Concentrate" or "Memory" out of private photographs. We make our own cards. I used to buy lots, now I write more meaningful cards to the important people. I believe in walks over the holidays, inexpensive trips. It is better to eat less, good Christmas food - just less. Decorate with natural things like branches from the garden. Give time!
Annette Strauch, Germany