Credit Crunch, Credit Freeze, Financial Crisis. Call it what you, like but we all are feeling the pinch and empty pockets can put the scuppers on romance. However, broke or not, there will still be occasions when you'll need to buy a gift for your current beau.

I'm thinking that Charity Shopping could be the answer. Not only is it cheaper than the high street but also environmentally friendly. We all know the Green mantra 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle', and charity shopping ticks the boxes on all levels.

Charity Shopping doesn't have to mean musty dark shops selling acres of polyester and octogenarian shop staff on day release from the local pensioners club.
Here's my guide to charity gift shopping in style:

Oxfam

Celeb stylist Mrs Jones, who has worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Goldfrapp and The Killers, has been working together to reinvent the Camden branch of Oxfam. Their aim was to create a charity store which is the ultimate fashion resource destination for independent style seekers. Oxfam DIY Store is located at 89 Camden High Street, London, NW1. You can also shop online at www.oxfam.org.uk.

eBay

Online auction sites are another great way to step into the world of second hand gift buying. The most famous of which is www.ebay.com, developed in 1985, eBay has become the world's largest marketplace. You can find practically anything and if you pay by PayPal account you have full protection on your purchases.

As well as 2nd hand items there are also brand new bargains to be found if you're adverse to the idea of giving a pre-owned gift. With over 17 million listings on the companies UK site, you're bound to find something for your chick.

The Clothes Agency

One person who knows the effects of the credit crunch is Lady Sara Apsley; she was forced to close her designer dress agency in Gloucestershire. She started a website for selling pre-owned designer clothing - the site now has 100,000 members. A high end alternative to eBay, you can visit the site at www.clothesagency.com. As on eBay, you can pay by PayPal, thereby protecting all your purchases.

My tip for online auction sites such as eBay and The Clothes Agency is to set your limit and stick to it - don't get carried away in your effort to outdo another bidder. You're supposed to be saving money. Remember?

Written by Donna@crumbsformen.com