It somehow feels a bit cheap, in a bad way, to give gifts bought on sale. But, with pre-Christmas markdowns everywhere this year, even if I buy goods at full price, then I'm sure that the recipient will think that I've bought them on sale.

Not that I wouldn't like to save some cash, it's just the "stingy" label that I can live without. So what's a cheapskate, who won't own up to it, to do?

It's simple, really: Just stay away from the high street stores so the receiver has no price references. And aren't we lucky, with all the niche shopping events going on this weekend.

There's Musa Bamba's one-day mercadillo in el Gótico for designer accessories; Changing Room is back at Chic & Basic for its Frio 08 edition with a Sinnamon soundtrack and lots of designer stuff; and at Las Guindas, there's a Sunday mercadillo with both drinks and kitsch.

Not cheap enough? Then hit the outlets - bargains to be had from La Casita de Wendy, El outlet del 4º, F&M and Nudie these coming days. They'll know it's been discounted - just not how much. So you'll look cheap, but not as cheap as you really are.