Every Christmas we face the same dilemma.

When it comes to buying presents we know it's the thought that counts, but that doesn't mean we don't spend ages wracking our brains for gift ideas.

Socks, toiletries, chocolates, it's always the same old gifts for those who seem to have everything. So this year why not try an alternative festive gift? Something that will help us do our bit by spending with a conscience Ethical gifts are becoming increasingly popular. They give both the giver and receiver comfort in the knowledge that the gesture, no matter how big or small, will make a difference to those less fortunate around the world.

Three years ago Oxfam launched Unwrapped, an extensive catalogue of ethical presents. To date, more than 1.2 million unusual gifts have been bought through the scheme, benefiting people in countries around the world.

Marguerite Sobal, manager of the Oxfam shop in Duckworth Lane, Bradford, has seen at firsthand the benefits the ethical gift scheme and the charity's work in general can bring.

Last year she seized the opportunity to spend two weeks in Guatamala - one of the many countries Oxfam supports.

She admits she knew nothing about the country before her visit but she soon learned more about the "pockets" of poverty which exist there.

"It isn't hugely deprived but it is a very divided country between the rich and poor," she says.

Marguerite says that while many people have food and a roof over their heads - luxury compared to those in some deprived places that Oxfam supports - they have little to support their long-term future.

"They are not in a position where they can educate their children because that costs money," says Marguerite.

One of the projects she saw which the charity became involved with five years ago was a scheme to encourage sustainability. "It encourages a group of people to grow different products - in this case, it was cabbages to sell to El Salvador where there was a market. It's sustainable development; giving that group of people a regular income so they can plan for their future," says Marguerite.

"Everyone we spoke to was wanting to use that income for their children's education so they can educate themselves out of poverty."

Putting a little more thought into our present buying could help these youngsters escape the poverty trap. Oxfam Unwrapped enables customers to buy practical gifts, ranging from funding teachers to toilets.

"You can buy seeds and farming tools, that sort of thing would benefit the people who are growing cabbages. Or you can even buy or contribute to water provision," says Marguerite.

"If anybody is thinking about what to buy, instead of wasting their money they would be well advised to investigate Oxfam Unwrapped and consider giving presents to a friend that will really help somebody else. That way you can put a smile on the face of the giver, the donor and the receiver."

To help raise the profile of this year's Unwrapped campaign the charity has drafted in some famous faces. Pop Idol winner Will Young, Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren and British movie star Helena Bonham Carter are among the celebrities who have signed up to support the humorous TV charity advertising campaign. In the ads stars are shown holding up unwanted Christmas gifts - Helena Bonham Carter giggles while holding a singing fish - getting the message across that it "doesn't have to be this way."

"Oxfam Unwrapped is a novel idea where you can buy friends and relatives presents that really make a difference to other people's lives. Why buy someone something they don't want or need like a flapping singing fish?" says Helena.

"Mosquito nets, fertiliser, a loo, essential medicines and school books are just some of the positive presents you can invest in. The gifts are life-changing. That's serious, but Oxfam Unwrapped is fun too."

A year ago, Otley couple Garrie Bolton and Margaret Robinson decided to make use of their early retirement by helping others.

Their charity, Helping Africa 100, was set up solely to help people in Tanzania blighted by poverty and widespread AIDS. The thousands of pounds they have raised through fundraising initiatives is spent on orphanages and educational projects as well as sustainable schemes enabling communities to generate an income. The aim is that their income can enable them to escape the cycle of poverty.

And you can help. The charity's gift vouchers enable you to invest in something that will improve the quality of life of the less fortunate.

For a mere £2 - the price you'd spend on a token stocking filler - you could buy a school kit for a child. Those who can afford a little more could buy a desk and chair with a £10 certificate or maybe a teacher and materials for one week with a £20 certificate. If you're feeling really generous, why not splash out £50 with the comforting knowledge that your cash will ensure a child gets fed for the next six months?

Debra Graham, one of the trustees of Helping Africa 100, says a recent shopping trip made her realise the potential waste of purchasing unwanted presents.

"When everybody already has so much and people are struggling to think what to get and end up spending a lot of money on something that isn't suitable it seems such a waste," says Debra.

Instead, she says, they could buy something for someone who has very little and help to save the planet in the process. "Even the gift cards are recyclable!" says Debra, referring to the Helping Africa 100 gift certificates. "You make a huge difference and it really is appreciated."

  • For more about Helping Africa 100 email helpingafrica100@hotmail. co.uk, ring (0113) 284 3531 or visit www.helpingafrica100.com. Unwrapped gifts range from £6 to £1,700 and can be purchased on (0870) 410 5030, at www.oxfam unwrapped.com or in Oxfam shops, where people can also pick up an Oxfam Unwrapped catalogue. Many more organisations are promoting ethical present-buying, including Gift in Action. Their gift service encourages customers to invest in cocoa tree seedings in Ghana; a community garden in Guatemala and a goat breeding programme in Mozambique. For more information visit www.giftsin action.org.uk