The Insider: Last-minute gift inspiration

You don't need to spend a fortune on a present from a glossy design store to satisfy your interiors-mad friends…

For collectors

Miniatures are charming but cheap(er). I cherish an antique metal toy horse I was given, while a friend last year sent party guests home with little porcelain birds (officially tree decorations). For romantics, helpyourshelf.co.uk has a magnetic kissing couple (above) for £13. I also love the tiny vases, £12.50, at shanvalla.co.uk.

For bare-walled buddies

A single plate can be pretty, but seem mean. But add a wall hanger (Amazon) and you've just gifted some art.

For children

For very small kids, trawl babystylefile.blogspot.co.uk: excellent indexing, everything's beautiful and there are discount codes. For bigger nippers, it's all about gallery shops: shop.southbankcentre.co.uk, vandashop.com and saatchistore.com.

For window shoppers or compulsive redecorators

An interiors magazine subscription is a winner. Or a decorating bible for new home-makers: Holly Becker, Grace Bonney and Conran are all safe bets.

For anyone

An ornamental letter is a design staple. Etsy.com is packed with unusual old ones for next to nada (especially if you include UK-delivering US shops). Search for "letters" in "vintage". Or, for £29, do-shop.com sells "Metalvetica" letters for font nerds. Cheaper still, nordicelements.com does Arne Jacobsen letter mugs for £12.50.

The 'big' present

If your loved one could do with a break, treat the both of you to an interiors-minded retreat in a stylish holiday cottage. Design brands Papa Stour and Pedlars rent out holiday homes, or try themodernhouse.net for wow-factor holiday lets.

Find Kate's blog on affordable interiors at yourhomeislovely.com