Do you panic about buying presents for people? Well, pause for thought to ask yourself which purchases have you made in the past that have really hit the mark? Some purchases are inspired; many, as we know, are a compromise between price, time and imagination.

We're guessing that in general the purchases you've been most pleased with are those you've made for yourself. A big car? Your favourite book? A painting in a second-hand shop that made you your fortune? So what we want to know this time around is:

what's the best purchase you've ever made?

• Was it for a loved one where you got see their face light up with appreciation?

• Is it something that has gained in value over the years – like an antique you picked up at a jumble sale?

• Was it something you longed for, or a spur-of-the-moment purchase?

• Did/do you think it's great primarily because others have told you so?

• Was it necessarily expensive? Does its value fluctuate?
  

• Can it ever be bettered?

• Maybe you didn't realise how great it was at first and it was a bit of a slow burner?

• Do you regret selling it?