He’s the love of your life, but go on, admit it: the last time he opened his wallet, pound notes were still legal tender. This year, you know his penny pinching ways are going to cause a row on Christmas morning.

So how do you turn your beloved Scrooge into a Santa this festive season?

Don’t worry; it’s not too late to start working on him in time to land a great gift on the big day. After all, you work hard planning what to buy for him, and it’s only fair he should do the same. Here’s how to turn “ghastly” gifts into something you’ll go gooey over: If he’s into designer copies make him watch Crimewatch.

If budget champagne is his “treat,” knock the bottle over and let him see how it takes the varnish off the table – as well as the shine off your romance.

Persuading him to buy you silky soft lingerie instead of the scratchy variety from the market is easier than you might imagine. Hide his favourite boxers and make sure all that’s in his underwear drawer is a pair of nylon Y-fronts. When he moans, point out that he’s not the only person with a sensitive behind.

Is his idea of gorgeous gold jewellery on a par with Del Boy’s? We’re talking about the kind of gold that washes off in the bath here – despite his protestations that it’s real. Say you’re keen to buy him something to match your jewellery this Christmas, and go shopping together to buy coordinating gifts. Brilliant.

To avoid any bad feelings about presents this year, agree a price limit – upper and lower – that you will both stick to, and then warn him you’re expecting a spot of creativity this year.

Remember that helpful hints via a third party always work well.