AS Christmas Day approaches, the search for a late gift is often solved by the purchase of gift vouchers. An easy option, but in the UK millions of pounds in unredeemed vouchers are retained by the vendor as extension for a timed-out voucher is rarely allowed. The Royal Glasgow Concert Hall has a two-year time limit on its vouchers and an extension if you forget to use it is not possible.

The joy of finding a voucher in a drawer is short lived if the voucher has passed its redemption date. Poor health, recent rehousing and so on are not valid reasons for an extension in these circumstances. Various consumer and citizens advice agencies suggest that cash and a nice card are a better alternative as few people forget about money. If you rediscover gift cash in a drawer you can still buy yourself a gift.

Pat Crumlish,

22 Crosbie Court, Troon.