Christmas can weigh heavily on the wallet if you're not careful.

But there are places you can go to buy good value gifts at reasonable prices.

And in some cases, you can contribute to a good cause at the same time.

The Barn, located opposite St. Brendan's, (featured on this page) sells used goods at reasonable prices and the profits go to the Hospital Auxiliary.

The Salvation Army second-hand shop also stocks second-hand clothes, furniture and housewares at reasonable prices. Proceeds from the Bargain Box on Serpentine Road go to the Committee of 25.

Other thrift shops include: Hands of Love Ministry at 12 Cedar Hill, Warwick, Thrifty Nook at Hope Homes on Union Street, Hamilton and the Peace and Love Thrift Shop on Reid Street above Barnes Locksmith.

If you want to help a charity or organisation while buying goods, proceeds from Trustworthy go to the Bermuda National Trust while furniture made at Beacon House on Cedar Avenue goes to the Bermuda Society for the Blind. It is selling its goods at half-price up until Christmas.

The MarketPlace in conjunction with the Lions Clubs of Bermuda is also conducting its annual Share in the Christmas Spirit campaign.

House sales will often produce unusual bargains and are advertised in local newspapers, while auctions are also a bargain-hunter's dream come true.

This weekend, Hammers Ltd. is holding its annual Christmas auction at No. 6 Shed while carpet-lovers should beat a path to Number One Shed where Card International Holdings Ltd. is holding a carpet auction.

Consignment stores also offer great bargains. Bears Repeating Too in the Washington Mall offers clothes for children and maternity wear along with toys and nursery equipment.