Let's be honest; over-givers create as many problems as undergivers. Take Christmas, for example, when your friend gave you a gift that was way too expensive for the relationship. Instead of reacting calmly, you panicked and over-gave back.

Now you're in trouble. Your friend thinks the relationship is at "the next level", you'd rather jettison it at the next level crossing.

But all is not lost. Your friend's birthday is next week, and the task is to find a present that says: "I want a bit of craic, but I'm not ready to make a commitment." Ideally, you want something that is cheap, utterly useless, yet bizarre enough not to look like a direct insult.

Like the Eye-Fo! It's a Frisbee, with eight tiny red flashing lights on its side. But when you use the Eye-Fo, the spinning lights form a word. You can program any word you like - your friend's name or perhaps "BACK OFF".

The Eye-Fo, around £16 (€20), is available at Maplin and other electronics stores, as well as online at www.eyefo.com.

Gizmo suggestions: smaccarthaigh@irish-times.ie