SINGAPORE – It is that time of the year again, when out of love or courtesy, one is obliged to become a Santa Claus.

But did the bearded old man ever have to consider the flash points of tension in every giftor-giftee relationship, or the imprudence of spending even $20 on a mediocre gift? Unlikely.

This festive season, The Straits Times digs into the real questions: What to give your unfriendly mother-in-law, the old friend you are drifting apart from or the colleague you know nothing about at the office Christmas party?

Then, there is the trouble with one’s happiest relationships. Spend enough years spoiling them every Christmas and you might find you have exhausted all obvious options.

Whether the gift is for someone “naughty” or nice, the guiding principle here is not to waste money on generic objects. This means: one, choosing things that express some message to the recipient; and two, buying only what they would never usually get for themselves.

This irksome state falls in the grey zone between friendship and romance. When one or both parties are intent on keeping relations vague, it is best to pitch the gift based on how set you are on keeping things light or making it official.

For reasons of dignity, it is recommended you not shell out too much either way.

If continued breeziness is the goal, try a quirky scented candle, like local brand Clean Folks Club’s Heritage Cup Candle in Kopi or Teh ($35). The flame will burn out, but you can enjoy it while it lasts. The quirkiness is a nod to your goofy indecision.

Available at Clean Folks Studio (2nd floor, 481 Joo Chiat Road) or

www.cleanfolksclub.com