Now, let us extend the logic and charm of this effortless gift option even further. Wouldn't it be just peachy if one could personalise the invisible present ever so slightly more but maintain all the moral ethics of the enterprise? And, perhaps, make the present a little more visible but still save on the nuisance?

Such a perfect present is not an impossibility, I assure you.

You can guarantee your loved one's way onto any number of culturally important VIP lists by donating money to any arts organisation.

If you went to a non-RTE-related concert recently (everything without RTE in the ensemble's title), you may have seen lists of names at the back of the programme notes booklet. These "friends", "patrons" and "courtiers" have donated to the organisation and, more than the recognition they receive for their generosity, they also receive a membership package of sorts . . .

discounted tickets, invites to all launches and receptions, complimentary programmes, newsletters, priority booking, that kind of thing.

If you can count a music lover among your family or friends, it really is the ideal present because it will encourage them to attend more live concerts. But more importantly, you can help companies and festivals to survive and thrive in the midst of increasingly difficult financial circumstances.

It is the ultimate in subtle philanthropy.

Let us take the package offered by the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Irish Baroque Orchestra for example. The cost of the basic level of donation is 100, which will make the recipient of your gift a friend of the Irish Chamber Orchestra or a courtier of the Irish Baroque Orchestra.

Hey presto, the next time they go to see a concert given by your company of choice, their name will be there in black and white and they can tell all their other friends that they are a patron of the arts, which sounds most impressive, you must admit.

There are more expensive packages on offer for the big spenders among you and naturally the benefits augment accordingly. The sky's the limit: Irish Chamber Orchestra Diamond Patrons donate 8,000 per annum and can have a string quartet from the orchestra give a private concert in their home. Take note Mrs Denis O'Brien.

Naturally, you can personalise the gift by catering to your loved one's musical taste, ie by choosing the right ensemble. Other than the Irish Chamber Orchestra and Irish Baroque Orchestra, the National Chamber Choir, Opera Ireland or Opera Theatre Company all offer similar sponsorship packages, all starting at the same price range and all tax-deductible.

If your friends are more the silent-charity type, but you want to keep the theme musical, donate to any arts organisation in your local community in their name.

There may not be any material benefit from it but the last time I checked, self-benefit wasn't in the criteria for an act of charity.

Yes, you can go out and buy great classical music cds by the ton. Nothing wrong with that except that it's boring and predictable. If you must, buy Irish.

Finghin Collins released a great Schumann CD on the Clave label this year, as did the Irish Baroque Orchestra with their Bach CD on the RTE Lyric FM label.

Naturally, African farmers still need their sponsorship so don't forego the truly altruistic opportunity entirely. But, musically and culturally, this present says a lot and does a lot. And it's perfect if that Tibetan throat-singing goat has proved more elusive than you first envisaged.