When I became old enough that more distant relatives didn't really know what to buy me, they'd send £5 and a request that I spend it on clothes, a book, a day out with friends or whatever.

Usually, they'd send a banknote in perfect condition, or a cheque if it was by post.

I'm now too old for these gifts, but my youngest sibling gets the same instructions, and a future-dated transfer to his bank account.