Letting friends and family know what you really want for your birthday without sounding presumptuous is not easy.

Amazon.co.uk have come up with an idea to help you avoid the awkwardness of misjudging a friend's budget or receiving an unwanted gift.

It is called the Amazon 'wish list' and works along the same lines as a wedding list. Users compile a selection of desired birthday gifts on one Web page.

When loved-ones ask the dreaded question, you can simply tell them to visit your wish list Web page.

Once an item from the list has been purchased, it is then removed, so there is no danger of receiving duplicate gifts.

Great idea - but you have to buy from Amazon, of course.

www.amazon.co.uk/wishlist