Sorry to hear that Mer, been in that position before and it can be soul destroying if you let it. The problem at the moment is too many people going for too few jobs, theres always some fucker better qualified /experienced/ thicker etc. just keep plugging away. Why not offer to do a free 'butter promotion' in the same supermarket (god knows what that would consist of ! but you obviously have a passion).
As for not buying presents, if people know that your broke they won't expect anything, if they do, tell them to fuck off .
Come in she said "I'll give you shelter from the storm "