Unusual Christmas Gift Ideas For Family And Friends.

Christmas shopping is tedious and chock full of the same sort of stuff. It's time to shake things up…

Mum
Mums like cats. Fact. And although crazy cat ladies breed crazy gifts, the following unusual Christmas gift is weird, even for this guide. Look out for Cat Soap, the incredible bar of soap that grows fur when untouched for a few days (no kidding). And when you get to the end of the bar there's more – a mouse hidden inside. Now you don't get that with your tub of Olay anti wrinkle moisturiser.

Dad
Most dads have piles upon piles of paper. Now no-one, including your dad, knows what's in there but instead of nagging him to sort the lot out embrace his idiosyncrasies with a novelty paper weight. There's a whole world of weird and wacky designs, including a mad hamster, sheep of destiny and a penguin of death. And who better to guard your dad's papers than a malevolent penguin?

Grandma
Novelty slippers have swelled in number faster than Angelina Jolie's kids, but if your old nan's still pretty loyal to her traditional ballerina slippers it's time you opened her eyes. What with vibrating slippers, microwavable slippers and slippers with aromatherapy oils, she's sure to be impressed. Like the time you first showed her how to use the microwave, but with wafts of lavender.

Granddad
Granddad's can be a little stubborn when it comes to walking aids so try pimping him out with a walking cane with a giant metal skull on the top to beef up his confidence. Afterall, nothing says I laugh in the face of death and all his minions than a jet black cane with a sterling silver and crystal beast's claw.

Brother
Once upon a time most men wanted to be astronauts. And now, thanks to a whole range of freeze dried products they can pretend they are all over again. From chocolate ice cream and cinnamon apple packets to peanut butter sticks, it's all freeze dried and chewy just like the real thing. Now you can stuff your face Buzz Aldrin style.

Sister
Unless your sister bats for the other team the most unusual Christmas gift you can buy her is Twilight merchandise. Women of all ages have gone bonkers for a bit of vampire love and now you can get the pants to match. Brilliant.

Nieces and Nephews
Retro sweets, chocolate pizzas and sweets that look like bugs are all gold for pre-teens. Just don't eat your supply. Any dealer worth his stash will tell you it's bad business and there's no tucking into strawberry flavoured jelly monster eye balls with any dignity once you reach a certain age. Sad but true.

Best Mate
This is the only person in your life who will tolerate your toilet humour so really go for it a Christmas. Novelty bog roll offers a whole host of unexpected gems, from crime scene loo roll to loo roll with jokes or that look like 50 million pound notes. Life rarely throws up opportunities to buy this stuff so grab it with both hands. And then wash them afterwards.


Phil Ward works for Gizoo, a leading online retailer of gifts, gadgets and gizmos. If you're struggling for Christmas gift ideas, Gizoo has a offers great choice of inexpensive Secret Santa gifts and stocking fillers, together with special Christmas gifts for him and luxury gift experiences for her.