For
those awkward people...
At
this time of year we all have a good think about what those special
people in our lives might want for Christmas. However, we all have
friends, loved ones, and members of the family who are just plain
weird; those with interests and tastes so different from ours that it
is impossible to predict what they might want. To that end we have
gathered together and tested a bunch of... random stuff... to help
you tick off those last few names from your gift list.
Certainly
Wood Yule Log
For
the ultimate in 'Christmas' Christmas gifts, why not get someone a
Yule Log? This traditional chunk of wood comes gift wrapped in a bow,
and includes kindling, fire-lighters and pine cones. Because. You
also get a scroll detailing the history and significance of the Yule
Log, as well as instructions about how to get it burning.
£25 from www.certainlywood.co.uk
Fake
TV Intruder Deterrent
Say
it with burglar deterrents this Christmas. The Fake TV is a handy
little gadget that simulates the glow and flicker of a TV screen,
tricking potential thieves into thinking you're home. Although small
and innocent looking, the Fake TV actually does a stellar job of
mimicking a telly, casting weak light of different colours, which
constantly and randomly change, into your living room. It will
automatically switch on when it gets dark, then shut off after an
programmable amount of time. Seriously, it is pretty freaky how
similar this appears to actual TV glow, so check it out.
£24.99
from www.responseelectronics.com
Speedlink
Kudos Z-9 Gaming Laser Mouse
For
the gamers in your life, this mouse would go down a storm. This is a
serious bit of kit for those who like their controllers to respond
immediately to their every move and command. There are nine
programmable buttons on the Kudos Z-9, as well as a 4D scrolling
wheel, and a super-accurate laser sensor. The mouse also comes with
software to run on your PC to customise the many functions, and also
a free app (iOS and Android) to quickly change the settings during
play. For PC gamers this will definitely be a step up in quality from
the mice they might currently be using.
£40
from www.amazon.co.uk
SnuggleSac
for Adults
Last
year we reviewed the SnuggleSac,
the luxury sleeping bag for kids. It seems now that the kids aren't
the only ones who can enjoy a cuddle in a sac, as they also make them
for grown ups! The Adult SnuggleSac is just like the kids' in that it
is made from soft fabrics, comes in an array of designs, and features
a zip all the way around. Some of the designs in the new adult range
can even accommodate people up to 6ft 5 inches in height, meaning now
the whole family can snuggle up for a sleepover.
£60
from www.snugglesac.com
The
Force Awakens Storm Trooper Travel Mug
If
you know a Star Wars fan who is dying to see the new movie – and
who likes hot beverages while on the go – this mug is ideal. Styled
after the new First Order Storm Trooper helmet, this carry mug is
made from metal, features a non-drip lid, and also a slide-open
drinking spout. Maybe this is something you could give them a week or
so prior to Christmas, allowing them to take a latte into their first
screening of Episode VII. The 16 oz flask is perfect for home or the
office, and we've been using ours to intimidate the school kids on
the bus each morning. We think they might be young Jedi, so makes
sense...
R2D2
Light-up Canvas
But
if that Star Wars fan (or fans) you know just doesn't enjoy a hot
coffee to go, perhaps they'd prefer something a little more
illuminating. Illuminated Canvas has recently brought out a range of
printed canvas images (both photographic and cartoon styles) of your
favourite Star Wars characters, complete with wired-in LED lights.
The huge print we were sent to try, which measures 60cm x 40cm
(smaller versions available late December) features a nice close up
shot of 'Ar-Too' with several small lights embedded into the canvas
surface. Flick a switch and they'll light up, illuminating both R2's
red eye thing, and a line of lights along his side. Yoda and Darth
Vader are also available, so check them out.
£39.95
from www.illuminatedcanvas.co.uk
Lechuza
Puro Self-watering Planter
If
you know someone who constantly has dead house plants dotted around
their home, this could be for them. The Lechuza Self-watering
Planters feature a very cleverly designed system which limits the
amount of water the grower has to put into the planter themselves, by
way of a drainage and retention system. The unit we were sent to try,
a Puro 20, is perfect for table-top planting and house plants, but
all of the various kinds (they get big – big enough for Christmas
trees!) can be used both indoors and out due to their rugged design
and materials. All we can say is that the plant we popped in ours two
weeks ago has yet to be watered but is still looking great. We think.
Strangely, we're not that good at plants. Remote control helicopters
however...
£14.99
– 99.99 from www.lechuza.co.uk