Welcome to the second of our Christmas gift guides for 2026! With the festive season getting ever closer, we're continuing our search for interesting, unusual and genuinely useful gifts. Whether you're shopping for a tech enthusiast, a sports fan or someone who simply enjoys a bit of fun, we've got five more ideas to help tick a few names off that Christmas shopping list.
Barti Country Pack
Sometimes, the best Christmas presents are the ones that give us an excuse to try something different, and the Barti Country Pack does just that. With a selection of canned cocktails, it's a great option for anyone who enjoys exploring new flavours rather than sticking to the same old drinks.
The selection includes Ginger & Lemon Iced Tea, Sea Buckthorn Fizz and Apple & Barti, each offering its own character. From refreshing citrus and warming ginger to fruity apple notes, there's a good variety to explore.
We like the idea of a gift that encourages a little experimentation, whether it's for Christmas entertaining or a quiet evening at home. It would also make a useful addition to a festive hamper for someone who appreciates a decent cocktail. Just remember that these drinks contain alcohol and are intended for adults aged 18 and over.
Find out more at Barti Rum
Yonex YHD2025 Unisex Badminton Hoodie – Sunset
For the badminton enthusiast in your life, the Yonex YHD2025 Unisex Badminton Hoodie is a thoughtful Christmas present. Its Sunset colour scheme combines blue with contrasting orange detailing, creating a sporting look that works just as well away from the court.
The Poly-Tech Knit fabric is designed to dry quickly and provide stretch for comfortable movement during training. An adjustable hood and front kangaroo pocket add everyday practicality, making it a useful layer for travelling to matches or simply relaxing.
At £62, it's certainly more expensive than a basic hoodie, but its sporting credentials and distinctive design make it an appealing choice for regular players. We'd check the available sizes and stock before ordering, particularly as Christmas approaches.
Find out more at Badminton HQ
air up Twist Pro 600ml Starter Set – Berry Pink
Getting people to drink enough water isn't always easy, particularly when plain water feels a little uninspiring. The air up Twist Pro takes a different approach, using scented pods to create the sensation of flavour without adding sugar or sweeteners to the water itself.
The £34.99 Berry Pink starter set includes a 600ml reusable bottle, plus peach and lemon scent pods. The bottle features a quick-twist cap and a leakproof design, making it suitable for work, school, the gym or days out.
We like the clever concept, particularly for anyone trying to reduce their consumption of sugary drinks. The bright pink finish adds personality, too. Replacement pods do mean ongoing costs, but for gadget fans or anyone who needs encouragement to stay hydrated, this is a colourful and practical Christmas gift.
Find out more at air up
Aqara Presence Sensor FP400
Smart-home technology can make a satisfying Christmas present, and the Aqara Presence Sensor FP400 is an interesting option for anyone who enjoys connecting devices around the house.
Unlike a conventional motion sensor, the FP400 uses 60GHz millimetre-wave radar to detect people who remain relatively still. That can help automate things such as lighting, keeping it on while somebody is sitting quietly in a room rather than switching it off simply because there's no movement.
Features include AI-assisted spatial learning, multi-person tracking and the ability to divide a room into multiple zones. It also supports technologies and platforms including Thread, Zigbee and Home Assistant, although compatibility and available features depend on the wider setup.
It's a more specialist present than some of our other choices, but for someone who enjoys experimenting with smart-home automation, the FP400 offers plenty of potential. Just check compatibility with their existing equipment before buying.
Find out more at Amazon UK
ZipString Aracna Glow-in-the-Dark Webshooter
For something a little more playful, the ZipString Aracna Glow-in-the-Dark Webshooter from Marvin's Magic brings superhero-inspired fun to Christmas. The gadget launches loops of string that retract again, creating an unusual effect that takes a little practice to master.
The package includes UV-reactive and glow-in-the-dark strings, a USB-C charging cable and an instruction booklet with a QR code linking to a collection of tricks. There's plenty of scope for experimenting, learning new moves and showing off to friends.
We like that it offers something a little different from the usual screen-based entertainment. The glow-in-the-dark strings add extra appeal, while the skill involved gives recipients a reason to keep practising.
At £39.99, it's more of a considered toy purchase than a stocking filler, but it could be a fun choice for children, teenagers and adults who enjoy unusual gadgets. Younger users should follow the manufacturer's safety guidance and have appropriate supervision.
Find out more at Marvin's Magic
That's another five ideas for our Christmas shopping list, with something for cocktail lovers, badminton players, gadget fans and aspiring superheroes. Hopefully, there's a little inspiration here for your festive shopping, and we'll be back with more Christmas gift ideas from The Test Pit soon.