Getting Personal

                Want a break from the norm – Gifts that don't conform
            
                Though we often like to think of presents as being surprises, there's usually at least one person in the family who is guaranteed to buy you the same gifts for every birthday and Christmas; toiletries, chocolates, perhaps a nice pen to take to work. Not that we like to be ungrateful of course, but surely the three wise men had the right idea when they turned up in Bethlehem with a host of unusual gifts. 

Remember that it's the giving rather than the receiving of presents that is the most important part, but there's no reason why you can't ensure you become known as the member of the family who buys the most unusual gifts…

Grandparents
When it comes to buying presents for your parents it is easy to fall into the same habits: a bunch of flowers and chocolates for mum, and perhaps a bottle of dad's favourite whiskey? Not that there's anything wrong with these, but why not surprise them this year with those gifts they never even realised they couldn't live without. Why not give them a trip down memory lane with a scrapbook from their childhood? Whether they were born in the 20's, 30's, or 40's, these unusual gifts are bound to bring out the nostalgia. It doesn't matter how old we get, we're never too old to let our parents know how much we love them and how about a personalised calendar to celebrate the fact they are very special parents? These unusual gifts will spell out their name in a number of spectacular images from a brightly coloured fireworks display to the celebrations of a football stand. 

Kids
Keeping the younger children entertained can sometimes be very difficult but with an array of unusual gifts to choose from, you're bound to impress. They could grow their own Wembley Stadium pitch or look forward to breakfast time with a 'Robocup Egg Cup'. Make bath time more fun for the little ones with a choice of rubber ducks – these unusual gifts can celebrate their favourite characters such as 'Ducktor Who' or 'Duck Bond'.

Teenagers
Teenagers can be exceptionally difficult to buy for as they enter that awkward phase of grunting rather than talking, or shutting themselves in their room just to get away from mum and dad. Bring them out of their hidey holes with some unusual gifts that are bound to put the smile back on their faces. The girls could enjoy a Hair and Beauty photo shoot, or perhaps a 'Princess Telephone Electric Pink' if you're brave enough to risk the phone bills. Unusual gifts for boys might include a 'Reptile and Creepy Crawly Encounter' under the supervision of trained reptile staff – just make sure they don't bring anything home with them. Or how about a personalised 'Top Gear 'The Stig' Poster' - great gifts for those Top Gear fanatics.

Partner
For that person who you know the best, then why not invest in some unusual gifts that may enhance your relationship? Surprise them perhaps with a romantic trip in a hot air balloon, or with a West End show and a meal in a top restaurant for some quality time together. If you're tired of him making a mess in the fridge then why not treat him with a 'Fridge Monkey' to encourage a more aesthetic look to his beer stacking? Or perhaps you're fed up with being the one who always has to get rid of the creepy-crawlies when they get inside the house – the 'Spider Catcher' is surely one of the most unusual gifts around. You're bound to score some bonus points however, if you opt for one of the many unusual gifts that remind that special someone just how much you love them. A personalised bottle of champagne or a personalised mug shows that you've taken the time to arrange something special just for them; gifts that they can enjoy straight away of keep forever. 

Friends
Buying Unusual gifts for your friends should be easy – it's just a matter of challenging their sense of humour if you really want to impress. Perhaps they've been through some tough times this year? Then an ex-wife or ex-husband 'Voodoo Doll' may be just the thing to get them laughing again. For more unusual gifts; how about a 'Personalised Mirror Spoof Headline Book' - to really give you something to gossip about. Or a 'Dad's Cab Taxi Meter' for those parents who can't wait for their kids to learn how to drive? 

Unusual gifts can be a great way to impress or offend; so make sure you make the sentiments are clear when you hand them over. Either way, they're bound to be remembered, and you're crown of 'Best Present Buyer' can be worn with pride.