Looking for Unusual Gifts? Take a Look at These Fun Ideas

When it's time to choose a gift for a friend or loved one, ideally you want to select a gift that will be useful, and just a little bit different from the normal fare. But sometimes, trying to think of unusual or unique gifts can be more difficult than turning to tried and true standbys.

If you're looking for some ideas for unusual presents this year, the following list can give you some tips and ideas that might be just what your friend or loved one is looking for.

Car lover on your list? The '57 Chevy Bel Air Hanging Table evokes memories of the golden age of the automobile, when fins and chrome were the order of the day. With details modeled after the famed automobile model, this glass-top table mounts to the wall and provides a great place for knick knacks, as well as being a conversation piece in itself. The NASCAR AM/FM Clock Radio is another good bet for auto fans. Modeled after Jeff Gordon's famous race car, this radio features light-up headlights and a backlit LCD time display in the windshield. This car is also an officially licensed NASCAR item, and is great for racing fans, as well as car buffs. For a really unique gift, pair either item with a Garage Sign that declares a man's personal space as his own castle

It used to be that the car lighter was reserved for men and women looking to light up on the go. But today, that lighter port has found a new use as an on-the-go charger for a whole host of portable electronics, including cell phones, laptops, MP3 players, and even DVD players. Your loved one can keep all of those pesky charging cords carefully corralled and organized with the Car Charger Caddy. The padded pockets keep small devices safe when not in use, and the charger features a handy pocket to store cords when the device is not being charged.

For charging while at home, consider the Three Bay Charging Station. This attractive unit looks great on a desk or countertop, and the handy compartments and drawer keep a wide range of rechargeable items neat and tidy and ready to use. Tangled wires and bulky adapters littering the table and drawers are a thing of the past when you use this unit to charge cell phones, MP3 players, cameras and other items. Three velvet-lined charging bays mean you no longer have to play "musical outlets" to keep all your electronics fully charged. And with this station, there's no more searching for the right adapter - the drawer keeps all of the adapters and cords and other small items handy for you.

While we're talking electronics, the talking Atomic Wrist Watch is another useful and thoughtful gift, especially for seniors. Using radio signals from an atomic clock, this watch automatically keeps itself set to the correct time to ensure perpetual accuracy. And a voice feature allows you to hear the time and date with the simple touch of a button. No more straining to read the time when you've forgotten your glasses, or when lights are out. The Atomic Wrist Watch even features an alarm to keep you on time for important events.

Likewise, the Talking Caller ID Phone lets its owner hear who's calling without lifting the receiver. Featuring oversized buttons and a large, clear LCD display for incoming numbers as well as date and time, this phone is a great gift for seniors. The phone also features a flashing light on the receiver as an aid for individuals who may be hard of hearing.
The Sounds of Nature sound machine is another handy electronic device, and one that can help you get your Zs. Featuring 10 different soothing sounds, like falling rain, ocean waves, song birds, white noise and even a heartbeat, this unit is programmed to play for 15 to 60 minutes, ensuring you drift off to sleep peacefully. An LED nightlight is also built into the unit.
Looking for a small gift with a big, lasting impact? The Picture Pen is a great choice. Not only is the pen a useful and handy item, but this pen features a slot that allows you to insert a favorite photo - or let the recipient insert a photo of his or her choosing. This pen also uses standard refills, meaning it will be treasured for years to come.

And finally, for the jokester on your list, how about a pair of Racing Grannies? These diminutive ladies and their walkers feature wind-up mechanisms, and cheerfully race across any flat surface to amuse recipients of all ages.

Unique, unusual, out of the ordinary gifts are sure to be remembered long after the holiday or other gift-giving occasion has passed. By giving a little careful thought with regard to each recipient's personality and lifestyle, you can select a gift that will be sued and appreciated again and again.


Karen Zabel is a freelance writer who writes about the holidays, family and gifts.