For most of us, Christmas shopping can be pretty stressful. Knowing what to buy for whom, and actually being original and inventive in the process, can make the festive season seem like pretty hard work. The need to do something different can be one of Christmas’ biggest challenges. It’s hard not to repeat yourself, but there’s no getting around the fact that there are only so many times you can give your father-in-law a pair of socks. At some point, you need to think of something new. Our solution is to go beyond the conventional gifts currently filling the shelves of most high street shops. We’ve found some Christmas gift ideas that are certain to be unique, and are guaranteed to be much loved by whoever you give them to.

iPad dock inspired by the very first Apple Computer
Few brands currently inspire such loyalty and devotion as Apple, so what better than this iPad dock, shaped like Apple Mac’s very first computer. Essential for any self-respecting Apple fan, and there are plenty of those, this neat device blends retro with modern in one world-beating-career-spanning handy gadget.

Sushi iPhone Cases
While we’re on the subject of Apple’s insanely popular devices and their accessories, these iPhone cases from Japan are well worth a mention. What at first appears to be a tempting plate of sushi is in fact an inedible but very useful protective case for your smartphone! Of course, nothing says Christmas like pieces of hyper-realistic plastic sushi, and who could resist these incredible lifelike imitation morsels of raw fish on rice? Our verdict: mouth-watering and effortlessly cool! Be warned: the website is in Japanese – on the off chance your Japanese is a little rusty, don’t worry, the pictures tell you all you need to know.

Wood carved Lego figures
Lego has been a resurgent brand in recent years, and not only with young children. These wood carved Lego figures are proof, if any was needed, that the popularity of Lego’s designs has moved out of the kids’ playroom and onto their parents’ living room shelves. As elegant, stylish and yet playful figurines, these beautifully carved objects are hard to beat.

Clocky Alarm Clock
Admittedly not an essential during the holidays, this cheeky little alarm clock will really come into its own once the New Year comes around and work begins in earnest. If you’ve ever overslept thanks to the snooze button, this is the alarm clock for you. No sooner has it gone off, than it wheels away, forcing you to get out of bed to turn it off. An ingenious gift, although not necessarily your favourite possession first thing on a cold January morning.

Freehands Gloves
Just because it’s freezing cold at this time of year, doesn’t mean we don’t want to use our phones outdoors, or our tablet devices, or pretty much anything else. Step in these cunning Freehands Gloves. With adjustable fingers on the thumb and forefinger of each hand, having a pair of these gloves means that you can use a handset outdoors with speed and efficiency. Being outside need not mean being out of touch with the world, and that surely is something to be thankful for.

If you’ve spotted a trend amongst these Christmas gift ideas, it’s that each provide something useful – with a twist! It’s that clever combination of originality and usefulness that also drives us at MiniFridge.co.uk to find some of the best gadgets for your kitchen and your cooling needs. Take a look at some of the Christmas gifts on offer at www.minifridge.co.uk to find out more about how we can help you with your Christmas shopping. Also, be sure to let us know what you think of the items we’ve highlighted here, and if you’ve come across anything equally as intriguing, be sure to tell us about it. We’d love to find some more truly unique Christmas gift ideas.