Christmas 2011: Top 10 bizarre Christmas gifts

Struggling to find a Christmas present for the friend who has everything?

If a brilliant breadmaker or some top tech won’t do, or your budget can't stretch to one of our luxury kitchen gadget gifts, take a peek at our round-up of some of the weird and wonderful items available online.

From a weather forecasting stone to the gift of ‘nothing’, we’ve trawled the internet for the wackiest gifts on offer. 

UPDATE: Check out our video of the top ten.

1. Self stirring mug, £13

A great gift for a friend who lacks both time and cutlery, this mug can stir its contents itself.

Unfortunately, due to the 2 AA batteries inside, this magic mug can’t be put in the dishwasher. So the time saved on stirring will be spent washing up.

2. Eye Spy Door Decoration, £5

Buy someone the Eye Spy Door Decoration - available in rifle, camera and telescope designs - and they'll ‘look cool’ while peeking through their front door peep hole, according to gadget website Red5.

The sticker might brighten up their door, but we hope it's easy to peel off when the joke wears thin.

3. Control-A-Woman remote, £5 

Ever wished your irritating relatives had a mute button? 

This plastic remote control - which includes 'calm down', 'hurry up' and 'stop nagging' buttons - could be your ideal gift. But don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work - it’s powered by ‘positive thinking’, according to the packaging. (Also available in Control-A-Man and Control-A-Kid versions.)

4. Pet sofa, £80

If you’re looking for a gift for a pampered pet, how about a luxurious mini sofa?

Available in three colours, theses sofas are the ‘ultimate in pet seating’ according the Lazyboneuk website. For £80, we’d certainly hope so.

5. Weather forecasting stone, £20

This stone on a rope has a ‘natural ability to predict the weather’ according to its maker.

The chart that comes with the stone says things like ‘Can’t see the stone - foggy’ and ‘Stone is dry - not raining' - so it's hardly Mystic Meg. And seeing as you hang it outside, by the time you read what is says the weather should be pretty obvious.

6. Humunga Stache dog toy , £11

If you're planning on getting a present for your dog, why not get him a gift that you'll enjoy as well? 

The Humunga Stache fetch toy will not only save your slippers from destruction, but could give your dog a hilarious, and stylish, Poirot-style makeover. Hopefully it can withstand a good chewing, and your dog learns to pick it up the right way, or you might wish you'd stuck to a bone.

7. Man bowl, £15

Looking for some special crockery for the man in your life? 

The good news is the giant Man bowl is microwave and dishwasher safe. The bad? It looks like a giant dog bowl. And it says ‘Man’ on the front.

8. Nothing, £5

A clever but ultimately pointless present, this is a ball of ‘nothing’ in a presentation pack.

It’s a funny idea, but we’re sure there are better uses for a fiver.

9. Flower grenades , £10

Ideal for the ultimate lazy gardener, these clay grenades are filled with a mix of wildflower seeds.

While they could provide a moment's fun for guerrilla gardeners, they're probably not the best gift for your green-fingered Gran.

10. Christmas pudding bin bags, £10

These festive rubbish bags certainly look cheery and might make a good alternative to a Christmas stocking, but at nearly £10 a pack they're certainly not a budget way to brighten up bin day.

More on this...

• Read our top Christmas recycling tips
• Be prepared with our guide to Christmas emergencies
• Watch our top Christmas toys video guide