Top 10 Unusual Christmas Gift Ideas

Unusual Christmas gifts are fun to give and even more fun to receive. Check out the ten suggestions that follow; you'll find something perfect for just about everyone on your list.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #1: Chocoholics Strip Chocolate game. I'm reserved by nature, but when I first saw this game, my interest was piqued. This sensual board game retails for $30 and includes everything you need to turn a quiet evening at home with your spouse into a more intriguing affair: A jar of chocolate frosting, a jar of cherry frosting, two brushes, game pieces, cards, and a playing board. Get ready for some sensual fun with this unique Christmas gift. Search Amazon for retailers, or buy from Uncommon Goods.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #2: A Compass Necklace. Available at Uncommon Goods, this LeeAnn Herreid necklace is ideal for the adventurer in your life, or for anyone who lacks an innate sense of direction. The charm and necklace are crafted from sterling silver, and the disc itself measures roughly 3/5 inch in diameter. It retails for $75.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #3: A Gift Membership to Costco or Sam's Club. Deal seekers and anyone on your list who has a large family will appreciate this gesture. This was our gift to my mother a few years ago and she loved it! Gift memberships allow you to give friends the warehouse shopping experience without the initial membership fee. And the best part: If they decide they don't like it, they can decide not to renew when their membership expires. A yearlong gift membership to Costco runs roughly $50. Visit your local warehouse for details and to make a purchase.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #4: A baby gate or two. Seriously, this is a winner. No one registers for baby gates, but most new parents inevitably wish they had when junior starts to scoot his booty. The Evenflo Simple Step Metal Gate is a good choice. Available at Babies R Us, it retails for about $35.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #5: A subscription to ESPN's Insider. The Insider is ESPN's members-only section, and features articles and analysis exclusive to subscribers. A one-year membership runs $39.95; a two-year stint is available for $59.95. Your die-hard sports fan will thank you.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #6: Toysmith Puffer Ball. This is a great and unique Christmas gift for any kid or kid at heart. Reminiscent of the Koosh balls popular during the 80s and 90s, the air-filled Puffer Ball is roughly five inches in diameter and sports rows and rows of rubbery, stretchy little arms. It's perfect for a wacky game of catch. My 4 year old has one and loves it. It retails for about $4 on Amazon.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #7: A visit to Racecar Driving School. My father-in-law received this unique Christmas gift from my mother-in-law a few years ago and had a blast. Programs range in price from $75 to $525, depending on location and complexity of the course. Visit this site to read up on several possibilities to find one that will thrill your thrillseeker: Racecar Driving Schools.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #8: Snoogle Body Pillow by Leachco. I've given birth to three children, so I'm a reliable source when I claim that pregnancy complicates sleep. Give the pregnant woman in your life a comfy body pillow and you'll bless her with blissful rest! The Snoogle is available for about $45 from Leachco.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #9: Perfume Science Kit. Recommended for fourth through ninth graders, this kit is an awesome choice for girls (and boys!) interested in exploring the science of scent. It comes with eight different scented oils, bottles and caps, measuring cups, a funnel, an activity manual, and more. It's both fun and educational, so it makes a perfect and unique Christmas gift. It runs about $55 and can be purchased online from Home Science Tools.

Unusual Christmas gift idea #10: iConvert Slide and Negative Scanner. This item, made and sold by Brookstone, is a great choice for the modern scrapbooker who values and wishes to preserve the past. Priced at $129.95, this 3600dpi scanner allows the user to easily create digital copies of valuable film and slides for future generations to enjoy.

Remember that it's the thought that counts when you give a gift, so make those thoughts unusual this Christmas!