When one thinks of unusual Christmas gift ideas, a whole list springs to mind. The more creative one becomes, the more likely it is that the recipient will appreciate the gift. Of course one has to understand who the recipient is. Some people prefer traditional gifts and gestures. Those you do not give an unusual present.

Treating your wife, husband, boyfriend or girlfriend to something that they would not have expected could take on many forms. If they’re the adventurous type, for instance, buy them a trip in a helicopter across their city or nearby region. Others may find a trip in a hot air balloon exciting. Or, another unusual Christmas gift idea could be to buy that loved one a guided day trip in a forest, at the aquarium, at any number of museums or places of cultural interest if that is the kind of thing they would enjoy. We all know what would be interesting gifts for those who are dear to us.

Unusual Christmas gift ideas for your child or children may be something that they would otherwise not have expected from their parent. Most kids want beautiful clothes or the latest in technology such as the best mobile phone or tablet; however, parents may decide to give something totally out of the ordinary. City kids often express interest in activities away from their daily routine. Make it happen for them and send them to a camp where, under supervision of course, they will be able to find out about the wild and wildlife they only read about in books.

Younger kids may like the idea of a costume of their favourite cartoon character. If you look around, you will find shops that keep costumes of Disney characters such as Goofy and his mates, or Batman and Superman outfits. You may also want to find them something that will be great for their next scary theme party. Kids sometime like this slightly more unusual idea of an outfit that spells fun better than the idea of the latest technology, which they feel parents will buy them anyway. They don’t, in their mind, have to wait for Christmas for the iPad or latest mobile phone.

If your child has a compassionate heart, an unusual Christmas gift idea may be to send him or her to a place where they will be able to assist less fortunate people such as the poor and the sick. This obviously is not meant for young kids, but rather for your almost grown-up teenager or college and university kid. It may just be what they need to help them decide on a future career.

Some people may enjoy receiving gifts which may be a bit daft. It depends on the people and their family. More traditional families and their friends may not think unusual Christmas gift ideas are either proper or appropriate. If you have a fun nature, or the person you want to surprise will enjoy something out of the ordinary, get them something personalised that talks to them.

They may like a T-shirt with an outlandish design, or something very retro for their coffee table such as coasters from a long time ago. Not many people today still have small items from, say, the Art Deco period. Get them something like that, or a coffee table book with weird and wonderful stories and pictures. Maybe even a set of strange plastic dolls or animals that will talk to their sense of humour. Specialist shops keep these. Online browsing also helps.

More unusual Christmas gift ideas include something for people who don’t belong to your circle of family and friends. Give something to those who can’t afford the basics of life. Why not pay, if you can afford it, a portion of the school fees, or violin lessons, or tennis lessons of a gifted, but poor child. The child will love it – you may too.