Six of the best for Secret Santa

By Peter Jenkinson

Back to basics

Anatomical skeleton - £6.95 from dotcomgiftshop.com

Yes, this is probably more designed for those involved in some sort of studies, but we think it'll make a superb office desktop distraction too. Standing at an impressive 30cm, the skeleton is provided, we're told, with both educational and colourful info on the human anatomy.

Specs appeal

Pixel sunglasses - £9.99 from firebox.com

This pair of totally unique eyewear is the ideal gift for anyone with a passing interest in the world of retro gaming, or who understands that pixilation is cooler than a polar bear's posterior. They just so happen to offer 100% UV protection for when the sun reappears too, and are available in two smart finishes.

Sock it to them

Superhero socks - £9.99 from thefowndry.com

Fear not, the socks we bring you are not of the groan-inducing boxset variety, nor of (failing) comedy pattern. No, these are socks like no other, emblazoned with the logo of our most famous and fearless (male and female) crime-fighters and with natty capes sewn in. It's fantastical footwear at its very festive best.

Office engagement

NERF Jolt N-Strike - £6.95 from red5.co.uk

Do not be deceived by its diminutive appearance, this pocket-sized member of the NERF family packs more than enough power. Why not use it to embark on a bit of target practice with your co-workers - whoever loses buys the biscuits, and - obviously - makes the accompanying tea round.

Write up

Pullbax Pencil Racers - £4.95 each from red5.co.uk

Even without a writing implement as their central chassis these 'pull back and let go' cars race rather well, but sticking a pencil in the middle is really the point. Set courses around the office or just go for simple straight line races - either way, definitely one to banish moments of mid-afternoon boredom. Each one comes complete with stickers and a spark plug shaped eraser.

Pictures perfect

TAO Digital Keyring - £9.95 from prezzybox.com

One of our favourite gadgets of recent years is now available for under a tenner. This digital key ring can hold up to 100 images inside, giving the lucky recipient the option of viewing them in slideshow mode or just flicking through at will. The only 'Secret Santa' challenge here is not to buy one for yourself too.

App of the week

Photobox free on iTunes

Photobox, the personalised product printing company, have launched the perfect app to help you sort your present shopping in a matter of minutes. Create gifts from iPhone and iPad cases, photo blocks, T-shirts, jigsaws and mugs - just about everyone catered for, all with that thoughtful personal touch.

Top 10 paid for apps for android phones

1. The Chase

2. Monopoly Millionaire

3. Scrabble

4. Terraria

5. Plants vs. Zombies

6. Bejeweled®2

7. Alice Trapped in Wonderland

8. Pixel Gun 3D - Block World Pocket Survival Shooter with Cooperative Multiplayer

9. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

10. Clay Jam

Top 10 free apps for android phones

1. Candy Crush Saga

2. Rail Rush

3. GT Racing 2: The Real Car Experience

4. Monopoly Bingo

5. BBC iPlayer

6. Escape The Titanic

7. Christmas Games

8. Print

9. My Talking Tom

10. Christmas Countdown

(Both charts courtesy of Appstore on amazon.co.uk)