`tis the Season to be Tacky

At this time of year many of us love to decorate our homes in a festive display of Christmas cheer and for some unknown reason we start picking things up in shops that we normally wouldn’t look twice at any other time; Santas that shake, wobble and sing when you clap at them or poke them, huge over-the-top intricate snowy displays that we think will “look great in the dining room” and enough lights to put Las Vegas to shame. Why we lose all sense of taste and style at Christmas is a mystery but it’s part of what makes it so fun, so why stop at decorations? We may as well go all the way and buy the best, but tackiest gifts and toys that we can find as well, and here are just a few of the gems on offer; USB Mince Pie: This is a stunning combination of festive food and gadgetry that also proves very useful. The USB stick was created to give people a safe and easy way to carry around important documents and data in a tiny device, so why somebody has thought it a good idea to attach a large, plastic mince pie to this innovative device is bewildering to say the least. However, in saying this, the gadget is still useful and, for those who want one, really does make for a very life-like festive treat. Perhaps a good gift for those watching their weight over the Christmas period – so they won’t feel left out when everyone else is enjoying their tasty treats. Christmas Aquarium: Know any fans of the underwater world? If you do then this might be the perfect tacky gift for them. The aquarium only requires you to fill it up with water and then after plugging it in (perhaps not the safest of gadgets?) you will have the joy of watching the mini Santa swim around the tank, past the giant snowman and floating present, for as long as the electricity bills will allow. Drumming Santa: Another thing to look out for whilst you’re shopping this Christmas is a Drumming Santa. This device is powered via USB and can apparently make your desktop immediately ready for Christmas. The only thing that may take this Christmas cheer away from your desk are your colleagues who are fed up watching and listening to Santa playing his bongos throughout December. Digital Photo Bauble: This is one way to show off the photos you’ve taken on your new Canon digital camera but whether anyone would be able to see them is another matter. The tiny 1.5-inch display is barely visible, hidden away in the oversized bauble and therefore the images are difficult to see, let alone appreciate and with the device needing two AA batteries to work, you may find your branches sinking closer and closer to floor on Christmas Day.

There are now many tacky Christmas themed gifts and toys available to put you in the festive spirit. Something to look out for whilst you’re doing your Christmas shopping this year is the Drumming Santa. One way to show all your guests the photos you’ve taken on your new Canon digital camera is with the Digital Photo Bauble.