AMONG the magazines that tumble regularly from the weekend newspapers, I found a copy of Presents For Men.

“Not done your Christmas shopping yet? Why not do it the easy way – flick through our catalogue, order online by phone or post, and we will deliver to your door.

“Whether you are looking for an unusual present for your husband, partner, brother or boss, or trying to fill your teenage son’s Christmas stocking, you are sure to find amusing, practical and innovative presents here.”

Like a Superbright Head Torch (£9.99, batteries extra).

Hours of fun to be had by strapping a torch to your head.

And no, I haven’t a clue what it could be used for but if I saw a bloke approaching me wearing one, I would swiftly move in the opposite direction.

Or a Bug Zappa (£12.99, batteries extra) which is shaped like a tennis racket and, apparently, is “the quick, fun and effective way to get rid of irritating flies, wasps and mosquitoes … swat the fly with this battery operated Bug Zappa and as soon as it touches the mesh it will be electrocuted.”

Fun?

“What do you want to play at today, Johnny?”

“Electrocution, please mummy.”

A Survival Kit (£14.99) comes in a pocket sized tin box that contains everything from a button compass to a flint to a snare wire.

“The contents of this tiny tin could hold the key to your own, your family’s or your friends’ personal safety.”

What? In Huddersfield? Walking back from the pub?

A Magnetic Wrist Band, Welly Warmers, Sheepskin Mittens, Maya Dust to light fires, Tattoo Sleeves, Ice Grippers (for your feet, not your car) and a radio-controlled Tarantula are all available for the chap who has everything but nothing quite as unusual as this.

All right, I have picked out some of the more unusual items in the catalogue but I have to admit, I found one or two in there I might be sending for myself.

(www.presentsformen.co.uk)