Offbeat gifts: Unconventional offerings for Christmas

Montana native Rob Ridgeway was hanging out with family and friends, the conversation flowing freely around him, when something one of them said launched another into a song containing that word. It was spontaneous, or rather, "Spontuneous."

That's the name of a new, award-winning and thoroughly enjoyable board game that's going to be an unexpected gift under some trees this Christmas. Along with, perhaps, other offbeat but interesting offerings like a "calming" shirt for Nervous Nellie dogs, a necklace that spells love for mom in Morse code, a man's bracelet that doubles as a survival tool and gifts for kids that will stand out as different against the backdrop of popular but predictable mass-produced presents.

Yeah, we're giving the well-loved CDs and slipper-sleepwear combos this year, along with the toys and gift cards. But we also went in search of more unique items to present to those we love. What we found had us beaming, or shaking our heads or reaching for our wallets. And sometimes all three. Taste in gifts is decidedly individual.

Little Joey and Jamie are going to love the Alien Robots Kit, a 48-page book for kids 7-12 that includes materials to build six kinetic alien monsters. Written by David Eckold, it's a great mix of follow-directions and use-your-imagination fun, with heavy-duty materials so they can be taken apart. Kids an be creative again and again. From DK Publishing (DK.com), $24.99.

Girls 5-12 can have a blast and be creative designing their own clothes online on www.FashionPlaytes.com, which then produces and ships the clothing so she can wear it. Styles start at $20 and there are tops, pants, dresses, pajamas, accessories and doll clothes. She can even create her own clothing label. Gift certificates are available.

While she's dressing up, she might want a pair of boot bands from Pretty to Boot. You slip them over plain boots for an instant girly upgrade. Around $22 if they're not on sale, you can see the selections at www.prettytoboot.com.

Laura Design acrylic bearded beanies are just odd enough to be cute, if a bit spendy. It's a yarn cap with an attached yarn beard that acts as both strap and face warmer. Or you can buy one of the patterns, which start at $8, and make it yourself. If seeing the end result on a tiny face doesn't make you laugh, you may not have a sense of humor. Online at burlybeard.com and available for older kids, too.