With many preparations underway for seasonal festivities with family and friends, sometimes it's easy to get in the Christmas spirit and find the perfect gift. For some, hearing those oh so familiar Christmas tunes no longer cuts it and you're looking for something new, weird or wonderful to rekindle your Christmas gifting spirit. Then look no further, these festive inventions may be just what you need!
Musical Christmas crackers
What is a Christmas meal without Christmas crackers? A British tradition from Victorian times, why not make them extra special and go with these patented musical crackers (US2008287034 AA)?
A sound module at the centre of this fun party cracker produces cheerful tunes triggered by pulling the cracker apart. Of course, there will also be the usual selection of toys, jokes and crowns to go with it. Just imagine a choir of Jingle Bells tunes when the whole family pulls crackers simultaneously!
Watch out for flying snowballs!
Will we get a white Christmas this year? We certainly hope so, as it is the perfect opportunity to let out all the Christmassy excitement and spend some time outdoors having some festive fun. And if you know someone keen to improve their snowball fighting skills, here's something to add to their wish list...this Chinese utility model for a snowball launcher (CN204219790 U).
It includes a snowball former to make perfectly round and compact ammunition. The snowball can then be launched easily using the supporting cup inside the launcher.
Who's the winner?
If you thought a snowball fight could not be more perfect, think again! This patented snowball scoring device (US2018028885 AA) has a wearable target, behind which is a scoring chamber to catch and store the snow falling from the target portion. At the end of the snowball fight, the amount of snow accumulated in each person's scoring chamber can be compared and a snowball champion can be determined, dodging any arguments about who's the winner.
Now all that is needed is good aim, and plenty of hot chocolate with marshmallows to reconcile – and warm up – everyone afterwards.
Don't forget your pets too!
Of course, we have not forgotten all the beloved family pets. If you want to make Christmas a unique experience for your loyal companion, have a look at this US patent which describes edible gift wrap for pets (US2013149418 AA).
If your pet is more interested in the packaging than the carefully selected toys inside, a familiar sight to many parents as well as pet owners, this is your chance to make it safe for your furry friends. The invention includes a giftbox and a sheet of gift-wrap made from edible paper. You can choose from a wide range of materials and even flavours suitable for specific species. Pets of all sizes will enjoy the additional tasty challenge of chewing their way to that new toy!
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