No-choc Easter
5:41pm Tuesday 18th March 2008
What do you give someone for Easter who's on a diet? What about egg-shaped gadgets?
EASTER seems to start earlier every year. Is it my imagination or did Easter eggs hit the supermarket shelves this year at around the same time the January sales started?
The assault on the aisles has been building momentum and is now full-on as you enter any store: displays of chocolate constructions any amateur architect would be proud of, screaming three for two deals or offering plastic playthings.
But if you can't stand the taste of chocolate or remain determined to stick to your New Year diet here's a few alternative gift ideas with the Easter celebration in mind.
Leather Egg seat
£249.99 www.drinkstuff.com
Certainly a little on the pricey side, but the suggestion is that you'll perhaps be tempted to treat yourself.
This faux leather and chrome retro seat has a slight recline, but it's the 360 degree swivel and the fun to be had spinning around that had me checking my bank balance.
Egg soldier cup
£9.95 www.firebox.com
Three plastic protectors armed with nothing more than bendy knives to protect your egg against the onslaught of your teaspoon - they don't stand a chance.
Still, they will do a mighty fine job of keeping your boiled one upright during the attack.
FurReal Duckling
£12.99 www.hasbro.co.uk
According to my daughter, this is quite cute and cuddly. I don't know about that, but I have noticed all her other 'cute and cuddlies' are spending a fair bit of time alone of late.
This electronic toy bird flaps its wings, raises its head, opens its beak and makes duckling sounds, and, best of all, the more you interact, the more the duckling plays. Girlie Easter gift - sorted.
LEGO egg cups
£9.99 www.lego.com
Egg cups disguised as decapitated LEGO mini figures - what a wonderfully simple idea that has been egg-secuted superbly.
Two cups complete with lids in each set, these are destined to remain on display and not sit at the back of dark cupboards.
Colour Phasing Eggs
£9.95 www.iwantoneofthose.com
Each one of these battery-operated illuminators will phase through purple, blue, green and red, or, if you prefer, they can be locked onto one colour, adding an alien-like ambience to any room.
Nine centimetres tall, you'll get a trio of these phasers for under a tenner.
Mr Egg
£9.99 www.quirkygift.com
A weighty chromium plated egg cup with pull-back action.
Instead of stopping the eggs rolling off, Mr Egg actively encourages them to roll. Build a track atop your breakfast table with toasted soldiers, as spectators try to avoid the floor becoming the finishing line.