There's a time and a place to give a classic gift — and Christmas isn't one of them. While some people on your holiday shopping list may prefer something more traditional (such as your dear grandma or tough-to-please teenager). This year, why don't you stretch your creativity by buying your loved ones unique Christmas gifts.
HighlyUnique has put up a combination of Top 10 Unusual Christmas Gifts That Anyone Would Love to give you some inspiration. There are also 7 Amazing Facts About Santa Claus You Probably Didn't Know to get you in the mood for some creative thinking!
7 Amazing Facts About Santa Claus You Probably Didn't Know
How exactly did the jolly, bearded North Pole resident evolve into the cultural icon that he is now? Here are 7 Amazing Facts About Santa Claus You Probably Didn't Know. Let's take a closer look!
#1. Santa Clause Is Real… To Some Extent
Folklore may have turned Santa Claus into a jolly and beloved toy distributor who rides in a sleigh pulled by eight flying reindeers, but he is actually based, loosely, on a real person.
Born around the year 270, St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, a town in what is now Turkey. He earned a reputation as an anonymous gift giver by paying the dowries of poor girls and handing out treats and coins to impoverished children — often leaving them in their shoes, set out at night for that very purpose. Since his death, Nicholas has been canonized as the patron saint of children.
#2. He Has Been Santa Claus For Over 1700 Years
The Dutch kept St. Nicholas' story alive in the form of Sinterklaas – a bishop who travels from house to house to deliver treats to children on the night of December 5th.
#3. A Satiric Book First Sent Santa Down A Chimney
In his satiric 1809 book “A History of New York,” Washington Irving characterized Santa Claus as a portly, bearded man who smokes a pipe. Irving's book also marked the first time Santa slid down the chimney.
#4. “Twas The Night Before Christmas” Introduced The Reindeer
Clement Moore's 1822 poem A Visit From Saint Nicholas, now more commonly referred to as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, first published on December 23rd, 1823, introduced and popularized many of Santa's defining characteristics — including the one about him driving a sleigh guided by “eight tiny reindeers.”
#5. Coca-Cola Popularized The Modern Santa Claus Look
The modern image of Santa Claus as the jolly old man in the red suit was cemented into American pop culture in 1931 when artist Haddon Sundblom illustrated him that way for a widely-circulated Coca-Cola campaign.
#6. The Department Store Santa Is A 132-year-old Tradition
In 1890, Massachusetts businessman James Edgar became the first Santa Claus in a department store. It was Edgar who came up with the idea of dressing up in a Santa Claus costume as a marketing tool. It was such a huge success that children from all over the state dragged their parents to Edgar's small dry goods store in Brockton. Since then, a tradition was born.
#7. Santa Was A Bachelor Until The Late 1800s
The first mention of Mrs. Claus was in the 1849 short story A Christmas Legend by James Rees. Over the next years, the idea of Mrs. Claus found its way into literary publications, like the Yale Literary Magazine and Harper's Magazine. But it wasn't until Katherine Lee Bates' 1889 poem Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride that Santa's wife was popularized.
Have you been blown away by the 7 fascinating facts about Santa Claus? We bet your mind is now ready for some creative inspiration. Let's explore the following Top 10 Unusual Christmas Gifts That Anyone Would Love to find your ideal Xmas presents!
Top 10 Unusual Christmas Gifts That Anyone Would Love
#1. This Guy Is One Awesome Dad Mug, Best Dad Mug, Unique Gift For Dad, Unusual Christmas Gifts
This Guy Is One Awesome Dad Mug, Best Dad Mug, Unique Gift For Dad, Unusual Christmas Gifts
This Guy Is One Awesome Dad Mug will let everybody know how wonderful your pop is. The mug is made out of ceramic material which makes it very durable. It will make a great stocking stuffer on Christmas or any special occasion. It might be one of the unusual Christmas gifts for dad that's of interest to you.
#2. Appletree Design Merry Christmas 2 Ladies Salt And Pepper Set, Unusual Xmas Gifts
Source: Amazon
Are you seeking unusual Xmas gifts? Look no further than this 2 Ladies Salt And Pepper Set. It's a perfect gift for those that love Dolly mama. This gorgeous Dolly mama women In Christmas snowcaps salt and pepper shakers has the finest details and highest quality you will find anywhere.
#3. Easily Distracted By Books And Cats, Reading T-Shirt, Unique Gifts For Readers, Unusual Christmas Gifts For Her
Is there anything more wonderful than a good book and a cat? We don't think so, and we're pretty sure you and your girlfriend won't either. This Easily Distracted By Books And Cats canvas print is on top of the most unusual Christmas gifts for her who loves to cuddle up with her favorite feline friend and lose herself in a great story.
#4. SHASHIBO Shape-Shifting Box, Patented Fidget Cube w/ 36 Rare Earth Magnets, Creative Christmas Gift
Source: Amazon
This award-winning Shashibo fidget box features 36 rare earth magnets for an innovative design that transforms into over 70 shapes. It fits comfortably in the hand for hours of mind-challenging fun, and stimulates the senses with unlimited creative possibility! It's literally the most creative Christmas gift to enhance creativity ever!
#5. Don’t Mess With Mamasaurus Mug, Best Gift For Mother, Unique Gifts For Mom, Xmas Present For Mum
Don’t Mess With Mamasaurus Mug, Best Gift For Mother, Unique Gifts For Mom, Xmas Present For Mum
This mug makes a perfect Xmas present for mum this special holiday. The design won't chip or fade. It's made to be durable and last through many cups of coffee! We all know how much mamas love dinosaurs (and how important caffeine is). This mug will certainly be her new favorite way to start her day!
#6. Dilf Shirt, Funny Shirt For Father’s Day, Best Gift For Father’s Day, Funny Christmas Gift For Dad
Dilf Shirt, Funny Shirt For Father’s Day, Best Gift For Father’s Day, Funny Christmas Gift For Dad
If your dad is a real man's man, then this Dilf Shirt is the perfect way to show him how much you appreciate his awesomeness. He'll love wearing this Dilf shirt out with his friends at the bar — and you'll love seeing him in it! It surely makes a thoughtful and funny Christmas gift for dad!
#7. Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker With Egg Cooker Ring, Unusual Christmas Gifts
Source: Amazon
This sandwich maker cooks your breakfast, lunch, or dinner sandwich in just minutes. It's perfect for brunch or a quick, healthy meal on the go. Not gonna lie this sandwich maker definitely makes one of the most practical and unusual Christmas gifts ever!
#8. Funny Coffee T-Shirt, May Your Coffee Be Stronger Than Your Daughter’s Attitude T-Shirt, Unusual Xmas Gifts
If your savage mom is never reluctant to stand against anyone being mean to you, then this shirt is obviously for her. It might be one of the unusual Xmas gifts for her this holiday, but it will surely bring her a burst of loud laughter!
#9. Yankee Candle Lilac Blossoms Scented, Classic 22oz Large Jar Single Wick Candle, Unusual Christmas Gifts For Her
Source: Amazon
This scent takes you to an alluring grove filled with lavender, white, and deep purple lilacs. It has a long-lasting 110 to 150-hour burn time. If you're looking for unique Xmas gifts for your sweetie, It's probably one of the most unusual Christmas gifts for her!
#10. Tough As A Mother Mug, Mugs For Mother, Unique Gifts For Mother, Unusual Christmas Gifts
Tough As A Mother Mug, Mugs For Mother, Unique Gifts For Mother, Unusual Christmas Gifts
Are you looking for unusual Christmas gifts for your mother? We've got just the thing! Our Tough As A Mother Mug is a perfect way to remind her that she's tough as nails and loved by everyone who knows her. Whether she's drinking coffee or tea, this mug will let her know that you recognize all of the wonderful things she does for both herself and others on a daily basis.
In A Nutshell
Hopefully, you enjoyed our suggestions of Top 10 Unusual Christmas Gifts That Anyone Would Love and earned some good laughs reading 7 Amazing Facts About Santa Claus You Probably Didn't Know. With Christmas just around the corner, we wish our dear readers a joyous shopping experience! Merry Christmas!