Donations

• For an unusual gift with a big meaning or message, make a monetary donation in someone special's name. If you know an animal lover, for example, who's always volunteering at the shelter or a breast cancer survivor who participates in walks and other fundraising or awareness events, an appropriate donation will be a unique and memorable gift. Choose a charity or non-profit organization relevant to the person's passion or dedication, and make a donation of $25 or more in that person's name. Donations often come with a certificate, tee shirt, magazine subscription or other thank-you gift that you can wrap and present to the recipient for an extra-special touch.
  
  

Gifts of the Natural World

• Unique gifts from the natural world make a special present for any nature lover, space enthusiast or science geek that you know. One option is to plant a tree in someone's honor. Projects such as the Nature Conservatory's "Plant a Billion Trees" campaign allow you to plant a tree in Brazil for as little as $1. Or plant 50 or more trees in someone's honor and receive a fun, personalized gift packet to go along with your present. For an unusual gift for a space enthusiast, name a star after her. Space Services, Inc., allows you to name a star after someone special starting at $19.95. The name is launched into space aboard a rocket, and the recipient will receive a professional photograph of her star along with access to Internet-based astronomy software so she can view her star online at any time. This unusual gift can be a romantic present, as well.
  
  

Animated Clothing

• Clothing is a standard gift option for people of all ages. You can easily transform a clothing gift from ordinary to extraordinary with light-up or sound-activated tee-shirts. Animated shirts are available for any age, size or gender in an array of themes and styles. Light-up and sound-activated shirts generally cost $25, are battery-operated and are easy to clean in the washing machine -- just remove the battery pack. This unusual gift is a great option for anyone with a big personality.
  
  

Edible Treats

• For a fun and unusual gift for kids or grown-up food lovers, purchase or bake your own giant-sized treats. Cookie shops like Mrs. Fields sell huge, 12-inch, ready-made cookies decorated with any name or message of your choice in icing. Or bake your own colossal brownie using several boxes of brownie mix and a large cake pan. The larger the treat, the more unusual -- and memorable! -- it will be.