The final countdown has begun and shopping centres across Oxfordshire are causing gridlock and mayhem as last minute presents are sought and bought.

If, like me, you prefer to go for the quirkier gift then science is your new best friend.

Search for geek gifts and you will be spoiled for choice! Here are a few of my favourites: Forget remote-controlled cars that go back and forth and do nothing but drain batteries. New generation remote controlled vehicles leave them in the dust!

Whether your vehicle of choice is a Hovercraft boat that you build yourself, a micro-drone for spying on your kids, a gravity racer that scales glass walls and even goes on the ceiling or a DIY raspberry pie robot – the maker movement has souped up and sexified remote controlled vehicles and the range has really made them affordable too.

For the person who needs to relieve the tension of the year gone by, putty is surely the solution. The addictive and soothing moulding of putty in ones hand helps you feel a little more in control. Plus you are spoiled for choice.

There is see through glass putty, glow in the dark putty and my personal favourite… super magnetic putty which brings on a disproportionate amount of glee when you see it slowly suck a magnet into itself like quicksand.

Put a little science into your everyday for even the biggest science-phobe with some science inspired fashion – Pi ties, lunar leggings and biology bags are all the rage for young and old.

For the chef of the home why not help them get started converting your kitchen into a gourmet laboratory with a molecular gastronomy kit. I have spent many fun-filled hours experimenting in my kitchen and with a small range of simple ingredients you can turn out food that would rival Heston’s creations.

Add a little brain fun to the kids’ stockings with some science toys. The only problem you will have is deciding which of the cool kits to choose.

Both my kids love going to their grandparents to play – I am sure it is because they are so wonderful and has nothing to do with the Snap Circuits they play with for hours on end...

You can pick up a basic microscope for less than £30 and watch as the world you thought you knew becomes a whole lot more interesting.

I felt an immense amount of parental satisfaction when my daughter (who was being cleared of the dreaded head lice) asked if we could have a look at a louse under the microscope. Because that’s the way we roll.

If you really want to splurge, why not go for a 3D printer (entry level around £300), a piece of history with some meteorite jewellery or the piece de resistance... a telescope to enjoy some of the best stargazing in the UK.

However much you choose to embrace your inner scientist this festive season, I wish you all a very clever Christmas!

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