Christmas gift idea

Books. You can never have too many of them. ("Yes you can, dad? Can I go upstairs and play my game now?") And they make such wonderful gifts.

The internet has been one of the greatest agents of social change in the history of mankind. Literally. I've made friends in countries I've never visited. Argued with strangers. Read books I'd need to sell my children to buy. Arranged potentially fatal meetings with geeks. Looked up bus times.

The possibilities are ineluctable (is that right Matt?). You can watch music videos. Play online games. Play games online. Read news. Publish books. Download films. Get help. Configure printers. Read foreign newspapers. Buy airline tickets. Book hotels. Check the cricket score.

One wonder of the internet surpasses all these. Buying presents without getting off your arse. I've done it. Bet you have, too. I'm offering a special treat. Books. Books you couldn't find in the shop, even if you could be bothered to go out.

Genuine branded Barclay Perkins tacky merchandise. There's that, too. For the fashion-unconscious. I'd wear the T-shirts myself, if I didn't fear attack.

I'm going to send a message with my presents this christmas. A message of hope. My brother's getting a copy of "Peace!". Just imagining the kids' faces when they find Warwick & Richardson mouse mats instead of computer games on christmas morning brings a tear to my eye.

Think of the pleasure you could bring to your loved ones. Buy my stuff. Then my kids might get proper presents.