Im going this year with the PAINT BY NUMBERS guys. old people inlaws(etc)and kids love it and you can hang it up on the wall after they have completed!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/91099-PAINT-NUMBER-KIT-14X11-TROPICAL-VIEW-/320549887469?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa2431dedexample.. You get paint numerically numbered that co-incide with a delightful picture which is on canvas step by step davincy....
a good gift 8/10 methinks....I bought the misses one and its kept her of my back for hours!
i fear that to many people will end up with automated helium sharks and goldfish/worst case scenario garden gnomes..(previously debated!!!!!)

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Well if you spot a good gift under 50 bucks post it here!