The arty gift

The election of Barack Obama as US president triggered a web merchandising storm this year. Choosing from the T-shirts, badges, pins and even dog scarves may prove difficult. You can even find little Obama heads decked out in Santa hats to adorn the tree.

The practical gift

Preparing dinner on Christmas Eve can quickly turn into a headache. You may get a hand from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, but don’t let her sour look spoil the feast.

The romantic gift

There’s an Italian alternative to Christmas carols: Silvio Berlusconi’s fourth album. The former crooner and cruise host himself wrote the words of the love song CD which are sung here by a friend of "Il Cavaliere", Mariano Apicella.

The fun gift

Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, is the pick for kids. To fight the bad guys, nothing beats a Chavez action figure. There are two models, one in green fatigues and one with the president’s famous red shirt. Press the button to hear a patriotic song.

The educational gift

In a more muscled style, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has a judo DVD out. Putin demonstrates the moves himself, showing off his fighting spirit.

The shamanic gift

Last but not least, a great and much derided French classic: the Nicolas Sarkozy voodoo doll, sold with its own handbook. And for leftist sympathizers, Santa also carries a version of the former presidential Socialist candidate, Ségolène Royal.

All items can be purchased on e-auction sites such as eBay

(Translated by Marie Valla)