Need an extra special gift? What about a chicken, or a goat for the Third World for that special present?

Special charity gifts are proving to be a perfect solution for friends and family looking for something meaningful to give as a special present for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas.

The special presents though are not the run-of-the-mill gifts you would expect.

Those finding themselves stuck for that special, but ever-so-slightly alternative present have been considering - wait for it - a pig, an apple tree, some chickens, a flock sheep of even a new toilet.

The special gifts - part of an initiative by charity Oxfam - are proving to be a huge present hit.

The charity says that people love the special presents because they really value the special gifts they can buy for their friends and family, while changing the lives of some of the world's poorest children and families - whether it be as part of the Make Poverty History campaign or helping victims of recent disasters such as the tsunami. The special gifts can also be purchased quickly and easily online and the charity takes care of the rest.

Instead of simply giving more unwanted clutter to friends and family, the aid agency has come up with a range of 50 special gifts which you can give to developing communities - on behalf of others.

From a ox to an HIV education system, a wheelchair to a bicycle, you can do it quickly and easily online . All you have to do is visit the web site , choose a price range and select a special gift with the details of the friend on whose behalf you are sending the present. The charity them sends a special card to your friend or family member, telling them what has been given on their behalf.

The charity has something for every budget too, from a water filter or a fruit tree for a fiver, through to complete furnishings for a school. You can even specify where you want your gift to go - for example to help victims of the Asian Tsunami.

The alternative gift collection is part of Oxfam's ethical initiatives to help some of the world's poorest communities make their way out of poverty.

The special gifts arrive in the context of the charities long-term development programmes. Community leaders and local committees helped by Oxfam staff identify their needs and priorities, including the gifts featured in their alternative catalogue. This, the charity says, means the presents that are bought are really needed- and will be treasured when they arrive.

Oxfam is one of the world's leading relief, development and justice agencies. It is also one of the largest- presently helping more than 100 million people in nearly 100 countries in their struggle against poverty, hunger and injustice, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Oxfam's special gift selection is now four years old. The results are admirable as well as ethical. Over 5,000 children have been immunised against six childhood killer diseases. Over 12,000 fruit trees have been planted, growing produce both to eat and sell. Almost 3,000 children have had their sight restored through cataract operations.

To find out more click to visit Oxfam Unwrapped Gift Collection .