Oh dear. Lava lamps are back again. For about the third or fourth time. Last time, they were back 'in' for about six weeks in summer 2006 while on Big Brother or somesuch, before being declared spectacularly 'out' by the time the leaves started to fall. Such are the perils of being a fashion icon. You'll have absolutely no similar problems with this amazing, flame-haired invention that leaves the lava lamp standing. With more than a hint of 80s retro cool about it, the hundreds of tiny flexi-glass threads that spew from the lamp's core are each capable of carrying a whole number of different frequencies - meaning they can change colour almost at will. The effect is dazzling.

Powered by super-bright LED technology, it's a maintenance-free option that will never have you on your hands and knees trying to fit a replacement bulb. But what makes the Starlight so practical is its portability. Want to move it? Easy. Just pick up its chrome base and place it wherever its effect will be greatest. As a table centrepiece. As a hallway welcomer. As an ambient corner lamp. The choice is yours.

As a housewarming gift it's a stylish present with a gender and orientation-neutral outlook on life - a thoughtful, enduring and dashed sexy throwback to an era of bigger hair, bigger shoulders and funky lamps.