Another Christmas is over, but that doesn't mean it's time to stop thinking about things to buy. If you're looking ways to make use of those gift cards, Christmas cash or maybe just need to make some exchanges, it's time to start thinking out of the box.

So, from deep within the Carey Brothers vault of "Gifts with a twist... that are hard to resist," here are a few unique items that our friends and family found under the tree (or in the house or on the porch) this holiday season.

For the longest time you have been able to send mouth-watering steaks and fancy fruit to just about anyone anywhere as a special holiday gift. Now, you can do the same with ice cream! Recently, while in Nevada, we came across the best-tasting ice cream ever! Now, there are a number of upscale brand-name favorites out there, but nothing in our opinion comes close to the rich, mouth-watering designer delights offered up by Tahoe Creamery. The company opened in 2000 with a secret family recipe for gourmet ice cream that began way back in New England in 1948. Trusting it would be as successful today as it was for over 50-years back east, the owners set out to continue the family tradition way out west. Starting with a few local restaurants, the all-natural, hand-crafted gourmet ice cream (with the kooky flavors) took off like a rocket and quickly grew into a booming statewide franchise. Today, Tahoe Creamery ice cream is sold in restaurants, super markets and company shops all throughout Nevada and is growing to communities outside of Nevada. The company also ships countless pints overnight to thousands of loyal customers nationwide - like us. So, if you'd like a pint or two (or more) of Tahoe Harvest Pumpkin Fest, Tahoe Funk Chocolate Hunk or Tahoe Trip Mint Chip, then visit www.tahoecreamery.com, place an order and try to be there when it's delivered.

Here's another unique holiday gift that represents "thinking out of the box." Actually, it's more thinking out of the tool box. Grip-Tite is a company dedicated to producing extraordinary tools that are innovative, easier to use, have more holding power and get any job done faster and better. The new award-winning Grip-Tite Super Wrenches - that easily remove rusted, damaged and severely rounded nuts and bolts where conventional wrenches just spin - are the latest offering that just won the SEMA Automotive 2009 "Best New Product" Award. Grip-Tite Super Wrenches hold, capture and turn nuts and bolts in hard-to-reach places like none other. If you're a handyman who would greatly appreciate no more dropped fasteners or scraped knuckles, then visit www.mygriptite.com or your local Sears store. Offered in both Inch and Metric six-piece sets for under $49.99. A great item for handy women too!

Maybe you would like to make a friend or loved one feel just a bit more secure. If so, then you should check out Schlage keyless entry locks and the new wireless Schlage LiNKª option. Electronic keypad entry locks and deadbolts - using four-digit access codes - are now both practical and affordable, offered in the $120 to $150 range. Schlage LiNKª also offers the first and only DIY wireless system allowing 24/7 remote control for keypad locks and other home management functions via the Internet. Lock or unlock doors from anywhere, add/remove access codes and control lights. Options include adjustable thermostat ($149) and cameras ($149 wired/$179 wireless) to see who is coming and going. The Schlage LiNK Starter Kit ($299) offers choice of keypad lock (deadbolt or lever-handle) and everything needed to set-up a Z-Wave® wireless system. Monthly subscription is $12.99. Available at Lowe's, Radio Shack and www.amazon.com or visit www.consumer.schlage.com for more retailer locations. For those tired of fumbling with keys or nervous about handing out extras to visiting guests and service providers. It keeps on giving (security) day-after-day and year-after-year.

Here's one we'll bet you never thought of. Recently, while on vacation, the hotel we stayed at had a European-style bidet in the bathroom -- and ever since, our wives have been hinting... strongly.

Being smart enough to take a hint, we also started investigating how to solve the bidet dilemma without totally remodeling our baths to the tune of mucho dollars. Then, we found the perfect solution: the Washlet S300 "all-in-one" bidet-style toilet seat by Toto. Providing an unsurpassed experience, the amazing S300 converts any toilet into a combination toilet and bidet. With the addition of an electrical outlet and the simplicity of changing a toilet seat, the Toto Washlet S300 cleans, soothes and pampers with five warm water cleansing modes; a warm air dryer; an adjustable cleansing wand; a wireless remote; an automatic air purifier; and a heated SoftClose seat with temperature control. At your command, the Washlet S300 offers an integrated, self-cleaning nozzle that extends to release a warm, soothing stream of aerated water providing the ultimate in personal cleansing. If you would appreciate a little Euro-style pampering too, then visit www.totousa.com too -- just like we did.

So there you have it. Something for the sweet tooth, a great new idea right out of the "tool" box, state-of-the-art remote-controlled security and a little upscale "southern comfort" for the home.

James Carey and Morris Carey, known as the Carey Bros., are nationally-recognized experts on home building and renovation.