Coming up to Christmas, you might start to notice there are a lot more “novelty” gifts about. Some of these fun gifts often walk a fine line between being amusing and actually being genuinely useful. While many are generally designed purely for entertainment purposes, the best ones offer some real functionality. They have the unique power to spark an equal amount of laughter and groans when first opened, but continue to be appreciated long after the initial joke has worn off. Wicked Uncle’s Laid-Back Glasses fall squarely into this category. At first glance, they look like a wacky accessory, possibly that won’t be of much use after the initial play period, but once tried, they surprisingly reveal themselves to be a clever solution for anyone who enjoys reading, watching TV or scrolling through their phone while comfortably lying down.
So what are Laid-Back Glasses? Well the answer is very simple yet ingenious. These glasses are fitted with special prism lenses that flip your field of vision by 90 degrees, allowing you to look straight ahead while actually seeing what’s below. What that actually means is that when you’re lying flat on your back, you can read a book or watch a screen without craning your neck or holding your arms awkwardly aloft. Instead of staring at the ceiling, your eyes are redirected to your lap or the television across the room. It’s a small adjustment that makes a big difference in comfort, especially for those who enjoy winding down in bed with a book or show.
Overall, when I first received these glasses I assumed they would be a good novelty gift that would be used a couple of times and buried in the junk drawer. In reality, I actually like them and have been using them more than I ever expected to. I love to read in bed and they work great, I can lie flat on my back, hold by book on my stomach and read it with ease without the need to prop my neck up or sit up. They actually make reading in bed more comfortable.
They are reasonably lightweight glasses, weighing just 105g, are black in colour and the lenses are black with protruding lenses (mirrors) that flip your vision. They are comfortable to wear and can even be placed over regular prescription glasses (I can wear them with my regular glasses very comfortably), making them accessible to a wide audience. The may look at bit odd, but they do a fantastic job.
They may be considered a novelty gift, but the practical benefits are clear. For avid readers, the glasses eliminate the strain of holding a book upright while lying down (and the novelty might even get kids picking up an extra book or two). For tech enthusiasts, they make scrolling through a phone or tablet more comfortable. And for those who enjoy watching TV in bed, they allow for a relaxed viewing position without the need for extra pillows or awkward angles.
They are undeniably fun and invite curiosity – everyone who sees them wants to try them on. The experience of suddenly seeing your feet while looking at the ceiling is both amusing and mind-bending – just make sure you remember that you are wearing them when you get up otherwise you won’t see the door, and that might hurt! This novelty factor makes them a great conversation starter at gatherings or a memorable gift for birthdays or Christmas.
At £16.99 I think that they would be expensive, but they are good quality and actually have a functionality that will be used, making them good value for money. By flipping your vision 90 degrees, they make reading, watching TV or using a phone while lying down far more comfortable. With a sturdy design, being compatible with regular glasses and their affordability they make them a good option for anyone seeking a gift that will be both enjoyed and used, and a bit unique. Whether given as a humorous surprise or a thoughtful solution for a book lover, these glasses are sure to delight.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £16.99
For more information or to buy, visit www.wickeduncle.co.uk.
DISCLOSURE: I received this item for free for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
COMPETITION: Win your own pair of Wicked Uncle Laid-Back Glasses – visit our competition page here.
