As Christmas fast approaches, while doing your festive shopping you will notice that the shops inevitably fill with novelty gifts. Some of these quirky items will raise a laugh on Christmas morning before being forgotten in a drawer by Boxing Day. But there are others that manage to straddle that fine line between being just a bit of fun and actually being useful and practical. The Wicked Uncle Laid-Back Glasses fall firmly into this second category.
At first glance, they look like the sort of gag accessory you’d expect to see passed around at a party – amusing, slightly ridiculous and unlikely to serve any real purpose beyond a few minutes of fun. Yet once you actually slip them on, the joke quickly gives way to surprise. These glasses reveal themselves to be more than just a quickly-forgotten novelty – there are a clever, functional solution for anyone who enjoys reading, watching television or scrolling through their phone while lying down and not having to prop up their neck or hold a book at a silly angle.
The Laid-Back Glasses have a deceptively simple design. The front of the glasses are fitted with protruding prism lenses that redirect your line of sight by 90 degrees. In practice, this means that when you’re lying on your back, instead of staring at the ceiling, your vision is flipped downward. Suddenly, that book you have resting on your stomach or the television across the room become perfectly visible without the need to crane your neck or prop yourself up with pillows. It’s a small adjustment that makes a surprisingly big difference in comfort.
For those who like to wind down and relax in bed with a novel or a Netflix binge, the Laid-Back Glasses help transform that experience. No more stiff neck, awkward arm positions or fumbling with pillows to find the right angle. Instead, you can stay completely reclined and still enjoy your chosen activity.
Overall, I think the Laid-Back Glasses are brilliant and serve a good use. When I first received them I assumed they would be a novelty item destined for the junk drawer after a few quick uses. I expected to use them two or three times, laugh at the odd perspective, and then move on. To my surprise, I’ve ended up using them far more than anticipated. As someone who loves reading in bed, they’ve genuinely improved my nightly routine. I can lie flat, rest my book on my stomach and read comfortably without straining my neck or trying to prop myself up it a comfortable reading position.
The glasses are lightweight, coming in at just 105g (the weight is front-loaded but are stable when wearing them). They’re finished in black, with protruding prism lenses that do the vision-flipping magic. Despite their unusual appearance, they’re comfortable to wear and, importantly for me, can be used over regular prescription glasses. This makes them accessible to a wide audience, from casual readers to tech enthusiasts.
Yes, they look a little odd, you definitely won’t be winning any fashion awards wearing them, but they do what they have be designed for brilliantly. There’s even a playful bonus that kids might be tempted to pick up a book just to try them out, turning the novelty into a reading incentive.
Of course, part of the appeal lies in their sheer novelty. Everyone who sees them wants to try them on and the experience of suddenly seeing your feet while staring at the ceiling is both hilarious and disorienting. Just remember to take them off before standing up, otherwise you might find yourself walking into walls and doorframes while looking at the carpet – a painful lesson to teach you to take them off.
This curiosity factor makes them a great conversation starter at gatherings and a memorable gift for birthdays or Christmas.
At £16.99, they’re not going to be the cheapest stocking filler, but the quality and functionality justify the price. Unlike many novelty items, these glasses won’t be discarded after the initial laugh. They’re sturdy, compatible with regular glasses and genuinely useful. That combination makes them excellent value for money.
Wicked Uncle’s Laid-Back Glasses are the rare novelty gift that balances humour with practicality. They’ll spark laughter when first unwrapped, but more importantly, they’ll continue to be used long after the festive season ends. Whether you’re buying for a bookworm, a gadget fan or someone who loves to watch TV in bed, these glasses are a unique, affordable, and surprisingly thoughtful gift.
A novelty that earns its keep – funny, functional and worth every penny.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £16.99
For more information or to buy, visit www.wickeduncle.co.uk.