Some people are impossible to buy for. Especially those who love stylish, modern, off-beat items, who wouldn't appreciate a pair of socks or board game under the Christmas Tree.

I've solved your Christmas purchase problems! Well technically I haven't, Stack Magazines have.

Stack is a modern magazine subscription, which monthly sends you a handpicked, independently published magazine. The subject of the mag is different each month, but the guarantee Stack give you is that if you're an intelligent, creative type who appreciates off-the-mainstream design, then you'll enjoy what pops through your post box.

Stack sent me October's issue to see what they mean. This month they've handpicked food magazine, 'Fire & Knives'. I'm not hugely into cooking, but immediately I understand what a Stack subscription is all about. I would never in a million years have ordered Fire & Knives, but it's a delight to receive as a one off pick.

The print work, illustration and font choices are a joy. I've also discovered illustrator Stephen Wildish's witty artworks through getting Fire & Knives. In fact you could easily pull out and frame some of the pages of the magazine for extra subscription value!

I'm very much looking forward to seeing which magazine arrives next month.

If you'd like to buy someone a Stack subscription for Christmas head over to www.stackmagazines.com I bet you'll be signing yourself up too.