As I wrote earlier, amazon.co.uk has predicted that Skype phones will be a top present this Christmas. Great - but as any hardened Christmas gift-buyer knows, the real art is matching the exactly right one to the right family member.

No two families are the same, but it's definitely true that what Young Kevin might want will be completely different than his Gran or mad Uncle Frankie. So with the aim of Peace to all Men (and Women...) here's my attempt to point you in at least (I hope!) the right general direction...

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Gramophone Granny and Grandad. They may not be spending hours updating their MySpace profiles, but Gran and Grandad have got email sorted and want to keep in touch with the rest of the family more than ever, especially now their grand-daughter's backpacking round Australia. You've shown them Skype, but they're still a bit wary.

My advice: Providing they already have a broadband router, the Philips VOIP841 should be available before Christmas, and this should do the trick nicely. It plugs straight into the router and the landline socket, meaning the PC doesn't even have to be on to use it. It might also be worth thinking about an easy-to-use webcam such as the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX, so you can keep in touch over video calls. It's also worth considering a simple device such as the VoSky phone wizard, which will let them make Skype calls straight from their normal telephone, so long as the computer's powered up. These cost £39.45 / €58,45 / $44.95.

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Gadget Dad. He's got an iPod full of Coldplay, and a plasma TV the size of Belgium. There's nothing *wrong* with the cordless phone he bought two years ago, but those Skype phones they've been talking about down the golf club could be just the job...

My advice: The Belkin wifi phone is neat, shiny and black. It can be used out of the house with any Wifi network that doesn't require web-based signup, as well as on your home network. It doesn't require a PC to work, and is available for preorder in the US for $189.99, or to buy in the UK from morecomputers.co.uk for the frankly bargain price of £91.

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Multitasking Mum. She's running a successful design business from the back room, taking the kids to school and keeping up with a packed social calendar. She needs something which will look the part on her desk, and give crystal clear calls so she doesn't miss a trick when she's talking to clients.

My advice: The Logitech Easycall Desktop provides everything you need if you're working from home: a really great wireless keyboard and mouse, and a Skype-certified speakerphone plus headphones. The keyboard has all the controls you need to power both Skype and your music, and will automatically mute music to take a call. The Logitech will set you back a reasonable £90 / €129,95.

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Teenager Kevin. He hardly says a word, so it's a mystery how he manages to run up such big bills on the phone! He's a 'digital native', spends hours on MySpace, and has enough Skype contacts to fill an Ibiza nightclub. Using a landline phone is just so lame.

My advice: The Netgear SPH101Wifi phone is probably the most advanced Skype phone at the moment. As it's wifi calls can be made from the privacy of a triple-locked bedroom, and it should withstand being thrown around next year when the boys are round playing some Nintendo...

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Little Maggie. Frankly, when it comes to presents the packaging is normally the most interesting part for her. But Dad's away a lot and it'd be great if she could hear his voice every now and again...

 My advice: A Verball is the gift that just keeps on giving. It's a cool cuddly speakerphone, so when Dad or Mum are away they can speak to their little darlings (or each other) on Skype via the medium of a cuddly toy. Weird at first? You betcha. Give it a try though - they'll even sing your MP3s for you! 

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Mad uncle Frankie. Flown in from New Zealand, you only see him once a year, and he tends to have emptied the cocktail cabinet before breakfast. Still, family are family, so it'd be great if you could use Skype to talk to him so you can save up to replace that bottle of 10 year old Single Malt. 

My advice: The USRobotics USB Internet Mini Phone phone is a good, simple Skype phone. At £13 / €20 / $25 it won't break the bank, but will allow you to easily keep in touch. It's small enough to be easily portable, and the design is easy enough to use for anyone familiar with a mobile phone. Check out more simple plug-in Skype phones here.

For reviews of these and many more Skype phones, check out Voip-Sol.com, Skypejournal, Gizmodo, and Engadget. Oh, and Happy Holidays.