It’s a cool, desirable gadget and a lot of people have one, so aside from Apple’s bank account, who else is benefiting from the iPhone’s continuing success?  That’s right, accessory manufacturers.  Here are five accessories, and their alternatives, which would suit the individual who wants an interesting companion piece to their recently delivered Portable Squirrel Warming Kit, which seems just a little too ‘everyday’.

The Thiphone.

Check out the picture of the cool guy in his sunglasses, with his funky hair and designer stubble, clutching an oh-so-fashionable iced coffee.  Men want to be him, girls want to be with…hold on, he has got his iPhone strapped to his leg!  Everybody move along, nothing to see here…

Alternative: Support your iPhone with your versatile hands, handily mounted on strong, articulated arms!

The iTwinge Keyboard.

Do you dislike the responsive, beautifully crafted virtual keyboard which came – included in the price – with your iPhone?  Would you like to add an unattractive piece of plastic with physical buttons to the bottom of your phone?  Well, you best place your pre-order for the iTwinge iPhone keyboard now!

Alternative: The keyboard already installed on your phone.

Phone Fingers.

Terrified of finger prints on your touchscreen?  Tired of looking like a normal person?  Phone Fingers, available in garish pink, mime white, hospital blue and S&M black, solve all these problems, while also keeping your precious pinkies from becoming sore from all that swiping back and forth.

Alternative: The fingers already installed on your hand, complete with tough ‘skin’ covering.

The Stylus.

Apple’s use of a capacitive touchscreen made the stylus a thing of the past, but clearly, not everyone is glad to see the back of it.  We’ll concede that gloves do tend to fox the iPhone’s screen, but is there really a need to fix a massive clip and a bulky stylus to it?

Alternative: See above.

The Recession Case.

As has been pointed out, the global recession may indeed be ending, however to us, this isn’t the most unfortunate thing about the Recession Case.  It’s the covering of a potentially $500 device in $1-worth of cardboard.  Mmm, that’s some good thinking!

Alternative: A thick sock?  It would likely offer more protection, cost nothing and if you choose a branded one, have less of the ‘homeless chic’ about it!

So, there you have five unusual accessories for your iPhone, all of which could be described as kooky, crazy, mad or filled with innovation and creative thought.  We, however, wouldn’t.