I think this is a brilliant idea – a publisher in Germany is teaming up with a book store to allow members of the public to exchange a rubbish gift for a book.

The companies have invented a vending machine where you can dump a present and exchange it at the touch of a button for a book.

The device will be set up outside Hugendubel branches on 28th December in a shopping centre in Munich, followed by appearances in Ingolstadt (29th December) and Nuremberg (30th December).

Seven different books will be available from bestselling authors like Rebecca Gable and Ethan Cross.

All unwanted presents will be given to local charities.

Come on UK publishers, bring it to London!