It’s strange what people will resort to selling in times of economic meltdown; family airlooms, organs, boogie, you name it. The sale of Scarlett Johansson's used tissue for $5,300 (£3,600) on eBay yesterday evening was not however the result of a loose back-pocket, but quite simply a case of good old Christmas Spirit.

Whilst appearing on US talk show Tonight, the sniffly star accepted a tissue from presenter Jay Leno. After clearing her nostrils, twice, and wiping a little saliva crust off the side of her mouth, Johansson thoughtfully placed the rare specimen into a bag and signed it, promising the proceeds to hunger charity USA Harvest.

Slightly ridiculous no doubt, but why not? If the way to get people giving to chariety is through movie star excrement, then let’s put used hankies back on the shelves. An Amy Winehouse kleenex could well feed a small nation. It could also help spread the common cold faster and further afield than ever before, but all for a worthy cause.

Rather than genuine Christmas spirit, Johansson more likely did it purely for The Spirit - the upcoming Frank Miller-directed graphic novel adaptation which sees the actress star alongside Jaime King, Gabriel Macht, Dan Gerrity, Eva Mendes and Samuel L. Jackson.

Boasting both a formidible cast and an already reliable fan-base, there seems little need for marketing stunts. However, with high-class competition from the likes of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and (debatably) Valkyrie, all hitting cinemas next weekend, The Spirit is right to make the most of any promotional opportunities it can get its leathery mits on. So if you’re looking for some last-minute stocking fillers, loo-roll claiming Jacksons’ juices or a few Miller-muck encrusted wet wipes could well prove the perfect satsuma accompaniment. Tempted?

Charlotte Balnave