L.A.'s memorable charity, fashion and lifestyle billboards in December...

There's been a real mixed bag of billboards around L.A. in December, with an eclectic assortment of ads for festive fashion, fragrances, food, drinks, gift ideas and more besides.

Charity and cause-related billboards

First up is a bit of a headline grabber. I don't especially like giving Kim Kardashian any more free press than she already gets, but it's gratifying for someone to call her out for her appalling fur-wearing antics. Those people at PETA certainly don't pull their punches, but let's face it, sadly any publicity is good for publicity for fame-hungry reality 'stars'.

Next up is new creative for the AIDS LifeCycle which sees an army of cyclists ride hundreds of miles from San Francisco to L.A. to raise essential funds for HIV/AIDS charities in the two cities.

Fashion and beauty billboards

This month Banana Republic has really made the skies of the City of Angels feel festive with their Christmas campaign billboards. Be sure to check out all the holiday creatives at my Daily Billboard blog.

UGG has launched a range for men and has been plugging the brand's boots and slippers with some manly, rugged ad creatives in December.

Guess is following that old adage that 'sex sells' and using a buff male model's rippling torso to market their latest fragrance, Seductive Homme. Based on this sexy ad creative, I'm sure there will have been a few bottles of the cologne added to men's Christmas stockings this season.

Criminal Minds star Matthew Gray Gubler continues to be the 'face', or is that 'feet', of Aldo Shoes, with this festive red billboard.

Tiffany & Co. know it's the perfect time of year to advertise their luxury jewelry. I mean who wouldn't want a huge gem sparkling on their finger this festive season.

Meanwhile Michael Kors opted to promote their sunglasses and wristwatch offerings this month, more great gift ideas.

You don't often see advertising for fashion magazines or websites, but what's interesting is Style.com is promoting its new print magazine, which normally happens the other way around in the publishing world.

And finally for fashion, you can tell it's the gift-giving time of year when you see quirky ads like BedHead Pajamas around town.

Finance billboards

This giant billboard for Citi Mastercard isn't the most visually exciting, but it's interesting from the perspective that before long we'll all be using our smart phones to pay for things instead of carrying separate credit cards.

I also like this clever festive themed billboard from Wells Fargo for its account alerts service.

Technology billboards

This super-sized billboard for the Sonos wireless HiFi system was really an eye-cather with its unique visual along the Sunset Strip.

Meanwhile Fandango advertised its mobile movie app in its own inimitable style.

And HTC Rezound makes a spectacle of itself with this huge billboard promoting the smart phone's sound credentials in time for Christmas.

Food and drink billboards

It's certainly been the month to eat, drink and be merry and one of my favourite billboards was this one for Filippo Berio olive oil, which wittily used the advertising format to great effect.

This festive billboard for Baileys also managed to capture that indulgent seasonal spirit in December.

Whilst Remy Martin encouraged party goers to choose their tipple with an endorsement by the handsome singer, Robin Thicke.

And Coke abandoned their traditional Santa Claus advertising in favour of saving polar bears this year, fortunately their billboards were still instantly recognisable with their red and white brand colours.

Travel billboards

This special extension billboard for Jet Blue was quite clever, although I'm still shocked that airlines expect you to pay for your luggage when you fly.

This huge billboard for The Grand Renovation website arrived in December, you'd think just in time for people needing inspiration a fresh new look for the New Year, but it's actually to advertise the major renovation at the MGM Grand hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

Health billboards

This AIDS Healthcare Foundation billboard targeting straight sexual partners to get a free HIV test, which is great to see as it doesn't just affect the gay community.

And finally, this jolly Santa appeared in November for GNC, but couldn't help but save him until this Christmas round-up.

As you can see there's been a real variety of billboards this month to close out the year, here's hoping 2012 will continue to bring even more interesting sights.

Until then be sure to check out Daily Billboard every day...