elfing it

I tell ya. This is what happens when you turn 40! You want to trade in your Porsche Boxter for an Airstream. (I'm still shaking my head in self-disappointment.)

Why do I want one, you ask? Well, I enjoy camping, without the camping tent. I know, I know. How urban of me. Maybe we should call my outdoorsy adventures "camp-outs" instead. I love the fact that Airstreams are now so hip to own, they're actually available at Design Within Reach for $49,066.

This Brunton Flexible 14-Watt Solar Charger ($300) rolls up to a compact size so you can take it on the road with ease. Take it with you on the next family vacation, and you'll never have to worry again how or where to charge your computer, cell phone or power your video camera. Durable construction prevents rips and snags. Automatic charger works even in low light.

With all the talk about The Apocalypse and "where will you be?" business, I finally gave in and tucked one of these radios in my emergency survival bag, under my bed. Seriously, I do advise one should always be prepared for emergencies. This Eton hand-crank radio also works as a generator - it comes with a built-in cell phone charger, flashlight, and emergency siren. However, for general use, it can also be powered by batteries or AC adapter (included). $50

At first I thought these were kinda spooky, then I grew to like them after a few seconds. I think it's a sweet gift for a new mom or dad. Of course, I do have one more warning. Ladies, we know you want babies... But do not get this for your boyfriend as a "hint, hint" you want babies. It may be the last gift you'll give him, ever. Seriously. Save this for someone who already has one (or two or three) and is not afraid of the topic. Baby Cufflinks are $60.

This is one of the most clever little inventions this decade. The Gorillapod is a flexible mini-tripod that can twist and turn and hang and grip.

It is so brilliant, I can't believe it took so long for someone to think of it. Made to support small digital cameras, it can stand on almost any surface, flat or not. And if situation calls for it, Gorillapod will wrap itself around a tree branch upside-down so you can get your perfect photo. I think it likes to be challenged. $20

For a mere $150, this Flip Pocket Camcorder provides 60 minutes recording time in full VGA-quality video on 2GB of built-in memory. Plugs into your computer visa USB for instant viewing and sharing or do it the old-fashioned way by plugging the included cable to your TV. For the internet fanatics, this unit has built-in software that lets you easily email, capture still photos, and upload videos to YouTube and AOL. For $150. Unbelievable. (And... I dig the orange!)

This 1.5" photo key chain is the digital version of the photo locket, but with more perks. It can store up to 31 photos on an 8MB flash memory drive. Uses a rechargeable battery and work with PC or MAC.

Great for mom, dad or someone who travels often. Photo album benefits in a small, compact size. $49.99

 

Even the last of the LP keepers must have converted to digital by now, but still, they [we] can't seem to depart from our favorites, the good and the bad, unfortunately. By principle, it is not right to have to pay the .99 cents to repurchase our favorite songs again - just because technology has changed. Now thanks to Audio-Technica, for $77, we can convert all our LPs to digital via their turntable converter.