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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

The Buddha Board ($30) is a modern version of the Etch-A-Sketch, but with much more artistic flexibility. It uses water and a bamboo paint brush to sketch water-color style renderings and dries clear for repainting. Great for daily self-expression. What is your mood today? This hour?

At first I thought the light was so you can see what you're drinking... Most likely you will have water in this bottle, and most likely, you are out-and-about. When I'm out-and-about, I am usually with a large group of friends, even if it's on a camping trip. This thought made me realize why I like this water bottle so much. I will be able to easily identify my bottle from others, because mine will be illuminating. I've had my water bottle taken by accident at night. It's a bummer, especially if you are really thirsty. $25

As far as mini-things go, this micro LED lantern is on the top of my favorites list. It's so darn cute! $12.95

It's bright enough to light up a tent (I haven't tested yet, but I have a feeling it's very dim lighting.). Lasts 25 hours of continuous use. Even has emergency strobe light capablity. What a fun stocking stuffer.

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

This pocket-sized waterproof first aid kit has just the right few things to make it a decent outdoors companion. $6.95

Comes with three sizes of bandages, antiseptic towelettes, alcohol pads, sting relief pad, gauze and more. Waterproof ABS case has an O-ring and is attached to a nylon cord with a carabiner.

I, too, thought these robotic vacuum thingies were a gimmick. Until I got one. People! It will change your life! I was so crazy about the thing, I went and bought three more as gifts. Talk about viral growth!

Now I'm ready for an upgrade. The Scooba is what I'm after next. This little bot mops your floor! Actually, even better - it vacuums and washes your floor. The Scooba will pick up dirt and debris before it cycles to the wash phase, where it will actually brush and scrub your floor. All you have to do is fill it will cleaning solution. Push one button, and watch it climb rugs, stop itself from getting trapped in corners, turn around before it falls down the stairs. I swear. I've tested this over and over again, and it never failed.

My very favorite part is watching the machine automatically return to its docking station when it runs low on battery. When it begins the self-docking process, it beeps. Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep..... (Like a commercial truck backing up.) Very entertaining. $320-$420

This is the gift they will love and despise, each and every morning. Clocky is a little alarm bot clock that runs away from you when you try to hit the snooze button. I know a few people who qualify for this gift, don't you? $45-$50 at Amazon.

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!)

Dustproof and washable, this Flexible Mobile Keyboard can be folded for easy travel. I may not be a hypochondriac (well, maybe a little), but I am messy. I like eating while working, which means crumbs in the keyboard. It is not pleasant. I've lost keys vacuuming my keyboard. Not sure if this keyboard feels well (how the key snaps to the touch is important to me), but for $20, it may be worth a try.

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

It used to be considered poor gifting etiquette to give an appliance to a woman, especially if she's your wife. That was when wives stayed at home. With today's majority dual income households, getting a good-looking and good-working appliance, like this very handsome Dyson Handheld, is more like a treat. Anything to make life easier at home is a treat. Right? $134

Okay, it's not *really* anti-gravity, but ssshhhh... Why ruin the trick? This levitating globe should keep your kid amused for, hmmm, well, 15 minutes? (I originally wrote 'hours' but that would have been optimistic, right?) This 4" globe makes a great display item and a fun trigger for earthly conversations. $90

I have tested numerous Ipod docking stations, and hands down, the Bose SoundDock is by far the best one in the market (for its price and compact size). You will be blown away by how loud and great the sound this single speaker unit can generate. Many of my music-aficionado friends, including numerous DJs, were they so impressed with this little unit, they bought one for themselves (and the sad ones who can't afford it added it to their holiday wish list). Of course, I absolutely love the minimalist design. Guess what? It even charges your Ipod (one less cord to hassle with!). $399 may sound a bit high, but I'm telling ya, it's worth every penny. Also available in black.

 

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.