Christmas is just over a week away, and no matter how organized you are, I bet there are a few people on your list that you just can’t figure out a gift for. In the spirit of giving, then, I offer these suggestion – each of which is, as of 12/16, available to ship in time for Christmas. (All prices are in US dollars.)
 KindleIt’s no secret that we’re fond of the Kindle ‘round the Lifehack halls. A single device that can carry a library of books, magazines, newspapers, and blog content? What’s not to love – and what could be more Lifehack-y? This year, the Kindle got improved battery life, PC and iPhone companion apps (with a Mac app on its way), native PDF support, and a big brother in the form of the Kindle DX. If you really love someone, you’ll get them a Kindle! (You reading this, dad?) ($259; $489 for the DX) |
 Flip MinoHDShoot incredible-looking high-def video with this camera that’s so tiny you’ll never have a reason not to carry it along with you. With 8GB of built-in memory, you can shoot up to 2 hours of video; downloading to your PC is as easy as plugging in the flip-out USB jack. ($229 list; on sale for $199 at Amazon right now) |
 Lilliput Mini USB MonitorThis 7” monitor is so cool I can’t even stand it. Powered entirely by USB, the monitor sits next to your main monitor to hold… well, whatever you want. Photoshop tools, Windows gadgets (or widgets, or whatever they’re called these days), your todo list, notes, your media player controls – I’m sure your loved ones can think of something to do with the extra real estate. Works with Windows PCs or Intel Macs. ($79.99) |
 D-Link DIR-685 Xtreme N Storage RouterYou know what’s ugly? A wireless router, that’s what. Who wants that thing sitting on their bookshelf or entertainment center? Well, this router solves that problem with a built-in 3.2” digital picture frame, showing off your favorite photos as it serves up your web pages and print jobs. Oh, by the way – you can also add a 2.5” hard drive, making it into a network-attached storage drive that can backup files from all the computers on your network, or act as a media server sending music and video to any PC, Xbox, PS3, or other plug-n-play device on your network. You’re forgiven if by now you’ve forgotten that it’s still a router. ($249.99 list; $214.17 at Amazon) |
 Logitech V550 Cordless Laser Mouse for NotebooksI’ve been using one of these for about 6 months now, and I’m absolutely in love with it. It’s on the large side for a notebook mouse (which is good, since I’m on the large side for a person) but still quite a bit smaller than a typical desktop mouse. The USB dongle is literally a USB plug and about 1/4” of electronics, so it doesn’t stick out of the side of my notebook and get in my way. The scroll wheel is a hefty metal job which you can press down on (hard) to release a clutch that lets it roll freely – so you can shoot up and down long documents with the flick of a finger. The scroll wheel also tilts left and right (which I have set to go “back” and “forward”, which is AWESOME for web surfing) and a little button behind the scroll wheel can be set to your choice of about a dozen different functions. Some kind of secret Santa’s elves technology allows it to go for a year on a single change of batteries, which ain’t half bad! ($39.95) |
 OGIO Hip Hop Messenger BagI’ve been lusting over this bag at my local Best Buy for a while (‘cause I’m fly like that!) but can’t convince myself I need yet another shoulder bag. (Yet. I’m weak, I’ll cave eventually). Made to hold a 15” laptop (and I just happen to have a 15” laptop…) this messenger-style bag has about a million pockets and sleeves to hold just abut everything – pens and pencils, airplane tickets, your media player, a water bottle, a kazoo (what, you don’t carry one?), a Yeti, tractor tires – everything! (OK, maybe not quite all of that; still, it’s impressive.) Available in a bunch of colors (there are several listings, you might have to click around to find the one that has the perfect color for your geek sweetie). ($45.99) |
 PowermatThe dream is here – wireless charging! Just set an iPhone, Blackberry, or other device on the Powermat and it charges wirelessly, using the power of children’s dreams (I assume – I’m a little fuzzy on the science). Of course, you also need receivers for each device, so here’s the deal: get this for your spouse with a receiver for their phone, and you know, just happen to order an extra one that fits your phone, and it’s like a double-Christmas just for you! ($99.99, plus $30/receiver) |
 Swiss+Tech Utili-KeyThe perfect stocking stuffer, this key-shaped (and key-sized) multi-tool opens to expose a Phillips-head and flat-head screwdriver, a super-tiny glasses screwdriver, a bottle opener, and plain and serrated cutting surfaces. Naturally, it slides onto your key-ring so you have everything you need, any time you need it. I bought a stack of them for all my family members who scoff at the idea of carrying a Swiss army knife. ($7.95) |
 Crush It, by Gary VaynerchukGary Vaynerchuk of WineLibraryTV shares the secrets of his success in this slim, accessible volume. In two words: CRUSH IT! Find your passion and just go for it, all out, no excuses. Of course there’s a little more to it than that, or it would just be an inspirational poster. Perfect for anyone in your life facing the consequences of the economic downturn, or just looking for a little more meaning in their lives than pushing papers for the next 30 years. ($19.99 list; $11.69 at Amazon) |
 Men’s Underwear Repair KitWhat could be more productive than getting every last bit of use out of your underwear? The Men’s Underwear Repair Kit contains iron-on patches, replacement elastic, safety pins, white-out, and 32 pages of instructions – everything you need to get years and years of wear out of your tighty-whities. ($10.95) |
Got any special gift ideas of your own? Share them with us last-minute shoppers in the comments!
Pretty appalling blog. Do you get paid to write this dribble?
Wow, that’s hurtful :-( Any specific criticisms? What would be more useful for you, Trosso?
Dustin, I enjoyed seeing a list of things guys would like. I think the retail world makes it easy to buy for women. But buying for men is difficult sometimes. You have offered some great ideas. Thanks.
Erin: That’s funny, I was thinking the same thing as I was putting it together, although most of the stuff is gender-neutral (the underwear repair kit and maybe the messenger bag are more guy-y). I actually bought one of these things for my mother (but won’t say which in case she’s reading…). But you’re right, there’s a distinct lack of creativity in guy’s gift options lately — after he has a nice watch, a good wallet, and a playstation, what else is there? Another sweater?
DO IT YOURSELF GIFTS
If you’re so inclined – which I am not – you can show some originality with a hand-crafted present.
• Benni went to one of those pay-by-the-hour pottery studios, and made a beautiful bowl for his partner’s wedding gift.
• Kim made me two stunning bracelets out of vintage rhinestone and Bakelite buttons. These one-of-a-kind pieces are real attention-getters, and I crave attention! • One Christmas, Kim and her sister made spectacular wreaths out of twigs, pine cones, dried flowers, berries and ribbons for all their friends. When I think of the long hours of patient labor that went into this project, I get overwhelmed with fatigue. Fortunately, not all of my friends are as slothful as I am.
• Brenda picks up interesting ceramic containers at yard sales. When she needs to bring a house gift, she takes a cutting from one of her succulents, and plants it in one of these pots.
I like making gifts for people instead of buying from stores. I hate lines and crowds. Plus I can keep making gifts till the very last minute of Christmas. I don’t have to rely on mall hours and stuff like that.
-Denise
My favorite is always a gift to charity in the name of your loved one. It demonstrates that you know and respect them well enough to really figure out something that matters to them. The year I made a donation to the ASPCA for my aunt, a devout animal lover, she was brought to tears.
The trick is to pick a cause that he or she would really care about — not necessarily your own pet charity. Often, a gift item like a t-shirt or travel mug, is available with the charity’s logo to make it more “gift-y”.
And don’t forget local charities instead of just the national ones with slick websites. Thanks for the article!
I don’t care what Trosso said about your blog…I loved it! Your descriptions were great and your comments were well “human” and delightfully funny. It doesn’t matter to me if you get paid to write this stuff or not. I loved your descriptions of the gift items.
Dustin some interesting suggestions.Love the repair kit especially with the 32 pages of instructions for guys, cute and oh so passive aggresive.
Amy- no trick to figuring out someones favorite cause. Try a site like http://www.ccgiftcards.org You donate the funds and the recipient designates up to three charities to benefit. Great last minute gift eCards can be purchased and sent or printed the same day. Although I don’t recommend doing that cause it kind of says ooops forgot.
Happy Holidays all!
Talk about an affordable and exciting gift for someone!
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?
Why would you want to do that? Turn your fun, enjoyable hobby into a dreary job? Or maybe turn your everyday job into something you would do for free?