2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Tech Gear

There is an overwhelming array of new devices for the wired and wireless techies in your life this holiday season. Here is a list of my favorite products that I have had the privilege of reviewing this year.

Keyboards

• Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 ($89.95)- Just a few millimeters thicker than a AAA battery, this new keyboard is sleek and sophisticated and will look right at home paired with any Bluetooth notebook, netbook or desktop computer and is a great travel companion thanks to its slim size. **Win a Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 courtesy of Microsoft. I received a Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 for review purposes.

• Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 ($79.99)- A Tech Savvy Daddy favorite! This easy-to-use comfortable keyboard not only has exclusive features for Windows 7 and Microsoft BlueTrack Technolog but is sleek, modern, and incredibly comfortable thanks to keys that are plaed at a slight 6-degree angle and the Comfort Curve keyboard layout that encourages natural wrist posture without a steep learning curve. The included Wireless Mouse 5000 features BlueTrack Technology that allows consumers to mouse on virtually any surface, from a granite kitchen countertop to the living room carpet for ultimate usability. **Win a Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 courtesy of Microsoft. I received a Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop for review purposes.

• Apple Wireless Keyboard ($69)- Upgrade your Mac lover and free them from wires thanks to this gorgeous slim Bluetooth enabled aluminum keyboard that it as easy on the eyes as it is on the hands. Keys are incredibly responsive even with the lightest of touches so banging away at the keyboard and inducing carpal tunnel syndrome is a thing of the past. This item was personally purchased by Tech Savvy Daddy. Image courtesy of Apple.
  

Laptop Bags and Accessories

• ThermaPak HeatShift Laptop Bag ($59.99) and Cooling Pad ($27.99 and up)- I love that HeatShift Laptop Bag will not only keep my laptop cool while in use but all the other features like the ability to use it as a mobile workstation. I feel better about putting my laptop away in something that will dissipate the heat after it has been used and needs to cool down. A perfect bag for someone who needs a slim and chic bag to hold only their laptop. ** Win a 17” Laptop Cooler courtesy of ThermaPak. I received a Thermapak HeatShift Laptop Bag for review purposes.

• HP Mini 110 Series ($299 and up)- Last year I coveted the Vivienne Tam Mini for Mother’s Day because of its red floral gorgeousness but was just as happy to win a black HP Mini from the wonderful Sunkissed Mommy ladies at Blogalicious. I never thought I needed a Mini but now that I have one, I love how tiny, portable, and powerful it is. Specs include built in WiFi, a 10.1” diagonal display, and almost a full size keyboard in this 2.5 pound computing wonder. It is the perfect on the go solution for me when I need to be on the road and is a must-have for anyone who has thought about getting one but doesn’t truly think they need one. Take it from me, they do! And my new love is the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje series ($399 and up). I won my HP Mini 110 from Sunkissed Mommy at Blogalicious.

• Timbuk2 Laptop Bags- I love my Timbuk2 for so many reasons. It’s tough exterior is made of the highest quality ballistic fabric that can withstand anything, its design features an incredible array of pockets to keep all of my devices (and pens, business cards, papers, water, etc.) in their places, a super plush corduroy lined compartment for my laptop, and a rubberized waterproof bottom so the contents of my bag will never get wet even if I drop it in a puddle. 
Choose among color combos designed for the style of bag you choose, specialty bags, or get fancy and build your own customized bag. Select the size (small, medium or large), colors and fabrics, customize the liner, insert, logo, and if you wear your bag on your right or left side and Timbuk2 will build your bag! I personally purchased the Timbuk2s I own.

• Lands’ End Eco-Friendly Backpack ($49.50)- If you prefer distributing the weight of your laptop on both shoulders, then the Lands End Eco-Friendly Backpack is for you. Built with 100% recycled fabric made from discarded plastic drinking bottles, this backpack is super tough, has 3 zippered pockets to keep small, medium, and large items in their places, a well padded laptop sleeve that fits a 15” laptop, plenty of pockets to keep even the most Type A person organized, and comfortable straps that won’t dig into your shoulders even with the heaviest of loads. Some backpacks make it tricky to extract your laptop when you finally reach the x-ray machine in the security line but the design of this bag makes it easy even if you. This is definitely my new favorite backpack and kicks my old one to the curb. Like all Lands’ End products, this also comes with a money back guarantee. I received my Eco-Friendly Backpack from Lands’ End at BlogHer.

• Sharebuds MX Twin Stereo Earphones ($39.95). If you are traveling as a family this holiday season, two pairs of earphones and one jack made it easier for both kids to watch the same movie, use a single Leapfrog Tag, or share an iPod without the hassle of a splitter. If you don’t like the tangle of headphones, then you may prefer the retractable ShareBuds ($49.95). Order them from the ShareBuds site and get free shipping. I received a pair of ShareBuds for review purposes.

Cell Phones

• T-Mobile MyTouch- In his review, Tech Savvy Guest reviewer Joe Lynch said this of the T-Mobile MyTouch, “If you have ever find yourself swearing off any webmail client but GMail, forgoing more traditional scheduling implements like pen and paper for Google Calendar, relying on Google Maps to get you to and from daily events, or generally finding yourself slave to gLife, then this phone is the perfect candidate for you.” I would have to agree with Joe. I loved using the MyTouch and sometimes wonder if I would switch to it if I weren’t under contract with AT&T. I received a MyTouch for review purposes.

• Nokia N97 ($699)- This amazing phone has a touchscreen and a keyboard with buttons that are easy to push and feel good under your fingertips. The touchscreen slides up with a satisfying click to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. I love the ability to use my own SIM card and my current phone plan so there’s no worry about added fees for breaking a contract or switching mobile carriers. Features of the N97 include GPS, 32 GB memory, games, ability to capture photos and video through a Carl Zeiss lens, and a boatload of widgets to customize your phone. Comes in black or white. I received a Nokia N97 from Nokia for review purposes.

• iPhone 3GS ($199)- I love my iPhone 3G ($99) but wish I had the new 3GS. That’s the thing about the iPhone…Regardless of which one you have, you always covet the newer one. Seriously though, I can’t imagine life without it. It’s a phone plus an iPod, internet browser, GPS, and camera in one super sleek package. Music, movies, photos, and the latest news are right there with a couple taps. The iPhone has an easy to use interface and you can download dizzying array of applications to trick it out. Setting up service was super simple and can be taken care of at an Apple store in a matter of minutes. It truly is everything you want in a phone and more in one nice little package. For a great chart of the costs associated with the iPhone (phone price, cheapest voice plan, data plan cost, SMS included/plan price), click here for a Gizmodo post that details the costs of the iPhone 3GS compared to its competitors. I personally purchased my iPhone 3G. Image courtesy of Apple.
  

Cell Phone Accessories

• ChargeBlock ($19.99 from Amazon)- With so many applications, the iPhone is an amazing device at least until your battery dies. I feel helpless with a dead phone but luckily I can now throw a Miccus ChargeBlock in my bag for those iPhone emergencies and get up to 11 hours of audio, 3.5 hours of talk time, 3 hours of video, and 2.5 hours of internet for more music, calls, YouTube at the doctor’s office, and connectivity. This tiny little device charges from an AC adapter and fits on the end of the iPhone so it can be recharged anywhere and anytime even when being used! Miccus Chargeblock is a true lifesaver and a Tech Savvy Mama favorite! **Win a ChargeBlock for you iPhone courtesy of Miccus. I received a ChargeBlock for review purposes.

• JumpStart ($59.99) by Digital Lifestyle Outfitters- This portable power pack securely suctions to the back of your iPod or iPhone and doubles the battery capacity and fully recharges your device. It includes mini-USB sync and charge cables and is a great solution for anyone who tends to run their battery into the red every day. **One Tech Savvy Mama reader will win one gift set that includes a JumpStart and JamJacket Game courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received a JumpStart for review purposes.

• JamJacket Game ($17.99 from Amazon) by Digital Lifestyle Outfitters - This custom-molded silicone fits like a glove and adds grip to your iPod for the ultimate hand-held gaming experience. The specialized case has handles for gaming and a Surface Shield included for added screen protection. **One Tech Savvy Mama reader will win one gift set that includes a JumpStart and JamJacket Game courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received a JamJacket Game for review purposes.

• WallDock ($24.99) by Digital Lifestyle Outfitters- The WallDock turns any outlet into a convenient charging dock for your iPod or iPhone thanks to a safe and secure plug-in charging dock. I like that the WallDock is small and can be tucked into my purse for use at work and charges my iPhone very quickly. **One Tech Savvy Mama reader will win one gift set that includes a WallDock and Hybrid Shell courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received a WallDock for review purposes.

• HybridShell ($24.99)- The HybridShell features a strong, polycarbonate case to protect your iPod Touch while the silicone accents add grip. I like that there are different styles- Amazon had 2 styles with clear shells and black or grey dots while the sample I received to review looks like the one pictured at right. ***One Tech Savvy Mama reader will win one gift set that includes a WallDock and Hybrid Shell courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received a HybridShell for review purposes.

• YummyPockets iPhone Covers ($18-25)- These darling handmade iPhone cozies are crafted out of felt feature fun faces, Etch a Sketch, and a television to keep your phone safe from scratches. Available through the YummyPocket Etsy store. Hat tip to Victoria for featuring these in her gift guide!

Geeky Accessories

• Twitter St@tus Symbol Necklaces (starting at $49.95)- This holiday season this necklace is on my wish list. I may be no Carrie Bradshaw but I’d love to wear my online identity around my neck in a custom Twitter handle necklace. @TechSavvyMama or a necklace featuring a hashtag of your choice is the hip and current version of the name necklaces that were popular in the Sex in the City days. Also available with # and in sterling silver or 10k or 14k yellow or white gold.

• Trip Glasses ($39.99)- ThinkGeek, the source for all things geeky cool, loves the Trip Glasses. I’m a little wary of anything with enough flashing lights to cause seizures, but at the same time, there are times that I could use 15 minutes to regain my zen-like attitude. Trip Glasses use a combination of blinking lights and sound to help guide you into gentle meditation. Just press start and you will have 14 blissful minutes where you can “hallucinate beautiful colors and patterns” until they turn themselves off and it is back to the real world. ** Win your own set of Trip Glasses to achieve your inner zen. A set of Trip Glasses were given to me for review purposes. To be honest, I was a little frightened of the seizure warning and reluctantly tried them but not for the full time.
  

• TI-Nspire (MSRP $179.99 or $140.92 from Amazon)- This mack daddy of calculators is ideal for anyone taking Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, College Math, Business, Finance, Biology. It has a TI-84 Plus Keyboard that snaps on to the front to ease the transition for those new to using graphing calculators. High school juniors and seniors will love that the TI-Nspire is approved for use on the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. ** Win your very own TI-Nspire courtesy of Texas Instruments! I received a TI-NSpire for review purposes.

Photo Products and Digital Picture Frames

• Honestech Fotobox ($79.95)- This portable USB device makes it simple to create multimedia slideshows from your camera’s SD memory card in 5 easy steps. Both novice and computer-savvy, PC users can get creative with and easily edit their photos. Choose between easy or advanced mode, apply themes, background music and narration to slideshows, and upload the content directly to YouTube and Facebook to share with family and friends without having to install extra software. **Win FotoBox to share your photos with ease courtesy of Honestech. I received a FotoBox for review purposes.

• CEIVA Digital Photo Frames ($127.00-147.99)- I’ve taken a look at photo frames before, but I’m really impressed with CEIVA’s CEIVAShare and Pro80. Both have large 8” screens and through a feature called PicturePlan, enable you to send photos straight to your parents frame from anywhere in the world. I love being able to send my parents in California photos that I take on my phone for instant gratification. I can also send photos via Facebook, email, from my account at ceiva.com, and have invited friends and family to send pictures to our frame. I received 2 CEIVA frames for review purposes.

Computer Backup and Network Security Devices

• Kapersky Labs Internet Security Suite for PCs ($79.99)- Kapersky Labs’ new Internet Security Suite has great resources and tools for parents who have children that are surfing online and provides protection for all users. Parents can use Kaspersky Parental Controls to set time limits for their children’s online usage, block sites that are inappropriate, and monitor who children interact with online. Kaspersky’s Virtual Keyboard allows you to enter personal information (like online banking information) safely with mouse clicks instead of keystrokes- which hackers can track. ** Win 1 of 5 copies of Kapersky Labs Anti Virus for PCs courtesy of Kapersky. I received Kapersky Labs AntiVirus and Internet Security software for review purposes.

For the Hard to Please

• ThinkGeek Gift Certificate- Home to all things geeky and the "stuff for smart masses", ThinkGeek has a great variety of uber-cool techie stuff like Lego Digital Cameras, USB Pet Rock, and a crazy collection of Ts that I have to admit to being not quite tech savvy enough to understand all of them. There's a great selection of kids stuff like the gyroscopic toddler bowls and a very cool illuminated JetBib Feeding System that includes a bib with a lightup LED runway and spoon with a plane body as a handle. And if you need a titanium spork, marshmallow blaster, pair of Chewbacca slippers, a scrolling LED belt buckle, or Monty Python Killer Rabbit slippers ThinkGeek is your place that truly has something for everyone! **Win a JetBib Feeding System for the little one in your life courtesy of ThinkGeek. I received a JetBib for review purposes.

To enter to win any of the above 11 items or gift sets, click here and leave a comment about your favorite tech toy as your first entry.

For extra entries, use the Google Form and do any of the following:

• Tweet this:@TechSavvyMama's Tech Gear Gift Guide w/gift ideas & 11 giveaways: http://tr.im/G6X1. Guides for all ages here: http://tr.im/F776

• Write a blog post and include "Tech Savvy Mama's 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Tech Gear" and link to this post: http://tr.im/G6X1

Every person has the opportunity to enter up to 3 times. Good luck!

Fine print: All entries for giveaways will be collected through the form below. E-mails must be valid and addresses must be within the United States. Companies will not ship outside the U.S. nor will they ship to P.O. boxes.

All information collected is solely for Tech Savvy Mama to ensure efficient delivery of your prize and will not be shared with anyone else but the marketing/PR company who is shipping the prize.

Winners will be notified between December 11-13.

Thanks for entering and good luck! Feel free to browse my other gift guides for other holiday suggestions for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary ages, tweens & teens, and adults.

Coming soon: Gift guides for your child's teachers, best CDs & DVDs available this season, and iPhone apps for last minute shopping.

2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Adults

It is here! The 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Adults with giveaways and discount codes! If you are looking for gifts for the techies in your life, never fear! That gift guide is on its way next week because it was too massive to include here!
For the Fashionista

• Yummie Tummie (beginning at $62)- To truly look stunning in that Little Black Dress, Yummie Tummie’s new shapewear is unlike anything that I’ve ever tried. The entire line of sexy tanks, camis, and the brand new Sweetie Slip Dress ($86- plunging neckline and convertible removable straps) feature slimming panels where you need them the most along with super soft cotton to make them comfortable for everyday wear instead of squeezing you like a sausage. You know what I mean! I love the way my Yummie Tummie products smooth, slim, and makes me look and feel sleek whether I’m at home in a great pair of jeans and a fleece top or heading out for a date night with Tech Savvy Daddy. My favorites include the Peek-a-Boo Cami ($96) which is a slimming slip dress which is perfect under holiday dresses and the Skinny Tanks ($62) that have wide straps to conceal bra straps, cotton bust, slimming tummy panel, and cotton on the bottom that you can leave out for a trendy layered look or tuck into jeans. **Win a $100 gift card to go on a Yummie Tummie shopping spree on their website, courtesy of Yummie Tummie! I am a brand ambassador for Yummie Tummie and received my Yummie Tummies from the company by being their blogger-in-charge of a Washington DC event held this fall and also from the Clever Girls Collective Sweet Suite at Blogalicious. I plan on purchasing the new Sweetie Slip Dress to add to my Yummie Tummie collection though!

• Lands’ End Cashmere (starting at $89.50)- Land’s End has stunning 2-ply cashmere at affordable prices. Their heirloom cashmere comes from Kashmir goats that live in a remote and bitterly cold region of Inner Mongolia that borders China and is both incredibly soft and warm. I have a Lands’ End Classic Cashmere Crew Cardigan Sweater ($149.50) that has become a staple piece of my wardrobe since I got it this fall. Cashmere is warm without being bulky and I find that my sweater is never wrinkled, whether pulled out of a stack of sweaters in my closet or tucked into my bag while traveling. Thanks to my Lands’ End cashmere, I always look pulled together and classy when wearing it. Lands’ End also has a lifetime guarantee that ensures I will always be satisfied with this item. I received my Classic Cashmere Crew Cardigan Sweater courtesy of Lands’ End as part of my Blogalicious wardrobe.

• e.l.f. Cosmetics (starting at $1)- Mineral makeup is the hot thing in cosmetics these days but it doesn’t have to break the bank. E.l.f. Cosmetics has an affordable and high quality line of mineral makeup and professional brushes that start at $3 each. Yes, $3 each! Or go with an over the top makeup set that will provide a look for every occasion like Master Makeup Collection that contains 84 eyeshadow shades, 36 lip gloss shades, 6 blush shades, 4 concealers, 4 shimmer cream shades, 4 bronzer shades, 1 face brush, 1 lip brush and 1 duo eyeshadow applicator and is $40. I also love my 12 Piece Professional Brush Set ($12) because they have been designed and tested by a professional team of makeup artists and each brush has been ergonomically designed to perfectly fit into your hand and facilitate a flawless finish. I hosted an e.l.f. muah Party for blogging friends and was given a chance to try their makeup and was provided with a Master Makeup Collection as a thank you gift.

• Hayden Harnett- My new handbag love is Hayden Hartnett. As a birthday present to myself, I splurged and bought myself the Lorca Turnlock in Black ($335). The thick buttery soft leather is so pleasing to the touch and is just the right size to carry on my shoulder, on the crook of my arm, or as a clutch. It has beautiful hardware in the form of gleaming zippers and clasps that shine against leather that will last a lifetime. I plan to grow old with this bag! Since my first purchase, I’ve been coveting more bags on the Hayden Hartnett site. I troll the site dreaming about my next purchase? Perhaps the Sloane Satchel in Steel ($515) that is pictured above or the Grape Shine Trophy Satchel ($678)? Join Hayden Hartnett’s e-mail list to get advance notice of sales and special offers like free shipping and discounts. I purchased my Hayden Hartnett Lorca bag with my own money it is worth every cent! Hayden Hartnett does not know how much I love their bags but I wish they did and would offer me a sweet discount for the satchels I now covet.

• Sondra Roberts Handbags (Starting at $35)- From shoppers, totes, crossbody, hobo, clutch, shoulder bags, and satchel styles, Sondra Roberts has it all. There is a gorgeous bridal/evening line that is perfect for special night out or the more functional and affordable SR Squared Collection that features beautiful faux nappa leather that is durable and pleasing to the touch. I recently modeled Sondra Roberts bags and got to see items from the collection in person. I love the thoughtful details, plentiful pockets, and zippers throughout both lines. Favorites include the Embossed Bone/Cognac Hobo ($107) and the Trupunto Circles in Fuchsia ($124), pictured above. Free shipping from now until December 30 on the Sondra Roberts website! I received a Sondra Roberts bag for modeling them during a live streamed Twitter party.

For Those Needing Their Caffeine Fix

• Tassimo Suprema Hot Beverage Machine ($129.99-169.99)- Made by high-end appliance manufacturer, Bosch, the single-serve TASSIMO hot beverage system brews coffeehouse quality beverages and offers more than 40 hot beverage varieties through their patented T DISC technology. Tassimo’s hot beverage choices include coffee, real milk cappuccino and latte, espresso, crema, tea and hot chocolate. The newest version, which launched in August of this year, features a liquid crystal display that shows all brewer functions and operating steps, while a cup stand lighting system puts the spotlight on every cup as it is prepared.

• Adagio Teas- Adiago has a great selection of specialty teas. I ordered their Thai Chai and like the subtle flavor of coconut and lemongrass in this great black tea. If you can’t decide, their tea samplers ($10-14) provide enough loose tea to make 8-10 cups. I personally purchased Thai Chai and received a tea sampler with my purchase.

• Oxo LiquiSeal Mug ($21.99)- Out of all of my travel mugs, the Oxo LiquiDeal is my favorite. It features three silicone seals to prevent leaks and spills and clicks open with a satisfying click that only requires only one hand to open so the other is free to drive. It has a double-walled cup and vacuum insulation so the 14 ounces of your favorite really does stay hot for the seven hours that Oxo promises. I find that my morning coffee is always still hot at lunch time! The shape also accommodates a wide variety of car cup holders. My Oxo LiquiSeal Mug was a gift from Tech Savvy Daddy.

For the Literary Types

• Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind ($22.99) by Phillip Done- Close Encounters of the Third Grade kind is by teacher and author and teacher, Phil Done. In his newest book, Done offers the inside scoop to parents, teachers and anyone else who works with children the opportunity to see inside his third grade classroom as he teaches 23 students, confiscates yardsticks that masquerade as swords, tells tales of his class pets, and prepares them for fourth grade and beyond. Phil’s first book was fabulous and his second work is just as great as the first because it is full of warmth, wit, and priceless lessons. A copy of Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind was given to me for review purposes.

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  What Kindergarten Teachers Know ($13.95) by Lisa Holewa and Joan Rice- If you find yourself lamenting the fact that your child behaves better at school than at home, What Kindergarten Teachers Know is full of practical advice, real life examples, and creative ideas that are designed to help your young child be a good listener, independent learner, and cooperative at home. This book is an easy read full of real life scenarios that share the classroom techniques that can also be used to make life at home easier. A copy of What Kindergarten Teachers Know was given to me for review purposes.

• Parent & Child Magazine by Scholastic (8 issues for $9.97)- Every month I look forward to Parent & Child Magazine arriving in my mailbox. Unlike subscriptions to other parenting magazines, Parent & Child always has fresh new content that is a joy to read that is helpful without being overwhelming and making you feel like you are being a bad parent. I love December’s issue for the New Decade, New Traditions article that gave me simple ideas that maximize our time together and 5 Gifts to Teach because of the focus on positive character traits like gratitude, generosity, and empathy. An affordable gift for all parents, but will be especially treasured by new parents! Subscribe here. Scholastic provides me with a copy of their current Parent & Child Magazine each month for review purposes.

• Pat the Husband ($9.95) Cider Mill Press Book Publishers- For any parent who has read Pat the Bunny so much that the rabbit is now furless, Pat the Husband is a fantastically funny parody done in the same way as the children’s classic. In this version Paul is married to Judy and pokes fun husbands in an interactive way with movable flaps, pieces with Velcro, and a mirror. Help Paul get dressed, locate the ketchup in the fridge and the remote control in the couch, and ask for directions when he becomes lost. I won this book from Kim Moldofsky’s My Hormone Colored Days.

• The Internet Mommy ($12.95) by Kimberley Clayton Boyd- Like other moms, the internet is a crucial part of my life. The Internet Mommy features inspiring interviews and stories from moms just like me who work and play online. Also known as The Go To Mom, mother and blogger Kimberley Clayton Boyd assembled a wonderful collection of stories by some of my favorite bloggers for her new book. My personal faves are Stacy Libby's My Double Life, Beth Blecherman live blogging the pillow fight between her 3 boys, Tricia Haas wondering if social networking killed the work-at-home-mom, and Kristine Needleman explaining how Twitter takes an emotional hold on those of us who use it. It is a must read for any mom who feels a void when she can't update her status, connect to Twitter, or favors catching up on latest news through her reader rather than the daily newspaper! A copy of The Internet Mommy was given to me for review purposes.

For the Kid at Heart

• Klutz: Encyclopedia of Immaturity Volume 2 ($19.95)- Enjoyed by teens and adults alike, this is the second volume of the complete guide to never growing up! More than 400 pages of skills, activities, mischief and secret knowledge are in this hard cover spiral bound book. For adults of all ages! A copy of Klutz: Encyclopedia of Immaturity Volume 2 was given to me for review purposes.

• Lego Digital Blue Alarm Clock Radio ($29.99) - Waxing nostalgic about childhood, I remember how much my brother and I loved playing with Legos. Despite being full fledged grownups with responsibilities and jobs, we still aren’t too old for Legos to still our lives. The Lego Alarm Clock Radio still allows kids at heart to give their alarm clock a customized look by adding Lego bricks to the top. Just don’t destroy your creation when the thing goes off to wake you for another Monday of work. Comes in blue, green, pink, and red.

For Those Who Love Personalized and Handmade Jewelry

• Imprecious Jewelry- If you like personalized jewelry that you hope to pass along to your children one day, check out Imprecious. Imprecious makes darling jewelry out of your child’s fingerprints that are captured in a putty-like substance that is sent to you and you return along with your order. I received my kit and it couldn’t have been easier to capture thumb and finger prints from everyone in our family. I ordered a 4 print Cascade necklace that features fingerprints from everyone in our family. The small silver discs hang in a line from a chain at my clavicle and is a stunning piece of jewelry that serves as a snapshot in time. Never again will my children’s fingers be as they are now and I wanted to capture their little prints forever. Choose from earrings, necklaces, bracelets in a variety of styles and if you can’t decide, owner Robin, has great suggestions and can even help you design something to fit your needs if what you want isn’t pictured on her site. I purchased my necklace at a 50% discount as part of a blogger promotion.

• Moda di Magno- These fine silver pendants, rings, bracelets, and necklaces are gorgeous, affordable and handmade by a Massachusets based artist. Choose from whimsical pendants on silver chains (starting at $35), a family bracelet with the first initial of each of your loved ones ($50), or charming earrings like India Dot Earrings ($22), or sweet rings like Cherry Blossom rings ($25). I've found wonderful gift options for the many women in our lives from this great site and love supporting handmade crafts. 25% off and free shipping from now until November 30. Or get 20% off all items between Dec 1-30 with the code TECHSAVVYMAMA at checkout. A great deal on beautiful handmade works of art! I personally purchased 5 necklaces from Moda di Magno which will be holiday gifts.

• Silpada Jewelry- Silpada silver fans might like to take advantage of the 15% off discount being offered by Kelly. Browse Silpada’s online catalog and contact Kelly if you would like to make a purchase. Get 15% off by mentioning BananaBlueberry. Thanks to Nicole from BananaBlueberry for sharing this discount with Tech Savvy Mama readers!

For the True Gourmet

• The French Laundry Cookbook ($29.25 from Amazon)- Oh Thomas Keller! How I dream of dining at The French Laundry and enjoying one of your 9 course tasting menu during a romantic weekend in Napa. Until I score one of your highly coveted reservations, I think I’ll practice my cooking techniques using step by step directions from your gorgeous The French Laundry Cookbook. I love that there are 150 recipes and 200 photos and I hope you don’t mind the little splatters of ingredients on my well worn copy when I bring it for you to autograph after what will surely be a delightful dinner. What I really want is the The Complete Keller: The French Laundry Cookbook & Bouchon Box Set ($63 from Amazon) but it is currently out of stock.

• Avery Customized Recipe Binder from Zazzle (beginning at $18)- All chefs need a place to store their favorite recipes so give the gift of Zazzle and let them create a delectable binder to house the recipes for all of their tasty treats. Pick from one of the many pre-designed recipe binders that can be customized with a name or create your own signature binder by uploading a design of your own. **Win a gift card good for creating your own Avery Customizable Binder courtesy of Zazzle. I was given a gift card to create a recipe binder courtesy of Zazzle.

• g-Spout ($12.99)- The g-Spout is a removable, multi-purpose spout and strainer that helps you strain and pour hot cooking oil and grease, batters, soups and sauces. New to the market, this innovative device simply clips onto the side of frying pans, saucepans, double boilers, and bowls. Made of high temperature food grade silicone, the g-Spout is microwave and dishwasher safe. **Win a g-Spout and get $2 off the $12.99 price with the coupon code: techsavvy. I received a g-Spout for review purposes.

• The Gourmet Cookbook ($26.40 from Amazon)- Long live Gourmet Magazine for its delectable recipes and glossy food porn that used to arrive in my mailbox. While you may not be able to get your monthly fix, the recipes live on in this anthology that will always pay homage to the print magazine that began in 1941. Have The Gourmet Cookbook? Then add Gourmet Today to your kitchen library since it contains “more than 1000 all-new recipes for the contemporary kitchen.”

For the Health Conscious

• Wii Fit Plus ($89.95 from Amazon)- Whether you are a current Wii owner, play the old version of Wii Fit, or have been contemplating a Wii purchase like I have, I think yo u will love the new Wii Fit Plus. I recently had the chance to attend a Wii Fit Plus Party and try the yoga and the many games included with the system and had a blast even when flapping like a bird to work my arms as I tried to land on a launch pad in the middle of the water. Wii Fit Plus gives you the ability to customize your workout based on your fitness goals and work out as much or as little as you want from the comfort of your own home. And from anyone who thinks you can’t really workout with a Wii, I beg to differ. Sad to say, I haven’t done yoga for awhile and it really did work my muscles in a good way! Wii Fit Plus comes with balance board, Wii Fit Plus software that includes 60 activities and exercises and 20 new strength training aerobics, yoga, and activities for your customized routine. Wii Fit owners can upgr ade to the Wii Fit Plus for $19.95. I attended a Wii Fit Plus Party hosted by Stimey, the Wii Fit Plus Team, and Brand About Town and was given a Wii Fit Plus.
  

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  SkirtSports- Founder and Ironman distance triathlete, Nicole DeBoom, knows functional and fashionable fitness for women. Her tough but soft tights with built in skirts are a dream for a winter workout and will take her from the trails to yoga class and even maybe out to a club in a pair of hot boots! I like the classic ToughGirl Skirt ($90) with boot cut pants, IceQueen Skirt ($125) that features wind proofing and water-resistance to stay warm and dry in the cold, or skirts like the CityGirl ($58) or HappyHour ($66) perfect for those who live in warmer climates during the winter months. I became aware of SkirtSports before I started blogging when I met founder, Nicole DeBoom, at my brother’s first Ironman World Championship in Kona in 2005 where she gave me a SkirtSports visor.
  

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  Withings: Connected Bodyscale ($159.00)- You may not need the world’s first bathroom scale with WiFi and iPhone compatibility, but why not? This super scale makes it easier to reach your personal fitness goals by recording your body weight, lean & fat mass, and calculated body mass index (BMI). The data is instantly transmitted over WiFi to a private webpage or free iPhone application. The multi-user function automatically recognizes up to 8 users the moment they step on the scale. The scale measures <1” style=""> Weight is displayed in lbs or kg and can weigh up to 396 lbs.

• Thermos Intak Bottle ($11)- This is my favorite BPA free bottle because it is leakproof, and has a flip top lid that can be operated with one hand. Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 32 reusable BPA free bottles to determine the best spill proof, easy to use, durable, stylish, and easy to clean ones and ranked Intak among their Best Reusable Water Bottles. I received a Thermos Intak for participating in the Workout Mommy's BlogHer 5K this summer.

To enter to win the $100 Yummie Tummie gift card, a gSpout pouring spout, or a customized recipe binder from Zazzle, just leave a comment with your e-mail address below and share what is on your wish list this holiday season.

For extra entries, do any of the following:

• Tweet this: @TechSavvyMama's Adult Gift Guide w/gift suggestions & giveaways: http://tr.im/FZi9. Guides for all ages here: http://tr.im/F776. Then leave a comment linking to your Tweet.
  

• Write a blog post about my gift guide for grownups and include the words "Tech Savvy Mama's 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Adults" and link to this post: http://tr.imFZi9/ Receive your extra entry by leaving the permalink to your post in the comments.

Fine print: Winners will be notified between December 11-13. Comments must contain an e-mail address so I can reach you when you win. Good luck!

Feel free to browse my other gift guides for other holiday suggestions for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary ages, teens & tweens. Gift guides for teachers, tech gifts, CDs & DVDs, and iPhone apps are coming!