Holiday Gift Guide: Bloggers & Gadget Geeks (w. giveaways)

After spending the entire year evaluating products, I've developed a discerning eye for the best gadgets that set a fellow blogger and gadget geek gal's heart aflutter.  Below are my must haves and wish list items with some giveaways but some of the things mentioned below will be given away in separate posts later on so stay tuned!  

Yes, I'm saving the very best for December giveaways and trust me...Very good things come to those who wait!  Check the Tech Savvy Mama Facebook page for hints!  :) 

The Gift of iPad:

iPad (Apple, $499 and up)- There’s definitely a reason why you should covet the iPad if you don’t already own one.  Email, fast web surfing, crystal clear photos, beautiful HD video, and tons of apps make this an incredibly robust, yet portable, device.  And for the true Type A nerds like myself who thrive on organization, this past week’s release of iOS 4.2 makes me so very happy because of the ability to sort my apps into folders.  Ah true love, indeed!

Zaggmate ($99.95)- A super sleek case made aircraft-grade aluminum matching the back of the iPad with a built in hinge and embedded wireless Bluetooth keyboard??? Yes, please especially since the cool factor of this case matches the iPad's!  The only problem is that patience is key because this darling of an iPad case is only available for pre-order and will ship around December 17^th.  You better believe that this is on my wish list!

The Gift of Customized Accessories to Make Your Stuff Stand Out From the Rest:

GIVEAWAY: Custom iPhone 4/iPad Case (Zazzle, $39.95 and up)- Make your iPhone or iPad stand out from everyone else’s with Zazzle’s fully customizable Speck Fitted cases.  The Speck case is a high quality, durable, lightweight case with custom-fit contours and openings allowing access to all ports, sensors and controls.  The form-fit fabric-wrapped hard shell is 100% customizable and covers the entire backside of your device for maximum protection and a tailored appearance.  Win a code good for $39.95 towards your customized iProduct case.

Hello Kitty Apple accessories (Sanrio, $12 and up)- This year Sanrio celebrates their 50^th birthday and Hello Kitty goes high tech. Brand new Apple accessories featuring the familiar face with her white pointy ears and askew red bow can be found on iPhone cases and neoprene MacBook sleeves that will fit your beloved computer just right.  Mac people know exactly what I’m talking about!  Not a Mac person but a Sanrio fan?  Check out the 4GB USB drives featuring Hello Kitty, Badtz Maru, and Chococat!

GIVEAWAY: BumpyName Orbit Labels (Inchbug, $12.95 for 4)- I’m a huge fan of Mabel’s Labels because there’s the perfect size and label for every need but I also appreciate the BumpyName Orbit Labels because they can be reused and are stretchy enough to wrap around cords.  Cord clutter among friends-turned-bloggy-conference roommates can be easily contained by wrapping a BumpyName label around the excess so no one trips in the middle of the night.  Unwrap the cord and then wind it around your laptop charger so you don’t get yours mixed up with your roomie’s!  Or use them to label your shampoo in a shared bathroom, claim your early morning coffee/late night wine/newest water bottle…The possibilities are endless!  Win a 4 pack of personalized BumpyName Orbit Labels.

The Gift of Geek Chic Accessories:

GIVEAWAY: Charge Anywhere (iGo, $49.99)- Because of my constant addiction to social media, my phone’s battery is quickly depleted.  My iGo Charge Anywhere is a personal lifesaver and a don’t-leave-home-without-it device.  Plug in this card-deck sized device to charge it up, throw it in your bag, and then plug your device in to recharge on the go.  Don’t worry, you can still Tweet, Facebook, Twitpic, FourSquare, text etc. while charging.  Another bonus is the little tips that plug on to the end of the USB cord.  Just carry 1 cord and the different tips to help eliminate cord clutter!  Now that’s smart packing!

Twitter Handle Necklace (Survival of the Hippest, $49.95 and up)- It’s a built in nametag and a gorgeous piece of personalized jewelry especially when blinged out with diamonds, crystals, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds!  A @TechSavvyMama necklace in sterling silver was my personal holiday must-have last year and while Tech Savvy Daddy was in total disbelief (“You want what?!?”), he came through with flying colors.  He ordered my necklace exactly how I wanted it and I’ve been wearing it ever since.  Personally purchased.

GIVEAWAY: SmarTouch Gloves (Isotoner, $19.99)- Touch screens are great until winter comes and your glove wearing fingers can’t operate the screen on your phone.  Never fear! SmarTouch Gloves feature conductive thread woven through the index finger and thumbs to convey an electrical impulse to the touch screen.  These gloves for men and women include features like a non-slip palm to improve grip, stretchy material lined with fleece for comfort and warmth, and compatibility with other touch screen devices like ATMs, gas pump screens, MP3 players, and GPS devices.  Win 1 of 2 pairs or shop for them at these retailers.

The Gift of Sound:

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones ($49.99 and up)- We know blogging conferences are hard work with little quiet time between chat fests that last well into the morning and rockin’ parties. Escape to achieve your own personal zen amid the chaos with these fine headphones.  They block out all kinds of noise including jet engines during travel and a snoring roommate.  Not that my past roommates have not snored!  And just a hint…The extra money spent on premium noise cancelling headphones is worth every penny so don’t go too cheap.  My Sony NC-60s ($132.43 on Amazon) are a must have for traveling at least until I get a Bose set!

Altec Lansing Octane 7 Speakers ($79.95)- Music loving bloggers who spend lots of time at their computers will enjoy the high quality sound that these attractive speakers deliver regardless of what you are listening to.  From the new and awesomely mellow Norah Jones - "...Featuring" (available now) album collaboration to classic songs from Beastie Boys, album to Go ahead, crank up the volume when you are working from your home office and rock out then Tweet the tunes you are listening to.

The Gift of Internet Access Anywhere and Anytime:

T-Mobile Dell Mini Netbook with 4G WebConnect ($229.99 with a 2 year contract)- Frustrated by hotel wifi? Wanting to blog while on the go or just access email and Google Docs?  The T-Mobile Dell Mini Netbook can operate off either wifi or the T-Mobile cellular network so if your wifi doesn’t work, as long as there’s T-Mobile service, you have internet!  Netbooks are great because of their small size but are even better with built in 4G wireless that provides a faster connection than the standard and now-passé 3G. My Dell Mini 4G is on loan from T-Mobile.

Clear.Com Dual Mode 3G/4G USB Device ($115 plus monthly plan)- When I’m not using the T-Mobile Dell Mini mentioned above, I’m never without this little baby because it saves me from relying on erratic hotel wifi while at conferences with my beloved laptop.  Plug in the USB drive and I’m connected via cellular service.  Most of the time I get a 3G hookup but I’m always crazy excited for the super fast 4G service that is in many major cities nationwide.  Personally purchased and recently lost.  Sad.

GoGo InFlight Internet (6 sessions of internet, $49.95)- My favorite flights are always the ones with in-flight internet.  Why not give the gift of wifi with a gift of six sessions of inflight internet (that’s 3 roundtrip flights!) redeemable on all GoGo equipped flights?  That way your blogging buddy can queue up more posts while traveling to your destination to really enjoy themselves once they get there.  Yes, it’s free on certain airlines over the holidays but it’s also really helpful post-blogging conference when we have to catch up on email or write our recap post before we get home.  Personally purchased.

The Gift of Professional Development: Invest in Yourself

Yahoo! Style Guide ($14.95 from Amazon)- If blogging conferences just aren’t in the budget but you are clamoring for great writing tips to increase your SEO, look no further than the fine folks at Yahoo who have been writing online for years.  Their Yahoo! Style Guide is chock full of all kinds of information making it a bloggy bible perfect for a beginner but just as useful for a pro.

Blog Makeover- Every blog could use a little makeover from time to time.  Why not give the gift of good design with some new features and customization.  Jo-Lynne from DCR Design has done 2 rounds of updating Tech Savvy Mama since I started blogging 3 years ago.  She’s not only fantastic but patient, reasonable, and designs and installs for both Blogger and WordPress!  Personally purchased.

Your Very Own URL- If you don’t already own your own URL, consider that the best gift you can give yourself or your favorite blogger. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out HostingObserver.com for an unlimited web hosting plan that will provide unlimited bandwidth, disk space, and other features like serving as an email hosting company.  They also aggregate deals that avoid additional charges when going over hidden restrictions outlined in service agreements by their competitors.  But like any web hosting service, be sure to carefully check the terms of any provider before signing up.  HostingObserver.com sponsored this mention.  My TechSavvyMama.com domain was personally purchased and while I haven’t tried HostingObserver.com yet, I’d consider it when my domain needs to be renewed.

A Trip to a Blogging Conference- BlogHer, Blogalicious, Type A Parent, EVO, Bloggy Boot Camp, Blissdom, Mom 2.0...There's a conference to fit everyone's needs.  Consider a conference pass a gift to yourself and an investment in your blogging business if you want it to become more than a hobby.  Then ask loved ones for cash to help off set travel costs and cram 4 for a conference sleepover that will greatly reduce your hotel stay.  Have a question about which conference to attend?  Feel free to ask me!

Must Haves for the Home Office:

CardScan (Dymo, $259.99)- Rid your desk of the post-event stacks of business cards by running them through CardScan to capture your contacts digitally.  Install the Mac or PC software on your computer and begin scanning up to 15 cards a minute in color or even more in black and white.  I love that this slim machine scans both sides at once, recognizes the notes that I write on cards, and is easy to use. The software makes it easy to manage your contacts thanks to categories that can be used to group contacts for outgoing messages.  Summary tabs allow you to use one click to send an email or navigate to a web page.  It also provides the ability to synch to Outlook, Apple Address Book, or software on your mobile device. 

GIVEAWAY: BitDefender Total Security 2011 ($59.95 for 3 PCs for a year)- Yes, I work for BitDefender as their Chief BitMom but let me say that you’d be surprised by the number of panicked Tweets, emails, and messages over Skype that I get when friend’s PCs are on their last legs.  The truth is that you never think about antivirus software infiltrating your machine or the need to regularly back up your computer until it is almost too late and that scheduled post that is paying big bucks is not going be up in time.  BitDefender Total Security 2011 takes care of regular backups to a super secure cloud server while always performing virus scans in the background as to not hamper performance.  It does a ton of other stuff too and is BitDefender’s most complete package to keep your PC up and running so you can keep blogging without a care in the world.  And if you already have antivirus protection on your computer, that’s great!  Just don’t forget to renew your license each year to keep your machine protected. Readers who fill out the form below will be emailed a license good for a year of Total Security 2011 for your PC.  Mac users can get a code for BitDefender's new Antivirus for the Mac ($39.95 value) because- believe it or not - Mac users are not immune to crippling viruses.

Tassimo T20 (Bosch, $129.99)-  Early mornings and late nights makes caffeine a blogger’s BFF!  The Tassimo T20 is an affordable way to brew your daily cup at home for less than the price of a daily stop at your favorite coffee shop.  I love the variety of T-Discs available.  Brew Starbucks Cappucino and Lattes at home and then make some Suchard hot chocolate for the kiddos with the touch of a button and no mess!

Purosol Plasma Molecular Screen Cleaner ($9.95 and up)- All natural Purosol was originally developed for NASA and the US Military and is a great green choice for cleaning high-end electronic displays like your flat panel TV or computer monitor that is covered with dust and/or kiddie fingerprints.  This high tech cleaning solution uses the latest in surface chemistry to break the molecular bonds that help dirt, dust, and grime stick to surfaces.  I know you're probably thinking, "Forget the chemical mumbo-jumbo! Does this work?"  Indeed it does.  My monitor is the cleanest it's been since I pulled it from the box.  At least until one of the kids touches my screen.  Again.  I know it seems expensive compared to generic brand Windex but it's non-toxic, hypoallergenic, nonflammable, sterile, completely biodegradable, CFC-free, VOC-free, and exceeds EPA and OSHA health safety standards.  Whew!  Can you say that about the blue stuff in the bottle?  Alrighty then.  Who knew I'd get this excited about cleaning products!

Enter to win a customized case Speck iPhone/iPad from Zazzle, BumpyName Orbit Labels, iGo Charge Anywhere, or Isotoner SmarTouch Gloves by leaving a comment with your favorite gadget and one that's on your holiday wish list!  Include your email or Twitter handle!  All eligible entries must be received by 12/10

For extra entries:

• Tweet this and leave a comment with the tweet: @TechSavvyMama's Holiday Guide for Bloggers/Gadget Geeks has giveaways fr @iGo_Inc @Isotoner SmarTouch @Zazzle +more! http://bit.ly/hGiTzM

• Update your Facebook Wall: I entered to win the giveaways on @Tech Savvy Mama's Blogger/Gadget Geek gift guide: http://bit.ly/hGiTzM  Leave a separate comment.

• Enter a giveaway on another one of my gift guides and leave a comment telling me which giveaway(s) you entered!  So if you entered toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary, tweens, and/or teens, you get 1 entry per gift guide!

• Leave another comment guessing which items will be given away in December! 

Want BitDefender's Total Security 2011 for your PC or Antivirus for the Mac?  Just fill out the form below and I'll email a license good for 1 computer for a year when the giveaways end.  Easy peasy!

Fine print: Eligible entries through the comments must include an email address or Twitter handle. 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. Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama is not responsible for lost prizes or shipping delays.

All items provided for review purposes unless noted that they were personally purchased. Images provided courtesy of the companies mentioned.  HostingObserver.com provided compensation for the sponsored mention but it did not influence the content.  I am a paid consultant for BitDefender and am paid for my time to post about the product and host the giveaway.  This post includes Amazon Affiliate links.  No additional compensation was received for this post or for hosting giveaways.

Giveaways close on Friday, December 10 and winners will be notified via email.

10 Ways a DYMO LabelWriter Can Make Your Business More Efficient

This post is sponsored by DYMO.

In the business world, organization and efficiency are keys to success regardless of the size of your company.  A well run office is one that has good systems in place for its employees to make operations run smoothly on a daily basis.

I recently received the DYMO LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo to try and can easily see how this machine can be helpful to small businesses.  It's a fast little label printer that allows users to create labels directly from text in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other programs which makes it easy to create professional looking labels in mere minutes for use around the office and for mailing.  With two roll printing capability, it maximizes productivity since you can load two rolls of the same labels and automatically switch to the second roll when the first runs out without interrupting your print job.

DYMO has a wide variety of LabelWriter Printers and handheld electronic label makers to choose from to fit any office budget.  Here are some ways you can use DYMO labelers to organize your business:

1. Label mailboxes in the mail room.  Have you ever tried to sort mail into unlabeled mailboxes?  'Nuff said!
2. Affix a name label to the outside of cubes and doors so new employees can find and get to know their colleagues quickly.  This also prevents aimless wandering by visitors.
3. Remind colleagues to "Dial 9" when sending outgoing faxes with a label on the fax machine to prevent endless questions about why the fax machine won't work.
4. Label the conference room speakerphone with the phone number and Skype it out quickly when people forget the call-in number.
5. Ensure that every supply has a place in the supply room and label their locations.  Being able to see where supplies go makes it easy for colleagues to find what they are looking for, return extra supplies, and streamlines the re-order process.
6. Deciphering handwritten file folder labels can be a nightmare.  File them away quickly with easily read labels made on the LabelWriter.
7. Remind colleagues when the office fridge is subject to its regular purge.  "Fridge cleaned every Friday" is a helpful reminder that will keep your fridge from being overstuffed and moldy.
8. Label the pots of coffee so that poor decaf drinking soul won't be wired all week when they pick up the pot of regular by mistake.
9. Help a non-tech savvy colleague by labeling their cords.  A little time spent labeling now is a worthwhile investment!  Trust me!
10. Affix your name to your red stapler so your cubemate doesn't claim it as their own and you don't have to hunt for it when it goes missing.

DYMO also makes holiday labels ($10.50 for 130) that can be substituted for the regular white labels to spruce up holiday mailings and send holiday cheer!

DYMO sponsored this post and provided me with a LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo for review purposes but all opinions are my own. Images courtesy of DYMO.

Holiday Gift Guide: Teens (w. 6 giveaways)

iPod nano with Multi-Touch (Apple, $179)- The new nano with Multi-Touch is super cool, super small, and super sleek and comes in a variety of colors to be a functional and fashionable accessory.  Features include a built in battery that provides 24 hours of nonstop music, the ability to shake the nano to shuffle to a different song, clip to attach it just about anywhere, and a built in FM radio.  Comes in an 8 GB and 16 GB models.  The 16 GB one holds about 4000 songs.

GIVEAWAY: Sound Disk Beanie (Aeral 7, $60)- Whether on the slopes our around town, Aerial7’s Sound Disk Beanie’s fuse technology with fashion and provide a way to use your iPhone, Blackberry, iPod, and other MP3 players and phones to listen to music or Skype.  The built in speakers are super slim and provide a high quality listening experience with maximum comfort.  Girls will love the knit Mammoth style that comes in black or white while guys will appreciate the knit Perisher that comes in black, white, yellow or turquoise.  Definitely a great gift to keep any music lover warm during the cold winter months!

Altec Lansing inMotion Compact ($79.95)- This highly compact system delivers great sound for any music lover and thanks to a small footprint, will be most welcome in dorm rooms or the messy room you are always trying to convince your teen to clean.  Unfold it to dock your iPod or fold it back up to transport it to take your tunes wherever you need super portable sound with incredible bass.  Plug it in at a rockin’ party or power it off batteries when the weather warms and the ability to study outside returns.  I love that inMotion will automatically pause the music whenever a call comes in on an iPhone.

GIVEAWAY: Sound Asleep Pillow ($29.95 plus S&H from SoundAsleepUSA.com)- Forget falling asleep with a set of headphones to drown out the sounds of the party next door or a snoring roommate.  The Sound Asleep Pillow has a small embedded speaker nestled deep into the pillow for listening to favorite music, a movie, or any other audio source.  The standard size pillow doesn't require batteries and connects to iPods, other MP3 players, radios, and TVs.  The pillow feels just like any other pillow and the speaker is well hidden so it won't be disruptive to sleep.  For a more detailed review, read a Sound Asleep Pillow review by Jean (aka Stimey) at her Things and Stuff site.

GIVEAWAY: Perplexus ($24.99)- Like moth to flame I was drawn to the giant Perplexus sphere at Time to Play’s Holiday Showcase in September and instantly fell in love.  This spherical toy comes with 25 feet of track jammed inside making the challenge to rotate the sphere in your hands and work with gravity to keep the little marble rolling along through 100 challenging barriers.  It provides a mental break from whatever current mental challenge may be causing anguish!  Mine sits on my desk and is hard to put down once I pick it up! 

Scrabble Flash (Hasbro, $29.99)- Scrabble goes digital and becomes portable with this new version that is like an electronic Word Jumble where the level of difficulty is set according to the number of SmartLink letter tiles used. Choose 3-5 letter tiles for game play and make as many words as possible before time runs out.  The tiles know when words are correct and light up and beep to tell players to continue with this spelling challenge.  Keep spelling until time is up and the tiles tell you the number of correct words out the total possible.

GIVEAWAY: Rubik’s Slide (TechnoSource, $17.99)- The classic Rubik’s is no longer a cube.  30 years after Rubik’s debut, it has been reinvented in two dimensions and can be played by sliding it up, down, left, and right or twisting it will move the lights.  A new generation of kids will enjoy experiencing Rubik’s in an updated way and might have to fight the adults in the house for playtime.

Loopz (Mattel, $29.99)- Remember Simon?  Loopz is like an updated version of Simon for one or more players and requires a good memory and quick thinking in order to wave hands through the loops in the correct sequence.  Embedded motion sensors, lights, music, and seven different active games make this game exciting for kids and adults.

Sony PSP 3000 ($169.99)- This robust little device has a highly pixilated screen and built in wifi that allows for crystal clear graphics for gaming, movie watching, reading DC Comics, ability to listen to Internet Radio, connecting to multiplayer games, and chatting via Skype on the go.  It’s light, slim, incredibly portable, and has tons of capabilities.  Right now the PlayStation Store is selling the Madden NFL 11 PSP Bundle with a black PSP, AC adaptor, AC power cord, battery pack, and Madden NFL 11 for $169.99 which is a great deal since you basically get the newest version of the ever-popular Madden game for free.

GIVEAWAY: Nerf Weather Blitz Flag Football (Nerf, $19.99)- Let off

some steam with a little flag football between study sessions regardless of the weather.  Weather Blitz Flag Football comes with 8 clip free red flags, 8 clip free orange flags, a Nerf football, and weather technology that provides a water-resistant surface, grip, and durability so rain and snow won’t get in the way of a good game.  Win a Nerf Weather Blitz NFL Football.

GIVEAWAY:  The Hunger Games Trilogy Box Set by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic, $53.97) From start to finish, this New York Times bestselling, trilogy (that already has a movie in the works and a growing celebrity fan base) will give readers chills as they follow teen protagonist Katniss Everdeen on her journey to survive The Hunger Games.  Katniss must fight to the death in The Games while trying to save her friends, family and herself.  Get the trilogy from The Scholastic Store for $32.97 and save an extra 20% plus free shipping on Black Friday. One customized selection of books will be provided by Scholastic to a single winner. Entries from all published gift guides will be used to select the lucky reader.

GIVEAWAY:  Shiver, Linger and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic, $17.99 each) In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other under difficult circumstances.  In Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past and figuring out a way to survive into the future.  This is a perfect gift for Twilight fans. One customized selection of books will be provided by Scholastic to a single winner. Entries from all published gift guides will be used to select the lucky reader.

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString ($59.99 for game, $179.99 for game & guitar)- Rock Band and Guitar Hero enthusiasts will love the new Power Gig: Rise of the Six String because this game takes game play to a new level thanks to the real guitar where strumming on the strings controls game play.  Experienced and novice guitarists can have fun rocking to songs by music superstars like Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, and No Doubt and today’s big emerging bands, like Paramore, Jet, Silversun Pickups, and Snow Patrol.  I love that this game includes a real guitar that can be used for the game but plugs into a real amplifier to make real music!  The PowerGig guitar is compatible with other games and additional accessories such as guitar amp, AirStrike Drums, mic, and guitar stands are available for purchase through the PowerGig site.  PowerGig: Rise of the Six String is available for Xbox 360 and PS3 gaming systems and is rated Teen by the ESRB.

Tony Hawk Shred ($69.99 from Amazon)- Tony Hawk®: SHRED’s motion sensing skateboard/snowboard allows players to control the action with their feet to perform amazing tricks in this action sports video game for Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 gaming systems. Using the board as a skateboard, players can clear huge gaps, hit steep drops, and ride out roller coaster grinds and immerse themselves in game play. Use the board as a snowboard to speed down mountain peaks filled with breathtaking big airs, crazy spins and incredible flips. The game’s intuitive controls and multiple difficulty levels make it easy to pick up and play. Game bundle includes board and game.  Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Can’t decide what to get your favorite teen?  Gift certificates always work and here are just a few ideas of things that are loved by the teens we know:

• iTunes to load up their iPod, iPhone, iPad with more music and apps
• Visit the customer service desk or visit the mall's website to get a gift certificate that will allow for maximum flexibility.  Let them practice budgeting skills by choosing where to shop and how to spend their gift! 
• Restaurant gift certificate to treat their date to a special meal
• Mountain resort gift card for a day of snowboarding and gear rental
• Sephora shopping spree so favorite beauty items can be sent directly to your dorm room
• Airline gift certificates in case you want them to come home every once and awhile
• Gift certificate to an online e-tailer like Snoburbia and Threadless provide witty and unique shirts that will keep your teen looking hip and unlike everyone else.
• Etsy e-certificate so they can find something just as unique as they are.

GIVEAWAYS: To enter, leave a comment with your teen's ultimate wish list!  Include your email address or Twitter handle in your comment!

For extra entries, first leave a comment answering the above question before doing any of the following:

• Daily Tweet: @TechSavvyMama has published her Teen Gift Guide w/ gift ideas & 10 giveaways! Enter here: http://bit.ly/huUQxa  Pls RT! Leave a link to your Tweet on the Google Form.

• Like Tech Savvy Mama on Facebook and let me know through the Google Form.

• Subscribe to my blog through Networked Blogs, your reader, or a feed and record your entry on the form.

• Subscribe via email and tell me you have done so as an extra entry on the Google Form.

• Write a blog post about my gift guides and include the words "Tech Savvy Mama's Holiday Gift Guides" and link to this post: http://bit.ly/dbEEu5 Then provide the permalink through your entry on the form.

Fine print: Eligible entries through the comments must include an email address or Twitter handle. 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. Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama is not responsible for lost prizes or shipping delays.

Please note that there will be one customized selection of books provided by Scholastic to a single winner and entries from all published gift guides will be used to select the recipient.

All items provided for review purposes unless noted that they were personally purchased. Images provided courtesy of the companies mentioned.  No compensation was received for this post or for hosting giveaways.

Giveaways close on Friday, December 10 and winners will be notified via email.

Holiday Travel Tips & Free Velveteen Rabbit Download From Ruckus Media

As a plugged in family who makes many trips to visit grandparents who live on the other side of the country, I travel with an arsenal of technology and other goodies to keep Captain Computer and Little Miss Techie entertained and comfortable during long flights.  

One of my secret weapons is a boat load of educational apps including books from Ruckus Media.  Ruckus had an entire library of classic stories in the form of original apps for iPad, iPhone, Droid, and other mobile media platforms that are narrated by celebrities like Meryl Street, Denzel Washington, Garrison Keillor, Rosemary Wells, John Cleese, BB King, and Robin Williams.

Today Gale Pryor, a contributing writer for Ruckus Media and mom of 3, is here to share some of her travel secrets to ensure smooth travels to your destination.

By Gale Pryor

There are ten years between the oldest and the youngest of our three boys, with the middle smack in the middle. Traveling with all of them meant keeping them happy and busy at three entirely different developmental stages. A long trip with a baby is challenge enough. A long trip with a cranky baby, a bored kid, and a mortified teenager can produce a PTSD diagnosis. That baby is now a 13 year old, so I’ve survived the traveling-with-kids stage of life, and learned a few tricks along the way. 

Don’t bring out all the entertainment at once. I’ll assume you know to pack a bag full of stuff to keep kids busy. The key, especially for the littlest guys, is to parcel out the books, puzzles, markers, and games one by one and only as interest fades in the last. In the digital age, however, you don’t need a bulging bag pack with as much stuff. You can download games for every age group, or even board games so that everyone can play the same game (without losing little pieces in the airline seats). 

You can bring an entire library of stories on your iPad or iPhone, along with the colored markers. Ruckus Media has re-mastered and optimized as apps for iPad and iPhone the award-winning Rabbit Ears Library of classic children’s stories. Each is gorgeously illustrated and can be read as a picture book on screen, or watched as a video accompanied by iconic musicians. The best part of the Ruckus apps, though, is while you’re standing in the ticket line, Meryl Streep is reading aloud The Velveteen Rabbit to your child. Or Robin Williams or Denzel Washington, or one of many of other celebrity performers who have brought their talents to the app world because classic picture books are still the best form of entertainment we can share with our children.

2. Bring something familiar to unfamiliar places. Small children fall asleep more easily with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket beside them. Even my older boys appreciated having something from home—a grungy sweatshirt usually—when we were sleeping far from home. Reading a well-known, much-loved story provides the same comfort. Favorite storybook apps read first at home and then while traveling can provide that sense of security. If your child is traveling to visit family without you, the Ruckus storybook apps offer a wonderful feature: Record your own voice reading aloud any of the classic stories in the library. You can put your child to bed with a story even when you can’t be there.

     Bring home memories. Traveling with children is more than an endurance test. It’s an opportunity to engage and grow. Kids can chronicle your trip by taking photos of with your phone or a digital camera. They can ask questions and find answers online about new places or planes or trains while they’re in the places or on the planes or trains. Even if they’re just going to Grandma’s house, they can bring home more than leftovers. 

    Your parents or in-laws may not be as app-savvy as you and their grandchildren, but they too will relish the familiarity of classic storybooks—especially during this most American holiday, the American folktales of Johnny Appleseed, John Henry, and Pecos Bill. With apps from Ruckus, Grandma can record her voice reading to your child. When Thanksgiving is past, and your family is home again, your child can still listen to Grandma read her a bedtime story.

I’m not a grandma yet, but I’ve saved all my children’s favorite picture books for the day when I am. When my boys come piling through the door some Thanksgiving in the future, babies and bulging backpacks in tow, I’ll be ready with a stack of stories and an iPad full of apps. 

Ruckus Media is offering a free download of the classic story of The Velveteen Rabbit and The Night Before Christmas, both told by Meryl Street for free (regularly $3.99 each) beginning today!  This offer is good through Cyber Monday.  Happy Thanksgiving and thanks Ruckus Media!

No compensation was received for this post, however, Ruckus Media did send me a collection of codes to download book apps for review purposes.