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Dec 17, 2010- Rainy Day Gift Guide: LastMinute...

This is the last shopping weekend before Christmas. We know that some of you have been putting things off and are hoping that all your shopping will somehow "come together" at the final stretch. Well, if you need some suggestions, here are a few well-chosen last minute ideas to help you wrap things up.

With all of the ways available today for tracking time, one would think wristwatches would be obsolete. Surprisingly, they are actually enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Over the years, RainyDayMagazine have reviewed quite a few time pieces. For the 2010 Gift Guide, we have selected four of our favorites. They each have their own personality, so give accordingly:

Leatherman invented the multi-tool and has expanded its functions over time. A few years ago, they took a step back, revisited the design, and stripped out everything which was not essential. The result is the Leatherman Skeletool. This barebones multi-tools is made from stainless steel, has everything one needs for most situations, and is completely bad-ass looking. Drop one in a Christmas stocking this year.

CRKT is the "new kid on the block" in the world of knife makers, but has made quite a reputation for themselves in a short time. Their functional edged-tools are simple to use and tough-as-nails. We really like their I.D. Works line and have been impressed with every one of their offerings. If you are looking for something different, look no further, CRKT have what you are looking for.

The one tool as useful as a multi-tool is the flashlight. If you are going to have a flashlight, have one that will work when you need it. SureFire is the "go to" flashlight for those who need one that will absolutely turn on when they press that power button. In terms of digital LED flashlight, the SureFire U2 Ultra is one of the best on the market. BTW, here is a possible line for the gift card...modified from Lord of the Rings: "SureFire. May it be a light for you, in dark places, when all other lights go out."

myPower for iPhone 4 features Tekkeon's new innovative eSwap™ technology. The battery is housed in a separate module and can be exchanged with a fresh battery module while on the go. This approach enables iPhone4 users to have virtually unlimited additional hours just by carrying extra, fully-charged battery packs.

SuperFocus (formerly TruFocals) glasses were invented to address the problem of aging eyes. Their variable-focus lens mechanism mimics the way the lenses in how eyes used to perform when they were younger. The result: clear, undistorted vision over a wide field of view: no zones, no lines, and more importantly, no need for a different pair of glasses for each different task. So, while you may not be able to turn back time, you can give a gift that works as if you can.

Not much larger than a few sticks of gum, the 64GB DiskGO! USB 2.0 Flash Drive by EDGE is an ideal storage solution for those on-the-go. The thin, stackable design allows for easy insertion and removal...even into awkwardly placed USB ports. No moving parts, shock-proof, and easy to carry. Give them this and they will always have the extra storage they need without the extra bulk.

One really cool item which came into the office this week is a gadget for those who love to use notebooks for journaling, sketching, and writing. The product is call Quiver. We think it is genius. The Quiver is a pen holder lovingly crafted out of quality leather. It slips over the cover and adds a pocket at the spine of a notebook, giving a safe and convenient place to secure a pen. We have had a problem carrying the Pulse SmartPen with our Livescribe notebook. Now we can just slip it into the Quiver. It is a must-have accessory for any Pulse SmartPen owner.

Need a few suggestions for stocking stuffers? The CyberCube is a mesmerizing puzzle made from 224 rare earth magnetic spheres. Just be warned that getting the magnets back to a 6x6 cube is a LOT more difficult that it looks. For those on your list with an iPhone4, you can get them a great protective case like the OtterBox Defender or you can get them something different, like a microscope attachment. Either one would be a welcomed gift.

Of course, don't forget...batteries are great stocking stuffers. We only use eneloop rechargeable batteries in all of our AA and AAA devices. The reason is simple. Eneloop rechargeable batteries save us money. They can be recharged up to a 1000 times, retain their charge for up to a year, and are powerful enough to use in everything from digital cameras to remote control toys! We don't know how they do it, but we have been using them for about four years and have yet "worn out" a set. They are simply the best battery value out there.

Christmas is almost here. So enough with the suggestions. It is time to get off your butt and either get online or get out to the malls. There is still enough time to get the items if you use expedited shipping :-) Happy Holidays! [Permalink] -Holiday Gift Guide:Last Minute Gadgets

 

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