The Gift Giver’s Guide to Glory

It’s that time of year again… and this year is scarier than most in recent memory. With the economy in an official recession, people everywhere are looking for the best deals on cool stuff, and even better, a place to find freebies to help celebrate the holiday season. After spending a little time reading my favorite gadget sites and product review sites, I thought I’d send a few suggestions your way.

For the Vlogger (Video Blogger) or new parent out there who needs a sweet new HD camera, but can’t afford the expensive options at most box stores, check out the Flip Mino HD. Flip’s cameras have been all the geeky rage for the last few years, and their HD model clocks in at around $230. Significantly less expensive than other popular HD offers.

For the music buffs, there are a ton of options. On the player side, there’s currently nothing that’s getting as much attention as the iPod Touch. But it’s not cheap. If you want some good value, check out the Sansa Clip.

It’s 8gigs, flash based and like the iPod Shuffle, clips to your clothes. But unlike the iPod Shuffle,  at $99 the Clip lets you pick your songs. The storage on the Clip is also significantly larger than that of the Shuffle (about 1500 songs larger).  Rhapsody is compatible with the Clip and music from the Rhapsody MP3 store is compatible on the iPod, and Clip. Additionally, if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, Rhapsody MP3 store and subscription gift cards are avaialble at Best Buy and Radio Shack.

For the gamers in your life, perhaps it’s time to suggest they get out of their deluxe gaming chairs and break a sweat. The Wii Fit is poised to reshape softies nation-wide as they burn off the extra slice of pumpkin pie while practicing their Bird of Paradise pose. All of the major consoles are looking to for a place in your home this year. The XBox and PS3 even lowered their prices to try to compete with the much cooler (in my opinion) Wii. If you’re not so into the hardcore games, then be sure to check out GameHouse.com. GameHouse recently went through a redesign and is giving away a free game daily. Also noteworthy is the new GameHouse Game Club where you purchase game “tickets” and spend them as you see fit.

It wouldn’t be fair to to mention “gift guide” without giving a nod to the guys who have really comprehensive lists.

Engadget’s list is awesome. It literally has something for everyone in the tech world.

CNet’s gift guide is also pretty comprehensive but tends to cater a bit more to the high-end crowd.

PC Magazine’s is very robust. Too robust maybe.

Extreme Tech’s Geek Gift Guide has the best title so it gets a spot here (but guys- “Extreme” is so passe!).

Lifehacker’s Gift Guide: From the kings of snark, no other gift guide made me laugh as hard as this one.

And finally- my favorite weird gift of the year is the Sun Jar. If you live in a gloomy place like say, Seattle, it can help to have a few extra rays of light on a bleak day.

If you’ve got a cool gift suggestion, let us know!

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