Beat the Holiday 'Typical Gift' Giving Blues

Well, it's that time again. The holidays are approaching and the frazzle of trying to find the gift for that hard to shop for person starts all over again. Don't worry! The following list provides ten irresistable gifts for a variety of people, descriptions, where to find them, and price ranges! Your shopping woes are over! Most items are available through common online retailers, but it is recommended that you also search for them to get the best deal available.

1. Digital Picture Frame from a variety of manufacturers
Perfect for: Family, friends

It's so easy to pile up digital photographs on memory devices, and even easier to forget to email them out. The pictures move across the screen of the frame in an entertaining slide show. With the variety of 7" to 10" digital picture frames, it's a snap to share those memories with anyone. No computer or internet connection required. The frames take a simple memory card and have easy to follow instructions for even the most technology hesitant individual. Further, sending more pictures is as effortless as sending another memory card! Frames come in a wide assortment of styles and colors to match up with anyone's tastes. Check the specific model you purchase for power requirements. Prices range from $50 to $200. Available through Amazon.com.

2. Barbie Girls from Mattel
Perfect for: Girls ages 8 to 12

Mattel has taken Barbie to cyberspace with these adorable figurines. Not only can they be dressed up and accessorized, they also hook up to the internet via an included USB port. BarbieGirls.com is a website Mattel has created for the little girl to make her own character and interact with others online with a free online subscription. They can play games, do virtual chores to earn Bbucks for their BarbieGirl to shop with, and any number of other activities. The site is very parent friendly, and closely monitored to keep it a safe online environment. Also an mp3 player! 512MB memory with miniSD slot. Runs off an internal lithium polymer battery, recharged by docking in the USB port. Prices range from $50 to $70. Available at Amazon.com.

3. Cube World from Radica Games, Ltd.
Perfect for: Children ages 6 and up

Have the child that loves collecting and playing games? This is the perfect gift! Each small cube is home to its own individual stick man, complete with a personality and job. It also utilizes a clever motion detector so when the cube is turned, the stick man will fall around, and even get motion sick! They also each have over 100 animations and their own vocabulary. Starter sets come with two cubes, and each cube can be connected to another for the stick men to interact with each other. The more cubes, the more interaction! They can play together, listen to music, spar, a whole host of activities. Each cube runs off a lithium battery (included). Prices range from $20 to $30 for starter sets. Available at Amazon.com.

4. The Customizable Interactive Robot Kit from Erector
Perfect for: Tinkerers 10 and up

This amazing kit includes 500 pieces for someone to put together and create a complete robot with its own preprogrammed actions and sounds. It can dance! It can walk! You can also hook up to the internet via the provided USB cable and download music and additional programming for its two other builds, a car and a crane. The simple to follow instruction guide allows the robot to be created in approximately 90 minutes, so no frustrating waiting before being able to play with their new friend! Includes a drill module and two additional motors. Requires 3 AAA batteries and 2 C batteries (not included). Price around $130. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer (hammacher.com).

5. TIX LED Clock from Cube Root
Perfect for: Friends and co-workers

A definite conversation piece, this black or silver faceplated clock uses a very interesting way to tell time. Perfect for desk or wall, four distinct sections of the clock use colored LED lights. While they may seem to be flashing in random patterns, the number of lights in each section is the numeric value of the time. Quitting time will never look the same again! Can be mounted vertically or horizontally, and has three dimmer and update settings. Easy to setup instructions. Runs off a 6V transformer (included). Price around $50. Available at Amazon.com.

6. "You Are Here" Floor Mat
Perfect for: College students and young professionals

Guests will never be lost again, this 23" diameter stylish mat will always let them know where they are! A grey exterior and red interior bullseye pattern with the words "You Are Here" and a pointing arrow make an amusing and decorative gift. Rubber backing ensures a no slip tread. Price around $25. Available at UncommonGoods.com.

7. Moo Mixer from Hog Wild
Perfect for: Children 4 to 400!

This delightful device is a tempest in a teacup! A handgrip base and sturdy mug with lid mix drinks by swirling them together into a tornado-like vortex. Simply put the dishwasher safe mug on the base, add the ingredients, push the button, and voila! A fun and easy way to make your favorite chocolate milk! Watching it get made will be almost as good as drinking it! Perfect for hot or cold beverages. Runs off of 2 AA batteries (not included). Prices range from $8 to $15. Available at Amazon.com.

8. Color Wonder Sprayer from Crayola
Perfect for: Ages 4 and up

The budding artist will definitely appreciate this gift, and whoever owns the rugs will appreciate it even more! The airbrush style applicator only works with Crayola Color Magic cartridges, and comes with four colors. The colors magically appear only on the special paper provided with the kit. No muss, no fuss! Spontaneous wall art and carpet stains will be a thing of the past. The console comes with the applicator, four color cartridges, a tablet of the paper, and stencils. The paper is commonly available at retail stores that sell toys. Additional kits with new stencils in underwater and other themes available. Runs off of 4 C batteries (not included). Price around $25. Available at Amazon.com.

8. Guitar Super Star from firstSTREET
Perfect for: Ages 10 and up

Know a rocker? This video game lets them release the guitar god inside of them! No additional equipment required, this electric guitar shaped game plugs directly into any television with standard AV cables (included). It has ten songs to learn to play to, and competetive settings so friends can challenge each other. Just pick a tune to play and the difficulty setting, and you're ready to rock and roll! No downloading or consoles required. Runs off of 4 AA batteries (not included). Priced at $70. Available at firstSTREET.com.

9. 3d Pool Table from Zocker
Perfect for: Ages 10 and up

This three tiered pool table offers new ways to play the old game! The standard variation is all the balls start on the top level, with stripes and solids. The first person to get all their balls in the bottom level's pockets, wins! The balls don't just travel down, either, they can defy gravity and be knocked back upstairs to make the game even more challenging! Felt surfaces, miniature wooden pool cues, and rubber bumpers give the game an authentic feel while giving you a new experience. Some assembly required. Priced around $100. Available from eToys.com.

10. USB Turntable from a variety of manufacturers
Perfect for: Music lovers ages 12 and up

While the old hi-fi stereo system will most likely never come back, it is now possible to convert those stacks of vinyl collecting dust into CD or mp3 sound! This unit hooks up to your PC or Mac via USB cables, install the included software, and then just play those oldies but goodies. No drivers to download, and small enough to fit on your desk. Most work like a standard turntable, including 45 adapters. Price range from $125 to $200. Available at Amazon.com.

Well, I hope this list has helped out with some of those impossible-to-shop-for friends and relatives. Unique and fun, the above gifts are a great way to show someone you appreciate them, without having to tear your hair out with holiday stress in the process.