Holiday Gift Panic? Try These on for Size

Sometimes it's hard to find something unique or tried and true to give for the holidays. Maybe that person seemingly has everything known to exist already. Maybe you don't know him or her very well. Maybe she or he is just impossible to please.

Try this list to inspire you, give you ideas, or point you a new direction.

Bags and Backpacks

With all the devices we carry around these days, appropriate bags, backpacks, and cases are simply necessary. Getting a good one is a tough job. Does it have enough pockets? Will it protect precious belongings? Is it functional, easy to get to stuff? Does it provide ways to use various gadgets while moving? Better yet, how long will it last?

Sure, you could buy a cheap bag as a gift and let the recipient deal with it. Or you can throw in a few more bucks and purchase a really awesome bag.

STM makes outstanding bags, backpacks, roller bags, and courier bags. These Australian makers designed these for comfort, practicality, and durability, and there's one built for every situation, station, or calling. They use compressed EVA (the stuff flip-flops are made from) to protect laptops, superior quality Duraflex for the clips and d-rings, load bearing buckles, high density nylon, and water-resistant materials. And their prices are comparably low.

High Sierra makes backpacks that will virtually carry everything. Comfort and function is a huge plus with these bags. Designed with a plethora of compartments and plenty of padding, these are ideal for students and travelers.

There are plenty of solar bags and backpacks out there, too. These puppies will power and recharge your devices at will. The market is still fairly new and makers are still refining, but the quality is improving exponentially. Global Sources has a huge list of solar solutions.

The Almighty iPod

There are plenty of these around and I see so many exposed, potential accidents waiting to happen. A great gift would something to protect these little powerhouses. Hard and soft cases come in so many shapes and sizes, all which are easy on the pocketbook.

STM, Scosche, OtterBox, and Built NY all make excellent hard and soft cases for protection. OtterBox even makes waterproof casings that are dust-proof dirt-proof, and drop-proof with an accompanying swim belt.

To complement the iPod or an iPhone, you can get transmitters that come in a variety of styles. These enable the iPod to communicate with your car so it will play what's stored on an iPod.

Logitech, iQfm, Belkin, and Scosche all make quality transmitters. Styles vary from wireless remote systems to power adapter (cigarette lighter outlet) units to combinations of these. Prices range from under $20 to well over $200.

For the video and movie lovers, the iTheater is like a portable theater. They are glasses with little screens on the inside that are the equivalent of a 50-inch screen. These futuristic movie magic glasses can be a really unique gift for about $250.

Stocking Stuffers

Last and not a bit least, here are a few little unusual items to toss in those socks hanging over the chimney with care for under $20.

The earBuddy iPod earbud case is a cute, yet practical gift. With a detachable key ring, it will protect those earbuds and cords.

Try a USB Massage Ball. This flower shaped ball plugs right into a USB port. It vibrates and massages wherever one needs to unwind a knotted muscle or sore spot.

There's also a keychain with a built-in digital photo frame that can store over 72 photos creating a slideshow to go. This is an innovative idea from Luna Imports.

If that someone you know needs to get a grip, Grip-It strips are the answer. In a packet of wavy strips, ovals, and circles, these stick to laptops, PDAs, MP3 players, phones, or anything one can think of. Strong adhesive that doesn't leave any marks is a plus, too.