Must-Have Holiday Gifts of 2010: Gadgets

So many to choose, so little time! There are endless choices for gadget gifts this holiday season.

E-Reader
An e-reader is at the top of the list for everyone in your family who is often caught with their nose buried in a book. Best for teens and adults, there are a few options for e-readers right now. Consider the age of the gift recipient when choosing the size of the e-reader. E-reader screens range from 6 inches to 10. Also consider the types of content available, the price or subscription price of each and the cost. E-readers cost between $139 and $500. Shop around before you buy.

Digital Camera
Our favorite cell phones don't always have the best cameras. If you know a family member who loves to take photos and is still paying money on having prints developed after every family event, a digital camera will be a welcome gift.

There are a couple of brands of digital cameras for kids, as well, in the $50 to $75 range. These make great gifts, and you can let kids take as many photos as they want without reprimanding them for "wasting photos."

Hand Scanner
All-in-one printers and scanners are great, but they are bulky and hard to use for some. For a family member who likes to take scans, including receipts, consider a hand scanner.

Photo Scanner
Family photo albums need to be digitized. What better way to preserve grandma's photos than with a photo scanner? A photo scanner is small and easy to use. Photo scanners retail for $60 to $100. Higher-end models cost around $450.

GPS
Keep your family and friends on track with a GPS device. Consider screen size and voice command features when comparison shopping. GPS devices cost between $100 and $200 or more.

MP3 Players
MP3 players can be enjoyed by kids, teens, college students and adults. They are small, easy-to-use and make great gifts. You can purchase MP3 players for under $50, or hit the $100 to $300 range for higher-end models.

MP3 Speakers
For family and friends who already keep their MP3 players attached to their hips, consider MP3 speakers, which range in price from as little as $7 to $50 and up.

External Memory
From portable flash drives for students to full-on computer back-up drives, external memory is the must-have gadget gift for 2010. An external hard drive for a computer retails for $75 or more. Flash drives make great stocking stuffers for students of all ages and cost between $15 and $30.

Smart Phones
Upgrade your favorite family member to a smart phone. Shop around for specials and waived activation fees, and you could end up paying as little as $70 for a $400 smart phone.