As deadlines approach (see post below) I will start to focus on last minute gift ideas. Given the nature of the last minute shopper we need all the help that we can get.
So share your last minute gift ideas in the comments section. We promise not to give you any gifts based on your ideas. Really.
Start commenting folks.
Ok, for some of us the clock is really ticking. If your target day is Christmas then it gets trickier this year as the day falls on a Monday. So shipping deadlines are earlier, too (Amazon's standard shipping deadline for Christmas arrival is 12/18- for others you are already into the express delivery zone).
Dealhack provides detailed vendor info on shipping times. Very useful.
Or you can shop locally and ship it yourself-
FedEx Kinkos locations: http://fedex.kinkos.com/locations/
UPS Store locations: http://go.mappoint.net/ups/PrxInput.aspx
Energizers's Energi-To 
(their spelling, not mine) uses two disposable batteries to give your phone a three to six hour charge. Your mileage may vary. The packaging is clearly labeled by phone type and allows you to match connectors with phone. You just have to steal your loved-one's phone and take it to the store. Learn more here.
is best placed in the glove compartment or emergency kit
for just that: emergencies. Connect to your phone and crank for a couple of minutes and you will have a charge time measured in minutes. While it doesn't offer the long duration of the Energizer product this could be invaluable if your car is dead, power and phones or out, etc. and you need to make a quick call for help.
Who wouldn't want this gift in their stocking? Ahnold not your style? Then visit groovyglobes.com and choose tourist flung from cable-car, hippies, or caffeinated Seattle-its.
Each globe has a bonus haiku.
A few years ago I went on a couple's camping trip and, since I was employed at REI at the time, brought along a bunch of great gear. We camped among the redwoods and experienced early twilight thanks to the sheltering giants around us.
Dinnertime rolled around and it was time for me to fire up the stove. To keep my hands free for food prep I wore a headlamp. It's like putting on a pair of old jeans to me but generated laughter from my fellow car campers. But not for long. By the time the pasta water was boiling folks were lining up to borrow my headlamp as they searched dark tents for odds and ends.
And everyone wanted one when they made the long walk to the darkened restrooms.
Headlamps aren't just for campers. Great for the home improvement type, late night book lover, or anyone who has tried to hold a flashlight in their mouth during a blackout. Especially good for new parents staggering around while they warm a bottle without waking up the rest of the house.
The Petzl Tikka Plus is my current favorite. I've owned this one for three years and its great battery life, adjustable brightness and comfortable fit make it perfect. Its little sibling, the Tikka, is another great choice.
Here in California we are constantly reminded of the need to prepare for earthquakes, floods, fires...let's just say that we aren't as prepared as we should be.
Adventure Medical makes high quality first aid and survival gear. Here are some highlights:
Pocket Survival Pak
- small enough for purse, backpack or glove compartment, this small kit provides the basics needed to help you in staying found and remaining comfortable.
Never settle, no excuses, respect yourself...good year round but especially helpful when you are facing mall crowds.
Contributed by a visitor - thank you!
For only $6.99 you can convert your video into a portable, eco-friendly media player.
It's called a flipbook, folks. Mine are already on order.
How does it work?
1. Visit www.flipclips.com.
2. Upload your video.
3. Choose the book of your choice and order away.
Check out the website for a video demo.
This makes a great stocking stuffer, creative intivitation, party favor or unique way to propose marriage. Surely you can think of even more ideas.
Order by December 18th to guarantee delivery by the 22nd by express mail.
The folks at quikpod.com have an interesting new twist on the traditional tripod. If you like what you seen you must make your purchase by December 8th to get their special gizmodo deal.
I have three on order.
The Quikpod extends your arm so that you can take natural looking self-portraits capturing your forehead. The special deal give your $4.95 off the Pro Kit that converts your Quikpod into a standard tripod. All this for $25 plu shipping.
To get the special deal visit quikpod.com and search for gizmodo or follow this link: https://shop.quikpod.com/categoryNavigationDocument.hg?categoryId=2
My three year old received a Fisher Price Digital Camera
exposure is good. Flash fires automatically and the delay between photos is reasonable. and Walmart have it in stock -act fast.
The Spinmaster Aero Ace has developed a cult following online through enthusiastic reviews and a growing YouTube presence. The plane is easy to fly and takes a fair amount of abuse. Controls are simple and a flight time of around 10 minutes is great.
I scoured the web and couldn't find it in stock anywhere. Toys R Us has one model in stock right here. Given the attention that they have received some enterprising folks are selling them for over $50 on eBay.
