But wait, there's better. For a tablet computer user, a Merkury Innovations Easel Stand proves a dandy gift at $14.95. Aluminum-framed and rubber-cushioned, it holds a tablet in portrait or landscape mode at a variety of angles. Folds flat for easy stowage.
In Bed, Bath and Beyond's personal-care department, I couldn't resist rewarding myself with a Philips Norelco Nose, Ear and Eyebrow Hair Trimmer ($17.99). Doesn't tug painfully at the follicles like other groomers do.
Also found a Sharper Image USB 2.0 Digital Photo Keychain for $9.98 - perfect for the proud parent, aunt or granny. Has a 1.5-inch color LCD display, holds 60 images and has a rechargeable battery. These things used to sell for a benjamin!
More for laughs than serious listening is the Rock-It 2.0 Portable Vibration Speaker System ($19.99 at BB&B) and similar, though more nicely packaged Vibe It Bullet (same price at myvibeit.com). The latter version (tested) bears the motto "plug it, stick it, hear it." Connect its audio cable to a music source, then affix the sticky resonator cup to an object with a hollow cavity. That empty cereal box or eggnog carton becomes a speaker with shockingly decent results. (One complaint: Cables are short.)
TO THEIR HEALTH: A serious electric toothbrush with an oscillating head is just what the dentist ordered, but a bit scary for kids and quite the investment. (Top-rated SoniCare models run from $40 at Walgreens to $220 for the "DiamondClean" series.) So a better first step and stocking stuffer is one of the new kid-friendly, electrically "enhanced" toothbrushes that cranks out a Justin Bieber tune (insert "shriek" here) or celebrates a favorite fictional character.
