Here are my own 10 gifts suggestions for the new media professional!
1. Juicebar Portable Solar Charger ($49.99)
For the travelers and conference attendees the world over, nothing is more frustrating then running out of power when you need it post and then not being able to find a useful plug to charge your devices. Instead of running around looking for that one available plug, why not carry with you a this portable solar charger, Juicebar, that can adapt to most any device and charge with its solar cells. Simply allow the Juicebar to charge up in the sun again and you'll be ready to charge your devices anywhere you go.
2. Adobe Creative Pillows ($15 ea / $80 for set)
Many designer/developers in new media create amazing websites and site templates that integrate creative design and interactive elements that engage users and other designers alike. There's something out there for these creatives that, perhaps, they have not seen yet. What better way to design and create then with their very own Adobe Creative pillows for just about any application they might be using. The soft pillows are great to sit on, lean on, or just have on display for major geek cred. If you've got some of your own, send me your photos, I'd love to see how you're displaying them.
3. Logitech Notebook Kit ($99)
Laptops are everywhere, and people are opting to rid themselves of their desktop counterparts for the portability and use of these devices. Standard laptops and netbooks have taken over, and even mobile devices are starting to stake their claim for our attention and productivity. Unfortunately laptops are not always the most comfortable pieces of technology to work on and thus we need something to make it a little easier, something we're more familiar with and that's where the Logitech Notebook Kit comes into play. The kit comes with a laptop stand, wireless keyboard, and a wireless mouse to help you work more efficiently on your laptop but still have the luxury of not having a desktop to contend with.
4. Gorillamobile ($39.95)
Now that the iphone has access to Ustream this little handy addition becomes even more useful as you record your own mobile shows. Not liking Ustream, pick any of the other recording apps on the iPhone or the native recording iPhone app itself and you've got a mobile studio, but not all of us trust the steadiness of our own hands. No worries, Gorillamobile has the answer with this portable, flexible, and extremely unique addition to the tripod family. No need to set up shop with lots of space, wrap up the tripod on a pole, chair, or any extension in your native environment and start recording. No shaking, no worrying if you're in the frame, just get to the action.
5. Twitter Wit ($10)
Looking for inspiration to make your Tweets a little more powerful. Catch up with this 176-page book called Twitter Wit, that captures some of the best tweets out there. This book indexes of some of the most noteworthy, hilarious tweets posted to the service thus far, so don't be afraid to pick this up, share it with your friends, and see just how important 140-characters can really be. Perhaps there is indeed wisdom in brevity!
This is book any new media professional or company can take delight in. Especially interesting for those that have said new media has no traction. One glance at this book at the communication possibilities on Twitter might start to shine through for them.
6. Lilliput Mini USB Monitors ($79-$99)
Creatives are always looking for extra space to put things. Whether it's application tools, chat windows, video viewing screens, you name it, we need the real estate. A hot item this year has been the addition of mini monitors to your desktop set up. These mini monitors typically come under $100 and can change from landscape to portrait viewing modes without a problem. It's a nice way even if you are already on a dual screen setup. Who says you can't have more real estate?
7. The Smashing Book ($30)
Smashing Magazine has been an online site sought after by designers and creatives alike. The site shares some amazing how-to's, tips, tricks, and upcoming trends in the world of design, development, and creativity. Many creative minds search the site for inspiration, peer reviews, and new techniques.
Due to the popularity they have finally put the best of together with some amazing new content in the Smashing Book, which is a great gift for the designer/creative in your network.
8. Audible Gift Cards (varies)
Most of us new media folk are constantly on the go, traveling, attending late night events, networking, creating, but as much as we love a real book in our hands, the reality is we just don't have the time to sit and read as much as we used to. That being said, the world of audio books has exploded, and it's not just story time kids, it's a real deal performance of some of the best books out there. Audible's library is huge, and chances are you will find exactly what you're looking for whether you're looking to learn something new, or just pass the time with some creative reading (listening). This is a gift card that is sure to please.
9. Social Networking Pillows ($20 ea)
Do you know someone who lives, breathes, and dies by the social networks? Maybe it's you, but we're talking about the season of giving, so pass the love onto someone else with Social Networking pillows by Craftsquatch. These pillows represent the deep addiction that is social networks by proudly displaying the networks you want people to know you're apart of. Get a few, get them all, either way, get your addiction on.
10. Verizon MiFi 2200 ($49.99 with online purchase)
Every digital nomad is looking for one thing, WiFi, and when you find it, it's like finding the Holy Grail. New media folks are always looking for the latest in satellite connections, wifi hotspot locators and even refer to Google Map mash-ups for hot spot geo-location based information.
Take the time that you spend doing all that by ensuring that your connection is always there with the Verizon MiFi 2200 card. This nifty little device is the size of a credit card, fits in your shirt pocket, and surrounds you with a wifi bubble that allows up to five connections. So go where you want with the signal that is always with you. If you've got a couple of buddies you need wifi, show up with one of these and be the hero that saves the day (card subject to use with active data plan)
