Now that Halloween is out of the way, many people find their thoughts turning toward holiday gifts. Many traditions involve the exchange of gifts at the end of the year, and — no matter which one you embrace — the thought of beating the crowd is a standard worry as December approaches.
We’ve all become aware of the legendary Black Friday, the “official” beginning of the holiday shopping season. In addition, the new wrinkle of Cyber Monday, the online Black Friday, has become part of the equation since 2005. Both have a frantic quality to them as people race to get the best deals.
For those who wish to avoid the frenetic pace, there is always the option of getting the shopping out of the way earlier. Any semblance of a line can also be avoided by doing that shopping online. firstSTREET is a great option if you’re looking to shop for your older relatives.
Here are a few fun options for you, early birds:
A wide array of creative and fun gifts can be found, including a personal favorite of mine, a turntable that allows you turn those vinyl records into smartphone- and iPod-ready MP3s — The LP Saver USB Turntable (pictured above). Not only will it play your 45 and 33 1/3 rpm records, but also the 78s! It also plays CDs, cassettes, and it features the good old-fashioned radio! Those old Les Paul albums can now enter the digital age! (Check out the full report on its capabilities, this one is just amazing.)
For those who are thinking big this year and are trying to find a gift for an active parent or grandparent, the Dual Seat Adult Tricycle is something you should check out. Designed for couples, it features two sets of pedals that operate independently of each other for ease of riding, and a step-through frame allowing ease of seating for those with mobility issues. If pedaling is too much of a physical strain, there is also an electric version that can do the pedaling for you.
Then there is the Auto Finder. This one is just plain useful no matter your age. We’ve all done it. At one point or another, every one of us who drives has looked out across a sea of vehicles, brow furrowed, as we tried to recall where we parked. No more. This hand-held pointer will lead you to your car, allowing you to find it even when it’s covered in snow. Even better, unlike with many devices of this nature, there is no subscription fee. Buy it, set it up, and you’re done.
I don’t know about you, but I intend to avoid the crush this year. (And even if I do have to venture into it, I know I can use the auto finder to locate my car afterward!)
