By Steven Rothberg

Regardless of your faith or level of faith, this should be a joyous season for all of us. Although the days are shorter and nights are longer, this is the season of giving thanks for Americans and of major holidays for most of the world's major religions. Although some may question the sanity of it all, this is also the season of gift giving. While most agree that it is better to give than to receive, most would also agree that it is better to receive something that you like than something that, well, would have been enjoyed more by someone else. To help make the art of gift giving a bit easier, we've reviewed many of the hottest items for this season. Should one, two or all of them strike your fancy, just forward a copy of this article to your friend or family member with a gentle hint as to which of the hot items in here strike your fancy.

If you'll be traveling home for the holidays and taking your laptop with you, be sure to back up your files in case your laptop gets damaged. But you shouldn't back up to your own hard drive, because if your hard drive dies then so will your only backup. The solution? An external hard drive. An awesome choice is the SimpleDrive USB 2.0 & FireWire 120 GB External Hard Drive by Simpletech. Use it for your home, dorm, or office to store and backup games, graphics, video, music, pictures and other files. Set up is a snap and data transfer rates are incredibly fast and reliable. http://www.simpletech.com

Speaking of memory, when was the last time you filled up the entire memory card on your digital camera? If you're like me, just about every time the sun comes up. Before you head home for the holidays, be sure to pick up a 256 mb SimpleTech ProX Secure Digital (SD) Flash Memory Card, the fastest card available on the market today. With write speeds up to 10 megabytes per second, the high-speed ProX SD card significantly reduces the time it takes to save data to the card so you can take pictures a LOT faster. An ideal removable storage solution, the ProX SD card also works in cell phones, audio players, PDAs, digital camcorders, and other devices that use the SD card format. http://www.simpletech.com

Okay, so your camera and computer memory are taken care of. Now let's make good use of both. If you've ever taken a digital photo, you're likely hooked because it is finally possible for every photographer to edit, repair, enhance, organize and share their photos. Two of the best software packages available make it not only possible, but easy. From Jasc are Paint Shop Pro 8, a complete photo and graphics editor, and Paint Shop Photo Album 4, which allows you to enhance, organize and share digital photos. They work hand-in-hand, and should be used by your hands. http://www.jasc.com

You probably don't want to think about it yet, but after the holidays there will be work to be done, so wouldn't it be nice to have some great tools to help you get that work done better and faster? Tools like the 2004 Encyclopaedia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite. Now available both on CD and DVD, the Suite is perfect for learners of all ages because it features three complete libraries: the Encyclopaedia Britannica Library, the Britannica Student Library, and the Britannica Elementary Library. http://www.britannica.com

Regardless of the work to be done, you need a good calendar to make sure that it gets done on time. Fantastic choices are available from AT-A-GLANCE, including the 24-Hour Weekly Appointment Book that I use. This 8-1/2 x 11 inch calendar covers 12 months (January through December) with one week per two-page spread. Appointment slots are hourly from midnight through 11 p.m. http://www.ataglance.com

So you're working away on that document, highlighting like crazy. You'd really be productive if you could ever find a highlighter that could keep up. Now you can. No more lost caps, dried tips and making a mess of your hands. InnoDesk has introduced its RETRAC-TIP capless, retractable highlighter. The new florescent RETRAC-TIP is a different approach to the traditionally two-handed device. The ergonomic design includes a leak-proof, patented seal to help prevent ink from drying out, making the RETRAC-TIP easy to use and transport. http://www.innodesk.com

While highlighters are awesome for documents that you just need to read, they aren't the right tool for documents that you need to edit. Yet retyping a paper document is so time consuming. Now you can instantly convert your paper documents, images or PDFs into editable files. Readiris Pro 9 accurately reproduces the original layout of a document, including columns of text, tables and graphics. Fast, easy-to-use and accurate. http://www.irislink.com

Of course, an editable document isn't much good without a word processing program. By why buy just a word processing program when you can have a whole suite of software products that will help you with your everyday life? From Microsoft is Works Suite 2004, featuring Encarta Encyclopedia Standard 2004 to help you with learning and research, Streets & Trips 2004 to help you plan your travels, Money 2004 Standard to help your personal finances, Works to help you organize your home, Word to help you communicate, and Picture It! Photo Premium to help you edit your photos. http://www.microsoft.com

If learning how to use software packages sounds a little intimidating to you, then you'll love VIDEO PROFESSOR, a leader in software tutorials. Over five million people use them and they ship over 250,000 thousand new ones each month. Learning Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, Quicken, Lotus 1-2-3, FrontPage, PhotoShop and many more is as easy as popping a CD into your computer. Instruction is interactive, so you'll learn well and quickly but at a pace that matches your needs. http://www.videoprofessor.com

It is great to have great software, but equally as important is great hardware. If you're as tired as I was at being wired to your computer through your keyboard and mouse, get ready for the Gyration Ultra GT full-size keyboard suite. This is an incredibly advanced mouse and keyboard. You can use the mouse on your desk or even in the air…from up to 30 feet away from your computer. Wireless mouses need batteries, but this one comes equipped with a desktop charger. The full-size, 104-key keyboard is ergonomic and has 15 hotkeys. http://www.gyration.com

While great highlighters, software and hardware sure make studying easier, a lot of studying is sure to strain your eyes. And if you wear contacts, then you've undoubtedly also experienced the dryness. Complete MoisturePlus Eye Solution is great for when you spend late nights cramming and straining your eyes. It is the first and only multi-purpose contact lens solution with a unique formulation that helps prevent dryness and discomfort associated with contact lens wear. It builds a moisture shield in and around the contact lens for a difference that's very real and very tangible. http://www.amo-inc.com

When it is finally time to stop studying, spend a little time relaxing. You'll love the Maya Angelou Life Mosaic Collection from Hallmark. The Tea For One mug and teapot are perfect for dorm rooms and apartments. The glazed, sage green ceramic is safe for microwave and dishwasher, and features Angelou's inspiring words, "Solitude can be a much-to-be-desired condition." The "Thriving is Elegant" Easel Collection features 30 pages of Angelou's messages of hope, faith, and love, to inspire you throughout the year. The Peace Lives Sachet is lavender scented to brighten any room. It's covered in shimmering purple and teal fabric, with these words from Angelou, "Peace lives at the heart of all things." http://www.hallmark.com

Tired, relaxed and ready for bed? Climb into pajamas from The PajamaGram Company. They offer over 100 styles of fun and luxurious pajamas in an array of fabrics like Egyptian Cotton and Silk. Each is designed by PajamaGram, Natori, Crabtree & Evelyn, Nick and Nora, BedHead, and more and creatively packaged with lavender bath tea, a gift card, and a "Do Not Disturb" sign, all in a keepsake organza hatbox. http://www.pajamagram.com

Remember when you were a kid and how great it felt to pull on your favorite pair of pajamas and snuggle in bed with your teddy bear? Don't have one? Then you need the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. They've been making the best teddy bears for over twenty years -- and every bear is lovingly designed, cut, sewn, stuffed, and stitched in Vermont. Not near Vermont? No need to fret. The Vermont Teddy Bear Company has provided Vermont Bear-Gram gift delivery service since 1984. http://www.vermontteddybear.com

If the kid in you still loves that teddy bear, then you'll also love Aurora World, a leading supplier of affordable, high quality plush toys and gifts. They offer more than 3,000 unique plush toys and gift items ranging from traditional favorites such as stick ponies, teddy bears and dolls to toys modeled after nearly every type of domestic farm, jungle and sea creature. Backpacks, purses and totes are also available. http://www.auroragift.com

Feeling rested and ready to tackle the world? How about the job market first? Before you dive in, you're going to want to read Andrea Nierenberg's "Nonstop Networking: How to Improve Your Life, Luck and Career." Making connections for finding a job can be tough for some people, especially introverts. Of course, with college students, the number of professional contacts will be low compared to people who have been in the workforce for a while. Knowing how to network with people is a lesson every student needs. And you'll enjoy this lesson. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1892123924/adguidescolleger

If you've started your active job search, then you're probably accumulating a lot of business cards from recruiters and hiring managers. Rather than hauling them around in a book like Grandpa did, wouldn't it be fantastic to scan them in color and then have them entered into your Palm handheld, other PDA, Pocket PC, Microsoft Outlook, or contact manager? You bet it would. And with the CardScan Executive, you'll be able to do all of that in just a few seconds. You'll even be able to upload your card data to CardScan.Net so you'll have up-to-date contact information anywhere you have Internet access. http://www.cardscan.com

So you've got your cards scanned and you're preparing for your next interview, but when researching the company you find a word on their web site that you're not familiar with. While Grandpa was right to tell you to look it up in the dictionary, little did he know that your dictionary would not only be the size of a calculator, but it would be electronic and could actually speak. If you're not already using the Franklin Electronic Publishers speaking handheld electronic version of the Eleventh Edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, then you should be. It offers high-quality language reference with state-of-the-art search technology and provides instant access to over 200,000 words and 500,000 synonyms. Not good enough? It also has a built-in ROLODEX organizer and is expandable with a PC Connectivity kit, which allows for downloads of reference ebook titles and more. http://www.franklin.com

One advantage Grandpa did have is that he didn't have to lug around as many gadgets and their batteries and accessories. Mind you, he probably wouldn't have minded the lugging if he had The Pod by RoadWired. This cool little bag has an amazing collection of intelligently-organized spaces. Ideal for a digital or "point and shoot" camera and virtually everything that travels with it, or for portable audio gear or even a handheld computer and all of its accessories. The Pod features over 20 pockets and compartments, including a fully padded main compartment and unique "winged" outer pocket. http://www.roadwired.com

Before you head home for the holidays, it would be nice to check in with your family. You know, just to make sure they're going to be home and haven't rented out your bedroom after changing the locks. Checking in by phone has never been as slick as with Vibe Phone, the new video communication product that allows you to talk face-to-face over the Internet, anytime, anyplace. The all-in-one interface, picon (picture icon) contact lists and click-and-call features are geared to a growing segment of broadband users who are looking for ease-of-use and a quality audio/video experience. http://www.vibephone.com

Once you're finished chatting with your family, it sure would be nice to listen to relax and listen to some music. But most CD players, MP3 players, video gaming systems, TVs, DVD players and PCs come with terrible speakers. The solution is the VS4121 Music Gaming Theater by Altec Lansing. These compact speakers are fantastic. The tweeters sing with crisp, clear highs, while a unique, down-firing midrange driver in each satellite uniformly disperses sound around the room - creating a warmer, more natural ambiance. The long-throw woofer brings out the thumps and bumps that make listening to music, watching movies and playing games truly intense. This versatile and compact system fits anywhere - and sounds great everywhere. http://www.alteclansing.com

If you're into music, then you'll have a blast learning how to play the turntable like your favorite DJs and creating your own style. Turntable Technique: The Art of the DJ is now available on DVD and VHS. Both provide quantity and quality of instruction, with in-depth explanations for each technique. Rather than just watching DJs playing the turntables and occasionally getting a tip, this video instructs the viewer and takes you slowly through the techniques. http://www.toolsfordjs.com

If you plan to stay up late learning to play the turntable, then you're going to love Starbucks Coffee Company. First, head over to your neighborhood store to pick up a pack of their smooth, spicy Christmas Blend beans. Make your next trip even more convenient by buying a Starbucks reloadable card and loading it with any dollar amount between $5 and $500. It can be used to purchase any Starbucks beverages, merchandise and more. Then, enjoy a cup brewed in your new Barista Quattro Thermal Coffeemaker, the 4-cup version of the popular Barista Aroma coffeemaker. Both keep coffee fresh and hot for two hours without external heat source. Then pour yourself a cup in your Extreme Tumbler, a 16-ounce stainless steel tumbler featuring a new "pull-tab" splash proof lid and a "carabineer-like" clip at the base of its easy grip handle for effortless attaching to bags, briefcases and backpacks. Or, if you prefer the taste of pressed coffee, you'll love the Thermal Travel Press, a 20-ounce stainless steel coffee press that comes with double wall insulation and a fine mesh filter that enhances the coffee flavor by allowing the flavor-filled aromatic oils of the coffee to stay in tact as they are pressed right into your cup. The Thermal Travel Press also has an easy grip sanoprene handle and a Splash Proof lid, making it a perfect choice for the coffee drinker on the go. If you prefer to have a cup of coffee while relaxing rather than working, then pull out kuuduk, a strategic card game filled with switches, surprises and turnabouts designed for either one-on-one competition or group play. http://www.starbucks.com

Love games? Then you'll love two games from Cranium. Hoopla and Conga require quick thinking and fast actions and reactions. You'll be surprised, surprise others and laugh out loud. Conga is a "guess what I'm thinking" game where players share fun facts and inside jokes that only close friends and family would know. In Hoopla, players rally together to add sound effects to impromptu performances, do hilarious sketches, come up with clever brain-teasers, and solve quick-witted word challenges. http://www.cranium.com

Prefer boardgames that not only entertain but also educate? Then Cashflow 101 is the game for you. In a challenging and entertaining environment, the player learns first that he probably has a lot to learn about personal finance management and, eventually, that managing and protecting one's finances can actually bring about a great deal of satisfaction and financial security. Developed by Robert Kiyosaki, the best-selling author of the "Rich Dad Poor Dad" series of personal finance books, the more you play, the more you'll learn about your own financial habits. http://www.richdad.com

Prefer games that require more physical than mental activity? Hit-A-Way Baseball is your own personal batting instructor. It attaches to most trees and poles within seconds. Just toss the ball to an imaginary pitcher. After the ball winds and unwinds from the tree or pole, hit the ball back to your pitcher, then get ready for the next pitch. Maybe you'll never be a major leaguer, but at least you'll be better than the kid next door. http://www.hitaway.com

Golf is another great game where you need to practice hitting a ball. But for most, hitting golf balls means a trip to a golf course or driving range. Not terribly practical if you've only got 30 minutes to spare. With the AlmostGolf Ball, the world is your golf course. Now you can step out into your backyard, local park or schoolyard, and hit away with a ball that feels and performs like a regulation golf ball, but is completely safe for off-course practice and play. And if there's snow on the ground, take it inside! The AlmostGolf Ball spins, fades and draws like a real ball. It feels solid on the club, so you know how you're hitting. It's ideal for the short game and full-swing practice, alike. They feel great off the club and can be hit over 100 yards with a driver. http://www.almostgolfball.com

Those who prefer to get their physical activity outside will love the Sierra Trading Post. The company purchases name-brand overstocks and closeouts and passes savings on to its customers by selling clothing, footwear, accessories, gear and even home furnishings at savings of 35 to 70 percent. Visit one of their stores in Reno, Nevada, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Cody, Wyoming or on-line. http://www.sierratradingpost.com

Don't live near a Sierra Trading Post store but want to visit one? Then consider combining a visit with a vacation, perhaps to Reno. While many airlines fly to Reno, few do so as well as Southwest Airlines. Now the fourth largest U.S. airline and one of the only profitable ones, Southwest is the United States' only major shorthaul, low-fair, high-frequency, point-to-point carrier. And now you can have someone else pay for your flight with a Southwest Airlines gift certificate. They can be purchased in denominations of as low as $10 and are good toward the purchase of any Southwest Airlines ticket. http://www.southwest.com

Love traveling but prefer to visit places less like Reno and more like the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota? After all, who wouldn't want a pair of flip-flops that leaves the Spam logo in the sand as you stroll down the beach? Pick up one of Jerome Pohlen's "Oddball" books, each of which are devoted to the nooks and crannies of states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado and Florida. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1556525036/adguidescolleger

If you prefer the bright lights of New York to the highlights of rural Minnesota, then you're going to love "DESIGNnewyork," the what, where and when reference guide to architecture, fashion, graphic design, interior design, and product design in New York City. Written and edited by a team of design professionals and academics, this guide manages to encapsulate New York's design offerings, synthesizing them into a compact, incredibly thorough, and easy-to-read reference guide. http://www.designnewyork.info

Whether you're traveling or near home, if you spend a lot of time outdoors then you've probably experienced many occasions when finding a place to put your keys, credit cards or money is a hassle because you're wearing clothing without pockets. The solution? The TEC Hat by SCOTTeVEST. Developed for men and women, the hat fits snuggly to your head with no unsightly bulges. The exterior is made of a soft, pre-washed cotton material that is perfect for everyday wear, and the interior is made from CoolMax mesh, which is fast drying and wickable. Key features include a hidden side zip pocket on the exterior of the cap and a hidden under-brim pocket for change, keys, credit cards, etc. You'll love it. http://www.scottevest.com

Love the outdoors but don't want to go camping in the winter? Then bring some of the joys of camping indoors with the S'mores Maker. Now you don't have to make a campfire to enjoy making s'mores: that wonderful medley of chocolate, marshmellows and graham crackers, warm and gooey, lingering on your tongue. The S'mores Maker works on a similar concept as a fondue, using a canned chafing fuel as the heat source for roasting the marshmellows. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009XFX4/adguidescolleger

If you prefer indoor activity to camping or other outdoor activities, then you'll want to check out the two new duffel bags by the High Sierra Sport Company. Both bags were designed for athletes and gym-goers. The AT209 Sports Duffel has a locker-friendly design with a drop-bottom compartment that keeps shoes and dirty clothes separate from the main compartment. The 5530 Wheeled Duffel is 30 inches long and features a vented laundry pocket pouch that separates dirty or wet clothes, shoes and sporting gear from the main compartment where clean clothes and accessories are held. It also features a telescope handle, inline skate wheels for smooth transport, zippered pockets, and skid guards on the bottom of the bag for abrasion protection. http://www.highsierrasport.com

Phew! While all that exercise is good for you, if you want to find out just how good it was then you'll want to use the Tanita Scale Plus Body Fat Monitor 2200. This digital scale displays your weight and body fat readings in seconds. Want to share it? No problem. This two person memory model will remember the age and height of two people so you'll both get accurate body fat readings. Have a guest? Again, no problem. There's even a guest mode! http://www.tanita.com

Now that you're finished working out, it is time to get freshened up. AXE is a deodorant bodyspray that effectively fights underarm odor like standard deodorants do, but also is used by young men all over their bodies to fight odor and keep them smelling great every day, so they can concentrate on more important things -- like girls. AXE is the number one young men's deodorant brand around the world. First sold in France in 1983, it is now sold in over 60 countries and is available in seven great fragrances. http://www.theaxeeffect.com

While women will undoubtedly appreciate that the men around them use AXE, they'll really appreciate the rejuvenating products from AJUNE, The Center for Beauty Synergy. AJUNE brings the spa to you, including body products such as Vanilla Lavendar Hand and Body Lotion and Lemon Mint Lip Balm. http://www.ajune.com

A wonderful source for body products and thousands of other gifts is drugstore.com. One example is a Burt's Bees gift set available exclusively at drugstore.com. The kit contains full sized Burt's Bees bestsellers, including Lavender Mint Toothpaste, Milk & Honey Body Lotion, Coconut Foot Crème, Therapeutic Bath Crystals, Hand Salve, and Beeswax Lip Balm. http://www.drugstore.com

Okay, so you're making yourself feel and look better, but why stop there? Wouldn't you look even better with some new jewelry? An excellent choice would be Melrose Girly Chic's Three Strand CZ Rubber Bracelet. It is more than your basic rubber bracelet. This is three times the fun with three strands and lots of CZs (cubic zirconia). http://www.melrosegirlychic.com

While jewelry can help you look good, wouldn't it be great if it could also do good for others? The American Legacy Foundation offers accessories that support and inspire women and families to lead tobacco-free lives. Worn by Brooke Shields, Jessica Simpson and Cicely Tyson, the Sunburst Pin and Necklace is meant to shed light on tobacco-related disease as the most preventable cause of death among American women. http://www.join-the-circle.org

Now that you're feeling and looking your best, it is time to find a relationship. Yet many college students and recent graduates have more book smarts than relationship smarts. Love and relationship expert Adele Britton has found that most people - young and old - hunger for the same thing, to be involved in loving, fulfilling relationships. After 27-plus years of experience as a counselor in a clinical setting, on radio and television, amd most recently through her web site, Adele knew she had the answers to the questions people were asking. Now you will too. http://www.AskAdele.com

If you're a guy trying to improve his relationship skills, then you should also pick up a copy of Peter Post's new book, "Essential Manners for Men: What to Do, When to Do It and Why." While other books address manners for men, this book also explains the why. "Tell a man to pick up after himself around the house because it's the considerate thing to do - yeah right!" says Post. "But explain to him how doing it will improve his relationship with his girlfriend or spouse - and WHAMMO - you've got his attention." http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060539801/adguidescolleger

If you share a room and are reading in bed, then your good manners will tell you to use a light that won't disturb your roommate. Perfect for the task is the LightWedge Paperback, which is also ideal for travel or to keep in a book bag. Its pane of bright, even light illuminates only the page you're reading. No glare and no stray light to disturb others. Brilliant. http://www.lightwedge.com

Ready to try out those great new relationship skills? If you've been having a difficult time finding the right match, then conside HurryDate. When it comes to dating, speed just does the trick! When you date with speed, you get to meet the "mass quantities" of people you wouldn't meet in a normal dating night! At HurryDate, you go on up to 25 dates in on night! Plus, the HurryDate, online matching system enhances the dating experience and makes up for what speed may prevent - taking a second look. All of the profiles of the people who were at your speed dating party will be there for you to browse through. Because, online, speed is not an issue! You can take your time and decide which of the daters is for you. And to make this even better, gift certificates are now available. http://www.hurrydate.com

-- Steven Rothberg is the President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com.

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