Top Ten Gift Lists!

You really can't go wrong with a fitness gift. Even if your buddy isn't a muscle head, fact is we could all do with a bit more exercise. So pick up a gift off this list as a not-so-subtle hint!

	1	Polar F11M Heart Rate Monitor There's more to be said for a heart rate monitor than just tracking your optimal heart rate so you're working out 'in the zone.' Quite frankly, I'm a little sick of hitting spin class only to be the odd man out without a heart rate monitor. Do your friend (and her fellow classmates) a favor and hook her up with the great Polar F11 rate monitor!
	2	How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy! Paul Chek has it going on when you talk about the complete picture of health. From workouts to stretching, eating to sleeping, Chek has recommendations that will keep you looking and feeling your best. Highly recommended.
	3	CamelBak BPA-Free Better Water Bottle with Bite Valve,Green,1 Liter If you're working out, you gotta hydrate. This sippy CamelBak bottle has the advantage of not requiring you to remove a lid to take a swig. Not a bad thing during the middle of an intensive circuit workout. And it's BPA-free!
	4	Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Single Dumbbell If your gift buddy works out at home, this is the gift for him. We can't all afford a huge home gym - the Boxflex SelectTech dumbbell is space efficient but scales all the way from 10 to 90 lbs. Great idea!
	5	Bosu Balance Trainer Home Version These things are awesome. Add a whole new dimension to your workout by throwing a Bosu into the mix. Regular workouts get amped up when you're balancing on a Bosu during your regular lift movements.
	6	Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit (65cm) If you've read Paul Chek's book (see #2), you know how critical stretching is to your overall health. A balance ball is an inexpensive add-on to your regular routine that will help you stretch in ways you never realized were possible.
	7	Sherpani Meta - 08 Cornsilk Gym Bags My good friend (who's also a personal trainer) recommended this bag as one of her favs. Gals have all kinds of stuff to carry to the gym; this bag has room for all of it.
	8	C9 by Champion Champion's C9 series of workout clothing is reasonable but high quality. Look sharp and be thrifty. I like it.
	9	Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain When I added Paul Chek's book to this list, my friend insisted on including Egoscue's Pain Free, as well. She swears by it. She's in much better shape than I am (she just finished the Twin Cities Marathon a few months ago), so I'll defer to her expertise!
	10	Medi-Dyne ProStretch Unilateral Stretching System If you do a lot of biking or elliptical work, you need to make sure you keep your calves stretched and loose. This simple looking device does a great job of doing just that. My gym has a few of these lying around - I love giving my calves a good stretch before and after an intense workout. Nice!

There you go - ten top gifts for the fitness buff. Whether your friend is just getting started on her journey to fitness or she's an old hand who knows the drill, you can't go wrong picking up one of the items listed here.

Happy shopping!

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Yoga has become hugely popular; there's probably someone in your social sphere who is really into it. The next time you need to buy a gift for your favorite Yoga-lover, check out this list of great gifts!

	1	Harmony Professional Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Made in the USA of open cell, natural dry rubber, this mat is 3/16" thick. Go for a natural alternative to PVC! Available in 68" or 74" lengths.
	2	Yogitoes Skidless Premium Yoga Towel Add a super-absorbent Yoga towel to your practice to absorb perspiration and prevent slipping. This lightweight towel includes silicone nubs on one side to grip your Yoga mat to prevent movement.
	3	Barefoot Yoga Mysore Practice Yoga Rug If you prefer something a little more 'authentic' than a hi-tech Yoga towel (see #2), check out this Yoga rug. Decorative and made of tightly woven cotton, this rug rests nicely over any Yoga mat and most floor surfaces. Use it to add extra cushion for sitting postures and better traction and stability for standing postures. It absorbs perspiration to keep you from slipping. Nice!
	4	Manduka Mat Sak I work with a gal who carries one of these bags. Super-hip and highly functional, this bag is made of a durable cotton canvas material with recycled PET mesh detailing. Two zippered compartments provide protective carrying space for a Yoga mat, towel, strap, and personal items. Did I mention that it looks fantastic? Very cool.
	5	Gaiam Cork Block/Hemp Strap Combo No foam block for you! Increase your eco-cred with this Yoga block/strap combo. The all-natural cork block will help you refine your alignment in certain standing and sitting poses. Use the hemp strap to improve your stretches. Good stuff.
	6	Toezies - The Sock for Pilates, Yoga and Lounging Around What really puts these socks over the top is the non-skid surface on the bottom. Hygienic, free toes, and no-slipping - what could be better?
	7	Chemical Free Yoga Mat Wash Ban the funk without the harsh chemicals. This organic mat wash from Vermont Soap will keep your Yoga-lover's mat fresh and clean. She can use it on her Yoga blocks, balance balls, cushions and straps, as well!
	8	Yoga Zone: Music for Meditation If your Yoga-lover prefers her music a little more upbeat while she's practicing, hook her up with this CD from Yoga Zone.
	9	Ultimate Stretch Yoga Workout Does your Yoga-lover sometimes practice at home instead of a Yoga studio? If so, gift this DVD from celebrated yoga teachers Ravi Singh & Ana Brett. This Kundalini Yoga DVD offers a complete workout in just 60 minutes.
	10	Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga... When asked to pick one book she'd add to a list of Top 10 Gifts for the Yoga Lover, one of our favorite Yoga instructors here in town selected this book - Light on Yoga. It is the definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of Yoga.

So there you have it. Even if you're not into Yoga personally, your favorite Yoga-lover will be impressed when you give one of the items off this list. There's nothing better than giving a thoughtful gift.

Happy shopping!

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It's tough to keep up with the music devices these days. If you're giving the wonderful gift of music, this list outlines the best modern options for music players available on the market.

	1	Zune 8 GB Video MP3 Player This slim 8 GB Zune device is good to go with plenty of room for your favorite music, pictures, and video. It comes complete with a built-in FM tuner. At around $130, it's a good entry-level MP3 player.
	2	Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player The Zune 120 offers a HUGE capacity to hold pretty much any marvelous music collection and a bunch of movies at the same time. The glass screen makes for a pleasant watching experience as well! It's currently available for just over 200 bucks.
	3	Apple iPod nano 16 GB Blue The iPod nano might be one of the most elegant small music players available. With Apple's unique interface, it's easy and fun to use. It's also compatible with sports packages that make for a great workout!
	4	Apple iPod touch 16 GB An iPod touch is great for someone into gadgets. Not only does it support killer audio and video, but it allows you to connect wirelessly to the Apple App Store and load up tons of games. A price of around $270 isn't bad considering all the things you can do with this iPod.
	5	Apple iPod classic 120 GB Silver This list wouldn't be complete without the latest iPod classic. Large storage capacity, music and videos are both compatible, and at about $200, you can't go wrong.
	6	Apple iPod shuffle 1 GB Bright Green For people who don't like to mess with the on-screen options, an iPod shuffle is perfect. They're inexpensive, tiny and they look pretty cool, too!
	7	Creative Zen 8 GB Portable Media Player Creative has been a player in the music industry for quite some time, so they've really perfected the ZEN device. It handles the music and video, but at a lower price than Apple's devices.
	8	SanDisk Sansa Shaker 1 GB MP3 Player If you're looking for an inexpensive option to have music on-the-go, the SanDisk Sansa is your answer. They're in the $30 range and have a fun, new design. Available in multiple colors.
	9	Skull Candy MacGyver MP3 Player Watch Any watch-wearing music lover would love to wear around an MP3 watch, but what makes this so wonderful is that it looks like a normal watch! It's not bulky like earlier generations and it charges via a USB device, just like iPods and Zunes. It runs about $90.
	10	Timex MP3 Stereo CD Alarm Clock Radio w/ Digital Tuning If you're looking for a non-portable device to have music in the office, bedroom, kitchen (wherever, really), then an MP3 CD-Player is perfect. Just burn your MP3s to a CD and toss it in. Plus, it's under $50.

With the price ranges available today, it's not difficult to find a perfect music player for anybody. Any one of these players makes a perfect gift for the occassion.

Happy Shopping!

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If you have a swimmer in your life, you know that there's a variety of accoutrement they need to perform their best. Here's a top ten list of gifts for your favorite swimmer!

	1	Speedo Silicone Stretch Fit Cap Let's start with the essentials: a quality swim cap. Elite swimmers spend a LOT of time in the water; the last thing they need is a cheap swim cap that tears after a couple uses. Pick up a couple of these quality caps from Speedo - it never hurts to have a spare on hand!
	2	Fastskin II Custom Color Record Breaker Get this great competition suit for your favorite female swimmer. She'll not only swim fast, she'll look fantastic while she's out there kicking butt!
	3	Speedo FS-PRO Jammer Let's not forget about your favorite male swimmer! Check out this great jammer from Speedo. You want your swimmer swimming his fastest on competition day, right? You want him to look great while he's doing it, right? Here's the ticket!
	4	Speedo Vanquisher Swim Goggle - Clear Ask any swim mom - your swimmer can never have too many goggles. If they've got three spare sets in the swim bag, they MIGHT be OK. (Of course, you should technically hold on to those spare sets yourself or they'll ALL get lost, but you catch my drift.) These clear Vanquishers are great for indoor short course season.
	5	Speedo Vanquisher Plus Mirrored Swim Goggle - Gold Same song, second verse. Only this time, pick up the mirrored Vanquishers from Speedo for outdoor long course season.
	6	The Sammy Towel Forget the 20 sq foot beach towel - your favorite swimmer needs a Sammy! This compact, high-tech shammy is the perfect low-price gift for your favorite swimmer!
	7	Speedo Aqua Fit Training Swim Gloves Help your favorite swimmer improve their strength and conditioning using these training gloves from Speedo. The gloves' webbed fingers also help your swimmer propel themselves through the water, creating essential muscle memory for powering through the water.
	8	FINIS Zoomers Fins Here's another great practice tool. Strap a set of Zoomers on your favorite swimmer and she'll start building her strength and propulsion. Make sure you buy the right color for your swimmer - for instance, the Reds are for those with a stronger kick and flexible feet and ankles.
	9	Waterproof Housing for iPod If your swimmer is fortunate enough to be in two-a-day practices or training for distance, you know that they spend hours in the water. Help them pass the time by gifting this great waterproof iPod case. You'll also need a set of headphones created for water use - see gift #10.
	10	H2O Audio H3 Waterproof Headphones If your swimmer likes to listen to music while working out, they'll need a good set of headphones designed for use in the water. This set from H2O Audio work great - and look good, too!

From competition to practice, the variety of gifts to consider for your favorite swimmer is extensive. I hope this list gives you a few great ideas for gifts that are both functional and stylish.

Happy shopping!

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Let's face it: cooking is huge these days. With the economy in the doldrums, more and more folks are looking to hit the gourmet tip right in their own kitchens. Here are ten fantastic gifts for the beginning Rachael Ray wannabe:

	1	KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer Every kitchen needs a quality mixer, and they don't come any better than KitchenAid. Plus, once you gift a KitchenAid, you'll have an endless supply of follow-on gifts when you start buying the available attachments. How 'bout some home-made ice cream?
	2	Mundial Future 10-Piece Block Set A great set of knives not only makes cooking more enjoyable, it makes it safer. Nothing ruins the build-up to a dinner party faster than cutting yourself with a dull knife. Make sure that doesn't happen with this awesome set of knives from Mundial that carry a lifetime warranty. Nice!
	3	Rachael Ray 10-Piece Stainless-Steel Cookware Set Say what you want about Rachael Ray, the woman knows how to put together a decent set of stainless steel cookware. Don't look like a newb with a set of cheap non-stick pans - real cooks use stainless. And you'll love the flair of orange color on the handles of these stylish pans! Includes all the essentials to get you started on the right foot.
	4	Simply Calphalon Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set If your friend is a beginning baker, nonstick baking pans will help establish their confidence as they enter the sometimes frustrating world of baking. This set from Calphalon covers all the essentials at a reasonable price.
	5	MIU Stainless-Steel 7-Piece Measuring Cup Set Talk about essential! Ask any chef and they'll tell you that nothing makes cooking more enjoyable than using good tools. This heavy-duty set of measuring cups will be the only one you'll ever need.
	6	iSi Basics Flex-it Measuring Cups Someday, your favorite budding chef will cook with a splish of this and a splash of that. But to start off successfully, accuracy is essential. This set of flexible measuring cups from iSi will ensure that their baked goods come out perfectly - without the risk of broken glass all over their granite countertop!
	7	CorningWare French White 17-Piece Bake and Serve Set Cooking's not all about sex and sizzle: sometimes, you just want to throw something in the oven and let it bake. With this set from CorningWare, you're all set to cook a roast, bake lasagna, or attempt your first quiche.
	8	Oxo Good Grips Everyday 15-Piece Kitchen Tool Set Oxo is famous for taking necessities and making them beautiful. This set of 15 kitchen utensils is sure to put a smile on the face of your favorite beginning chef!
	9	Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet Ah, the humble frying pan. Talk about the foundation of your kitchen! Everyone needs a great cast-iron frying pan, and this award-winning model from Lodge Logic is pre-seasoned and ready-to-go. At just over $15 bucks, this one's a steal.
	10	Cuisipro 13" Splatter Guard OK - so maybe this isn't essential. But you've got to know that there's nothing worse than cleaning up grease splatters after a decadent BLT lunch. Borrow a trick from my grandma when you put this slick 13" splatter guard to work in your kitchen. You'll love it!

These items should get your favorite beginning chef cruising down the path to culinary greatness. And who knows: maybe they'll be so appreciative you'll score a couple free meals!

Happy shopping!

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Picking the perfect gift for a graphic designer can be excruciatingly difficult, because chances are they are way ahead of you in the graphic design world. I've selected the top 10 magazine subscriptions that will bring the designer in your life happiness year-round!

	1	print ($37) Print magazine will bring you emerging trends in the graphic design world. It ships 6 issues a year and costs more than a traditional magazine, but the high-quality imagery and articles make it worthwhile.
	2	I.D. ($30) I.D. (International Design) ships 8 issues a year and is just the magazine to keep design enthusiasts up-to-date in the global economy. It touches on nearly all aspects of the design world.
	3	Communication Arts ($53) Communication Arts is a bit more expensive than your average design magazine (at $53/year for 6 issues), but focuses on the detail-rich "visual communication" area of graphic design. Definitely perfect for a higher-end magazine gift.
	4	How ($30) How presents a mix of business tips, technology tips, whys & hows of noteworthy projects and details on professionals who have significant influence in the design world.
	5	iCreate ($132) If you're looking for the perfect Mac user design gift, this one's a hit. iCreate offers essential tips and knowledge for the graphic designer that uses a Mac (which happens to be the majority!).
	6	Dynamic Graphics ($33) If your graphic designer uses a PC or a Mac, this is a great magazine choice. It covers both platforms with information on graphic design and tips in Photoshop and other leading graphic software.
	7	Step Inside Design ($42) Step brings insightful essays and articles on the most relevant designer questions every other month. A great gift for someone who loves design and reading.
	8	Digital Graphics Magazine ($24) Digital Graphics ships monthly with a focus on the large-print design world. Large-format design is a hot trend right now, including vehicles, walls, and many more creative mediums.
	9	Photoshop Creative ($132) Photoshop is the de facto software for graphic designers. There are countless creations that can be made within the Photoshop software, and keeping up on new techniques is extremely difficult. Step up with Photoshop Creative, and make keeping up with Photoshop a breeze.
	10	Interior Design ($70) Packed with both residential and commercial interior tips, Interior Design provides inspiring information for interior designer enthusiasts.

If you're having a tough time finding the perfect gift for a designer, a subscription from this list should do the job. Let someone else give the "cheesy gift" this year!

Happy shopping!

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Being a runner myself, I often ponder what it would be like to have others support my cause by buying me gifts! Well, if the runner in your life is like me, here are some snazzy options available now.

	1	Garmin Forerunner 305 with Heart Rate Monitor ($169.97 was $299.99) Although a newer watch exists, this one seems to be quite popular. I have one and love it. Oh, not to mention the price has dropped A LOT.
	2	Lock Laces ($4.97) Tired of those dreaded untied shoes? Although designed for triathlons, these lace locks work great for every day running as well.
	3	Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano ($37.99) For the price, it's difficult to beat a pace/music combo that keeps you motivated during your run. Not to mention you can compete against your friends virtually using nikeplus.com!
	4	Nathan Streak Reflective Vest ($21.29) If you run in the evening or early morning, it's best to be seen. Make sure you get all your running in without unnecessary hospital visits. This vest will not get in your way and could keep you from some serious misfortune.
	5	New Balance Unisex CoolMax Mesh No Show 2-pack Socks ($11.00) Socks you ask? Well, let me just say that happy feet make a happy runner. Once you try form-fitting running socks, you will toss aside your old cotton socks for good.
	6	Nathan Small Attachable Padded Accessory Pocket ($9.41) When you are out for a long run or in a large race, it's difficult to be without your phone or a small bit of cash. This attachable pocket can hold items securely. Combine it with a running belt, and away you go!
	7	BodyGlide Anti-Chafing Stick ($7.95 to $14.50) And now we are down to the less glorious side of running...the chafe. Sadly, it happens. Luckily, there are products like this out there to avoid the pain. Vaseline or petroleum jelly actually clogs pores, but BodyGlide doesn't. Use it to prevent blisters, chafing, or dry skin.
	8	Sony Mdr-As20J Active Style Headphones / Earbuds ($15.26) Many times, earbuds can and do fall out while running. The soft loop provides a comfortable fit and frees you from worrying about drop offs. Sweat and weather resistance makes these headphones good for running.
	9	Brooks Vapor-Dry Gloves ($27.99) This unisex semi-fitted glove will whisk moisture away from your hands, ensuring warm, dry comfort. The finger grips allow you to still work with small items. The back of the glove is designed to wipe sweat off your brow but still keep the water off your hands. Nice!
	10	Ponytail Hat ($19.99) If you have hair to keep in check, ponytail hats by Pone are the way to go. Microfleece material keeps the heat in and the moisture out. Winter running made easy for your melon!

There are plenty of other gift ideas for runners, but this list is a great start to help you come up with ideas for the runner in your life. Or, if you are like me, you can just buy this stuff for yourself! So now that you are prepared for the winter by having warm clothing, music for your ears, a GPS or pace notifier, BodyGlide, and safety gear, get running!

Happy shopping!

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As technology growth continues to explode, you may find that you or people you know have been left in the dust.  No worries, I've put together a list of the top 10 last generation electronics that still rock, so you can find the perfect gifts for others (and yourself).  Plus, you'll be keeping up with technology and not breaking the bank to do so!

	1	iPod nano 3rd gen ($125) Last year's model? Uh huh.  Tiny, powerful, and still able to rock out like this year's iPod?  You betcha!  Save some cash this year and pick up the last gen model of the iPod nano!
	2	Shure E2c Sound Isolating Earphones ($60) Available since 2003 (yes, ages ago), these are still some of the highest-rated, top-selling earbuds on the market.  People with iPods, Zunes and other music players often trade in their stock-standard headphones for a pair of premium buds, so pick up a set for your music aficionados.
	3	TomTom Third Edition Portable GPS Automobile Navigator ($80) Wow, these have come down in price.  It seems like just yesterday they were like $300-400 for the average model!  Well, they still are on the costly side, but you can pick up a certified-remanufactured version of the TomTom 3rd edition for just 80 bucks.  This makes a great gift, especially for those who live in metropolitan areas.
	4	USB flash drive ($8, $16) What do students, office workers, housewives, and your dentist all have in common?  They use a computer, and they likely have documents, spreadsheets, music and movies that need to be shared between computers and prices on these have dropped so much it's crazy!  A modest 4GB model will run about $8, while you can get a beefier 8GB model for $16.  If you're not sure, get the 8GB.
	5	Xbox 360 Pro Holiday Bundle 2008 ($300 or less) This system has been out for a while and is not going to be outdated anytime soon.  This premium edition is about $300 and comes with all sorts of extras, but if you'd like to save some mulah, look at the more barebone consoles available.
	6	Nintendo Wii ($280) Looking for some interactive family fun?  Look no further than the Wii, which was released a couple years ago and is still difficult to track down.  Punch your phone number into Amazon, and they'll tell you when one is available for purchase.  They're still developing many fun add-ons, like Wii Fit, and Wii Music that keep this device up-to-date.
	7	Amazon Kindle ($360) Okay, last one on the pricy side of the fence.  The Kindle has been wildly successful in the past and Amazon recently dropped the cost by $40.  Book, magazine, newspaper, and blog readers alike use the Kindle to read their daily literature, so it makes a perfect high-end gift for any reader.
	8	Memory Card ($9)Memory Card ($9) These multi-use cards were in the same boat as USB drives a couple years ago; they were pricey and technology was making them outdated quickly.  Memory cards have slowed down now and you can get a 4GB card that holds thousands of photos on most digital cameras for just 9 bucks.  If this is for someone with a digital SLR camera (the non-point and shoot kind), go for the 16GB card - it'll be perfect.
	9	Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset ($30) Headsets are now an essential for Internet users everywhere, not only as gaming accessories, but as personal and business communication devices as well.  This headset is top-quality at a modest price.  Since it is a USB device, it connects and sets up by just plugging it in.
	10	MP3s ($0.99) The most popular and widely accepted format of music on computers is MP3.  Pick up an album or a bunch of songs for someone at just 99 cents apiece.  This would also go very well with a USB key, Memory Card, or iPod nano, since you can load great songs onto the device before giving it as a gift.

Whether you're looking for one perfect gift or maybe a stocking stuffer, these gifts are sure to please.  At the current prices, you're getting great technology at a great price.

Happy shopping!

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If you have a photographer in your life, you already know that there's an almost endless array of gadgets and tools that are useful - nay, required - to be a photographer. Unfortunately, some of those tools are quite expensive. If you're on a budget, here's a list of great photography items you can buy that will be much appreciated without breaking the bank.

	1	WhiBal White Balance Reference Card - Pocket Kit Ask any photographer: there's nothing worse than spending hours after a shoot tweaking the white balance of photos to get the color balance just right. RawWorkflow's WhiBal card makes this step a snap. Just include the card in one of your photos and color balancing (setting the grey, white, and black points) can be done with just a few clicks. At $29 and change, this one's a real bargain when it comes to time-savings. If your favorite photographer shoots in RAW (just ask them), they'll love you for this one.
	2	Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera Bryan Peterson's classic is a must-read for all photographers - especially those who are ready to make the transition from the taker of the casual snapshot to something greater. This book had an enormous impact on my own photography. Understanding Exposure taught me how stopping down impacts sharpness throughout the depth of field - something that has helped me significantly improve my landscape photography. Ask around to find out if your friend/significant other already has this book on his or her shelf. If the answer is no - buy it NOW! It's that good.
	3	Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Now here's an inexpensive item that's worth its weight in gold. This slick little unit combines a microfiber lens cloth with a small carrying case to give you one nicely portable lens cleaning unit. At less than 7 bones, you'll put a smile on the face of your favorite photographer when they find this stuffer in their stocking. I just lost mine at a photo shoot last week - I'm dropping not-so-subtle hints that I hope to find another one in Santy's bag this year...
	4	Lumiquest Soft Screen, a Diffusion Sheet for On-Camera Pop-up Flashes If you've used your camera's on-board flash and been dissatisfied when your subjects came out looking like red-eyed demon spawn, you may want to consider this product. Sure, most post-processing packages now have slick options for fixing red-eye, but why go through the hassle if you can avoid it in the first place? This little contraption attaches to the camera in front of the pop-up flash and disperses the light to limit harsh shadows. It's no substitute for an external flash, but it's also less than 12 bucks. Check it out!
	5	The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter) If your favorite photographer shoots a lot of images, chances are she's already using Adobe Lightroom. Adobe released a significant enhancement when they released version 2 in 2008. To get up to speed on this version, consider gifting this great book by Scott Kelby. Kelby has a well-deserved reputation as a great Photoshop and Lightroom instructor. You'll find the same presentation style he's famous for in his videos and conferences coming through in his instructional books. Definitely a great reference for getting your head around the way Lightroom thinks you should approach workflow.
	6	Wireless remote Once your favorite photographer starts using a tripod to improve his photography, he'll wish he had a wireless remote control to trigger the shutter without having to use the timer. Remotes come in especially handy when the photographer wants to be included in the photo for group shots or self-portraits - no more sprinting from behind the camera to make it into the frame before the timer goes off! You''ll need to do some sly investigation to figure out which camera model your friend owns and then buy the right remote for his Olympus, Nikon, or Canon.
	7	Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod Any photographer will tell you that a tripod is almost essential to take a great landscape shot. In the next breath, that same photographer will tell you how much she hates shooting with a tripod. They're big, they're bulky, they're awkward. And if they're not those things, they're darn expensive. That's the genius of the Joby Gorillapod. For less than $25, you can outfit your favorite photographer with a mini-tripod with an attitude. Just wrap its flexible feet around a tree branch, fence post, or car mirror and you've got a platform for your camera that's significantly more stable than any other mini-tripod available. And when finished, your friend can easily slip it into her camera bag until she needs it for the next shoot. Nice! Note: If your friend owns a digital SLR, you'll want to opt for the beefier (and slightly more expensive) Joby GP2-E1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras.
	8	Extra memory cards Whether your friend's camera takes SD, Compact Flash, or XD cards, having too many memory cards is sort of like being too rich or too good-looking - there is no such thing! Prices for memory cards have plummeted - load up on these stocking stuffers while the getting's good!
	9	Crumpler Red Bundle Medium Basic Photo Shoulder Bag For the budding photographer still using a convenient point-and-shoot, nothing says 'style' quite like a Crumpler photo bag. This one's less than $25 but still has that classy Crumpler look. Nice!
	10	CARL Bidex Professional Rotary Trimmer, 18" Cut Whether your favorite photographer is printing prints at home or having them printed at a professional photo lab, chances are she'll need to trim those prints before dry-mounting or framing them. While a 50" stand-mounted rotary trimmer is probably out of your price range this Christmas, this CARL 18" rotary trimmer could be just the ticket for those 16x20 or 13x19 prints your friend is likely printing all the time. Help your friend banish that Exacto knife for good when she steps up to the convenience and precision of a quality rotary trimmer.

This list just scratches the surface. If you're buying for a photographer this year, you're in luck - there's no shortage of great stuff to buy for the camera enthusiast. Amazon.com has a huge selection of items for the diigtal photographer - be sure to check them out if you don't find anything to your liking on this list.

Happy shopping!

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