By Christine Frietchen on December 20, 2010 in
Stuck on those last few folks on your holiday gift list? Need a little something extra? After a year's worth of product reviews, news, trends, and whatnot, here are some unexpected highlights from our year. Some we've reviewed, and some we encountered in the course of covering what's hot and what's not. A few are just our personal picks from devoted product geeks. And like we always do at ConsumerSearch, we focus on practical and handy over trendy. Got any last minute ideas of your own to share? Please add them!
For kids and teens
- Go Fish game, $8.50
"The cards are fish-shaped with fun colors -- it's an intro into real cards and the whole family can play." -- Brett K.
Best for: Kids 2 to 4
- Little Tonka trains and cars, $5 to $8 each
"Both of my boys love these and they sell them individually" -- Brett K.
Best for: Boys from 3 to 5
- Squinkies $10
"Squinkies are all the rage this year for my two younger nieces, and stores haven't run out as they did with last year's Zhu Zhu pets." -- Sage. M.
Best for: Girls love 'em
- Minotaurus, $20
“This was the funnest game of the four we recently tried.” -- Chris F.
Best for: LEGO-nut boys in the 7 to 12 age range.
- iPod shuffle, $50
More of a big gift in a small package, but "The price is right, especially for first-time iPod owners" -- Molly M.
Best for: Runners, gym rats, teens or older kids
"I know it's a little old-school, but I was shocked to discover that we don't have "the old stand-by" games -- chess, checkers, etc. My kids (the 6 and 9 year olds) have been begging me to get these so they can learn to play" -- Matt B.
Best for: Kids of all ages
- LEGO Architecture sets, $20 to $70
"You can rebuild classic skyscrapers and famous buildings. I got the Sears Tower for my son." -- Justin H.
Best for: Kids and adult LEGO fans
For sisters, moms, etc.
“I ditched my drugstore mascara in favor of Lancome after we completed our report. I didn’t realize that there could be such a huge difference. It’s pricey for mascara but it lasts forever.” -- Chris F.
Best for: A sister who doesn’t often spend money on herself. Good babysitter gift for older teens.
- Hand Sanitizers $2 and up
"This time of year is when most people tend to get sick. Hand sanitizers are a small way to help loved ones stay germ free." -- Erica M.
"This oil is a one-stop beauty product. I use it as a moisturizer, hair oil, cuticle oil and lip gloss." -- Carey R.
Best for: Any woman or jet-setting girlfriend
- A nice curling iron, $25 to $40
"Like a little black dress, a curling iron is a must for any woman. It’s a quick way to transform any look." -- Erica M.
Best for: Teens and others with long tresses
For dads, brothers or gearheads
"No sprays needed, and you won’t waste a zillion paper towels. A few passes and you’re done, and your car interior’s dust free. And believe me, your dashboard collects dust fast." -- Alex N.
Best for: Neatniks who like a spotless car
- A quality tire gauge
"Your tires are important, and proper inflation is key for safety, performance, and fuel economy. A nice digital or analog gauge is a great thing to have handy, and they’re inexpensive." -- Alex N.
Best for: College kids or road warriors
"This is a surprisingly capable universal remote control and a surprisingly low price." -- Carl L.
Best for: Anyone tired of the remote clutter
- HDMI cables, $10-$20
"Lots of people get new home entertainment gear for the holidays, but find that the cable needed for the best picture quality isn't in the box." -- Carl L.
Best for: Anyone getting a TV this year