So you want to get your girl something gadgety for the holidays, but don't quite know what. We've got you covered. In addition to our own thoughtful ideas, we also roped in Engadget-ladyfriends
Veronica Belmont and
Jill Fehrenbacher to make some suggestions and ensure we're not too far off base. (In other words, if you're looking for a totally trite list of pink gadgets you'll want to look elsewhere.) Of course, unlike buying gadgets for dude-friends, you shouldn't expect to pick something from this list and call it a day -- always be prepared to supplement with dinner, some time in the park with a bottle of wine, that shirt she's been dropping not-so-subtle hints about, etc., and you'll do just fine this season.
P.S. -Don't worry about mom though, we'll be covering gift suggestions for her soon enough.
$0 - $100
Geeky jewelry - Nothing speaks love to that special nerdette in your life better than hacked up gadgetry in the form of jewelry. Ok, well, maybe diamonds, but we're working on a budget here. If she's the earth-loving type, there's plenty of recycled stuff at Acorn Studios; perhaps she's a Mac lover and would dig some PowerBook earrings; then there's always the versatile and purtiful Moi. Whatever your taste, we think there are enough options out there at this point to make it possible to indulge her inner geek's feminine side.
$5+ -
Buy at Acorn Studios$28 -
Buy Moi$60 -
Buy from 925works
Nike Plus + Incase Armband - If she's got an iPod nano and even a mild interest in exercise, you can't go far wrong with the Nike Plus. The device involves a tiny sensor she can use in certain compatible Nike Shoes (or strap on to any shoe with a
$5 pouch) which lets her know how far and fast she's running. Team that up with the iPod for the ultimate motivational tool.
$29 + $29 -
Buy from Apple
Wii Play - Does she have a Wii? Good, well, there's a reason this collection of Wii Sports-esque mini-games continually rocks the sales charts: there's a Wiimote included in the package. Most of the games are fun enough, but the bundle is much more exciting than just buying a plain old Wiimote.
$48 -
Buy from Amazon
Palm Centro - The keyboard keys might be a little small, and the phone itself is slightly hobbled by an aging Palm operating system, but there's no denying its draw, and the price can't be beat. If she's looking to take a first stab at a smartphone, the Centro is an undeniable bargain.
$99 -
Buy from PalmNoteworthy mention: Ultra TV-B-Gone (it's for your own good, get your ass off the couch!)
$101 - $250
Western Digital 250GB Passport - Look, just because it comes in pink doesn't mean you have to buy it in pink. In fact, your ladyfriend might also be interested in 250GB of USB 2.0 portable storage in green, white, red or black -- options are good. However, snagging the pink version prompts an immediate donation from Western Digital to the National Breast Cancer Foundation at no additional cost to you. More giving for less, how can you go wrong?
$199 -
WD Passport from Western Digital
LG Venus - Whether she's your girlfriend, mom, or just a pal, the goddess-of-love-phone should be an option. The LG Venus is an unusual cellphone of undeniable beauty, with one of the best looking UI's we've seen. It also supports up to 8GB of microSD storage for all her 2 megapixel snaps or audio / video files. Hell, if she doesn't get the message you can always keep the phone for yourself.
$199 -
LG Venus with 2-year contract from Verizon
$251 - $500
Apple iPod touch - She's already got the world's tiniest cellphone, so just skip the iPhone this year and slip the iPod touch into her stocking instead. Pre-load it with up to 16GB of photos and videos of the friends 'n family and you'll never have to "drop your Blue Steel" just to win her favor ever again.
$299 (8GB) or $399 (16GB) -
iPod touch from Apple
Panasonic Lumix FX33 - Look, she doesn't need one of those new 12 megapixel compact shooters -- very few actually do. But she does need an easy to use, full-featured point-and-shoot -- she shouldn't have to rely on that plastic lensed cameraphone to capture life's surprises. We were actually a little surprised to hear the Lumix has become the camera line du jour for sophisticated women-folk (especially since it's also the one we've been rocking for a while now), so why not wrap up a camera with an 8 megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization, and a quality DC Vario-Elmarit lens for the lady in your life this holiday season?
$249+ -
Shop for FX33
Taser C2 - Just because the
UN has defined use of Tasers as torture doesn't mean she shouldn't be packing some electrical heat for self defense. Besides, if she ever has to use the thing chances are whomever gets the buzz had it coming (unlike that U of F student, anyway), torture or not. Just hope she never turns this thing on you.
$350 -
Shop for Taser C2
Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 - Okay, it's not high def, but as our girlfriend tells us, "It's cute, easy to use, comes in lots of colors, and is waterproof. You know,
just in case." In case of what, we have no idea, but she's definitely got a point. If you're looking to go high def and don't need water resistance, check out the HD700.
$450 -
Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1
Dell SP2008WFP 20-inch monitor (with webcam) - It's not enough just to dole out some additional screen real-estate, take her monitor to the next level with at 20-incher that not only has a gamer-friendly 2ms response time, 2,000:1 contrast ratio, and USB hub, but also a webcam so you two can easily video conference whenever you're away.
Under $300 -
Buy at DellNoteworthy mention: Noon Solar bags
$501 - $1000
Colorware that gadget - Sure, you could get your her a regular, let's say iPhone, this holiday season with the confidence she'll be reasonably excited -- but wouldn't you rather turn up with something a little more unique? Enter Colorware's custom paint jobs -- for only a hair more than stock price, they'll do up an iPod, iPhone, game console, select laptops, and other gadgets in all sorts of color combinations colors. Word to the wise, get your order in before November 30th if you're aiming to have this thing under the tree this year. Second word to the wise, take a look in her wardrobe and find something that will go well with her most frequently worn colors. Unless she idolizes Paris Hilton you can (and probably should) avoid pink.
$549 -
iPhone from Colorware
TiVo HD and lifetime subscription or 3-year plan - Truly a gift that keeps on giving... to both of you. If the woman in your life is trying to get caught up on her TV and loves quiet nights at home, this is might be just the thing. For a low entry fee, you get the brand-spanking-new TiVo HD -- and if she already has one (or a Series2), another few hundies nabs you a lifetime of uninterrupted viewing pleasure. For first-timer TiVoers, you'll be able to lock in 3-years of service for a slightly lower sum. Finally, you two can get up to speed on
Dexter without having to rearrange your calendars.
$299.99, plus service plans -
Shop for TiVo HD and
subscriptions
Nikon D40X - If she's got an eye for photography, you probably can't miss with the Nikon D40X. Delivering ten-megapixel shots with an ISO up to 3200 ain't too shabby, plus you can get really friendly with a wide variety of lenses, a fact which we think she'll appreciate. Bonus: at the current MSRP, this won't exactly rip your wallet to shreds either.
$629.99+ -
Shop for the Nikon D40X
Budget HDTV - File this one under gifts for her for yourself if you must, but if you just can't take another rerun of Sex and the City (you really don't know what you're missing, bro!), a second TV for the office or bedroom can be a life (or relationship) saver. If you're just not sure where to start,
Vizio is a
great jump-off point.
Shop for budget HDTVs
$1000+
Whirlpool centralpark Connect refrigerator - We know that a woman's place isn't in the kitchen, but we all spend some time there, and she wouldn't want just any fridge, would she? The stainless steel finish and ample storage space should be a lovely complement to the rest of your tricked out kitchen, and the price tag isn't exactly exorbitant, either. However, the "centralpark" interchangeable connectivity with DAPs, phones, CD / DVD players, and digital photo frames will definitely make food preparation slightly more exciting -- unless she really, really gets into peeling carrots.
$1,999 -
Shop for the GD5VVAXTY centralpark connect refrigerator
Apple MacBook - If you're looking to prove your undying devotion and love for the girl in your world, the new crop of Santa Rosa-fied MacBooks wouldn't be a bad place to start. We needn't bore you with the details of how this 13-inch, dual-bootin', Leopard-running white or black laptop will make you look like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (or at least
some kind of prince), but we can assure you it will nab at least one serious smooch come gift-giving time.
$1,099+ -
MacBook from Apple
Sony VAIO TZ ultraportable laptop - If she's more of a PC kind of gal, this is most assuredly the place to turn your attention. For the Windows-centric woman who must have it all, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more exciting option. With a petite form factor, an 11.1-inch display, a slew of colors, and a generous selection of robust configurations, there's sure to be something here she'll go bonkers for... and we can almost guarantee you won't mind having this around the apartment, either. Just don't blame us when you can't pull her away from WoW.
$2,099+ -
Sony VAIO TZ
Vertu Ascent "Strawberry" and "Cream" - When you're ready to break the bank, go all out, and truly show your love for the woman in your life (or at least put your obsession on display), Vertu's Ascent "Cream" and "Strawberry" models will say it all for you. The high-high-end designer cell phones don't necessarily have more features than your typical model, but your typical model isn't made from brushed stainless steel, leather, and ceramic -- is it? Did we mention the included concierge service? Yeah, with a price-tag like this, she'll definitely know you care.
€8,000+ -
Shop for the Vertu Ascent
posted Nov 26th 2007 5:14PM
Oh no, I'm a complete troll! Please, please don't spam my email address, which happens to be right here: xychromosome@gmail.com
you're extremely stupid
I don't get it...
I highy doubt that is really her email address.
And if that is a guy, they have a really weird email address.
or some new way to collect emails of engadget readers to spam in the future with all sorts of gadget sales...
Sudo make me a sandwich...
Good times, Good times.
Okay.
XKCD rocks...
Holy Sh*t that's funny. I so laughed out loud
Hah, if i gave her any of this she'd be wondering when i'm gonna ask if i can borrow it.
Finally! I've been dying for a new guide
I also like how you mentioned vizio. They're pretty good quality tv makers and extremely good priced. They sell like hot cakes at my local sams club
Vizio TV's look like crap.
I don't know why people buy them...I'd rather have an older, cheap SD CRT than a crappy looking, crappily made HDTV LCD/plasma.
the thing is, I own 2 vizios. Both in my house. They are like any other lcd hdtv these days. Good quality. Vizio tv's aren't crappy at all. By the look of your post, you don't own a vizio. Another thing is, if they are so crappy, why is it the #1 brand in america currently. You're probably going to say " Cuz its CHEAP! DURR!" That's not really the truth. I've experienced many and I mean many tv's in my life. Analog and hdtv. Vizio is one of the toop brands on my list. Bravia's are the best tv's I've experienced so far though. I know many others with vizios that are happy.
There are always a lot of returned Vizio sets in the back section of my local Costco. That leads me to question the quality from a QA/QC standpoint. I can't vouch one way or the other for the image quality.
I'd rather get my girl an iAudio 7 or a D2 over any iPod.
or an iRiver Clix
Or the Q5w.
STALKER!
I'd keep that for myself. :P
maybe a ZEN? or a most likely a clix
Samsung YP U3 (for the technologically impaired girlfriend)
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-YP-U3-MP3-Player-Pink-YP-U3JQP/sem/rpsm/oid/188165/catOid/-12952/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
Or MPION: http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/06/11/janky-japanese-mp3-player-cleans-your-face-with-the-power-of-negative-ions/
http://www.netyokocho.jp/bitokenkoshop/goods/51101/
It's unreal how many Apple products make it onto their list. Ryan Block once said that a company would rather have negative news than no news.
If that's the case, Apple loves Engadgets list, because they get anything but negative reviews.
Because nothing says "I love you" like a brand new taser.
Introducing "less than lethal love", because Love hurts and it shouldn't kill ya'.
my lady would unwrap the taser, unwrap me and then....*ahem* happy holidays.
or a fridge... I mean everyone knows that what a woman really wants is a nice appliance for the kitchen.
I can't believe engadget didn't note that the taser comes in pink. If you're going to get her a taser, get her a pink one!
She might mistake it for a leg shaver!
Just might have to get my sister a taser now, hahaha.
You won't be laughing when she figures how to use it.
Maybe >.>
Dont tase me sis!
I'll just say this - if you get your girlfriend/wife/whatever a black MacBook - you're going to get lucky.
Once you go black...
But I already bought a Dick in a Box... damm
I thought the point of that gift was that it was easy to make and all you needed was a box. Why are you buying a severed penis in a box?
I think he meant Dildo.
He meant this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps_w89zIUdE
"Account for domain www.acornstudios.ca has been suspended"
It's working now! All the traffic from here exceeded the bandwidth temporarily.
why not all pink things?? Dont companies make pink products 4 girl users? Or dont the techie women line their light pink laptops, etc.? my girl aint a techie so this doesnt pertain tome.
Wow, not generic much.
No one cares about you, your hideous grammar, or your girl.
"our girlfriend"
You mean you all share her? That can't work out too well.
No, but we do all share the reply button...
I have a Lumix LZ-5 and its a solid camera. Pic quality could be better of course and there could be an optical viewfinder but then again the Canon a710is is a bit out of my price range :P
My wife keeps dropping hints that she wants a Nokia N800 for xmas. Now that the price has dropped to ~$200, I think that's what I'm going to get her.
A purple iPod touch is on my list for my wife. Not sure about your wifes/girlfriends, but that light pink color isn't wanted by any woman I know...
Wii play? These are supposed to be gifts for people you actually like aren't they?
Now all we need is a Holiday Gift Guide for my gadgets and I'll be set!
Please compile a list of things to get the non-gadgety girlfriend - Cause I'm all out of ideas, and the fact that she refers to this site as "That site that opens when the browser starts" ain't helping :p
(And now I'm lying... she doesn't have a clue what a browser is...)
You let her use your login?
Theoretically yes, but she wouldn't know what it was for, and would probably think that she'd blow something up, if she wrote anything :P
Might as well get her the taser. Oh, and video the results, would you?
If you can't figure out the "just in case" for a waterproof video camera - we can't be friends anymore...
I figured it out easily: "just in case" one needs to film underwater sex. Obviously.
Although I think the majority of women I know would be better off with a waterproof cellphone, not camera. Anyone here NOT know a girl who's dropped their phone in the toilet during some random party...?
I wonder if brown zunes will eventually donate a portion of their sales for prostate cancer. I mean, more men die from prostate cancer than women from breast cancer... Hmm, oh NOW I know why they don't do it...
Where's the eeePC in this list? I'd definitely want one, were I not already typing this on my own lovely eeePC, lounging on my bed.
Boys, get your girls an eeePC - they'll love it!
Love the gift guides you guys do. can't wait for the "for him" guide so i can send the link to my GF.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/24/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-for-him/
?
How the hell is $550 just "a hair" more than the stock price of a $399 iPhone?
I was waiting for this one. Based on the "For him" guide, I half expected a suggestion to buy Desperate Housewives on DVD (I never watched the show, though I'm curious as to what Teri Hatcher's up to these days). I was pleasantly surprised, although that bit about the "first stab at a smartphone" raised my eyebrows a bit. Ok, so the "it's easy to use" comments made me want to smack someone, but I cannot deny that this was overall a good effort. I would like liked a little portable, penable loving and something in a Windows Mobile (you think it's not easy enough to use?). Now someone be so kind as to get THIS female an N800, please! OQO? Naah, just pass me a Fujitsu P1610!
good job guys, list approved! i was looking forward to see what you guys had in mind for us "nerdettes" LOL
Same situation here. I actually found out why though---apparently they have crappy speakers and no one understands the concept of surround sound. I have one myself and love it, but I did take the speakers off and use my 5.1 system all the time. I would highly recommend the TV if you use your own stereo setup and the TV only as a display.
Nice to see that women's gadgets have progressed beyond the vibrator.
What? I said it's nice!
I was gonna say: Where's the Rabbit?
lol, a fridge
My advice: don't get the nike kit unless she's definitely a runner - otherwise you're implying something she needs to be doing if you see what I'm saying.
I just wanted to let everyone know that after reading the gift guide, I found a 160GB version of the WD Passport for just $80 on Buy.com. Free shipping + $10 off if you sign up for Google Checkout. I couldn't resist such a deal so I bought it for myself. Merry Christmas to me!
http://www.buy.com/prod/western-digital-passport-160gb-usb-2-0-portable-2-5-external-hard-drive/q/loc/101/203169718.html
Not a bad list, even though it's a little pink for my taste.
I'd also add a digital photo frame, such as the Philips 9FF2M4 (8" LCD). It's a sleek-looking frame with interchangeable magnetic bezels and runs about $200. Bonus points if you pre-load it with some photos!
There is no Nabaztag. Why is there no Nabaztag? There should be Nabaztag.
Seriously, I just love saying that word. My Nabaztag should arrive today...
well is there any GOOD gifts for the poor man to buy? i'm only 16...
i would get her something ipodish, but she already has a 4gig nano and i know she doesn't want another. :p
get a leg shaver and put a bunch of random circuit boards and wires gutted out from old computers into it. It'll be a one use taser maybe...
Why do guys think that girls only want pink stuff. Personally I hate pink. I think its a joke color.
My wife is getting an iPhone (but non for the kids!)
Great idea, surprising your girlfriend with a potentially lethal instrument of torture. Peace on earth and in the neighborhood!
Anyone else notice Acorn Studios link is saying 'Account Suspended'?
Yeah, what about the chumby?
I dunno what you girls think of it but i think it wouldnt be a bad, budget minded gift for some girls.
Am I totally wrong?
Thank you Engadget for noting that no woman in their right mind would buy or like to recieve a pink gadget based on their gender. As a female blogger, attempts to woo me with pink gadgetry on all sides of the block have made me hard to anything that looks like it COULD be useful. Pink gadgets for breast cancer research is disheartening as well, since men can get breast cancer as well, so why the focus on a "feminine" colour? Abolish pink as a colour for anything but a crayon, please!
Chicks love Hello Kitty Tech stuff!
Not sure I'd wanna get here the Nike + iPod package for the same reason you don't buy a woman a diet coke, if you catch the movie reference (will smith romantic comedy, can't remember the name of it though):P
For a relatively inexpensive gift, I got a Flip Video camera for my birthday this year and I love it! For pricier stuff, yeah, the EEE is great, but short battery life.
If you're looking for a better battery life though - the Fujitsu Lifebook P1610 with the optional high-capacity 7 hour battery can't be beat. It's light enough to carry everywhere and works awesome. I've set mine up for dual boot - Ubuntu Linux, along with the XP it comes with. I never have to think about "should I bother taking this heavy thing" because it's lighter than most of my textbooks. And did I mention that it also has Tablet PC capability as well? I've been carry some version of Lifebook P-series since 2001 and love 'em. The MacBook is nice at home with the wider screen, but for carrying *everywhere*, the Lifebook rocks.
Ahem. No, I'm not associated with Fujitsu.
Where's the portable GPS? That's the only gadget that I can think of that she might want. Was looking here for a recommendation. Have purchased the Garmin nuvi 660.
Come on Mom's list, need some good suggestions!
hmm... get her an I......PAD yeah an iPad... it can sync well on her week
http://edenstrom.wordpress.com
just ignore all the apple products