With Target opening on Thanksgiving (before we can even digest the 184 grams of carbs) with Black Friday specials galore, the pressure is on to get it done early and get it done right. No surprise, techie gifts are once again at the top of everyone's list... even for the grandparents! So rather than sprint through the stores -- or make yourself nuts on December 23rd -- get a head start on some cool tech gifts for everyone that are cute, current and won't blow the budget for your New Years Eve outfit.
For the Next Food-Network-Star Wannabe (Under $200)
The foodie's answer to the iPad covered in grease, butter or flour is a new device called Key Ingredient Recipe Reader. It's like an iPad that's just for cooks. A lot of foodies have found that their iPad is too often being used by someone else -- and for something else (Facebook, sexting, FatBooth anyone?) -- when they need it. Collect and share any recipe online, get recipes on your phones and take them all right into the kitchen with the touchscreen recipe reader. On the web, on the go and in the kitchen, Key Ingredient Recipe Reader is sort of like having your recipe collection everywhere. With everyone seemingly thinking they're fab in the kitchen, this is the perfect gift. Get it before Thanksgiving so they have no excuse for the lumpy gravy.
For the Homeland Addict (Under $100)
Cufflinks.com is known for their thousands of styles of stylish cufflinks. I found a bunch of cufflinks that hold 2 GB of information. The man in your life can secretly embrace his inner Brody or Sol while he makes sure not to erase other important data like Thanksgiving photos! They're sleek, cool and engravable for under 100 bucks. Plus, the whole male ego-stroking factor is worth it's weight in gold.
For the Gamer (and Their Parents) Not Quite Ready for Sniper Elite V2 (Under $300
Most gamers are teens and tweens and they want whatever is new, new, new. This year, Nintendo launched the brand new Wii U, and the graphics are like nothing you've ever seen before. They've really stepped up the graphics and the quality, but still have not gone to the creepy level of super violent games available on other gaming devices. For a more family-friendly option, that doesn't teach little Johnny how to handle an AK-47, this is it! The mostly wireless and super cute design will make Mom happy if it has be set up in the living room. It's the hottest splurge gift for kids of the season, I'm sure.
For the Grandparent Who Can Now Take iPhone Pics! (Under $10)
I don't know about you, but first teaching my mother how to use call waiting was a mission. Then, we moved on to texting, which is still kind of weird. "What do you mean LOL is passé, honey?" Well, now they have iPhones and are photo-obsessed. Heck, even Grandma's on Instagram! That's right, the senior set is slowly but surely getting into technology. According to a Pew Research report, picture-taking and texting continue to top the list of ways that Americans use their mobile phones -- 73 percent use their phones for each of these purposes. Pew Research also states that 13 percent of Americans aged 65 and over own a smartphone. That said, SnapBox is a great choice -- and it's cheap. Get the pics off the phone and on the wall, I say! SnapBox makes it easy to transform smartphone photos (and other photos) into framed, high-quality canvas prints, for only $10. No matter what age you are, it's a deal. Score!
For the Budding Fashionista (Under $40)
Young girls are getting into gaming more than ever. In fact, according to Venturebeat.com, tween girls have doubled their game usage in the past year. Strange, but true! And they're not playing war games, they're playing with fashion. This year, Nintendo DS teamed up with Modern Family star Sarah Hyland to get the message out, and with their new game "Style Savvy," it's sure to be a big hit this season -- and it's cheaper than hitting the Tory Burch store! "Style Savvy" can be paired with a pearl pink Nintendo 3DS and has less pink glitter. Whew!
Check your local TV listings for more of Celebrity Designer and Gift.com Expert, Courtney Cachet's gift guides, style ideas and tips. You can catch her frequent appearances nationwide on TV and online, where she dishes out all the latest in all things fab for your home and lifestyle! Keep up with her on www.courtneycachet.com or Facebook and join the conversation!