This is a great time of year to explore all the tech toys available for gift giving.  As technology changes so quickly, last year’s big item may not even show up on a Christmas list this year.  I’ve done some research to help you out!

• For the true geek

Password Manager – Roboform is a top rated choice in this area.  It will memorize your passwords and log you in, fill in long registration forms, encrypt passwords for security, and even synchronize passwords between computers, Pocket PC’s and Palms.  All of this is offered for $30.  Another product, from Biometric, will log you into your computer through a touch of your finger (fingerpad) and costs around $50.

TV-Be-Gone Television Remote – Really this is for the person who has all the tech toys and beyond.  This is a remote fob that is programmed to shut off any TV.  If you can’t get up off the couch, you can’t find the regular remote and assuming you CAN find this little fob, you can shut off your TV with a quick click. (Who makes these things?) The cost is around $20.

DVD Shredder – you have to be pretty techy and have a lot of sensitive information to need this.  Prices appear to range from $50 to $125.

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    Take care of yourself (body AND mind) – This means to get adequate sleep, eat your vegetables and take a walk once in a while.

   Just say no! – You don’t always have to say yes just because it’s a giving time of year.  Do not add to your own stress.

    Talk about it….don’t assume – Exchanging gifts and deciding who to buy for can be stressful in itself.  If you can, draw names and buy fewer gifts, or suggest to friends to pass on exchanging gifts this year; they might be very glad you did.  This not only will help reduce stress for everyone, it’ll help everyone’s pocket book, too.  You might also want to think about donating money to a favorite charity in someone’s name instead of giving that person a present.

    Prioritize, and keep the rest simple – There are not enough hours in the day (unless, maybe, if you’re Martha Stewart) to do everything to perfection.  Make a list of everything that needs to get accomplished, and choose three things that mean the most to you; for example, spending time with family, baking homemade cookies, and sending beautiful holiday cards with handwritten personalized messages inside.  If the idea of gift wrapping box after box sets your heart a-racing, consider using holiday drawstring or gift bags.

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