Holiday Gift Ideas: Cool Gadgets

Sometimes it can be hard to buy gifts that you know will be a hit, even for those you know well. However there are some pretty cool gadgets out there this season that are not just nifty but downright fun, useful and practical. Here are a few top choices from the Hammacher Schlmemmer collection.

The Wide Coverage Germ-Eliminating Wand is perfect for anyone but especially families and your typical hypochondriacs. It's a hand held device that uses an ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria, viruses, mold, and dust mites from your home, vehicle or any place you want to disinfect. It also eliminates flu and cold germs along with salmonella and E.coli when held 3 inches off the contaminated surface. It's only $99.95 and it comes with an AC adapter.

The Runaway Alarm Clock is the best gift for people who have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. It's an alarm clock on wheels that rolls away from you when you hit the snooze button and it sounds off with a random series of beeps and flashes. In order to shut it off you must get out of bed and find it. It's shatter resistant and can move over carpet and wood. It can be set for one cycle before it runs away, or you can set it for none so that it immediately rolls off your nightstand. It's only $49.95 and guarantees you'll get out of bed-or else!

The Shirt Pocket Camcorder is the perfect present for those who love to record every last moment of life. You know who I'm talking about. The screen is the same as the ones on larger camcorders but this gadget is only a little bigger than a deck of playing cards. It can snap pictures and record up to two hours of video. It also has image stability technology and 8x zooming capability. It costs $299.95 so don't forget to take it out of your pocket before you do the laundry!

The Accelerometer is a wonderful idea for those who want to lose or maintain their weight. It not only measures every step you take, but also uses NASA technology to calculate all of your movements throughout the day and convert them into calories burned. It has a 9 day memory and it clips to a belt or waistband. It's only $49.95 so get moving!