Although I have historically been a real tree guy when it comes to decking the halls, the quality of fake Christmas trees has steadily improved to the point where it makes pretty good sense to own one. Sure, it rather flies in the face of tradition, and “oh tannenbaum” and all that, but the really good ones come with Christmas tree light preinstalled and even have that pine tree smell. And they look very realistic. In fact, the only real reason to not own one is the hassle of setting it up and tearing it down every Christmas. Well, Treekeeper solves that problem as well.

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Buying a joint gift is a great way to encourage families to spend more time together and equally importantly save you a bit of money. Here we present thee with 10 gadget gifts any (especially geeky) family will appreciate.

Khet Laser Game - $11.99

Game play is simple, and easy to learn, as there are only 3 movement choices. The goal is to eliminate your opponent’s Pharaoh. And, you eliminate the Pharaoh just like they did in olden times - by firing a red laser! Each side of the board is equipped with its own laser, which you press after your turn. The laser bounces from mirror to mirror (always shooting off at a 90 degree angle). If the laser hits any piece on a non-reflective surface, that piece is removed from play.

The Khet Laser Game is available from Think Geek for $11.99.

Cranium Family Edition - $15.99

Cranium Family Fun gives families the best way to play together as a team in an unforgettably fun game that gives everyone a chance to shine. Packed with 16 hilarious activities, Cranium Family Fun gets you building, flipping, sketching, sculpting, guessing and laughing out loud together every time you play!

The Cranium Family Edition is available from Amazon for $15.99.

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20Q Challenge - $21.99

The classic game of 20 questions take on a new spin. This multi-player 360-degree spiral dome display lets you and your friends see the screen while playing. The game’s innovative table-top design comes with unique, stylized buttons. And now, there’s even more options to answer the questions. Guess 20 questions prior to 20 questions being asked.

The 20Q Challenge is available from Amazon for $21.99.

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I have a wife who is an avid scrapbooker, so we have several books full of our memories ready to be perused by guests. Scrapbooking, if done well, takes a lot of time. However, with devices like the Unibind Photobook Creator, the time is significantly reduced, and the user has the option of binding their own scrapbooks.

The Unibind Photobook Creator is very simple to use. The user takes his or her photos, then prints them on any type of paper. The user then stacks them into a pile, and then puts the stack into the Photobook Creator binder itself. This binder device works like a miniature oven, and it melts the binding into place. Within minutes, the user now has a permanently bound book that he or she can prominently put on display.

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If you live in the northern hemisphere, then you are about to head into winter. With winter comes snow, and with snow comes fun winter activities like sledding. However, if you live in Australia, then you’re just about to enter into the summer, and there isn’t any chance of sledding unless you own the Ice Meister Slicer.

The Ice Meister Slicer is one of those products that I couldn’t resist reporting on because it takes a concept I’ve always wanted to see and makes it reality. Simply put, the Ice Meister Slicer is a sled that can be used all year.

How is this possible? It has two molds on the bottom called Icers that can be removed from the sled, filled with water, and then frozen. Once the fresh Icer is put on the bottom, it reduces the amount of friction between the sled and the ground, so you can go a-slidin’.

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Our friends from Finland recently unveiled the Nokia N97 at the Nokia World 2008 conference in Barcelona this week. This quad-band world phone is HSDPA compatible, with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The N97 is designed for the social networking generation with Web 2.0 compatibility, which can support streaming flash videos. One of the most prominent features is what the company calls “social location” which can enable integrated A-GPS sensors with an electric compass to automatically update users’ social networks, or let them share their location via photos or videos with friends.

The home screen can be personalized with widgets of favorite Web and social networking sites. Also included in this little package is the Nokia Music Store, Nokia Maps, and the N-Gage gaming platform.

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Excess cord left hanging down from your earbuds really isn’t the end of the world.  However, if it is bothering you, you might as well solve the issue.  After all the extra cord can cause issues.  When it’s hanging down loosely it’s easier to catch it on things or for you to accidentally grab it and end up ripping the earbuds out of your ears.  Plus the cord hanging down just looks sloppy.  Yes, it is a little anal to worry about it, but it’s not exactly an attractive cord.

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Looking for a somewhat different present and don’t mind being snooped on a little bit, check out this selection of gifts for the spy in your life.

Micro Spy Kit-X2D - $18.75

This spy utility belt keeps all the latest spy tools at the ready. Four of the most secret tools for the budding secret agent: Micro Ear Light, Secret Agent Pen, Spy Micro Listener and Spy Motion Alarm. All on an easy to clip on, clip off belt.

The Micro Spy Kit-X2D is available from Amazon for $18.75.

Electronic Spy Listening Device - $51.95

Our Electronic Listening Device is so Powerful a Human Conversation Can be Heard over 300 Feet Away! The \”ears\” and \”eyes\” are powerful enough to hear from one end of a football field to the other. You can capture distant sounds (and voices) that would otherwise not be heard with the help of our sophisticated Electronic Listening Device. Imagine standing in the end zone of a football field and being able to hear what someone is saying at the other end! Outdoors men and field observers can tap into Nature\’s secrets like never before. Bird watchers and nature lovers will be thrilled at the sound quality of this ingenious listening device.

The Electronic Spy Listening Device is available from Gadget World for $51.95.

EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles - $68.88

Enjoy the thrill of real night vision technology with EyeClops Night Vision stealth goggles! These super stealth goggles allow kids ages eight and older to see in absolute darkness using infrared illumination so they can explore the dark landscape around them. These fun goggles are the perfect companion for slumber party sleep-overs or camp-outs.

The EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles are available from Amazon for $68.88.

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Remote control gear is popular with both young and old geek a like, here’s ten of our favourites priced from the frugal to the filthy rich.

Dueling Galactic Marines Copter Set - $19.99

This Dueling Galactic Marines Copter Set gets you a set of two mini r/c helicopters with infra-red laser tag style battle action. Take to the air from the palm of your hand then use the shoulder button on the remote unleash a plasma blast your opponent copter. Each shot causes the gun of your galactic marine to flash with simulated gunfire. The first hit causes your enemy to spin. The second makes the enemy copter lose power… the third cuts rotor power completely as your opponent plummets to the ground and you gloat in victory.

The Dueling Galactic Marines Copter Set is available from Think Geek for $19.99.

Remote Control Moon In My Room - $29.95

Bring the beauty of the moon right into your room with this authentic, remote control, model moon. Features: Built-in-light sensor illuminates moon when it gets dark, Rotates through 12 lunar phases, True-to-life, detailed lunar moonscape, Easily mounts to wall with three different hanging angles

The Remote Control Moon In My Room is available from Discovery for $29.95.

Equalizer Stunt Car - $39.99

Perform wheelies, power slides, drifts and other amazing feats with the ultimate stunt machine. Gear up for fast and furious stunt action that shows what a high-powered machine can do.

The Equalizer Stunt Car is available from Discovery for $39.99.

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