Nearly everybody and his mother already has an iPod, which is why getting an iPod as a holiday gift idea is not exactly the wisest thing to do. What you can do, though, is to pick up a third party iPod device that will enhance the owner’s experience with the world’s most popular digital audio player. This wish is fulfilled with the MusicJam portable audio effects mixer for the iPod, effectively turning this ubiquitous MP3 player into a recording machine that boasts a host of other functions up its sleeves as well.

All you need to do is to hook up your iPod into the MusicJam iPod dock and you’re good to go. You can choose to play backing tracks or even full songs and sing along to your heart’s content while recording your very own performance. In addition, there is even an echo effect inside that helps make you sound as if you were performing on stage (to an empty crowd though). Each purchase of this $229 device comes with a bunch of accessories including a high-quality microphone, the necessary cables, an AC adapter, and a microphone stand clamp.

The MusicJam even comes with an electric guitar input with Tone and Distortion controls, while the integrated circuit design is sophisticated enough to provide low noise and superior sound quality that gives you a result that might even rival that of a recording studio if done properly. You can also use the free download of the KaraokeVideos software that turns your iPod into a karaoke machine with video. Supplies are extremely limited as the orders are coming in thick and fast. If you want one before Christmas, go book yours today as the next shipment from China won’t arrive until 2007 rolls around.