{"id":1524,"date":"2010-12-15T17:59:38","date_gmt":"2010-12-15T10:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wellconnectedmom.thewellconnectedhome.com\/blog\/?p=1524"},"modified":"2011-02-02T13:35:16","modified_gmt":"2011-02-02T06:35:16","slug":"top-10-christmas-gadgets-for-moms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/top-10-christmas-gadgets-for-moms\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Christmas Gadgets for Moms"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #888888;\">by Lori Cunningham<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Denver.metromix.com-Christmas-pic.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"Denver.metromix.com Christmas pic\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Denver.metromix.com-Christmas-pic.jpg?resize=340%2C255&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"340\" height=\"255\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Welcome to WellConnectedMom.com\u2019s 2nd annual <a title=\"Last year's list\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2009\/12\/19\/top-8-christmas-gadgets-for-moms\/\" target=\"_blank\">Top Christmas Gadgets for Moms<\/a>.\u00a0 There are a lot of gift guides for moms available this time of year, but few cover the top tech gadgets that help moms to communicate better, work smarter, play harder, and enjoy time well-spent with her family.\u00a0 Technology is getting better everyday with time-saving features at a lower cost.\u00a0 Gadgets that fit in the palm of your hand are more powerful today than computers that filled whole\u00a0 rooms in the1970\u2032s.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you are a\u00a0tech-savvy enthusiast or a tech novice, many of the items on this list are easy to set up and begin using right out of the box.\u00a0 Enjoy this list and be sure to leave your feedback or suggestions at the end of this article on your fave gadgets\u00a0\u00a0to share with other moms.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/HTC-Smartphone.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"HTC Smartphone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/HTC-Smartphone.jpg?resize=164%2C157&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"164\" height=\"157\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">A Smartphone with a Data Package<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most of us have a smartphone\u00a0with data already, but there are still some holdouts out there.\u00a0 I know.\u00a0 I was one of them.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t get a data package on my smartphone until I was asked\u00a0to participate in AT&amp;T\u2019s LosetheLaptop.com\u00a0blogger contest.\u00a0 I was given a Tilt2\u00a0phone with data access for 4 months and I wrote about my experiences on how convenient it was to have it while shopping, traveling, communicating with friends, etc.\u00a0 Wow, smartphones are so handy\u2014and addicting.\u00a0 With a smartphone you can instantly receive and send e-mail\u2019s, check your calendar and keep it sync\u2019d with your computer calendar at home, take pictures &amp;\u00a0videos to download to your computer or send to family &amp; friends, read eBooks, play realistic games, review recipes, get free navigation &amp; traffic programs to help you find your way around, watch movies, etc.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0most popular smartphone is the iPhone, but Android-powered phones are gaining ground.\u00a0 Other options are the new Windows 7 phones and the original Blackberry.\u00a0 There are plenty of deals out there now on smartphones for Christmas.\u00a0 You may even get one free with a 2-year agreement.\u00a0 Although the data package is handy, keep in mind it could cost up to $25 more per phone for the convenience.\u00a0 To save some money, check with your employer or spouse\u2019s employer to see if they have any deals going on with any of the major carriers.\u00a0 Check with the colleges you attended too.\u00a0 I found that my alma mater, USC, had a bigger discount with our phone carrier than my husband\u2019s top 500 fortune company!\u00a0 When you call your carrier, they can tell you on the phone if your company has a discount set up with them.<\/p>\n<p>Want some more reasons for using a smartphone?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Benefits of Smartphones<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"We published this last year on WellConnectedMom.com\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2009\/12\/27\/15-reasons-why-the-iphone-will-make-you-smile\/\" target=\"_blank\">15 Reasons Why the iPhone Will Make You Smile<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/iPad.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"iPad\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/iPad.jpg?resize=165%2C166&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"165\" height=\"166\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Galaxy-Tab.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Galaxy Tab\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Galaxy-Tab.jpg?resize=124%2C131&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"124\" height=\"131\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">iPad or Galaxy Tab<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Last year, the WellConnectedMom.com\u2019s<a title=\"The netbook was on our list last year.\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2009\/12\/19\/top-8-christmas-gadgets-for-moms\/\" target=\"_blank\"> 2009 Christmas Gadgets for Moms <\/a>list suggested a netbook.\u00a0 I purchased one last year and love it.\u00a0 It\u2019s lightweight and durable.\u00a0 This year, however, there are a couple of\u00a0new players in town \u2013\u00a0 the iPad and now the Samsung Galaxy Tab \u2014 both great tablet PC\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve heard all the news and hoopla over the iPad.\u00a0 It\u2019s bigger size over the smartphone\u00a0makes it an excellent tool for checking and sending e-mail, surfing the web, reviewing pictures, watching movies or TV, connecting with friends on Facebook, reading ebooks, following \u00a0recipes while cooking in the kitchen, even price comparison shopping in stores!\u00a0 The much anticipated iPad sold 1 million units in its first 4 weeks.<\/p>\n<p>The Samsung Galaxy Tab (based on the Android platform)\u00a0just launched and though it doesn\u2019t have the initial craze that the iPad experienced, it is steadily gaining awareness due to its unique features over the iPad such as a front and back\u00a0camera, Flash support, expandable memory, and multitasking capabilities due to increased RAM.\u00a0\u00a0 However, the iPad trumps the Tab in having a 10 inch screen (over the Tab\u2019s 7 inch screen \u2013 though it\u2019s all about personal preference), a higher resolution screen, and an app store that has 3 times the number of apps as the Android.<\/p>\n<p>So why would you need an iPad or Galaxy Tab AND a netbook or laptop?\u00a0 Or a smartphone\u00a0and a tablet PC?\u00a0 Well, the truth is you don\u2019t need both.\u00a0 However, a tablet PC affords you the flexibility to use a touch screen with vibrant colors, the portability to take it with you in a pocket or purse without the weight of a netbook\/laptop, and the convenience of\u00a0seeing things more clearly with a larger screen over a smartphone.\u00a0 In many cases, people are buying a tablet PC in addition to the PC\u2019s\/netbooks\/laptops they already have because of it\u2019s compact size and convenience.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about the differences\u00a0 between the\u00a0iPad vs. the Galaxy Tab see: Samsung Galaxy Tab vs. the iPad:\u00a0 Compare for Yourself.<\/p>\n<p>The iPad retails anywhere from $499 for 16GB hard drive with WiFi to $829 for a 64GB hard drive with WiFi + 3G (through AT&amp;T only).\u00a0 The Galaxy Tab retails for $599 for the 16 GB WiFi + 3G version or $399 if purchased through any major carrier.\u00a0 It includes a mini SD slot allowing up to 32GB more of memory.<\/p>\n<p>Have an iPad already?\u00a0 Check out these free iPad games to play with your kids:<\/p>\n<address><strong>1.<\/strong><strong> Miss Spider\u2019s Tea Party Lite \u2013 <\/strong>Watch, read, listen and play as this beloved, classic picture book magically comes to life. (also available on the iPhone). <a href=\"http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/249kklh\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/249kklh<\/a><\/address>\n<address><strong>2.<\/strong><strong> Cut the Rope HD Lite \u2013 <\/strong>A mysterious package has arrived and the creature inside has only one request \u2026 candy! Try out 18 fun levels combining outstanding physics, devilishly tricky levels, and bright colorful visuals. <a href=\"http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/2c8oskv\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/2c8oskv<\/a><\/address>\n<address><strong>3.<\/strong><strong> Talking Roby the Robot for iPad \u2013 <\/strong>Roby is a talking, hip-hop dancing robot. He can speak the words you type on your keyboard. He also repeats anything you say with his robo voice. <a href=\"http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/2393jg9\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/2393jg9<\/a><\/address>\n<address><strong>4.<\/strong><strong> Virtuoso Piano Free 2 HD \u2013 <\/strong>Be the maestro with Virtuoso Piano Free. Learn and play the piano anytime and anywhere. A duet mode even lets two people play at once, for family concerts to remember! <a href=\"http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/y58uk4b\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/y58uk4b<\/a><\/address>\n<address><strong>5.<\/strong><strong> U Connect Lite \u2013 <\/strong>The goal is to connect all the points by dragging your finger from point to point without retracing your steps. Sound simple? It might just have you playing for hours! http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/235r2pt<\/address>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Samsung-TV_InternetApps.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Samsung TV_InternetApps\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Samsung-TV_InternetApps.jpg?resize=237%2C222&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"237\" height=\"222\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Internet-enabled TV<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Internet-enabled TV\u2019s are the latest craze \u2013 along with 3D TV\u2019s.\u00a0 Although I don\u2019t anticipate 3D TV\u2019s will take off the way Internet-enabled TV\u2019s will due to the inconvenience or wearing glasses and their price.<\/p>\n<p>Internet-enabled TV\u2019s are similar to smartphones and tablets in the respect that they offer apps with contained usability to some popular websites.\u00a0 Utilizing apps on your TV screen allow you to play games, catch up on Facebook and Twitter, watch movies in your que from Netflix, check the weather, check sports scores, watch YouTube.com and Internet podcasts, display pictures, etc., without having to get up to go to your computer.<\/p>\n<p>Internet-enabled TV\u2019s must connect to your router in order to\u00a0access the Internet.\u00a0 All Internet-enabled TV\u2019s have an Ethernet plug (if you happen to have an Ethernet cable nearby that connects to your router) or can access the Internet wirelessly with a WiFi adaptor (often purchased separately for around $75.)<\/p>\n<p>Moms will enjoy the ease of selecting movies from their Netflix que, checking their Facebook status (and updating their status), and listening to their favorite <a title=\"Free personalized radio stations\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2009\/10\/22\/personalized-radio-youre-the-dj-and-its-free\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pandora <\/a>stations from the comfort of their couch.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Wi-Fire-laptop-400.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Wi-Fire laptop-400\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Wi-Fire-laptop-400.jpg?resize=141%2C212&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"141\" height=\"212\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Wi-Fire Network Adaptor<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now, this isn\u2019t a sexy gadget like the previous mom gadgets but it can really pack a punch.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t have a roaming wireless data package through your cellphone carrier for your netbook\/laptop, then you rely on free WiFi (hotspots) to obtain your Internet connection.\u00a0 There are more public restaurants, libraries, stores,\u00a0and other places that offer hotspots but unless you are in the restaurant\/store\/etc. you are out of luck.<\/p>\n<p>Now you have another option.\u00a0 The Wi-Fire network adaptor has a range of up to 1,000 feet \u2014 three times the range of a normal network adaptor!\u00a0 This means you can be\u00a0in a restaurant near Starbucks and tap into their free hotspot Internet service.\u00a0 Find multiple hotspots you never knew existed.\u00a0 Have a RV or road trip planned?\u00a0 Bring along Wi-Fire and skip the trip to the Internet cafe or library.<\/p>\n<p>Or, if you use wireless access in your house, is there an area where you just can\u2019t\u00a0 get good Internet access?\u00a0 Perhaps the\u00a0 bedroom farthest away from the router?\u00a0 Or maybe outside on the patio?\u00a0 With the Wi-Fire adaptor, access will no longer\u00a0 be a problem.\u00a0 There\u2019s no need to invest in \u201caccess points\u201d which help to carry the signal throughout your home.<\/p>\n<p>The Wi-Fire provides a stronger signal which means less spotty connections and frustration because your computer got \u201chung up\u201d or you got booted out of your online game session\u2026or eBay last minute\u00a0bidding!\u00a0 Wi-Fire provided me with an adaptor and I was impressed\u00a0with the number of network connections I was offered.\u00a0 If you use a network adaptor for Internet access, this device is a must.\u00a0 It retails for $49 and can be found at Hfield.com\u00a0and <a title=\"Amazon usually has the best daily prices on gadgets.\" href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B002OJMB2U\/ref=cm_sw_su_dp\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon <\/a>for $46.49, as well as a number of other online retailers.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/myDitto-home-server.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"myDitto home server\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/myDitto-home-server.jpg?resize=176%2C187&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"176\" height=\"187\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">My Ditto Media Server &amp; Backup Drive<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now, I realize I\u2019m getting a little techy on you and a media server &amp; back up drive certainly isn\u2019t a typical Wow gift.\u00a0 But let me explain.\u00a0 As moms, we are the memory keepers of the\u00a0 family.\u00a0 We take pictures, we make scrapbooks, we write down cute things our kids say and journal memoirs from our vacations.\u00a0 These memories are important to us and to our growing children.\u00a0 Due to smartphones, digital cameras, and scanners, more of these memories are digitally stored.\u00a0 Are you backing up your pictures and videos on an ongoing basis?\u00a0 Do you have an easy way to display your memories besides gathering around your phone or computer?<\/p>\n<p>The myDitto\u00a0home network server will provide you\u00a0 with 1.)back-up security and peace of mind and 2.)secure access to your files like never before.<\/p>\n<p>I love the myDitto\u00a0server, it has some great unique features.\u00a0 You can use the myDitto to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>continuously back up all your pictures, videos, music, and documents from all of your PC\u2019s to one safe centralized location<\/li>\n<li>access your files on myDitto from your iPhone, iPad, Windows Mobile 6.1+ phone<\/li>\n<li>stream your photos, music, or videos to your Internet TV or other DLNA compliant devices (gaming console, stereo receiver, Blue Ray player, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>obtain secure remote access to your files (through peer-to-peer connection)<\/li>\n<li>allow others (such as grandparents) the ability to see particular folders on your server (like your 2010 pictures folder and all of its contents)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One of the promises of the myDitto\u00a0is it\u2019s fast set-up \u2014 no techie is needed.\u00a0 Once plugged in, the myDitto\u00a0accesses your router, establishes itself, and automatically obtains the necessary permissions to communicate with your network.\u00a0 No need for your routers WEP password like other systems.\u00a0 The myDitto is designed\u00a0to be \u201cplug \u2018n play.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>There are so many uses here for the myDitto\u00a0that\u00a0I\u2019d like to expand upon, besides the most important use of backing up your precious memories.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go into more details during a product review at a later time.\u00a0 You can purchase\u00a0the myDitto online through <a title=\"Hard drive sizes range from 500 GB to 4 TB's.\" href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s\/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&amp;field-keywords=my+ditto&amp;x=11&amp;y=20\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon.com<\/a> in a range of hard drive sizes (with price ranges from $161.99 for 500 GB of space to $239.99 for 4 TB of space). \u00a0<a title=\"Like Amazon, great prices.\" href=\"http:\/\/www.tigerdirect.com\/applications\/searchtools\/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6252572&amp;SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&amp;cm_mmc_o=VRqCjC7BBTkwCjCECjCE\" target=\"_blank\">TigerDirect.com <\/a>sells the 2 TB hard drive for $239.99.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Microsoft-LifeCam-Web-camera.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Microsoft LifeCam Web camera\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Microsoft-LifeCam-Web-camera.jpg?resize=175%2C189&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"175\" height=\"189\" \/><\/a> <span style=\"color: #800080;\">A Web Cam<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your a\u00a0regular reader of WellConnectedMom.com, you know that I just recently discovered the fun and usefulness of having a <a title=\"See &quot;Five Top Things to Do with Your Kids and a Web Cam&quot;\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2010\/11\/17\/top-5-things-to-do-with-your-kids-and-a-webcam\/\" target=\"_blank\">PC web cam<\/a>.\u00a0 If you\u2019ve never tried Skype before, it\u2019s worth giving it a whirl.\u00a0 My daughter and I had a blast talking with our friends using Skype \u2013 and we could play chess through it too \u2014 all for free.<\/p>\n<p>After I was done writing my review on the <a title=\"See &quot;Five Top Things to Do with Your Kids and a Web Cam&quot;\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2010\/11\/17\/top-5-things-to-do-with-your-kids-and-a-webcam\/\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft LifeCam web camera<\/a>, I discovered a new, and perhaps the MOST important use for a web cam \u2014 My Kids Video Diary.\u00a0 My kids are fascinated\u00a0by my video camera.\u00a0 So one night I was blessed with the thought, \u201cwhy not video tape the kids singing their favorite song or get their thoughts about their birthday party, a fun event, etc.?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>My kids eagerly sat on my lap to sing to the web cam their favorite song, \u201cJesus Loves Me,\u201d and latest favorite \u201cJoy to the World.\u201d\u00a0 Wow, I have always wanted to hear my son sing \u201cJesus Loves Me\u201d on my regular video camera but he always shied away.\u00a0 But now with the web cam I\u2019ve got it!<\/p>\n<p>Create new precious memories and remember old ones by using a web cam and keeping a video diary.\u00a0 Pictures are great but seeing your childrens\u2019 actions and hearing their voice is priceless.\u00a0 Web cams vary in price and quality.\u00a0 You can pick one up for as cheap as $25.\u00a0 You might want to consider a HD (high definition) though for better quality long-term memories.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/XBOX-Kinect-200x190-400.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"XBOX Kinect (200x190)-400\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/XBOX-Kinect-200x190-400.jpg?resize=211%2C221&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"221\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">XBOX\u00a0Kinect<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Wii Fit was one of our big recommendations for 2009.\u00a0 This year, XBOX\u00a0finally caught up with it\u2019s XBOX\u00a0Kinect.\u00a0 In fact, the XBOX\u00a0surpassed with Wii in regards to \u201ccool\u201d technology.\u00a0 No need for controllers anymore, with the XBOX\u00a0Kinect, YOU are the controller!\u00a0 Now you can spike a volleyball, sprint to the finish line, score a goal, race a car, paddle dangerous waters, become Harry Potter, compete to be\u00a0the \u201cBiggest Loser,\u201d learn to ice skate with ease, box your husband, downhill ski, workout using Zumba and Pilate\u2019s moves, and more!\u00a0 There\u2019s only one problem\u2026.you have to get off the couch!\u00a0 Nonetheless, what a great way to get \u201cinto\u201d\u00a0today\u2019s video games with your children.<\/p>\n<p>Visit the XBOX Kinect site to see the Kinect\u00a0games in action, it really is pretty impressive.\u00a0 Not only has Microsoft found a way to analyze your body movements and portray them though your avatar on the screen, they have also implemented voice activation and a remote through your hand gestures.\u00a0 To pick a game you can either tell XBOX\u00a0Kinect\u00a0which one you want or scroll through the choices using the motion of your hand.<\/p>\n<p>Kinect\u00a0is a very innovative technology and one sure to create fun and excitement for your family.\u00a0 I know it will be on my own Christmas list (hint hint, hubby if you\u2019re reading this <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-includes\/images\/smilies\/icon_smile.gif?ssl=1\" alt=\":)\" \/>\u00a0). The XBOX\u00a0Kinect\u00a0retails for $199.98 \u00a0and can be found at most major retailers\u2026online and off.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Zeo-Sleep-Coach.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Zeo Sleep Coach\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Zeo-Sleep-Coach.jpg?resize=294%2C165&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"294\" height=\"165\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Zeo Personal Sleep Coach<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you are a long time reader of WellConnectedMom.com, you\u2019ll know that one of my very favorite gadgets is the<a title=\"See our review on the Zeo\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2010\/03\/08\/losing-sleep-national-sleep-awareness-week\/\" target=\"_blank\">Zeo Personal Sleep Coach<\/a>.\u00a0 I found it at the <a title=\"See our top pics from CES 2010\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2010\/01\/15\/ces-2010-great-technology-products-for-moms\/\" target=\"_blank\">Consumer Electronics Show <\/a>(CES) earlier this year.\u00a0 The Zeo consists of an alarm clock and a head band.\u00a0 At night, you put the head band around your forehead and it tracks all of your sleep moments such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>how long until you fall asleep<\/li>\n<li>how many times you awoke during the night<\/li>\n<li>how many minutes you were awake during the night<\/li>\n<li>how much REM you\u2019ve had<\/li>\n<li>how much deep sleep you\u2019ve had<\/li>\n<li>how much light sleep you\u2019ve had<\/li>\n<li>how long you slept for<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>At the end of your sleeping session, the Zeo\u00a0rates your quality of sleep based on these measures.\u00a0 In the morning when you wake up, you can see all the results on your Zeo\u00a0alarm clock which was transmitted\u00a0from the headband wirelessly.\u00a0 The info. is then stored to a SD card that resides in the alarm clock.\u00a0 You can take the SD card and plug it into your computer to chart and keep track of your blissful or sleepless nights online.\u00a0 For an additional\u00a0fee, Zeo will even analyze further your sleep patterns and coach you through to more peaceful sleeping.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s truly an \u201ceye opening\u201d experience!\u00a0 The Zeo Personal Sleep Coach sells online for $199.00 or your can buy it at Brookstone stores or <a title=\"Online, Brookstone is now offering a free sleep book with purchase\" href=\"http:\/\/www.brookstone.com\/zeo-personal-sleep-coach.html\" target=\"_blank\">online. <\/a>The Zeo is also available online at\u00a0<a title=\"The Sharper Image is offering free shipping on the Zeo\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sharperimage.com\/si\/view\/product\/My-Zeo-Personal-Sleep-Coach\/101124\" target=\"_blank\">The Sharper Image.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Rubiks-Slide.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Rubiks Slide\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/Rubiks-Slide.jpg?resize=199%2C188&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"199\" height=\"188\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Rubik\u2019s Slide<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Rubik\u2019s Cube was by far one of the most popular toys of the 80\u2032s.\u00a0 It came packaged as a cube with 6 nicely colored sides.\u00a0 But once you started twisting and turning it only a very small number of us could ever get it looking uniform again on all six sides.<\/p>\n<p>Believe it or not, the Rubik\u2019s Cube just turned 30.\u00a0 To celebrate it\u2019s birthday, the makers of the Rubik\u2019s Cube introduced the Rubik\u2019s Slide.\u00a0 The Slide is a more compact version that uses lights and sounds to add excitement to the game.\u00a0 It includes over 10,000 puzzles to figure out in three different levels, easy, medium, and hard.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of physically turning and twisting the sides of the cube as with the original Cube, you slide and twist just the top.\u00a0\u00a0 The Slide a fun, addictive game that gives you a pattern that you must replicate by switching the colored squares around.\u00a0\u00a0Unlike the Cube with its 6\u00a0different colored sides, the Slide only uses 3 colors &#8211;\u00a0red, white, and blue.\u00a0 But spatially, it is difficult to\u00a0figure out; if you\u00a0slide a square three squares to the right \u2013 it appears back to the left side again.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a good game to play with your\u00a0kids and challenge each other who can get the most puzzles solved in a row.\u00a0 So far my best is 28\u2026on the easy level!\u00a0 The Rubik\u2019s Slide was awarded the \u201cCreative Toy Award 2010 Game of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine.\u00a0 <a title=\"See Amazon for more info.\" href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Rubiks-310-Slide\/dp\/B003LL8XHM\/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=toys-and-games&amp;qid=1281043136&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon <\/a>sells the Rubik\u2019s Slide for $19.99 but is currently on sale online at ToysRUs.com for $10.00!<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/iPig-pink.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" title=\"iPig pink\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2010\/12\/iPig-pink.jpg?resize=209%2C202&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"209\" height=\"202\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Speakal\u00a0iPig<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Yes, you read it correctly, an iPig\u00a0actually made the list of our top 10 Gadget for Mom for Christmas.\u00a0 Now, you might think I\u2019m a little off my rocker, or you might think of nepotism, as I have \u201cham\u201d in my last name.\u00a0 Although there is truth in both of these statements neither one of them is the reason I included the iPig on the list.<\/p>\n<p>There are two main reasons why I love the iPig.\u00a0 One, it\u2019s so darn cute!\u00a0 How can you look at the iPig and not fall in love with it\u2019s cuteness!\u00a0 There are many iPad stereo accessories on the market \u2013 many of them professional and upstanding models.\u00a0 But how many people play their iTunes through a pig?\u00a0 If you want to stand out from the crowd, have something your kids will love too, and have an item in your home that provokes curiosity, look no further.<\/p>\n<p>Reason number two is the sound.\u00a0 Believe it or not, this pig can really pound out the tunes!\u00a0 It has tremendous bass.\u00a0 It has a 9 watt\u00a0sub-woofer in it!\u00a0 I turned it up really loud, I\u2019m talking really loud, and the sound was fantastic.\u00a0 For a little pig, it could really fill the room without a loss in the quality of\u00a0sound.\u00a0 The iPig comes with a remote control so you can change the song or adjust the volume without getting up.\u00a0 With it\u2019s auxiliary input, it also works as a speaker for other devices such as your TV, laptop computer, gaming consoles, CD player, or other mp3 systems.<\/p>\n<p>I saw the iPig as well as it\u2019s friends, iBoo, mi-Soccer, and others when I saw them\u00a0at the <a title=\"See our top pics from CES 2010\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2010\/01\/15\/ces-2010-great-technology-products-for-moms\/\" target=\"_blank\">Consumer Electronic Show <\/a>in January.\u00a0 I immediately fell in love with their personalities.\u00a0 If you\u2019re looking for something to show off your personality and have great sound, you\u2019ll really enjoy the iPig.\u00a0 iPig retails comes in four different colors (pink, yellow, white, and black) and retails for $129.\u00a0 <a title=\"Gotta love the pig!\" href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Speakal-Stereo-Docking-Station-Speakers\/dp\/B001E8QLGO\/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=electronics&amp;qid=1291336883&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon.com <\/a>sells it for $119.99.\u00a0 <a title=\"Sears has the best price!\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sears.com\/shc\/s\/p_10153_12605_SPM214230919P?prdNo=1&amp;blockNo=1&amp;blockType=L1\" target=\"_blank\">Sears.com <\/a>actually has the best price at $99.99.\u00a0 Speakal sells discounted \u201c1st generation\u201d yellow and white pigs on their website for $79.99.<\/p>\n<p>So there you go \u2013 10 great gadgets for mom\u2019s that are sure to delight and dazzle you \u2014 and they\u2019re cheaper than diamonds.\u00a0 Not sure yet what to get your husband?\u00a0 Choose a gift from this list\u2026you know what they say, \u201cgive a gift to someone you\u2019d like yourself!\u201d\u00a0 Enjoy your holidays and your time with your family.\u00a0 Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year are always a great time to reflect on how thankful we are for our many\u00a0blessings.\u00a0 Have a wonderful Holiday Season and stay tuned for the WellConnectedMom.com\u2019s <strong>upcoming annual <a title=\"Love freebies?  Check these out!\" href=\"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/?p=1527\" target=\"_blank\">12 Days of Christmas Freebies<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Not sure what to get your gadget-loving friend or family member? Here are the WellConnectedMom.com&#8217;s top 10 gadgets for moms for Christmas 2010.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,9,12,14,16,17,20],"tags":[61,405,327,406,407,136,408,409,410,411,176,178,2784,412,413,414,415,416,417,418,419,420,421,304,305],"class_list":["post-1524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-gadgets","category-home-technology","category-iphone","category-moms","category-phones","category-photos","category-technology","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-list","tag-galaxy-tab","tag-home-server","tag-internet-enabled-tv","tag-ipad","tag-ipig","tag-kinect","tag-lifecam-camera","tag-media-server","tag-mom-gadgets","tag-mom-tech","tag-moms","tag-myditto","tag-rubiks-slide","tag-sleep-coach","tag-smart-tv","tag-speakal","tag-top-mom-gadgets","tag-top-mom-tech","tag-web-cam","tag-wi-fire","tag-wish-list","tag-xbox","tag-zeo","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1524"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1524\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}