#5 - Garmin Forerunner 50 Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor

Just because your child is going to college doesn’t mean they shouldn’t stay active and fit.  Encourage them to stay in shape by getting them a Garmin Forerunner 50 sports watch with Heart Rate Monitor.  This little gadget transmits workout data to their computer so they can analyze, store, and share the information.  Plus, you can add Garmin’s foot pod (not included) to track their speed, distance, and calories burned.  You can’t put a price on health and $54 won’t put a hole in your wallet.

#4 – Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 30-Minutes (White)

A Flip video camcorder is a great gift idea since it allows your child to record a  special video message everyday that they can then email directly to you.  The idea is great, but will they actually do that?  Heck for $60, it’s worth the gamble.  Plus, if they never end up sending you a video message, they can still use it to capture their memories for their own viewing enjoyment.
 

#3 - Blue Microphones Eyeball – USB Webcam with Microphone

This USB Webcam and Microphone combo is a perfect gift to stay in touch with your loved one while they are away at college.  The microphone will allow you to hear their voice in the purest way possible and the high-resolution camera will allow you to see in detail if they have been out late partying.  Blue is known for their quality microphones and this combo unit is no exception.  Sure, most notebook computers come with built-in cameras and microphones, however, I have not seen a built-in camera/mic combo as good at this.  The Blue Microphone Eyeball will only set you back $85 and works with both Mac and PC.


#2 - Canon PowerShot A480 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.3x Optical Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD

A good inexpensive camera comes in handy to any college student and the Canon PowerShot A480 10MP not only fits the fill, but, it also fits in the pocket.   This highly-rated camera snaps up great shots without all the frills and gimmicks of higher priced cameras.  Comes in Silver, Black, Blue and Red and only costs $114!


#1 – Sony DPF-D70 7-inch Digital Photo Frame 

Your child will be going away for college but that doesn’t mean they need to forget about you.  So take some photos of the family and their roots and load it up onto this beautiful Sony DPF-D70 7-inch Digital Photo Frame.  Don’t forget to add some messages like “Don’t forget to call us tonight” or “Maybe you should stay home tonight” to keep your child grounded.  The frame comes in Black and Red and costs $99.99.

Related posts:

1. PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-G1 — 2009 Holiday Gift Idea #1
2. ESPN’s Technology Gift Guide
3. 1080p Video Camera with Hand-Crank Attachment

I’ve been really getting into gardening lately.  Not only is it stress releasing but it also requires some cool tools. I’ve found that my favorite gardening tool has been my Swiss Made Felco #F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruners. These things can be completely taken apart and refurbished with parts so they will be the last pair of pruners you’ll ever purchase!   I’ve also relied on  “Pruning Made Easy: A Gardener’s Visual Guide To When and How to Prune Everything, from Flowers to Trees” as a reference guide and I highly recommended it.   This book covers everything I have in my garden from my fruit trees and grape vines to our indoor plants. These two items are My Favorite Tools for May 2009.

- Amazon.com: Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner #F-2

- Amazon.com:  Pruning Made Easy: A gardener’s visual guide to when and how to prune everything, from flowers to trees (Storey’s Gardening Skills Illustrated)

Related posts:

1. Weller Pyropen WPA2 – My Favorite Tools – April 2009
2. DYMO RHINO 3000 Label Printer – My Favorite Tools – July 2009
3. Bosch PS40-2, The Best Power Driver – My Favorite Tools – June 2009