Domestic Geek

As I continue my recommendations for geeky gifts, have your ever considered giving someone you love a flashlight? Not just any ordinary flashlight (though still a cool gift), but a unique flashlight. It never fails that when you have need of a flashlight, you also need a third hand or another person to hold the light source for you. OpticsPlanet has a really cool LED Clip-Mate clip-on flashlight made by StreamLight that I would just love to have! LEDs are brighter than regular bulbs and they have the advantage that they don't burn out. Another cool option is a hands-free headlamp. Marcus has mentioned in the past that he'd really like to have something like that. Just strap it on your head and the light moves with you while you're working. One of the best Christmas presents I ever got was a 1,000,000 cp (candle power) rechargeable lantern that charged via my cigarette lighter. It was a godsend when I was a pizza delivery driver to find house addresses. That thing would light up the whole block!

With discount pricing from major manufacturers such as Surefire, Pelican and StreamLight, no matter what the lighting needs of your gift recipient, OpticsPlanet is sure to have the perfect gift. There is also free UPS on orders over $29.95. Remember, Christmas is only five weeks away!

Everyone needs a light box. As a scrapbooker, I use mine all the time. They work great for those little embossing stencils or to hand-letter something. They're great for kids, too. When you were little, did you ever have to trace something and ended up taping it to a window? It's uncomfortable to do it that way and it only works while there is a light source outside. You can get a good one over at SuppliesNet.com. They have model called the Porta-Trace Light Box for only $32. Not a bad price for all the use it will get!

For as important a garment as a bra is for a woman, we sure don't get the proper education on how to find the right one. It's always a trial and error, mostly error, process. It also doesn't help that when you find a good-fitting, flattering bra style, the manufacturer discontinues it. I wish there was a computer program written where you could input your measurements and hit a "find bra size" button and it would point you to your perfect bra. Sigh, no such luck. It makes it worse finding a proper bra because I'm a big gal that needs big bras. Most plus-sized bras are designed for fit women, but with more fabric or elastic. Those sure don't work or last very long. I'm still on a quest to find the "right" bra. Maybe I'll have to go to one of those specialty stores like I saw on the show "Starting Over" once where there are bra experts. Especially since I'd really like to invest in some different types of bras, such sports bras. I'll find you yet, Perfect Bra!

I remember when I was a little kid, I used to love things hanging in my room that had my name on it. In fact, even through college, I had a great switch plate cover that I had made with my name in wooden letters. Illustrate My Name is a great site that I came across where you can get personalized children's name art. They offer a variety of themes from which to choose (baby, princess, nautical, toys, christening) and provide the finished art print with the option of being framed and matted. If one of the available themes is not what you had in mind, for they offer a Bespoke Design Service (you specify the theme that your child would like and they create a design around it).

If you're looking for a unique personalised baby gift or a gift to commemorate a special occasion, check out Illustrate My Name.

Have you ever wanted a pair of night vision goggles? I have! I love going camping, but sometimes that complete darkness freaks me out a little. Especially when you can't tell what kind of critters are roaming around you. Of course, with the skunks, raccoons, cats and loose dogs running around here where I live, they would be helpful when I take Skippy out in the evenings, as well.

I really want to procure myself a pair of these for the next time I go camping. There is a great online optical superstore called Optics Planet that has a large selection of night vision products. I have always wondered how you can see better in the dark with night vision goggles. There is a whole page describing how the whole process works, including some helpful videos.

I was amazed at the large selection of other optic products this company carries by well-known and respected manufacturers: Bushnell, Nikon, ATN, Leupold, Barska, Steiner, Meade, Celestron, Swarovski, Leica and many others. They claim to have a Best Deal Guarantee (see the web site for details) to ensure you get the best possible deal. While checking out some of the other neat gadgets, I found something else I must have — a digital camera binocular! Man, is that cool or what?

If you have an outdoorsman, astronomer, photographer, bird watcher, sports fan or gadget enthusiast on your Christmas list, the folks at Optics Planet have compiled a Holiday Gift Guide chock full of unique gifts ideas. Everything from scopes, night vision devices, cameras, binoculars, microscopes and a whole lot more. If you’re in the market to buy any of these types of items for yourself, Optics Planet has a wealth of information to help you choose the product that is right for you. Buyer's guides, discussion forum and email assistance are all offered on the site to help answer any question you may have. An extra bonus: FREE UPS ground shipping on most orders over $29.95 in the continental United States. You can't beat a deal like that!