When it comes to gifts, I'm not a gal who's into big extravagant gestures. Much as I'd enjoy a killer game system, or giant flat screen TV, I find that sort of present more overwhelming than endearing. I'd rather just do the research and buy my own gear, so I get exactly what I want. For me, the best presents are little things. Things I wouldn't normally be able to get right away, things I forget I might need: accessories.

Take my Sony camcorder, for example. I love this camcorder. It was a big purchase for me. I don't use it much though, because I'm afraid of damaging it. A good accessory case would alleviate my worry (hint, hint). Another thing I could always use: Mini DV tapes (you can never have too many). Extra batteries, cables and all the other little things that make life with a camcorder easier — those are the things I crave. And memory cards are a wonderful invention, something I really get excited about. I got married last year,and one of the best wedding presents we received was a memory card with candids of our wedding and reception on it.

Now, my sister is a total movie junkie, with not one, but two complete home theater systems. She (and her guests) used to get endlessly frustrated because the one remote from the millions she owns always went missing when she needed it. That is, until the Christmas I got her a Harmony remote. This cool gadget lets her program in all her remotes from a website, so no matter what happens, she never loses her settings, and she can control everything with one simple device. I could have gotten her a nice necklace, but this was exactly what she needed. She uses it a whole lot more than she would fancy jewelry, and that makes her happy.

I  have three sons. One's old enough to be out of the house already. Like me, he's a musician, so he's always recording tracks from gigs, or to take to practice so his bandmates can hear how the new song is supposed to go. I'd get him a couple USB memory card readers. They hold tons of information, are small and easily transportable (important, because he has no car).  My other two are at the age where they break or lose practically everything, even when they're being careful. I'd concentrate on indestructible, inexpensive or easily replaceable items like game accessories, headphones, battery chargers and modest MP3 players. 

Presents like this are small, and seem inconsequential, but they have meaning beyond holiday gift-giving. They show thought, consideration, a true understanding of the person receiving the gift, and they make life easier. What could be a better present than that?