Saturday, December 2, 2006 - If you have hundreds of record albums or cassettes that you want to put onto CD's, Crosley Radio has the Songwriter.  It looks like an old-fashioned record player, and in fact, it is.  You can even play 78's on the turntable.  (Don't know what a 78 is?  Ask your grandparents)  But built inside along with the AM/FM stereo and cassette player is a CD burner.  With just one touch, you can record CD's from records or cassettes.  The Songwriter retails for $400.

Crosley also has a set of four wind-up musical ornaments to hang on your tree.  Each ornament opens to show off two family photos you can put inside.  While the ornament is open, it plays a holiday tune, like "Jingle Bells".  The ornaments come in four colors.  They retail for $20.  To learn more about the Songwriter or the ornaments, go to www.crosleyradio.com

If you're giving an iPod or another expensive electronic device as a holiday gift, throw in one extra item.  Invisible Shield by Shieldzone.  This tough protective film is the same type of material that is placed on the edges of helicopter blades by the military to reduce friction.  It's easy to apply and easy to remove (if you ever decide to remove it).  Shieldzone claims the film is so tough, they offer a lifetime guarantee on the product.  Invisible Shield costs $10 - $25 depending on the product you want to protect.  Learn more about it at www.shieldzone.com

There is nothing worse than needed to make a call on your cell phone and your battery is low.  To avoid that problem, I suggest the Energi to Go from Energizer.  Keep it in your car, backpack or briefcase...put two double-A Energizer batteries in, plug in your phone and you're good to go.  It costs $20.  Learn more at www.energizer.com

Speaking of power, the road warrior on your gift list would love Outlets to Go from Monster Cable.  Ever have trouble finding extra power outlets in a hotel room?  These compact power strips are the answer.  They fit in a laptop bag or briefcase and will power up your cell phone, PDA, laptop and whatever else you take with you on the road.  A four-outlet model is $20, a six-outlet version is $30.   Find out more at www.monstercable.com