by Grace Chng

EVERY November, I struggle with the big Christmas gift debate.

How much do I want to spend, who should I give presents to and how should I select gifts for them?

More importantly, do I even want to give Christmas presents? The debate is not about money but whether it is necessary to give gifts.

After all, my friends are at that stage of their careers where they can afford what they desire. Also, what if they don't like the gift and end up giving them away to other people?

Ultimately, I reason to myself, Christmas is about sharing and giving. Questions of affordability or presents being recycled should not figure at all.

Now that I have got over this hurdle, what gifts do I buy?

Obviously, I will give mostly tech toys. Big ticket items - over $1,000 - such as flatscreen TVs and computers did not make it to my list this year. One has to be prudent in this economic climate.

Here are some items on my Santa's list this year.

Accessories

There is a wide variety to select from in this category, such as table lamps to light up the computer screen. For under $200, you can get a nice one from places like Ikea and EpiCentre.

How about a Bluetooth mouse that reduces the wire clutter on the computer table? Also under $200, from brands like Microsoft and Logitech.

Wrist rests are good for people who spend a lot of time on the computer as they prevent repetitive stress injury and do not cost more than $50.

500GB external hard drives now cost under $300, which are great for backing up all the photos, home videos and songs in the computer.

Computers

Look for netbooks which have screens between 7 and 10 inches. For less than $700, you can get a good model from Hewlett-Packard, Asus or Gateway (which incidentally just returned to Singapore after packing up in 2001).

Vouchers

Do not give a hongbao because it looks as if you cannot even be bothered to make a trip down to the store.

If you really cannot think of anything, go for gift vouchers which are available from any of the electronics superstores. Your loved ones can decide for themselves what to buy.

Savings accunts

If you have young nephews, nieces and godchildren, starting a bank account with seed money would help them save for a computer or a PS3 game console and, at the same time, teach them about the value of money.

For other ideas, Digital Life's Gadget Guide has a spread on the hot gadgets for this season. Petite notebooks, LCD monitors, digital photo frames and games are all good gifts for family and friends.

Our writers also recommend gifts that you can give to close friends, spouses, teenagers and grandparents.

Happy holidays.

chngkeg@sph.com.sg

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on 10 December 2008.

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