Holiday 2012 gifts

All of us here at Android Central are going to chime in and share what we're giving our loved ones for this holiday season, and I'm kicking it off today. I made a list, checked it twice, then lost it in the clutter on my desk and had a ball buying presents for friends and family. Besides the geek-tastic things you would expect a self-admitted nerd like me to come up with (thinkgeek.com is my homepage during the gift-giving season) I've also found some really fun and really cool stuff to share. Hit the break and have a look.

Google Play gift cards

Google Play card

This one is a no-brainer. My friends and family have all migrated to Android (yes, they had a choice!) and these make the perfect stocking stuffers or gift to give that person who seems to have everything. Available in $10, $25, and $50 denominations, they're good for apps, books, movies and music direct from Google Play. I can never figure out what book or album someone might like, and chances are I'll pick the wrong one, so a gift card makes the perfect, thoughtful little present. They're easy to redeem, just enter the code on the web or through an Android device, and provide that little bit of instant gratification that a normal gift card lacks. Be sure to grab a few of these for the special people in your life.

Google Nexus 7

Nexus 7

The 7-inch Nexus 7 is likely the most popular Android device ever made. Still selling about a million a month, it's the perfect size and is a great way to experience everything Android has to offer without signing any pesky contracts or spending a fortune. The Tegra 3 CPU means awesome games, and the sharp bright screen makes the Nexus 7 the clear winner among small-form tablets. Starting at just $199 for a Wifi-only version they make a perfect gift for anyone who is looking for a tablet. Don't settle for the squat and pixelized competition -- the Nexus 7 is where it's at.

Jawbone JAMBOX

JAMBOX  Jambox

Ridiculously easy to connect and use, the JAMBOX is the epitome of lightweight portable speakers. This little box cranks out excellent sound, and even takes calls when they come in. It's Bluetooth 2.1 so it will work with just about every smartphone, tablet, or Mp3 player out there, and there's even a 3.5mm audio input. The airtight enclosure and dual drivers will surprise you with the amount of sound that comes from a JAMBOX, and while the audiophile purists may scoff at any small single dome speaker, this one delivers for those times you need to fill a room with a wall of music. It's a bit pricey, but worth every penny in my opinion.

Fuzzy Fingers

Fuzzy Fingers  Fuzzy

Everyone who has any device or piece of electronics with a big glass screen needs some Fuzzy Fingers. The chenille microfiber "worms" will do a heck of a job cleaning phones, tablets, televisions, keyboards, even your glasses. I've got at least 20 of them, and every time someone sees them they end up wanting one of their own. They even come in two sizes -- normal size that you slip your finger into and a monstrous size that swallows your whole hand to tackle bigger jobs like cleaning that 42-inch TV in your living room. I'd be lost without my Fuzzies.

Wild Boar Boneless Ham

Wild Boar ham

Everyone knows someone who loves rich holiday food. I also happen to be that guy, in case you haven't noticed. If you haven't the time or the inclination to head into the woods and bag a wild boar of your own, you're in luck. Game meats are getting more popular every year, and while it's not the most exotic you'll find (don't ask) an all natural 3+ pound boar ham makes one heck of a holiday meal. No preservatives, no additives, and most importantly not coming from anything endangered or threatened, boar meat is cooked and eaten just like a ham you would buy from the local grocery. The difference is in the taste, which I can tell you is to die for. Getting one is easy as well. Hit the link and get one delivered frozen to your door, ready for thawing and cooking. Nothing else will light up the eyes of the food connoisseur in your life like this one will. Trust me.

So there you have it. You've seen all the great stuff I'm giving this holiday season, and soon you'll see the same from the rest of us here. Hopefully it gives you an idea or two for your own shopping. Sound off in the comments and tell us what you're buying for loved ones this year!

Happy Holidays,
Jerry.