Wolf Tracking

Each year, I vow to myself that I’m going to turn over a new leaf. But this time, I mean it.

I’m starting my holiday shopping early. In fact, I’ve already mapped out my master plan all starting with this weekend, when I’ve committed myself to spending a couple of hours on Friday night (yes, I have an exciting life) perusing online shopping sites such as Overstock, BestBuy, ThinkGeek, Shopzilla, PriceGrabber, Home Depot and Wow-Coupons to scout out deals. And guess what? I’ll be one among millions who turn to the Internet for holiday gift shopping and ideas.

According to Forrester Research, US online retail sales this holiday season will reach $33 billion, a 21 percent increase over last year. Apparel and accessories will top holiday shopping lists and another projected big winner this year will be gift cards. I, personally, have warmed up to gift cards.

Being the Geekmom in the family, I plan to purchase lots of cool, fun tech toys - most of which will be consumer devices.

Here’s my tech holiday wish list.

Note: I’m just giving you my top three. However, if you want to send gifts my way, shoot me an e-mail at dacrie_brooks@cohnwolfe.com and I’ll be more than happy to send you my entire list.

1. E-Starling E-Mail Enabled Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame

I’ve been eyeing this one for a while on ThinkGeek.com and it’s pretty cool. It can connect to my wireless network, be integrated with FlickR RSS photo feeds and I can e-mail it my photos and organize slideshows. As far as I’m concerned, this is a must-have item for any one who has tons of digital pics that they want to display in the home or office.

2. Toshiba HD-DVD Player

I don’t care about the HD- DVD vs. Blu-Ray DVD format wars anymore, I have to get this before Thanksgiving. With family coming to visit, I have to ensure that we ALL enjoy our digital living room experience so I’ll be purchasing a Toshiba HD-DVD player (why Toshiba? I have a Toshiba Plasma TV, and it’s important to coordinate brands) probably next Tuesday.

3. LeapFrog’s FLY Fusion Pentop Computer

As a mom, I’m a firm believer in using technology to help the kids enhance their educational experiences and I like them to also have cool tech toys so I’m buying my 8 year-old a LeapFrog FLY Fusion Pentop Computer and corresponding 4th grade programs to help prepare her for next year.

Ok, I guess now’s the time to leave you with a compelling, final thought of why this is ALL relevant.

While I certainly enjoy shopping, it’s important to remember that getting your hands on the latest and greatest consumer device just to be cool isn’t really the point. It’s about making life easier and more enjoyable.

Thus, I’ll end with a quote by Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google,

“As we go forward, I hope we’re going to continue to use technology to make really big differences in how people live and work.”