What is an E-Reader?

An e-reader (or e-book reader) is a portable electronic device that is made for the purpose of reading digital publications – such as books and periodicals. This type of reader is quite similar to that of a tablet computer, but is limited to the kinds of functions a user is permitted to perform. An electronic paper technology using ‘electronic ink’ creates enhanced readability on the screens. Other advantages include a longer battery life and ability to read in bright sunlight conditions.

Some of the most popular e-readers to consider for a gift include:

• Amazon Kindle – Amazon.com is considered one of the most popular e-readers on the market with a line of products that offers an array of convenient features. The wireless connectivity allows users to shop for, download, browse and read e-books, magazines, and newspapers. The first Kindle was introduced in 2007 with the larger-screened DX model released in 2009. The Kindle Fire not only acts as a reader, but also acts like a tablet computer.
• Barnes & Noble Nook – The Barnes & Noble brand of e-readers was based on using an Android platform that originally launched in 2009. The original device included both Wi-Fi and AT&T 3G wireless connectivity. The latest models of Nook include the Nook Color with a color LCD screen and the Nook Simple Touch.
• Sony Reader – Sony released the first in their line of e-readers in 2006, which have evolved over the years. Current models need no power to maintain a static image and offers portrait and landscape orientation. The reader also has the capability of displaying Adobe PDFs, RSS newsfeeds, JPEGs, and can even play MP3 audio files.
• Kobo – Kobo e-readers offer Wireless and Touch models. With the Kobo Touch model comes with an infrared touch-screen interface that retails around $129.99. The device offers 1GB of memory (or around 1,000 books), where you can also use up to 32GB SD card to expand your collection.
• Pandigital – What started as a company that focused on manufacturing digital photo frames, now offers a line of e-readers, such as the Pandigital Novel Digital Book Reader that comes with a 7-inch color screen and Wi-Fi.

Leather Case

For the stylish businessman or-woman, leather cases for the iPad come in an array of colors, including red, blue, purple, pink, brown and black. Some cases provide a convenient built-in stand that makes reading easier, while others simply protect the unit during travel with a secure snap. Some options come with a strap for the shoulder that makes it easier to transport the iPad – especially during times of travel and when attending classes.

Personalized iPad Case

You could also opt to give the gift of a personalized iPad case. With My-Edge, you can design a customized jacket for the iPad, iPad2, e-readers, or other tablet devices. Using interactive design tools, you can import your own photos or select from a gallery of artwork to create a personalized gift for your iPad-owning loved one. If you do not feel like creating your own iPad case as a gift, you can simply purchase one decorated with the first initial of your loved one.

Stylish Earbuds

From Swarovski crystals to the colors of the rainbow, there are endless options for choosing a stylish pair of earbuds to give as a gift.

Touch Screen Stylus

A PDA stylus allows a user to quickly take notes or tap the screen of an iPad when they do not feel like using their finger. For some users, the stylus greatly increases their speed and accuracy when using the tablet. The end of a stylus is made with a soft rubber tip that prevents scratches on the handheld screen. Touch screen stylus also come in different colors, such as red, blue, silver, white, and black. Select this item as a stocking stuffer for Christmas time or filler for a gift basket with an electronics theme.

iPad Keyboard

The iPad comes equipped with a touch screen, but not everyone feels comfortable with this kind of technology and may prefer the function of a keyboard. You may consider purchasing a keyboard dock, wireless keyboard, or a Bluetooth flexible silicon keyboard – many of which offer an ergonomic design that helps prevent strain.

iPad Accessory Bundle

A handful of companies have created bundled packages of goodies for iPad users that may include cases, protection screens, cables, and chargers (for the home and car).

iTunes Gift Card

If you have a music or app fanatic on your hands, perhaps the best thing is to buy an iTunes gift card and let them choose the latest tunes they’d like to listen to on their iPad.

Creative Animal Lawn Decorations

When it comes to Christmas lawn decorations, animals are a favorite option. From panda bears to pigs, you never know what you will find when looking for a gift. Dressed in a Santa coat, the Trim a Home Holiday Pig (shown) offers a shade of pink to the front yard of Christmas light fanatics. The lighted crystal pig is illuminated with the help of 150 clear lights. The lighting effect is enhanced by crystalline spun material that covers the sturdy pre-wired metal frame. The pig is easy to set up and store, and comes with spare fuse and bulbs. You can find this holiday pig at Sears or online, which can be used both indoor and outdoor.

Cartoon Character Christmas Decorations

One of the most popular animated figures to decorate the lawns of holiday decorators comes from Disney, where Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto come to life in lights. Other characters for your lawn include Garfield’s Odie the dog, Snoopy from the Peanuts Gang, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Sports Related Christmas Lights

For the sports fanatic looking for unique ways to express their loyalty, Christmas yard decorations that feature their favorite team in lights would make an exciting gift. There are Christmas lawn decorations that depict sporting scenes, including hockey (like this Ottawa Senators player) and football (like this Georgia Tech player).

Victorian Christmas Light Scene

A lover of Victorian history and literature may enjoy a lighted scene or just one decoration that depicts the time period. Creative Decorating offers lighted Victorian skaters (man, woman, boy and girl), animated horse, and animated carriage. Other animated scenes offered by the website include a waving Santa, three-car train set, and set of Santa and his reindeer.

Other Christmas lights to consider gifting include:

• Toy Soldiers – ChristmasLights.com offers a small (150 bulbs) and large (200 bulbs) toy soldier for fans of the Nutcracker Suite.
• Snowflakes – Creative Decorating offers the elegance of illuminated snowflakes in different shapes and colors, such as warm white (a golden color), pure white and blue.
• Angels – All American Christmas Co. offers a handful of angels – from the LED animated angel spreading her wings to the heralding angel with horn pointed to the sky.

Recycled and Sustainable Jewelry

Nowadays, there is also a new crop of artists that create jewelry and other accessories out of recycled materials. For example, the Recycled Bicycle Chain Bracelet adds an edgy touch to any casual outfit. Today, jewelry is made out of many different organic, sustainable and recycled materials, including bamboo, bottle caps, dominoes, seeds, cork, and sea glass (like the Pastel Sea Glass Cluster Necklace shown, which displays hand-gathered materials from along the California coast.

Hemp Electronics Case

For the eco-conscious man in your life with an iPad, equip them with a stylish case that doubles as a sustainable gift made out of hemp. This type of gift is offered through a company called Eco-Nique. Other hemps cases offered by Eco-Nique include for the Sony Reader, Nook, Kindle (shown), and Casio Zoom cameras.

Fair Trade Coffee Sampler

Fair trade companies take into consideration the environment, workers, communities and the consumers when producing their products. Coffee is a popular fair trade item to add to your sustainable Christmas gift list. Coffee lovers and music lovers alike will certainly enjoy Larry’s Beans Fair Trade Organic Coffee, Rat Pack Set, which offers three 12-ounce bags of brew. The set includes Frankie’s Blend, Bean Martin, and Sammy Decaf Jr.

Organic and Biodynamic Wine

When you’re attending a holiday party and need to quickly bring something along as a gift, a bottle of organic wine will surely do the trick. Seek out biodynamic selections and winemakers that use certified organic grapes.

Recycled Art

From scrap metal to broken goods long discarded in the trash, some of the most beautiful works of art come from recycled materials. Made from found or reclaimed materials, the Recycled Metal Flying Pig Garden Art Sculpture makes a thoughtful one-of-a-kind gift – especially for pig fans.

THEME

The theme of this Group Writing Project is very simple: Christmas Gifts. The intention is to have fun and give our readers as many and unique Christmas gift ideas as possible!

LINK LOVE

If you participate to this Group Writing Project, we’ll show some love back!

• All the articles and Blogs will appear in a FREE eBook that will be a great resource for Christmas Gift Ideas! We want you to join us and participate to this eBook!
• Also, all articles approved for participation will appear in a list at the end of the project.
• Your link will appear on this page in the Comments Section.
• Your link will also be published on the Group Writing Project website and be seen by thousands of visitors!

RULES

• Blog about Christmas Gift Ideas;
• Your post must be new and written especially for this contest;
• Minimum 150 words;
• Your post must be fit for all ages;
• Only 1 entry per person;
• English language only;
• If posted on your Blog, your post must contain a link back to this announcement so that your readers know you are participating to the contest. If you don’t have your own Blog, please e-mail your post at support[at]1HappyCorner[dot]com;
• Copyright: by submitting your post via email, you agree to give 1HappyCorner.com the right to publish the post on the Internet (Blog, Newsletter, eBook, RSS, etc) and on paper.
• Let us know about your post: leave a comment with your post’s permalink and title.
• Recommended: Let your friends and people know about you being part of this Writing Project! Link to your post from your myspace, stumbleupon, digg, facebook, rss, newsletter, etc. The more popular your post, the better.

PRIZES

- 125×125 pixels ads on 1HappyCorner.com (3 people, 1 ad each). The ads will be displayed during the month of November.
- 1 person will win 2 Cheerful Butterflies (designer glycerin soap) offered by MagicSenses.com from their brand new Collection.

Other prizes may be added later. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please let us know.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. Write a post of a minimum of 125 words (in English). Be inspired and creative. Be personal.
2. Remember to put a link back to this announcement somewhere in your post.
3. Publish your post on your blog or e-mail it to support[at]1HappyCorner[dot]com.
4. If you publish the post on your Blog, return to this page and leave a comment with the url and title of your post.
5. Let the whole world know you want to win! Ask them to read your post and leave a genuine comment!

POST IDEAS

Some titles you could use when writing your post:

• Short History of Christmas Gifts
• Why Christmas Gifts are Important
• Do It Yourself Christmas Gift Ideas
• Christmas Gifts of the 21st Century
• Be Generous This Christmas
• The Perfect Christmas Gift
• Unique Christmas Gift Ideas
• Christmas Gifts for people who have everything
• Shopping for Christmas Gifts Online
• Shopping for Christmas Gifts on a Buget

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

November 1, 2008  – end of day.

SHARE YOUR SECRET

Now, start writing and share your little Secret about Christmas Gifts!