70 Under $70 3

Streamline, customize, simplify: Technology has been established to make our work more efficient. Look at our list of items that make daily routines easier, faster, and just better.

Leatherman Juice C2 Multi-tool, $42
No one knows how much they need a Leatherman until they carry one for a week. This version strikes a perfect balance between pocketability and versatility. The combination plier, wire cutter, knife, screw driver, bottle opener, and cork screw will become as indispensable to the recipient as his or her wallet.


Light Saber Laser Pointer, $10-$14
If your boss is the type to use a laser pointer during one of his or her tour de force PowerPoint presentations, then there's no question this is the laser for them. Nicely styled to look like the weapon of choice for either Darth Maul or Vader, they positively shout lovable nerd.


Logitech N315 Portable Lapdesk, $30
Face it: Most laptop trackpads are terrible. With the retractable mousepad that's a part of this laptop leveler, owners can use a real mouse as they Web surf on the couch. And its cooling technology will help avoid second degree burns to thighs. Better still, it's compact enough for business road warriors to take traveling.


NES Controller Type Card Case, $44
Probably not a good fit for high-powered lawyers, but this business card case could be the perfect gift for that video game designer or blogger (hint, hint) on your list. Just because you're a nerd, doesn't mean you want your business cards dirty and bent.


Self-Destruct USB Hub, $60
Despite the overabundance of kitschy and useless USB devices, Cube Collection has actually created a truly unique, humorous, and functional Self Destruct Button USB Hub. The 4-port gadget works with both Windows XP and Mac OS X, and features a realistic and vocal "Kill" switch.


Soldering Iron Kit, $18
DIY'ers, electronics geeks, and even pinewood derby aficionados can attest to the necessity of having a soldering iron in the toolbox. This 40-watt model is a good starter for the aspiring robot builder on your list.


USB Hub Man, $19
Why stick with boring old USB hubs? This little dude connects up to four USB 2.0 devices via his wiry appendages. And dig the Alessi-style face on this guy. Minimal, quirky, and functional: like us.


Banksy Laptop Skins, $20
The quickest and easiest way to customize a laptop is with a skin. Unlike others, Schtickers can be made a custom size to fit any laptop. But, most importantly, they're designed by the world famous Banksy -- perfect for the art or graffiti lover.


AP Stylebook App, $29
Considered the holy book by word nerds, it's the only manual that has it's own iPhone app. Sure, it's expensive for an iPhone app, but how else are you going to check the proper use of a semi-colon when you're out and about? A must-have for that wannabe journalist in your family.


Isis Dei "Goldfish" Laptop Sleeves, $32
Though Isis Dei has a ton of great sleeve options, this one would just brighten up our laptop bag with its bling-y scales. If real gold is out of the financial question, then hint at it through your electronic accessories.


Belkin Bluetooth Comfort Mouse, $50
Carefully ergonomically designed and packing dual scroll wheels, this Belkin mouse is ideal for the person constantly toting a laptop. And since it's platform agnostic, both Mac and PC users would be happy to find it under the tree.


Bamboo Soil Clock, $40
Think of it as an update to your potato or lemon battery experiments that ended in 5th grade (and in a pile of rotten veggies). Take two houseplants, poke the copper and zinc leads into the soil, then sit back and watch the magic of chemistry happen. The clock will function as long as the plants are properly watered (same goes for the plants, for that matter).


AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand, $80 (We know, we know... we lied, but it's totally cool)
Ultra minimal and super portable, this stand is one of the most simple and compact laptop holders we've ever played with, and trust us, that's saying quite a bit.
La Cie Little Disk, $70
Ok, so it's totally not romantic to give someone data storage for Christmas... or is it? Think about it: Your friends and family members constantly complain about how they need a new hard drive. The kicker is that this sleek little guy is designed by guru Sam Hecht, and for extra points, load it up with memorable songs, pictures, and movies.

Tags: hgg