Looking for an amazing gadget or gizmo for that certain recipient? There are many from which to choose, and the price range is broad. You may want to pre-shop on the Internet, but go in person to Radio Shack, one of your local gadget stores, and see them for yourself. The Kitsap Mall’s store manager Ryan Jijna suggests many products to combine practicality and that “wow” factor.

There is the ultimate universal remote that may be smarter than you are, and tells you which buttons work on the specific product you are trying to make function. In fact, it can be programmed over the phone if you don’t want to do it yourself.

Know someone who loses the remote? There’s a giant-sized one that is much less likely to get lost in the couch cushions, magazine rack or in the fridge.

Walkie-talkies are hot, and there are a number of them available in the $40 to $80 price range. They’ve come a long way from the tin can and string technology.

Your gadget guy or gal may appreciate the latest cell phone, MP3 player or digital camera. For $100 to $200, you could get a digital camera combined with a pair of binoculars.

Music lovers would like a new portable CD player. If musically inclined, the latest keyboard may be purchased for $200 to $400.

Don’t even believe all those remote-control toys or electronic games are made just for children. Watch for a while, and see who is buying them.

There is also the digital tire gauge, infrared thermometer, or the aromatherapy sleep machine. If your recipient is allergy prone, Radio Shack has air purifiers for $100 to $200.

An indoor/outdoor thermometer, updated for this century, could better inform anyone preparing for the day.

A pillbox timer can electronically remind those on various medications when it is time. Even Grandma can make it function.

The hearing or visually-impaired may be helped by a number of products available. There are amplified telephones and large-digit clocks, among others.

For pet owners, how about that retractable leash that has both a flashlight and radio built in? Walking Fido has become safer and doubly pleasant.

The wine collector would love the battery-operated corkscrew for just $25.

For long-distance relationships, there’s a talking picture frame. Record the voice of the person whose smile is being shared.

Very few people live with their massage therapist, but Radio Shack sells massagers. To add to the ambience, how about a remote control that will work on a number of plug-ins? Lower the lights from the couch, or turn on the holiday lights without crawling under the tree.

The health-conscious person might appreciate a pedometer or a handheld body fat monitor.

Travelers could take a safety device with them to a hotel – a doorstop alarm – for just a $25 investment.

Anyone entertained by technology will enjoy a low-tech item that took real ingenuity to create, too. Shop fearlessly and spread the joy.