CScout Christmas Giftguide

Christmas is getting closer and you are still looking for some cool presents to surprise your friends and family? This year CScout will inspire you with some of our personal Christmas gift ideas, and a list of trendy items which you can actually purchase through our Scout in Japan.

USB Turntable
A device for the music-lover: The new turntables come with USB and make it easy to convert your record albums to MP3. Most of them connect to your home stereo system via CD or auxiliary inputs. Via USB port they can be connected to your computer (PC or Mac) or even directly to your MP3 player. The Ion iTTUSB even comes with a trial of Bias Soundsoap 2 for cleaning and restoring vinyl quality. The Numark TTUSB provides a 1/8-inch stereo minijack input to facilitate the transfer of cassette tapes. And the Audio-Technica’s AT-PL50 stereo turntable comes with Cakewalk PYRO software and an audiophile-quality phono cartridge. Cost: US$ 150 to 200.

Digital Frame
Digital Frames are a quick and easy way to view and share pictures instantly. You simply have to insert a CompactFlash or SmartMedia memory card directly from your digital camera or PC and can see “Gigabites worth of memories”. An ideal present for not-yet-technology-savvy grandparents. The Philips 8-Inch Digital Picture Frame even holds up to 60 digital pictures with internal memory and comes with interchangeable color frames (US$ 250). A cute gift is the TAO 1.4″ Digital Picture Keychain, which can load pictures directly from your desktop and holds up to 56 pictures (US$50). Unfortunately, the quality of the display is not very good.

Ecopad E1
The Ecopad E1 is a compact container with storage units for bottles, newspapers, plastic bags and other recyclables. And here is how it works: With a step on the pedal, you can crunch the just inserted aluminum can or plastic bottle. Compacted like this, the Ecopad can hold up to 60 crushed containers. There are also removable storage bins for paper and glass. Once a bin is filled up you just have to place it outside for garbage pickup or bring it to one of the recycling centers where you can redeem the filled pods for up to $5. The Ecopod was designed in partnership with BMW Designworks USA, and is available online from Ecopod in black or white for $328.
Ecopod

LaCie Huby
The new USB and FireWire Hub from LaCie helps to keep the gadgets organized. It features 4 USB 2.0 ports and 2 FireWire 400 ports plus 8 flexible cables for more USB and FireWire connections. Also included are 8 colorful LEDs, and USB light and a USB fan to keep all the gadgets cool. On top of that the design by Ora-Ito looks pretty nice and the Huby is – according to the manufacturer – “hot-swappable”.
Available from LaCie for $79.99.

Trees for the Future
“Trees for the Future” might not be quite an alternative to the traditional Christmas tree, but they will make our environment a lot greener. With Trees for the future you do not only buy a great Christmas gift, but also help to offset the greenhouse gases we produce. The company works with local communities in Central America, Africa, Asia to help reforest degraded lands, they are also teaching local people about the concept. 1000 trees cost $ 100. Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree….
Available from Trees For the Future

Little Jammer Pro
Now you can have your own little band playing your favorite tunes. The Little Jammer PRO is a 6.1 inch poly-phonic sound system (by KENWOOD), which brings realistic 3-D Live-Sound to your living room. Each one of the little musician figurines has their own speaker and plays their instrument independently. Right now there are 25 songs included. Others are available.
buy Little Jammer Pro

Color Fusion Shower
The Color Fusion Shower is a self-powered showerhead with colorful built-in LED lights that change according to the temperature. Blue means cold, red means hot. This way you actually can see the temperature of the water before you get under the shower. The LED light show is powered by water pressure.
buy Color Fusion Shower

Ocean Fantasy
Ocean Fantasy by Takara Tomy is a new relaxation gadget from Japan. The dolphin lights up in mystic blue and features realistic dolphin movements and 3-D natural Dolphin sounds.
buy Ocean Fantasy

Homestar Planetarium PRO
Sega Toys Homestar Planetarium, a major hit since its original release, has become even better. A new professional-grade lens and brighter LED light allows for more detailed projection of 10,000 stars and planets. The latest Star Discs come in color and amaze with their realism. Don’t forget to make a wish when you catch one of the randomly projected shooting stars!
buy Homestar Planetarium

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