As a recent fully-fledged "switcher" myself, I'd like to think I have some ideas about what to get the recent Mac convert (and no, this is not just my Amazon wish list - though anyone buying me stuff is free to use it as such). If you haven't already purchased the switcher in your life a gift for Christmas or the Birth of Santa (tm. Bart Simpson) or any other winter-themed occasion, here are some items you might want to consider. Please note that the prices in this guide are in USD and current as of this writing, subject to change without notice. Check with the manufacturer's website or your favorite retailer for updated pricing. Now, onto the goodies!

Books:

Maybe I'm just really lame, but I'm always a fan of giving (and receiving) books geared towards a person's interests and sensibilities. Somehow, a book just seems more personal than a gift certificate, and less easy to screw up than a piece of clothing...

Remember these? Now in Silver!

Love. Love love love. Want. Will consider re-opening closed-up lobe holes for these babies. wantwantwantwantwantwant.[1]

^[1] Silver earrings are not recommended for the undead and werewolves. For geek use only. Not intended for use with non-pierced body parts[2]. Common side effects include consumer happiness and squeeing. Consult with a doctor before starting any new fashion regimen. TUAW is not responsible for the excessive drool this post may cause.

^[2] Those of you of the non-pierced variety may prefer the bracelet version, also available at 925works.

If you've been procrastinating like me on getting a Father's Day gift (it doesn't mean I love you any less, Dad, it's just the way I'm wired) there's a few options at the last minute. XtraLean Software, makers of TUAW fave ImageWell, are offering a Father's Day sale of $10 off the webpage creation tool ShutterBug; with your $29.95 you also get a free copy of the ImageWell Xtras, normally a $15 value.

In my family the iPhoto books are extremely popular, with updates every other year so that the grandparents can have coffee-table evidence of their progeny's progeny. Granted, they won't get there today, but you can promise something to look forward to. If you want to do something extra-personal, throw a few pictures into a Comic Life page and write a few funny captions, then hustle over to Staples and pick up some inkjet magnet paper. Putting pictures on a magnet somehow gives them added permanence.

Whatever gifts you give or receive (personally, I'm the happy owner of a new portable hammock, thanks sweetie!) all of us here at TUAW wish all you Mac Daddies a happy Father's Day!

Just a few more weeks until Mother's Day. If you're an FanBoi Dad looking for a special way to spice up your FanGirl Mamma's special day, here's an absolutely adorable way to go about it. For only $16.95, you can buy long sleeve or onesies iPod baby outfits. The outfits are available in white, blue, pink and black and are sized at 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-24 months. The website says to allow 5 days for US delivery and 10 days for international delivery.

Go on, tickle that click wheel--and check out this gallery of iPod babies while you're at it! Sure gives a new meaning to the TUAW tag "iPod family", doesn't it?

[Via the delightful GeekSugar]

Don't forget that the iTunes red gift card is now available for purchase at the Apple store. Available in $25 denominations, each purchase sends $2.50 to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. So if you're looking for a nice Valentine's day gift and want to give your sweetheart something both practical and meaningful, consider this great combination of tunes and social responsibility.

Thanks Josh W.

The Apple Store gets it right again! I just happened to be in my local branch last evening picking up a Wireless Mighty Mouse (contrary to what my loved ones might tell you, I do not live in an Apple Store), and I saw something pretty neat. They have a ton of Apple goodies stocked up for quick sale. There are two stations in the middle of the store with friendly Apple Store employees ready to check you out (credit card only) with hand-held card readers. They swipe your card, give you your box, and email you the receipt--Cool!

I've continually been impressed by the Apple Store experience. For instance, tonight when I was getting the Mighty Mouse the chipper cashier inquired as to what Mac I had. I figured she was just doing the corporate "smile at the customer" thing. Later, however, I realized what she was really doing was making sure I was not buying the Wireless Mighty Mouse to work with a Mac without Bluetooth. In other words, she didn't patronize the customer ("let me make sure you know what you're doing in buying that"), rather she just seemed friendly and yet was also making sure I wasn't going to be unhappy when I got home. As I said, Apple is really doing this retail thing right. So if you're in need of a last minute Apple gift (hi mom!) and you need to get out fast, the Apple Store has got you covered. (Sorry for the crummy camera phone shot, this is the guy at the opposite station from the one that checked me out).

TUAW has covered iPod hoodies before, but there was something about the overall look and style of this one that really caught my eye. Like other iPod hoodies, we're talking about an overpriced ($15-$20) iPod cover that hooks to your belt--but I thought the orange color and the detailing was so cute on this one that I'd share. I think they're a lot nicer than the standard cotton ones. Unfortunately, UpTown Bella, who sells these, is currently out of stock so you may want to check back in a few weeks after the Christmas rush or google for another vendor. They seem to be in stock over at AcademicSuperstore and BagYou right now.

Thanks Dad

We've mentioned the Tavo iPod gloves before, but if you want something a little bulkier - and warmer, from the looks of them, check out the iGlove Multi from Marmot. The iGlove Multi (we're really not sure what the "multi" is supposed to mean) is a pair of fleece gloves that are "Click Wheel compatible." They claim to be warm enough to wear by themselves, but thin enough to wear as a liner under your even warmer gloves.

So what the heck makes them "Click Wheel compatible?" Glad you asked. The iGlove Multi uses the patent pending Playpoint™ technology on the thumb and forefinger tips, which apparently makes for better Click Wheel contact than your wool mittens. The rest of the glove features silicon printing for enhanced grip and durability.

I like the concept of an iPod-friendly glove, in general, but I'd rather see a glove with a warm, snuggly, waterproof iPod pocket built-in and those fancy fabric iPod controls on top. Now that would be a sweet way to hit the slopes.

[via Uncrate]

This survey goes out to all you TUAW readers who are giving gifts around this time of year in celebration of one holiday or another: What Apple and/or Mac-related stuff are you giving this season?

Is there a musician on your list just dying for a MIDI keyboard for GarageBand? How about that family member you have who is the last person on earth without an iPod? Let's also not forget that student in your life who just came into owning an iBook, but still needs a decent case to groove around town with.

So feel free to (anonymously) spill your Apple/Mac holiday gift plans, but remember: we're not liable if your lucky recipient checks TUAW and figures out who you are and what they're getting. Disguise your identity in the comments as you see fit.