Personally, I find gifts that you can share to be the most satisfying. I’ve never been the kind of mom to cling to gadgets and keep them from my kid; heck, he’s got to learn somehow. Sure, things can be expensive, I understand that. But gadgets — even the coolest ones — when used with supervision, can be gateways into learning and creative expression. While I’m not letting my son run around like a crazy person with my Droid X, I still make sure I give him plenty of time to cozy up to it.
That said, the iPod Nano is a perfect gateway gadget for kids. And it’s a perfect gadget for moms. Let’s address the kids, first.
Music is important. Nay, essential, to life. And I believe giving kids the chance to explore music on their own terms helps with their development. Granted, parents need to be involved. But one of the things I’ve enjoyed with my son is watching as he decides which music he likes best (so far he loves Steve Miller Band and Tom Petty). And the Nano is great for him for a number of reasons. It’s got volume control, so little ears are protected from loudness. It’s got an iPod-like navigation screen (so little and adorable) that shows album art and can even display photos. It’s small enough for their hands, but super responsive, too. It’s also reasonably priced.
For moms, the Nano goes beyond just music. It’s got a pedometer, a radio tuner, and all those photos and interactive multi-touch features are great for us, too. A splendid companion for working out, it’s so much more portable than the full-sized iPods that it actually makes a jog feasible. Now if only the Nano could also also act as a time-bending device, I might actually have enough hours in the day to go for a run.
At any rate, you can get the iPod Nano just about anywhere. In my opinion it’s an excellent gift for anyone on your list.
And while I don’t have an iPod Nano to give away, I do have a beautiful blue iPod Shuffle that’s looking for a new home. What do you have to do to get this delightful piece of technology? Just tell me what song you will never tire of, and I’ll choose a winner at random. U.S. residents only; you have until Friday!
… go!
That’s an easy one “Trying to Find Purpose” By Vertical Horizon… my first dance at my wedding 🙂
Behold the Lamb of Gob by Andrew Peterson. Always encouraging and always just what I need to hear! Thanks for the great giveaway!
I have yet to tire of American Pie.
The Island-Come & See/The Landlord’s Daughter/You’ll Not Feel The Drowning by The Decemberists. How can you go wrong with at 10+ minute song?
Yoda by “Weird Al”. Really, most anything by “Weird Al.” He’s basically a geek phenomenon. Listening to music with my kids has also changed me — my temporary favorite is Keller Williams’ “Hulahoop to da Loop”
You Might Die Trying by The Dave Matthews Band.
“Alone in Kyoto” – Air. Haunting and beautiful.
“Before It Breaks” on Brandi Carlise’s Give Up The Ghost album (really the whole album could be on repeat and I would never tire of it).
Stevie Nicks – Landslide – that woman van sing like no other
“Veteran of the Psychic Wars” by Blue Oyster Cult. And, uh, “Creep” by Radiohead. I could listen to those on repeat forever. 🙂
Corcovado by Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz. Sheer musical bliss for me.
“Touch, Peel and Stand” by Days of the New. I love it, and I don’t know why but it reminds me of Christmas.
I’ve had “Sleigh Ride” going through my head for the past 5 hours or so!!!
“Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” by They Might Be Giants never fails to make me happy. Every time I hear it, I have to bop along.
Centerfield by John Fogerty
“Put me in coach, I’ m ready to play”
Green Eyes by Bush.
I never get tired of “Happiness is a Warm Gun” by the Beatles.
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
I typically never tire of classic Michael Jackson songs.
🙂
Last Dance with Mary Jane by Tom Petty.
I absolutely love that song.
Love by Nat King Cole. During Christmas, though, it’s replaced by Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
Vincent by either Don McLean or Josh Groban. Either one. love.
My favorite non-funny (i.e. not Weird Al) geek song is Marcy Playground’s “A Cloak of Elvenkind.” Can listen to it endlessly.
The song New Shoes by Paolo Nutini has yet to fall off my most played list.
I Am A Child of God. Love that song!
Pretty much anything by Jonathan Coulton, especially the Portal song.
I hate to admit it, but I never get sick of Candy Man by Aqua. Probably good thing since that album is my 12yo daughter’s favorite album!
Hidden Away on the new Illuminations album.
I will never tire of Stevie Nicks’ Landslide. Her voice is hypnotic and the words almost make me cry each time.
Thanks for a great giveaway!
“I Love to Hate You” by Erasure. It’s my cheer-up, work-out, make-me-smile song.