2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Editor's Picks

This rugged 14-megapixel camera was made to survive the elements. It’s waterproof (to 33 feet), crushproof, and can shoot 720p HD video. The Pentax Option WG-1 also comes with GPS functionality (for geo-tagging applications) and an anti-reflective 2.7-inch LCD screen. It’ll survive sub-freezing temps, has 97 MB of memory, and an SD card slot. Cost: $349.95

Perfect for business or pleasure—or both—this Revolver Bound journal splits at the spine to reveal another writing space and even a different color cover. Available in large and small sizes and a variety of eye-catching shades these multitasking notebooks serve as a handy companion. The pages are 100 percent recycled with a 50-50 split of lined and blank pages. Cost: $12 and $19

This detective-worthy GPS tracking device will help you keep tabs on your most prized possessions. The waterproof gadget—which weighs 1.7 ounces—comes with an adhesive strip, case, and carabiner clip, making it simple to attach to virtually anything. Register the GTU 10 on My.Garmin.com to set up to 10 geofences per device. You can track where an object has been and get e-mail or text notifications if it moves in or out of designated areas. Cost: $199.99 with one year of standard tracking, then $50 per year

This sleek and colorful wireless speaker was made to help you multitask. The Jambox play your music, serve as a speakerphone for conference calls, and even send an e-mail text if you tell it to. You can download apps to personalize and improve the device to fit your needs. At 12 ounces it won’t weigh you down, and with a battery life of about eight hours, it won’t let you down either. Cost: $199.99

Be good to the environment without the hassle of a hard to clean container. The Alex Bottle twists apart for easy cleaning, is BPA-free, and is made out of 50 percent recyclable stainless steel. You can mix and match the durable and practical bottle halves to create custom-sized 20, 26, or 32-ounce bottles. Cost: $25.95 for 20 oz, $29.95 for 32 oz

Ever wish you could use your iPad for fun and type fervently on it too? This leatherette case should quench that desire, transforming your tablet into a laptop-style device for serious work sessions. The built-in Bluetooth keyboard is made of silicone and can survive every drip of espresso you spill on it. The tyPad lasts 55 hours on a rechargeable lithium battery and comes with a USB port connector. Cost: $99.99

Weighing in at about 13 ounces, this Samsung Galaxy Tab has a 7-inch touchscreen that responds quickly to commands. It has a camera in the front for video calls as well as a rear one with flash and auto focus. The memory can be expanded up to 32GB. You can choose to have the tablet run on Wi-Fi only (nix the contract), or set up a service plan with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint. Cost: Price varies with plan, Wi-Fi Only $349.99

You’ll never risk dropping your phone unprotected with this innovative case. The bottom of the hard plastic shell flips back for easy docking. Rubber lines the inside of the case and extends past the screen to protect the device from shock. Rubberized button covers add even more protection. The Speck CandyShell Flip is available in white/pink, black/blue, and black/gray. Cost: $34.95

This rugged phone handled abuse best in tests. The Sonim XP3300 Force can be submerged in water for up to an hour and has a hard rubber and fiberglass shell to protect it from the elements. Though it lacks a touch screen and can’t connect to Wi-Fi you can still access e-mail and the Internet through a cellular connection. It’s available in black and yellow with an impressive 20 to 24-hour battery life. Cost: $525

This small gadget called the J5 Create Wormhole KM Switch is perfect for when you need to transfer files back and forth from computers, or want to connect and interact with a tablet. The USB to USB cable simplifies the sharing process, and allows you to control two devices with the same keyboard and mouse, as well as copy and paste content between PCs. Cost: About $30

— Caitlin Berens and Nadine Heintz