Rockin' Around the Computer Screen

It’s that time of the year again. It’s time to deck the halls, chug the egg nog, and start shopping for the recipients on your never ending list that seems to, well, never end.

The only problem? You’re family already has everything.

You could be really thoughtless and buy a couple dozen completely impersonal gift cards in the checkout line at Walgreens. Or you could go the ho-hum route and buy the tried and true yet again: a tie for dad, a CD player for the brother, gold clubs for Uncle Mark, cashmere sweater for Grandma (insert yawn here).

But if you really want to knock the stockings off your loved ones and show them that your truly care, put some thought into every gift and look no further than the internet.

Most everybody has either been the giver or receiver of a picture in a frame, capturing a special memory, from a friend or family member. But if you want to take the sentiment to the next level then make a photo mosaic (pictured) might be the answer. The crafty people on designmosaic.com make the whole process simple by allowing the creator to upload as many photos as they’d like and choose the main photo. Within one to two weeks a personalized mosaic made up of tiny thumbnails will be at your doorstep. The prices range from $19.99 to $49.99 depending on the size of the print and puts a clever twist on any picture.

For the environmentally-conscious in your life, look no further than inhabitat.com. Bike-chain picture frames, eco-friendly clothing, and solar-powered messenger bags are just a few of their specialty items. Any green-loving pal life is sure to be impressed and will proudly wear any of their organic clothing or accessories. The website has an assortment of such novel ideas as a necklace with a water faucet charm, reminding the wearer to save water. Their gifts are a little harsh on the wallet but definitely good for the Earth.

If you really want to get creative, cafepress.com can be a one-stop virtual shopping trip for any type of person on your list. Enabling just about anyone to feature their one-of-a-kind designs on clothing and other products, you might have to refrain from buying a few things for yourself (one for you, two for me?). For the family awaiting a soldier’s return, an entire category is devoted to t-shirts with sayings such as, “All I want for Christmas is my daddy to come home”. Funny slogans such as “My boyfriend can beat up yours” or political statements like “Defend marriage against what? Relevance?” can be found in any category on the website. Type any word or phrase into the search box and you’re sure to find a perfect present.

If you’ve ever heard someone repeat something so much that they might as well get it tattooed on their forehead, you can at least tattoo it on their clothing! Custom ink will print any saying or picture you desire onto an article of clothing of your choice (sweatshirts, T-Shirts, boxers, etc.). The only hard part is not laughing at loved one’s reactions when they see their signature phrase on their new shirt.

While these are only a few of the infinite gifting options on the web, you can be sure to start crossing names off after only a few clicks.

And who can forget the best part ?

You can shop in nothing but your Santa hat!