It's Christmas; we're a bunch of digital media makers; ergo it's probably not hard to figure our what's on our giving or receiving lists this year. As we hear the collective groans of shoppers stuck for ideas, here's our suggestions to help the decisions ahead.

Give: an electronic recipe book. 

We have become dependent on being able to browse recipes whilst on the bus, in the supermarket, or while we eat our lunch. Planning ahead (even if it's 20 minutes) is so much more convenient, and features like making a shopping list, favouriting and just browsing for ideas have become part of our daily routine.

Giving one of these is dead easy if your loved one (I'm going to assume you love them) is on an iPhone, iPod, iPad. That's because the Apple App store (that's where you buy any media to go on your iDevice) offers you the choice (click the BUY button for options), to gift any app to anyone for whom you have an email address. On Android, it's a bit harder because the market is not yet set up for gifting.

But which one?

Well, there's celebrity ones like Nigella or Jamie, or there's specific use ones like Cupcake recipes. Naturally, we're recommending Fast, Fresh & Tasty - it's the only app made for a NZ audience and so it features ingredients we know and love (and can buy), as well as free seasonal updates to keep you in fresh ideas. (Plus, users are LOVING it!) For just $6.49 you get a whole cookbook, and free seasonal updates to boot.

Receive:  a helicopter I can fly with my mobile

Seriously, it's true. This Helo TC Helicopter is controlled by an app on your iPhone (or iPad) and apparently quite easy to fly. The app to fly it is free, but c'mon the chopper is only $50 USD. Much cheaper than the real thing, hopefully less flying lessons required, and hours of fun to be had. 

Give: safe, non-commercial, on-line gaming for kids

Minimonos is a membership based website that gives your kids access to hours of games (by themselves or against others) with an added bonus that they're learning about the environment and taking responsibility for what they can do to make a difference. With literally thousands of members, this site is fast becoming the global place where parents feel safe about what their kids are doing on the web. There's no advertising (unless you count being encouraged to recycle, or make smart decisions), it's monitored by real people, and it's fun. For around $40 you can get a whole year's subscription (and buy some clean water for children in India as a bonus). So, if you're sick of commercial toys and games, then this is a green, guilt free present that will be loved.   

Receive: a mat to pop your mobile(s) on and charge wirelessly. 

With this amazing device, everyone can walk in the door, put their phone (or camera) down on the mat and - ta-dah - we're all charging! No wires or endless types of plugs required, no queuing up for my turn on the charger. Just pop it on the Powermat and the job's done. Plus, you know where you put your phone down. Magic. Want. 

Give or receive: a spunky wireless speaker

I was lucky enough to get one of these when I attended TED last time.  The pictures on the web do NOT do them justice, but these portable, wireless Jambox speakers from  Jawbone are simply beautiful + functional. They hook up to your device through bluetooth and are a perfect way to skype with a group, play a demo to a meeting, or I'm packing mine to take to the bach for music on the deck.

At $200 they're a bit pricier than the rest of the list, but no matter if you're giving or receiving, there's bound to be an (audible) smile generated.

Now, enough solving your problems about gifts to give, I've got my own to sort out. But, there's probably an app for that ...