RedGage

The holiday shopping season is here. This year, instead of trying to buy something for each person in the family, consider buying family gifts that everyone in the family will have fun using. Do the research and if it's a must-have item, get it now.Gift Choices for Family EntertainmentMindflex: This game challenges players to test their mind-over-matter skills by levitating a soft foam ball in order to move it through an obstacle course, using only the power of their mind. Kids strap on the included headset that contains sensors for the forehead and earlobes to measure their brainwave activity.With deep concentration, the ball rises on a stream of air, and when the mind relaxes the ball begins to descend. Players must master these mental maneuvers to guide the ball through an obstacle course. Up to three friends can challenge each other with five unique game modes. 4 "C" batteries and 3 "AAA" batteries required (not included). Ages 8 years and up. The average retail price is $80.Xbox 360 KinectEvery year, computer software companies compete with each other to create the best gaming system. Microsoft is a leader in this competition. For the older generation, Xbox can be described as the arcade to end all arcades, but it goes beyond games. The new Xbox 360 with Kinect is a DVD player, can download instant movies from Netflix, enables players to connect with, instant message and play games remotely with other players through a membership in Xbox Live. Now with the new Xbox Kinect, basically the Xbox becomes a Wii too, enabling Xbox players to play motion activated games using a motion sensory camera.The Xbox 360 has a massive hard drive and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port. The console is equipped with three powerful core processors, 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound. The 120GB detachable hard drive can save games and store television shows, movies, music and pictures.The new Xbox 360 Kinect game console retails at around $300 and can be used by everyone in the family. There are numerous game choices from toddler and preschool learning games to adult role play and adventure games. Games retail on average from $30-$50 each. For those that already have an older version of the Xbox 360, an Microsoft Kinect attachment can be bought for $150.Android PhonesIt's a sure bet that if they don't already have one, every member of the family 8 years and older is asking for a cell phone. In fact cell phones are so popular, cell phone companies are now competing with family plans. T-Mobile, in September, introduced a Kids Free plan. With a two year family plan agreement with T-Mobile, a family can get up to three free phones for the children. However beware of the small print. This offer is only free until 2012. After 2012, parents will pay for the extra line.Choosing a cell phone can be difficult. Right now the most popular phones on the market are theAndroid phones. Basically these are the phones with all the apps. These phones come with texting and messaging capabilities. They are equipped to be an MP3 player, hand-held gaming console, datebook and a checkbook. Consumers can also access the internet, take pictures and record videos. The family can download music, movies,TV shows, ebooks and media right onto their phones. These are so popular, the Android phones are outselling the iPhone. However that kind of demand comes with a hefty price. Compare prices from the different phone companies: Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc. Average prices for the Android phones are running about $100 and up and monthly fees for services start at $40 and up.Buying for the Family Compare the CostChoosing gifts that will bring happiness and enjoyment throughout the year is the goal of most families on a budget. Even though some of these gift options may seem too expensive, compare the price of buying each family member a gift individually or buying one or two big ticket items that can be enjoyed by all family members for years to come.