Those sleigh bells are jingling, chestnuts are roasting by an open fire, and the holly is... boughing? decking? whatever. It's holiday time again, and that means it's time for you to start making those lists and checking them twice and laying down the plastic for things that are nice.

DreamFlyer Flight Motion Simulator
(click for image gallery)

This the third time around for InformationWeek's guide to your tech gadget gift purchases. As in previous years, we've rounded up gift ideas that are news you can use, not the same old thing. We've tried to make it as easy as possible and put the emphasis on simplicity -- most of the items gathered here are available for online ordering.

We know the hardest part of the holiday season is getting started, and we're here to help. Try this visualization exercise: look at the categories below and think about who on your gift list they might describe. "On the Road" -- could that be your sister, the marketing VP for a high-tech startup? So just check out the great gift ideas in that category. (We will discreetly leave it to you to decide whether your significant other is "The Sky's the Limit" or "Cheap Stuff.")

		The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
		•  Introduction •  Media to Go •  Media to Stay •  Fun and Games •  Photo/Video •  On the Road •  Cheap Stuff •  The Sky's the Limit
		•  Image Gallery

• It's been the Year of Media, as iPod earbuds blossomed everywhere and YouTube became a household word. So we've got not just one category for audio/video goodies, but two: Media to Go and Media to Stay.
• Got a gamer on your list who turns the air blue with Quaker oaths? Or somebody who needs an awesome cubicle toy? Fun and Games has what they need.

• Photo/Video makes finding great gifts for photographers -- still or video -- a snap.

• For globetrotters and road warriors, On the Road has gifts to keep them plugged in and charged up.

• Of course it's no reflection on you, but for those occasions when less might be more appropriate, there's Cheap Stuff.

• And for that special someone who deserves the best, The Sky's the Limit.

And keep in mind, gifts are for getting as well as giving. There just might be something here you'd like to receive this holiday season. So remember to bookmark your favorites, and leave them up on your screen when Santa's helpers might be in the neighborhood.