Dan: A couple of weeks ago I went to a concert at the XL Center, what used to be the Hartford Civic Center. I figured that it is such a big landmark that any online directions would be correct. So I went on Google maps, got the directions and low and behold I was in the middle of Hartford nowhere close to the XL Center. Thanks Google maps! This occurrence really enlightened me to the new GPS phenomena that is circulating. I never thought that I needed a GPS because I would always have a trusty map at my side. I was wrong and a handy GPS would have saved me a lot of frustration and anger that day.

With all of that being said, my next gift idea recommendation is a Garmin GPS product. From what I have read, Garmin is truly the most trusted and widely used brand of GPS aids. As for the specific model type it really does not matter. The differences include radio, size of the screen, etc they all have pre-loaded maps and spoken directions. The coolest thing about them is you can pre-load addresses so that if you are in the midst of driving and need help immediately you can go to the pre-loaded section without having to type in all of the information.

The greatest advantage to having one is that you can eliminate a lot of the anxiety that is associated with long trips. You don’t need to know where you are going because your handy Garmin is announcing all of the turns and merges you have to make. When you are coming close to an important turn it even zooms the map in and shows you car’s own location in relation to the turn. It is truly one of the greatest gifts and if you have the budget for one make sure you get one!