Top 5 gadgets: Internal combustion engine kit

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE KIT: By Haynes, $69.99. What better gift for pint-sized petrolheads than their very own Internal Combustion Engine? This kit allows them to build a fully working model of a petrol car engine with ignition sound and illuminating spark plugs. It comes with more than 100 parts and a step-by-step manual to help them put it together. A great way to understand the mystery of engines. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Available from iqtoys.co.nz

XPLOD TUNE TRAY: By Sony, $399.95. MP3 players are great in most situations however plugging them into your car stereo can be a cable nightmare. Luckily Sony has cooked up a much neater way with their Tune Tray. Operation is easy, instead of a CD, just offer up your MP3 player of choice to the tray and it'll gobble it up - leaving not so much as a hint of a leftover wire. The system will then synch with your player allowing you easy control. For more information check out sony.co.nz.

THE DIGITAL POCKET MEMO 9600: By Philips, $799. Packing functionality with style, this digital device is the answer for all your dictation needs. It has a wide range of features such as voice commands, on-board file encryption and password protection. It also comes with network-based dictation software and a docking station for easy uploading. Great for students, journalists and generally keeping the record straight. Available from dictate.co.nz

E3350 SPEAKER SET: By Edifier, $169.90: Pump up your PC's sound with this sweet-looking set of speakers. This smooth number comes with two 2-Way 2.75-inch satellites speakers with soft silk dome tweeters and a sweet 5inch downward-firing subwoofer. It also comes with a wired controller and integrated MP3-in and headphone-out jacks. Check out jaudio.co.nz

XXL 550: By TomTom, $399. When you take on the open road it's best to be prepared and this navigation device is a smart start. Its 5.5inch touchscreen makes it easy to keep track of where you've been and where you need to go. It has handy new features such as "active lane guidance" to help keep you on the right path on unfamiliar roads and a thorough help menu. Available from electronic retailers.