Make germs see the light

Ever since I came across this great gadget a few weeks ago, I've been using it all around the house with great success. It's a small, easy-to-use sanitizer wand that uses Ultra-Violet light to kill germs, bacteria, viruses, mold and dust mites without chemicals -- a trick that many hospitals use.

It's really easy: shine the wide beam of UV-C light from Germ Guardian's new travel-size Mini Sanitizer Wand over the questionable surface. It works on hard surfaces like bathroom tile and toilets, as well as soft ones like damp hotel swimming-pool towels or that questionable-looking motel bedspread. It's not quite pocket-size (10 1/2-by- 1 1/2-by-1 1/2 inches), but it weighs only about 13 ounces, runs on four AA batteries, and fits easily into a backpack or tote bag. If you're traveling with little kids, you'll wish you had it the moment your toddler drops his pacifier on the floor.

Price: About $60.

Get that Gadget! At Lowe's stores and online at Lowes.com.

Gorgeous notecards and calendars by Nancy Hausman

The simple, timeless images on Cambridge, Massachusetts-based artist Nancy Hausman's prints, notecards, and calendars make them perfect for any occasion. Reproduced from original oil-crayon artwork, Hausman's whimiscal prints are saturated with glowing color. Keep a few sets on hand for last-minute holiday gift giving -- they're classics that won't go out of style.

Price: Set of eight notecards, $8; calendars, $12 to $14; matted art prints, $50.

Get that Gift! Nancy Hausman Designs.

Great gift guides at Work It, Mom!

The holidays are fast approaching, and over at Work It, Mom! I've been testing and reviewing products like crazy in order to offer up the best gift ideas out there. Looking for a great Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, hostess, Secret Santa, Yankee Swap or insert-your-favorite-gift-giving- occasion-here gift? We've got you covered:

Last-minute gift ideas from The 36-Hour Day

Unique baby gifts

Great gifts for toddlers

Great gifts for preschoolers

Gift ideas for older kids (age 5 to 10)

Stocking stuffer for adults of all ages (from college-age on up)

Great gifts for guys

Stay tuned! I'll be focusing in on my favorite gifts from the guides right here on Get that Gadget!

Feltopia Travel Set by Manhattan Toy

Portable, easy-to-use, multi-functional, quiet toys are priceless when you're traveling with small kids. The Feltopia activity set by Manhattan Toy quickly become a favorite with my 4-year-old.

It's an old-school felt board updated for today's on-the-go tot -- the clever carrying case opens and closes like a portfolio, with five flet panels to play on, and pockets in the back hold all of the floppy little pieces. It comes with 28 colorful felt cutouts in four themes -- ocean, fairy garden, royalty, and family room -- that children can use over and over again to create pictures and scenes.

Age range: 3+.
Price: About $30.
Get that Gadget! Online at www.geniusbabies.com and Manhattan Toys.com and in-person at Belmont Toys (71 Leonard St., Belmont, Masschusetts; 617-484-1101).