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The holiday gift guide, video games edition

For gifts that are both practical and fun, technology always hits the spot.

For gifts that are both practical and fun, technology always hits the spot. Some of it can be expensive, but when one thing can do so much and provide so many hundreds or thousands of hours of entertainment, the value per dollar is actually quite high.

Here's a short list of some games and consoles to consider:

For Kids: You really can't go wrong with the Nintendo DSi. The games are fun (and mostly rated E for Everyone), kids can network with friends pretty much everywhere there's WiFi, and there's a full range of strategy and brain-building games that may actually teach them something. They're portable, the battery lasts a long time and they're extremely durable.

For Slightly Older Kids: The Playstation Go is a neat gaming device that also doubles as a movie and music player, and does much more besides. But there's a new version rumoured for 2011 that looks pretty good with dual analog sticks, touch screen, accelerometers, etc. An iPod Touch might be a better option in the short term, although from my personal experience the touch screen is not ideal for serious gaming if that's your primary use.

For the Family: There really is a little too much choice these days. The Nintendo Wii never disappoints, although its library of games isn't the biggest or the best and it's motion control gimmick is dated now that the Xbox360 and PS3 have their own versions. It's still the cheapest of the big three consoles, however, and bundles start at $209 with one controller.

The PS3 Slim is being sold under the tagline "It only does everything." And with movie streaming, web browser, free multiplayer gaming and other features that's somewhat true. Bundles start at $299. A single Move motion controller will cost $40 or $70, depending on whether you purchase the controller alone or also buy the navigation attachment - and you're going to want the navigation attachment.

The Xbox 360 is offering a 4GB bundle with the Kinect motion controller, two games and regular controller for an amazing $299. I'd recommend shelling out another $60 for the 60GB hard drive, which you can use to store movies, music, photos and games. On top of all that you're going to want the Play and Charge kit ($15) and maybe a second controller ($40 to $60).

Best Family Games: the beauty of consoles is that you don't have to play alone in the dark anymore. All consoles make a wide range of party games that people can play together. Of the Xbox360 Kinect titles, I'd recommend Dance Central, its highest rated title so far. For PS3 I'd recommend Sports Champions or Tiger Woods. Wii owners should look into the Boom Blox Bash Party or Super Smash Bros. or Wii Sports Resort. For families with older kids, the new Rock Band 3 is a good pick if you can find it anywhere - especially if you pick up the real guitar, pro drums and keyboard attachments - but it will set you back around $500 to get the best peripherals.

For the Introvert/Agoraphobe: One of the biggest events in gaming this year is the release of Cataclysm, the third expansion to the World of Warcraft massively multiplayer online game.

The previous entry, The Wrath of the Lich King, was all about ice. This time it's all about a dragon, the return of Deathwing from the old days of Warcraft II, who's all about fire.

There are around 3,500 new quests in this expansion plus seven new dungeons, plus new battleground, new cities, new raid possibilities, new races, new jobs and more, which adds up to potentially years of fun.  Cataclysm will cost $50 to buy but an online World of Warcraft account will set you back another $15 a month.

For the Button Masher: If you're looking for a safe bet in terms of a first person shooter, you're not going to be disappointed by Call of Duty: Black Ops. Xbox 360 owners will be happy with Halo: Reach. If you're into zombie games, Zombie Nation is a good pickup for PS3 owners, while Xbox 360, PS3 and PC owners can enjoy Left 4 Dead 2.

For the Escapist: Role playing and strategy games have come a long way. If you're looking for a long, interesting game with a few exciting battles, some good options include Assassins Creed 2 (or Brotherhood expansion), Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age: Origins, Fallout: New Vegas, etc. The Borderlands Game of the Year Edition also promises great value, combining role playing with a first person shooter.

 

Mint in Canada - finally!

For years I used Wesabe to track my expenses and budget my dollars, but that site is no longer with us. Apparently it was never as good as Mint.com, which just last week was finally introduced to Canada - about a year later than the rumour said it would be, but it's welcome all the same.

Basically, you go to www.mint.com/canada/ to open an account, at which point this website starts tracking all your financial transactions. It learns as it goes, and knows when a purchase is groceries or gas. At the end of the month you'll be able to see how much money you spent and on what, which will hopefully guide you to making better decisions the following month.