For the remainder of the week, we’ll be running a series of “stocking stuffers,” under-US $100 holiday ideas for Mac users. And for even more gift ideas, check out MacCentral’s holiday gift guide on Apple’s Web site.
If the holiday season has you or a loved one stressed out, there are some Mac compatible products designed to help you chill out.
Mercury Software sells Kyoto Gardens, which offers a “virtual stroll through Zen landscapes. It promises a “soothing, meditative refrain in these violent times and a great Christmas present for all aspiring gardeners or those looking for sudden enlightenment.” There’s an online site for more info and another for ordering. The cost is US$39.95.
Meanwhile, a company called Clearground has produced a $25 Meditation DVD using DVD Studio Pro and Final Cut Pro. It’s based on the waterways of northern California.
Each video contains natural audio and then two other audio tracks that have guided meditations. As a cool extra feature, the videos can be looped so you can watch the water forever — or at least until you press stop.
Part of the Meditation DVD was filmed at Alpine Lake in the Sierras just as the snow began to melt last spring. The remainder was filmed on the Pacific Coastline in the Golden Gate Recreation Area (near the Cliff House if you happen to be familiar with San Francisco). You can see a QuickTime Preview online.
Although not exactly a stocking stuffer (if you’re interested, you’ll probably want this item NOW), Galleon Software has an answer to anyone who has been putting off writing their Christmas cards: personalized HTML greetings. The cards are free, but Galleon also has a mail merge application, emerge, for those really in a hurry — or who have lots of cards to send. It’s normally $99, but is on sale for $79 during the month of December.
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