Man, oh, man does that Mark Hurst ever stay busy. But right around this time of year he can finally relax, as twelve months of sage widsom and smart tips culminate in his annual crowning achievement, the Uncle Mark Gift Guide and Almanac.

Part tech roundup, part Lifehacker, Uncle Mark gives us the low down on everything from cell phones to board games to how to make your finger into a magnifying glass (okay, he deserves a medal for that one), in this witty straight-talk so persuasive we wouldn't even think of defying his advice.

But it doesn't answer our biggest question: What should we get Hurst to thank him?