Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Honestech Software

With a wide variety of software titles to suit every interest, Honestech Software have something for everyone on your list this year. Jai and I have been testing out a selection of their programs, and this brand gets the “Nerdy or Novice” seal of approval. Here are our picks for everyone on your list:

For Kids:

Claymation Studio 2.0
$49.99

“Capture images using a digital camera, webcam or DV camcorder and add background images, audio, and music to create your own stop-motion movies. With honestech Claymation Studio, you can easily create stop motion video.”

This software is so much fun! I used this to create a video entry into a contest last week, and I had a blast doing it. Here’s my silly video:

I would have loved to have something like this when I was a kid, so I think it would make for an awesome gift!

For The Family Historian:

VHS to DVDâ„¢ 4.0 Deluxe
$79.99

“Transfer Video Tape to DVD! – Unlock your memories trapped in old media such as VHS tape, 8MM tape, and Mini-DV from camcorders and VCR by using a smart VHS to DVDâ„¢ all-in-one solution.
The Deluxe version of VHS to DVDâ„¢ includes the VIDBOXâ„¢, a USB 2.0 video capture device for preserving your irreplaceable home videos. No external power needed, making the VIDBOX especially suitable for laptop users.”

This program couldn’t be simpler to use and gives you great results. If you’ve got a dusty box full of family video tapes hanging around, this tool will help you easily preserve them.

For The Budding Film Student:

Easy Video Editor 3.0
$39.99

“The intuitive user interface makes cutting and merging clips possible with only a few clicks. honestech Easy Video Editorâ„¢ 3.0 is a video editing application that allows even novice users to edit video. You can also add intro/ending credits and add various transitions and special effects using the templates.”

If you’re giving someone a camcorder this year, this software would be a great companion piece. Or perhaps your teen is developing an interest in filmmaking? This software will help new users learn how to edit their movies.

For Scrapbookers:

FOTOBOX Plus
$79.95

“With just a few clicks, you can create spectacular photo slideshows from your digital photos.

Simply insert your SD memory card into the FOTOBOXâ„¢ and plug the FOTOBOXâ„¢ into the USB port on your PC. The FOTOBOXâ„¢ user interface appears on your computer screen to easily create a spectacular slideshow.”

Want to create something special with those treasured photos? Or perhaps make a slideshow for a special event? Then check this out!

For Music Lovers:

Audio Recorder 2.0 Deluxe
$79.99

“With just a few clicks, convert your analog music into digital formats including MP3s and audio CDs.
Convert all of your music, including cassettes, LPs and 8-track tapes, into MP3s, WAV files, audio CDs or MP3 CDs, and listen to them on your home and portable music players.”

Would you like a simple way to load your vinyl collection onto your iPod? Then Audio Recorder 2.0 might be for you.

Honestech products are available at retailers across the US, from Target to JC Penny – just in time for last-minute shopping! Click here for a full list of stores. You can also purchase these titles online. And be sure to check back, as we have detailed reviews of each of these programs coming soon!