Usually by this time of the year, I’ve got all of my holiday shopping done. Usually, by this time, I’m not even worrying about what one more person might want, or rushing through different websites trying to find something in stock, and hoping with fingers crossed hard that shipping can get it to me fast enough if I just throw enough money at the screen. This year isn’t like previous years, though, and I’m finding myself scrambling a bit.

“The Big Day” kicks off on Thursday, with plenty of merriment and gift giving happening the day(s) before in some cases, and I’m sitting here wondering just what I can get for a few more people. Plenty of folks on my list got a checkmark pretty dang quick, but it’s frustrating just how much longer it’s taking for others. And honestly, you’d think it would be an easy task, considering most people love technology and I’m pretty much knee-deep in the stuff every day.

I believe it’s my own prejudices preventing me from really going through with a few purchases, too.

I went to a big box retailer today, walked around for a bit and eventually found myself in the tablets section. I wandered. I perused. Each and every item I picked up is something that I’ve tried in the past and ultimately ditched for one reason or another. And as I went back and forth, looking over each one, eyeballing the price tag, weighing the present against the intended recipient, I just went through the (usually long) laundry list of reasons I didn’t keep it. Would that mean they wouldn’t keep it? Would I be a terrible person if I got them something I knew was “bad?”

Of course, let’s be real, what I think is bad isn’t going to be what most people think is bad, and vice versa. I’m holding myself back for ridiculous reasons, and while that’s super frustrating, it’s more frustrating because I’m actually running out of time, and before long I’m going to just have nothing to show for all this hard work. And let some loved ones down at the same time.

So, here I am, wondering just what to get those who are looking for their next piece of technology. The people who are ready to adopt a new piece of gadgetry into their ecosystem. Simply put, I’m looking for the tablet that would be the perfect choice for just about everyone. That best “all around” device, you know? Plus, I just want to know in general which gadgets you’re buying for other people — or even yourself — this holiday season. What made the cut for you, and why? Let me know!