Despite the fact that the world is only just lumbering out of recession, this hasn't stopped the inventors getting new offerings to the market. here we look at the 'back to the future' gadget effect.

If you weren’t able to go to your latest gadget and gizmo show this year, don’t worry. Generally speaking, the shows have been loaded with high end (high priced) goods such as retro games - played on machines bigger than the average brick-built wrestler. Fortunately, the global turndown means inventions are trickling onto the market via routes other than the expensive stands in draughty halls. Exciting products are finding their way to the buying public using the back door marketing method. This often consists of entrepreneurs literally knocking on doors, invention in hand until they find that special someone who is willing to bring their new gadget or gizmo to the forefront. So how do we, the buying public then find those same, innovative, must-have goodies? Just typing the phrase gifts for him or gifts for her into a search engine produces a myriad of choice. However, narrowing that choice down and finding something different / special is the real headache. For example, a quick search on gifts for men on one popular search tool produces around 116,000,000 references. Typing in the phrase gifts for women produces a whopping 744,000,000, yes, seven hundred and forty four million! Wow.

So how do we go about finding that special something? It’s very simple – use the gadget that’s available to anyone who knows how to use, and has access to, a computer: the search engine. The secret is in HOW you use it. Adding a key word to your main phrase will bring suggestions that are more relevant for your needs. Try to use non-general terms such as Spy Stuff and once you’ve found a favourite online article or shop, remember to store it in the favourites folder on your computer. A little research then goes a long way and is likely to produce dozens of ideas for entertainment, gifts or simply a really useful gadget. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of answering a knock at the door and receiving your latest parcel – beats walking miles around a draughty exhibition hall.