A flashlight cannot be missing in a Holiday Gift Guide. We picked the most versatile U.S. Military Tactical Flashlight available from cult gadget shop Hammacher Schlemmer.
Slightly longer than a cell phone the flashlight provides 20 tactical light functions.

The flashlight has a 185° articulating head that houses four different LEDs. It has a bright 1/2-watt bright white LED housed inside a waterproof, gasket-sealed polycarbonate lens used for general lighting purposes.
Its red LED is used for ambient illumination by military aviators at night, and can be used at night for reading maps or observing insects.
The green LED is used to preserve night vision; can be used with night vision goggles during wildlife observation.

The blue LED allows medics to easily identify injuries at night. The lights are controlled by rotating the on/off switches rotary collar.
All lights can be set to one of four intensity levels by pressing and holding the switch: 5%, 20%, 50%, 100%; each can be set to strobe by double-clicking the switch, resulting in five possible settings for each LED.
Two AA batteries (included; also accepts lithium batteries) provide up to seven hours at 100% intensity or up to 100 hours at 5% intensity for the white LED.

For Whom:
This Flashlight is for gadget fans with a survival instinct.

The Good:
Compact design
The right light for every need
Use of LEDs saves battery power

The Bad:
Military look is not for everyone

It is not the world's most powerful flashlight

Where to Buy:
The Most Versatile U.S. Military Tactical Flashlight sells on Hammacher Schlemmer for $79.95.

See all our top 10 gift tips in the Toys and Gadget Category. Explore all our Top 100 Holiday Gift Tips 2008.