So now you’re hosed. It’s Christmas Eve and you need a truly last-minute present or stocking stuffer. Now, the simple thing to do would be an iTunes gift certificate, which you can print out or email. Bang presto, problem solved. But suppose you know someone who doesn’t own an iPod (they exist, you know). Or maybe you just want something different. here are some other gifts you can pull together at the 11th hour.

Games are the gifts that keep on giving…at least throughout the rest of the day when everyone else is bored with their drills and those blankets with sleeves and are now looking for what movies to see. And you may not know it, but there were plenty of great Mac games released this year. We’ve rounded up some of the best here so you can easily bring the joy of wanton violence to your loved ones this holiday season.

Virtual Programming showed some guts by bringing X3: Terran Conflict to the Mac. Are there any Mac gamers left willing to give up the time required to get into a space combat sim? Aren’t we all playing Diner Dash or those hidden object games? I hope not. In fact, games like this give me further reason to quit covering the casual games, because I want to spend more time with this one. And so I shall.

You want to beware a fellow who’s motto is “No gods or kings. Only man.” Chances are that such a man would fill those voids himself if given the chance. That’s pretty much what you’re up against in Bioshock, Feral’s latest Mac release. Bioshock is one of the prettiest, most enjoyable, violent and disturbing games I’ve ever played on the Macintosh. I can safely say I haven’t been this engrossed in a first-person shooter since Deus Ex.

The Saddleback Leather Laptop Case is an exercise in simplicity. There’s no elaborate folding scheme for airport security checkpoints, no hidden pockets for iPhones and whatnot, there aren’t even any zippers. It’s just leather. Mind you, it’s quality leather. 100% waterproof full grain boot leather with a high density Neoprene padding, as Saddleback will tell you at their site. But is that worth $265?

First impressions are everything, and the OtterBox Commuter series of iPhone cases certainly know how to make an entrance! Careful attention to detail, quality construction, and several other thoughtful features make both cases continually satisfying to use. Depending upon your needs, either the Commuter or Commuter TL cases are standout choices among the bevy of soft silicone iPhone cases.

The DoubleSight USB monitor is one of the many options available today in the world of USB displays. DoubleSight has 7 and 9 inch models, and you can even get a webcam to go along with the 9 inch model. The 9 inch also obviously benefits from a higher display, but both are about the size of an average netbook screen (if that’s something you’re familiar with). I tested out the DS-70U, the 7 inch model. The display powers itself and connects to your Mac (or PC) using two USB connections.

Wacom’s Bamboo tablet line has been known for great functionality for those of us who don’t want, don’t need or just plain can’t afford to spend the money on an Intuous or other professional level tablet. Now, Wacom has refreshed their Bamboo line of tablets, adding touch functionality, among other things, in the process. And not only touch, but multitouch.

IK Multimedia has really done it this time; they’ve completed the circuit between guitar and computer with the StealthPedal. Now you can have the best of both worlds: the versatility of computerized effects and amps along with the feel of a real expression pedal between you and the computer. IK Multimedia really made a significant improvement on the standard USB guitar interface by adding an expression pedal plus options. Trust me, guitarists won’t be disappointed.

A little low on juice? Just can’t make it through the day? Are your mornings filled with smile and sunshine, yet your afternoons filled with darkness and a constant grimace. Sounds like you need more battery life on your iPhone. Mophie can help. The Mophie JuicePack Air is one of the premiere external battery solutions for the iPhone 3G and 3G S. It’s a case with an extra battery in it. The whole package couldn’t get much more simple, though that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.