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For those of you who want to get something a little less expensive, older game systems are still an acceptable option. The prices for each system is dropping and games will continue to be released for these systems for at least another year or two.

If you have a delicate ego, I'll offer you this warning: Getting a previous generation game system as someone's first console may not be the best idea. At first glance, the recipient will look a little bewildered, pondering why you didn't just get them one of the new and much pricier systems, and then play excited for a couple minutes. If that does happen, tell them - jokingly, of course - you thought they'd at least appreciate it as a collectible and then quickly shower them with a few quality games for the system. Once they get playing, they'll still enjoy it.

Oh, and don't forget, if you do buy an older console, either toss in a $50+ gift card or get a memory card, extra controller and at least one extra game.

Sony PS2

Sony has declared that they are on a 10-year plan for each game system, which puts the PS2's life ending around 2010. That means PS2 game be in development for several years, also making the PS2 a great bargain buy. You'll also find plenty of bundled game bargains around the holidays in larger stores, such as WalMart. It's still a strong system (and the one I most often find myself recommending to those buying their first game system).

Microsoft Xbox

As far as I can tell, Microsoft has not yet planned to abandon the original Xbox and games will continue to be released. The internal hard drive, speedy load times, good graphics, plenty of decent system exclusive games and Xbox Live will continue to help keep this system alive for a while. Make it includes an extra controller, a headset and maybe some xbox Live credits so they can enjoy online gaming.

Nintendo GameCube

The main reasons to get a GameCube instead of a Wii are the much lower price tag and if you really like the adapter that allows you to play Game Boy Advance games on a larger screen. Since Nintendo does a good job marketing to kids, you'll be able to pick up a lot of inexpensive and really fun kid-friendly games. The system may still get giggles from some hard core gamers but it's still impressive (and they can't play Mario Party).

Nintendo Game Boy Advance

Again, I might have to just suggest the DS since it will play GBA games. But, you can get the retro GBA that has a Nintendo Entertainment System look to it. It also is much less expensive than the DS, which makes it great for the youngest gamers who may decide to try and flush it in the toilette one day. At least then you'd be a little less likely to cry over the lost cash.

... what about a gaming PC or a cell phone?

A good gaming PC - and of course "good " is a relative term - can easily cost $2,000 or much, much more. It'd be impossible for me to even touch on the specifics of a decent PC rig here, though I'll likely touch on it in several future columns. Buying a PC is a great gift, but be prepared to do a lot of extra research and suffer through sticker shock each time you add a component. Also, be certain everything is returnable since PC Gamers get persnickety about the type of graphics card, cooling system, processor, mouse, mouse pad, RAM maker and caffeinated beverage they use.

As cool as it might seem to get a cell phone as a gaming system - even the Nokia N-Gage QD, which still impresses a few people when I pull it out - don't do it. Cell phones are such a personal purchase that only the person who will use should pick it out. Everyone has their own weird preferences and needs, and finding a phone to fit their personality should really be left to them. Don't take it personally. I'm sure your judgment is great. After all, you did read through my column. Besides, it would be poor form to give a phone that doesn't work with their plan. Now to score even more Good Judgment Points, make certain you always read it before Dear Doug.