Anqoinette Crosby

A fun, fast-paced lifestyle feature on the trendiest automotive gear on the planet! GEAR features everything from the latest car gadgets that make cars flashier and more enjoyable to drive to matching luggage for that cool sports car, cool kids stuff and trendy apparel.

For busy new parents on the go, here is a great multi-tasking solution that makes traveling with your little one safe and easy. It's the all-in-one car seat, stroller and booster seat from Hammacher and Schlemmer. It features the 5-point harness. The company says the seat meets all US safety standards, including lead. It converts quickly from a secure car seat to a stroller, and can even be used as a booster seat when dining. So no more lugging extra equipment. Simply wheel your child to the car, fold away the wheels and handle, and buckle it firmly in place. Once you arrive, unbuckle the seat and transform it back into a stroller. It can accommodate children from 5 to 40 pounds - all for about $220. So there you have it, traveling GEAR that can provide multiple uses for parents on the move.

Nothing beats the convenience of using your remote control to unlock or even start your car from a few feet away. Now there's a much more trendier way to do all of those things and more by using your cell phone or computer. Autopage recently unveiled their ultra-cool C3 System.

JASON EWING, NATIONAL PRODUCT SPECIALIST, AUTOPAGE: "Most people are used to using a remote to control their vehicles. Now we're going to use a cell phone."

And how do you link those two together?

EWING: "A simple text message they can put on their phone just like downloading a game. I can lock it, I can unlock it, pop my trunk, I can remote start it, I can track the vehicle. A lot of parents track their teens if they are driving their vehicles. I can even get speed alerts on the phone. Anything."

Anything from anywhere?

EWING: "From virtually anywhere in the world."

And like you said from anywhere in the world.

EWING: "Anywhere in the world. And pricing starts around $500 and some."

All right, that's reasonable. So there you have it, Auto gear that won best of innovation at the Consumer Electric Show - and now you know why.

Cars in your blind spot are an accident waiting to happen. You can't see them and they can't see your turn signal. But these Turn Smart Mirrors, by Auto Care, can safely solve both problems. The special convex wide-angle mirrors help eliminate your blind spot, while the bright red LED flashers add a clearly visible turn signal. All you do is adhere the mirrors and attach the transmitter to the turn signal wires in your cargo area. The complete kit includes a test light and plug connectors that eliminate the need to disconnect or splice any wires. Plus, a one-year warranty. All for around $100. So there you have it, GEAR that will help you to see and be seen by other drivers and steer you clear of trouble.

This small device could help turn your chaotic holiday trip to grandma's house into a peaceful joyous ride. The Power Station Traveller from Resource Products will help eliminate any bickering over your car's single 12-volt outlet. With so many devices to be powered and charged by your car as you drive, it's hard to decide which one gets plugged in and which one gets left out. Now you can power your iPod, cell phone charger, electronic games and GPS system. This power strip is designed specifically for your car, boat or RV. Plugs into your car's 12-volt dc power outlet. It supplies power for up to three electronic devices that have 12-volt chargers. Devices and chargers are sold separately. The unit comes with a convenient carrying case, which stores the power strip's car adapter and a 5-foot cord. All for around $40. So there you have it, great GEAR to help you power up all the devices you need to make your drive more enjoyable.

'Tis the season to start seriously thinking about holiday gift ideas. Here are a couple of great stocking stuffers for the gear heads on your list.

Hands down, this cool hands-free Bluetooth speaker phone by BlueAnt is a gift that will surely be put to good use. If your car doesn't already have built-in Bluetooth capabilities then the supertooth light is a safe, easy to use option. With this device, you don't have to pull over to the side of the road or use an obtrusive headset to talk safely on the cell phone. Instead of having to latch a headset to your ear, the Supertooth can mount on your car's visor and send out the conversation through its built-in speaker.

And continuing with the festive mood, check out some nostalgic car-themed Christmas ornaments. Rev up your tree with miniature muscle car engines. They're $15 each, from AutoSport.

So there you have it - great GEAR gift ideas for the holiday season.

Whether you've seen cop cameras in action on reality TV or in real life when you've been pulled over, there's no denying car cams provide video evidence that's hard to refute. Now you can be armed with the same video tool. The Vehicle Safeguard Camera from Gadget Universe may give you some sense of protection if you are the victim of a carjacking or involved in a car accident. The camera keeps rolling and could provide objective information from the scene that insurance companies or law enforcement may need. Install in minutes. Video is recorded in AVI format, which is compatible with any PC. It costs $80. So there you have it - video gear that gives drivers an added sense of protection - just in case.

First cell phones, now iPods may be the latest device distracting drivers who use them while behind the wheel. But here's a simple safe solution if your car doesn't have voice activation for your music players - it's a wireless iPod remote from Schose, It fits snugly on your steering wheel and allows safe control of your iPod player when you're driving. You can easily control it with your thumb and offers basic functions. Play/pause, track forward/backward and volume plus shuffle/playlist. The RF remote boasts up to 150 feet of range so you can either store it in the trunk or in the glove compartment - all for around $80. So there you have it. Just the latest GEAR that allows you to navigate your music while safely navigating the road.

Like this BMW watch? Well ladies, wearing this stylish gear not only makes a fashion statement, it also brings attention to a very worthy cause. The pink ribbon has become the global symbol for breast cancer awareness. Many companies now offer a variety of pink products to choose from. But BMW's collection is one of the most notable. The merchandise is feminine, functional, and the best part about it - 80% of the proceeds goes to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Choose from this $50 watch, or a roomy tote for $28. There are also hats and polo shirts so you can show your support and look sporty doing it. So there you have it, pink ribbon road gear that show us how fashion and compassion never go out of style!

Road rage is no laughing matter, so if you're looking for a perfect gift for a driver who seems way too uptight - this may be it. The Drivemocion helps drivers communicate in a kinder, gentler, non-psychotic way while sharing the road. This small digital display comes from a British company called Au-My Limited. It's easy to install - simply stick it to your back window with a suction cup. The gadget is remotely controlled via the dashboard. It's battery operated - no wires - and displays single or multiple messages. All the messages are G-rated - from smiley faces to frowns. Hey, we use emoticons in text messages, email and IM's - why not cars? The Drivemocion costs between $20-35, depending on the version. Just the latest gear to help drivers take the edge off of road encounters of the worst kind.

Many of us are guilty of fumbling for our ringing cell phone to see who's calling when were behind the wheel. A safer, hipper, hands free option may be this Sony Ericsson Caller ID watch. The watch rings when you get a call and displays the name and number of the caller - all at the flick of your wrist. Don't want to take the call? You can send it to voicemail. Now the watch doesn't replace your cell phone if you want to have a conversation - it only gives you caller ID info. But the watch does get cool points - in a James Bond sorta way. It retails for about 250 bucks, and works with all Sony Ericsson and other bluetooth-enabled phones. Just the latest gear that's both clever and cool.

There's more to accessorizing your vehicle than adding fancy wheels or bazooka exhausts. To complete the custom look and to show pride-in-your-ride, you may want to slip on a pair of these Grix Billet sunglasses. What makes them so unique is that they're made out of lightweight billet aluminum, with styling inspired by the chrome side trim of the classic 50's era hot rods. But sporting these cool shades can mean more than a fashion statement. The lenses absorb 100 percent UV rays and help protect your eyes against harmful glare. These sunglasses are limited editions with every pair individually numbered. They cost around $200. So there you have it, just the latest eye-catching gear to keep you driving in style.

Many of us spend a lot of time in our car, and anything can go wrong at any time. That's why a survival kit like this one from Eddie Bauer is smart to have on hand. And although some newer cars come equipped with first aid kits, this one gives you a bit more and all for about $20. Another popular gadget that can help to get you out of a jam is the First Response Emergency tool from Auto Sport. It can cut through seatbelts if you're trapped in your car and need to get out. It's also strong enough to be used as a pry bar. It costs about $60. So there you have it - survival gear to the rescue.

If you don't own a truck or SUV, good luck trying to haul big bulky items in the trunk of a car. It can be such a pain trying to secure the trunk lid. This trunk cleat by Kurgo solves the problem. This clever license plate frame comes with everything you need and provides a sturdy handle to attach a bungee cord or tie down rope. So once you've loaded up your stuff, simply hook the strap onto the trunk cleat. It costs about $32, and now you can feel confident that your trunk lid won't fly open and you lose your cargo as you're driving down the street.

One of the easiest ways to customize your ride without spending a whole lot of money is to replace your standard antenna mast with one that's creative and unique. If you love to fish or know someone who does, then this antenna by Frogworks leaps ahead of the competition. It's called Fish On! It's a bona-fide fishing rod and a radio antenna with great reception. The angler antennas come in four styles, with an accessory kit, and fit most cars and trucks for under 30 bucks. So there you have it - automotive fishing gear - you can use on land, and in the water.

No matter how much you strain your neck, it's hard to see what's behind you when you're backing up. The Roadmaster Wireless Backup Camera from Skymall can help you steer clear of hidden people and objects. Just like the factory-installed cameras available on many new SUVs, the Roadmaster camera gives you a clear view of what's behind you and in color. It's pretty easy to install. It wires right into the reverse light socket of your taillight assembly and you have the option of mounting the monitor on your visor or dash. It retails for under $150.

If your dream is to own a Cadillac Escalade, you can either buy this brand-new one or you can downsize to the iCar. The iCar by Corgi USA bounces to the beat when an iPod, stereo, CD player or other music source is connected with an input jack. This model Cadillac Escalade becomes a tricked out caddy with real working spinner wheels, wild graphics, chrome accessories, big tires and stereo system. Don't have an iPod handy? Well no problem - the iCar comes with its own cool music and is ready to do its thing on a moment's notice. All for under 40 bucks. Just the hippest gear designed for kids of all ages.

This tiny device, called the Reverse Alert from AutoSport, may ensure that you're backing up safely. Although factory installed backing alarms are available on newer cars and SUVs, most vehicles on the road don't have them. So the Reverse Alert may be the next best thing. Just peel it and stick it to your backup light. When the light comes on, the Reverse Alert beeps a warning for those around you. It's safe and easy to install - no wiring or tools needed. It sells for just under $15 - a fraction of the cost for a rear view camera. Just the latest gear to keep you moving safely - in reverse.

If you're nervous about handing over the car keys to your teenager, then this may be the high-tech solution to you getting a good night's sleep. It's called DriveSync™, also dubbed the 'teen tracker'. This GPS device sells for about $300 and is easy to install in your car. Once the vehicle starts moving, it starts monitoring and recording driver behavior - such as speed, distance, when, where and how aggressively your vehicle is being driven. When you are ready to see the driving record, just remove the data key and plug it into a computer's USB port. And voila - you get a clear picture of your teen's driving habits. Hopefully, DriveSync™ will help reduce the number of teen driving fatalities by deterring bad behavior on the road and give parents some peace of mind.

It's getting cold outside! So imagine having car trouble and being stranded along side of the road in freezing conditions. And maybe you're only wearing lightweight clothing. Car breakdowns in cold weather don't have to be a recipe for disaster. Not when you have something like this - an electric travel throw. This one by Wagan warms up in 10 minutes and uses your 12 volt car accessory outlet. Keep it in your emergency car kit along with a flashlight, flares and food. And when trouble strikes, toss it around your shoulders. For under $40 it will keep you warm and toasty until help arrives.

If you've ever tried finding a parking spot in say New York or Washington DC, then you know the drill. You circle around and around trying to find a parking spot nearby. So wouldn't it be great if you had someone find you a parking space ahead of time and hold onto it until you got there? Well, dream no more. The Mobile Parking website (www.mobileparking.com) has a new service that does just that. After registering online, call from your car and tell them where you are going and they'll find an available space in a parking garage. The first time is free. And after that it's about a buck seventy-five each time you use it. A small price considering how much you'll wind up saving in gas, parking tickets and time.