Quirky

It's cold, you're outside, and if you take your gloves off to text, your fingers will freeze. There are plenty of texting-friendly gloves to choose from, but I especially enjoy this simple solution from Quirky. The Digits are conductive pins that attach to any pair of gloves, instead of buying a dedicated texting-only pair. For $14, you'll get four pins, so just choose the fingers you use most and snap them into place.

The tips are made from silicone and attach to gloves with a metal pin so your device's screen is protected from scratches.

USB hubs are a dime a dozen, but this well-designed hub from Quirky may be just the hub you're looking for. The Contort Hub ($35) is a flexible accessory designed to plug into your computer's USB drive at any angle necessary, bending to accommodate up to four USB connections. Plus, it features its own cord management system built right in that expands to accommodate more cords if necessary.

Since the device is produced by Quirky's crowd-sourced design program, it's currently only in production and not available immediately. But, buyers can check back often for updates on its manufacture, distribution, and when you can expect to receive it.

Granted, there are a ton of new cases for the iPhone 4 on the market, but this is one of the more unique examples I've seen lately. The Quirky Tilt Case ($28) for iPhone 4 is a funky new installment with an edgy, easy-to-grip design that protects your iPhone 4 from spills. The case is made from durable plastic and the front from colorful, soft rubber. The sides are pinched for easy cord-wrapping, and the bottom of the case even snaps back to create a stand, which can hold your phone in horizontal or vertical position for easy viewing and FaceTime use. It's available in two colors: all black (which would look pretty awesome on a new white iPhone) and a purple and white combination. Not only is it fab, but it's also totally functional!

I can't believe someone didn't think of this sooner, but I'm in love already! Check out this Pivot Power Flexible Power Strip ($23), which features six outlets that can be adjusted and manipulated to save space. Not only will this gadget save floor space by bending into a more efficient shape, it's a surge protector, too. And it comes in both US and European versions.

If one of your goals for 2010 is to get your pile of gadget cables under control, I can help. But, if you're looking for a sweet and sexy tool to allow your cables some room to breathe, check out the Sling Back. Not just for making your legs look longer, this Sling Back is a retractable universal cable manager that fits cords as tiny as 1/8" in diameter (as in, your headphone cords), and sucks up to three feet of cable in its sleek little body. That's quite an appetite.

But, the best part is, the Sling Back comes from Quirky — a site where I can find a robust supply of cool, original products — and is made by independent inventors for the low, low price of $10. You certainly won't find a Steve Madden slingback for that price.

Whenever you see new gadgets or intricately designed gizmos, do you ever think, "I could have created that"? Well now's your chance because with a site called Quirky, you use your brilliant ideas to help create a brand new product.

Whether it's naming the ultimate Apple accessory, contributing to products in development, or coming up with your own product to be manufactured and delivered in a very short timeframe (stuff is made every few days), Quirky is guaranteed to tap into your inner inventor. Oh, and they'll even reward you with cash money for your ideas.

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