The Gaydar Gun (gaydargun.com, $39.95) Always had a suspicion about your impeccably attired boss? Wondering why your son would rather take ballet than karate? Have a history of dating LUGs? The confusion ends with a handy new device inspired by a prop in the low-budget film Gaydar (which happened to feature Charles Nelson Reilly’s last role). Simply point and shoot, and the rainbow Homometer will tell you (and everyone in the room) what you already knew.
The L Word season five (Paramount Home Video, $55.98) Love it or hate it, The L Word increased lesbian visibility drastically. It’s not too late to get on the bandwagon; catch up before the sixth and final season starts in January. 
Gay America: Struggle for Equality (Amulet Books, $24.95) Don’t know your Kinsey from your Billie Jean King? Linas Alsenas’s textbook, written for young adults, can clue anyone in to gay history.
Amanda Lepore CelebriDuck (Patricia Field, $25) We’ll venture to say that the real transsexual fashionista doesn’t have any problem floating in a bath. But the rubber version does a good job of it too. patriciafield.com
Holiday gift guide 2008: On a budget
More than 200 ideas that don't look cheap.