The iPod Shuffle is the one to get, but they are sold out for now, but do not despair more are on their way and should arrive in by January 15-20 they say. The iPod Shuffle, which holds 240 songs, is compact, easy to use and extremely popular with all ages. The Christmas Rush had the Official Apple Website completely sold out on the third day and even Best Buy knew they would not last. Target sold out as well, as a matter of fact if you can find any left you are doing well and a lucky duck.
The iPod Shuffle is preferable to most folks because it has a one-gig hard drive, but Apple says it is also coming out with a smaller version of the iPod Shuffle soon too. Your other choices are to buy the iPod 512 Megabyte model which is a little less expensive and still holds over 120 songs which should be plenty for most people.
Best Buy and other large electronic box stores indicated that since the iPod Shuffle sold out and they will be replenishing supplies in mid January they noticed a 10% rise in over all store gift certificates, as parents were quick to use the gift certificate option so their kids could still get the iPod Shuttle, the version of choice after the Holidays were over.
Apple admits it did not realize the incredible trend it had started until after it placed all the orders, now the factories producing the iPod Shuttle are running full tilt just to make sure they do not run completely out for a second time. The iPod Shuttle; you need this for 2006.
http://www.ipodresourcecenter.com/The_Sold_Out_iPod_Shuffle_Product_Review.html