A cell phone is something a person has to use every day, so gift givers thinking about giving a phone to a loved one need to make their list and check it twice for the perfect gift. Carriers have tried their best to oblige cell phone shoppers as they've released their major phone contenders for the holiday shopping season, and we can help get you set up on the right track to find the perfect gift phone this holiday season.

Verizon: BlackBerry Storm

The BlackBerry Storm is just now making its way to store shelves, and it's Verizon and RIM's best attempt at an iPhone killer. While we've only had a limited amount of time with the device, we will say that the touch screen is one of the most interesting technologies we've seen in a while. Rather than simply being a static experience, the BlackBerry Storm's touch screen actually allows a user to press down on the screen, creating a click. The technology has a certain wow factor that will impress anyone who plays with it. Plus, with BlackBerry's trademark email support, users expecting to be able to stay connected via phone and email won't be disappointed. Giving the BlackBerry Storm to a loved one shows you care, and your loved one will be able to inspire awe in anyone who sees him/her using the phone.

The downside of the Storm? The phone takes some getting used to. Even if you're familiar with touchscreen phones, it's difficult to grasp the concept of physically pressing a screen down at first. The other difficult part of the phone is the on-screen keyboard. While it's not the most difficult keyboard we've ever tried to use, the addition of having to physically press buttons down instead of simply tapping slows down the typing speed considerably.

Don't get us wrong, the BlackBerry Storm is a good phone. The build quality is great and style of the phone makes you want to look at it. However, the touch screen is difficult to use for long messages, and RIM hasn't added a robust application store yet to match the iPhone. The Storm is a solid gift regardless, and your gift recipient shouldn't be disappointed.

T-Mobile: Motorola ZINE ZN5

Motorola may have relinquished its position since the RAZR days of yore, but that doesn't mean the company has stopped releasing innovative devices. Take the Motorola ZINE ZN5 for instance, a perfect gift giving option for the shutterbug in your life. The phone sports a five megapixel camera, making it one of the highest resolution camera phones currently available. And just because the ZINE is a cameraphone doesn't mean it's lacking in other specs areas. The phone can record movies, has WiFi, as well as a standard headphone jack. We haven't had as much hands on time with the ZN5 as we'd have liked, but since the device isn't exactly striving for the same level of robustness as the iPhone or BlackBerry Storm, we're confident that any photographers who long to clean up pocket clutter would appreciate this phone.

Runner up: T-Mobile G1

Not as wow inducing as the Storm or the iPhone, the T-Mobile G1's big claim to fame is currently the branding. People like the idea of a Google phone, but the promise hasn't yet been delivered upon. Even still, the device is a good gift for the geeky cell phone friend in your life.

AT&T: Apple iPhone 3G

The hottest phone of last year continues its tradition as the hottest phone of this year. Apple's iPhone 3g is an even better gift this year than the original iPhone, with the addition of 3G and proper GPS support. The iPhone 3G still one of our favorite phones — even with its newfound competition in the BlackBerry Storm and the T-Mobile G1. The phone works solidly, the App Store ensures there are plenty of ways to waste time — a phone must have — and the media management support is unparalleled. Yes, it's the most overhyped device in the history of consumer electronics, but the iPhone delivers. Gift recipients would definitely love the device.

Keep in mind, it's going to take some work to get from gift idea to seeing your loved one unwrap the box. Most phones can be difficult to give as a gift, but the iPhone is especially difficult. Purchasing the phone requires a contract with AT&T. The contracts are transferrable, but if your loved one is already on AT&T, you'll have to buy the phone outright in order to gift it. You might want to think about giving an iTunes gift card for a couple bucks, then putting in the card "Oh yeah, and an iPhone," and heading to a local Apple store and picking up the device with them. New Yorkers could even head to the 5th Avenue "cube" Apple Store on Christmas Day, as the store is open 365 days a year.

Runner up: AT&T Quickfire

If your loved one likes the idea of the iPhone, but prefers the physical touch of a keyboard, check out the AT&T Quickfire. A messaging powerhouse that's gone largely overlooked, the Quickfire fills the niche of a touch screen phone with a qwerty keyboard on AT&T. Another added plus? The phone won't break the bank at $99. Don't expect the depth of the iPhone experience for that price, though, as things like the App Store and Google Maps are absent.

Sprint: LG Lotus

One of the most unique looking phones this season is the LG Lotus. Rather than the traditional rectangle to which we've grown accustomed, the Lotus takes on a shorter, more square form factor and packs beneath the flip a proper QWERTY keyboard. The device isn't a slouch, with a two megapixel camera and Bluetooth 2.0, though don't expect to install any sort of applications on this phone. While it's not going to have the same cachet as the iPhone or the Storm, the Lotus will definitely stand out of the pack, especially for style conscious texters.

Be sure to check out our companion comparator to this piece with the full specifications for each of these devices.

Are you hoping for a cell phone under the Festivus Pole? Have a phone that you think deserves to be on the list? Sound off in the comments and let us know which phone is your favorite for this holiday season.