If you’re looking to surprise your spouse, partner, or nagging teenage kids with the new mobile device they desperately want (or perhaps actually need) — well then, you’ve come to the right post. Here’s a look at what the big mobile device companies are offering for the holiday season.

AT&T

AT&T has a gift finder guide to help you select the perfect phone.

They also suggest their USBConnect Lighting, High Speed Internet, AT&T U-verse, and netbooks as gifts. How convenient! That covers just about all of their products, right?

The Deals

AT&T is offering an instant online rebate when you add a line. You can get a free phone (with free shipping), but selection is limited to their Samsung a777, the LG Neon, and the LG CF360.

This seems like a standard deal, however it is a good way to get a solid mobile phone for kids and others that can survive with a basic device — not that these phones don’t have tons of features, but they’re not an iPhone.

Speaking of which, iPhone prices have never been lower. You can get an iPhone 3G for $99, a 16GB iPhone 3GS for $199, and a 32GB iPhone 3gs for $299. This may not be cheap, but compared to the original 2007 iPhone price of $599, these prices are far more affordable — not to mention the 3G and 3GS versions are faster and have additional functions, like the ability to record video (3GS only).

If you decide to surprise someone with an iPhone, the rates for iPhone plans usually average around $100 per month. So, make sure they, or you, are prepared to pay that monthly cost.

To find the real deals on plans and packages, you’ll need to visit the AT&T Bundles page and enter your ZIP to find out about pricing and promos near you.

Sprint

Guess what? Sprint has a Holiday Phone Finder.

The Deals

Sprint is offering a free LG LX370 when you purchase online and commit to a plan, and this also includes free shipping. Again, this seems like one of their standard promos and nothing special for the holidays.

For their Holiday savings promo, they do have a number of accessories on sale at 20% off when you buy online. This deal includes vehicle and wall chargers, Samsung Headsets, memory cards, and styley skins, pouches, and covers to protect your mobile gear.

Once again, to find the real deals on plans and packages, you’ll have to visit the Sprint Packages page and enter your ZIP to find out about pricing and promos near you.

Verizon

Verizon claims that it’s “The Best Destination for Holiday Gifts.” My money is still on the North Pole for that one, but if you’re talking mobile devices … this claim might be legit.

The Deals

Verizon has 5 different BlackBerry devices on sale (from $9.99 to $179.99) and 5 smartphones on sale (from $49.99 to $199.99), including the Google Android-based DROID ERIS by HTC, the Windows Mobile HTC Imagio, and the Samsung Omnia II. All advanced smart phones at reasonable prices.

On top of that, for their holiday offering, Verion has a slew of phones featured and on sale. These range from free to $99.99, and like all the other Verizon deals, require a service plan commitment.

If that’s not enough, Verizon also has mobile broadband devices on sale and wide selection of free phones (that require a 2-year activation plan).

What’s more — they have exclusive online deals and popular packages (by ZIP).

T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers some decent finds on low rates every day. They are also offering some great deals right now, which include free overnight shipping on orders places by 12/22, 2PM PST.

The Deals

T-Mobile is running discounts on some slick “Wish List Approved” phones. Prices range wildly, from free up to $449.99, depending on the phone and the plan you select. If you decide to go for one of the big guns, you can even pay for your phone in montly installments (with approved credit).

T-Mobile offers their Even More plans and Even More Plus plans, which have some of the best pricing in the industry and include unlimited calling to other T-Mobile phones. The Even More Plus plan requires no annual contract, but devices are sold at suggested retail. T-Mobile also offers prepaid plans.

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile is another place to find everyday low prices on mobile phones and plans.

If you’re looking for a mobile phone with a social, messaging, or multi-media focus, PLUS unlimited montly calling for $49.99, this could be the way to go.

The Deals

Virgin has 5 mobile devices on sale until January 13th, 2010 — the LG Rumor2 for $104, the Kyocera X-tc for $80, the UTStarcom Shuttle for $64, the UTStarcom Arc for $24, and the Samsung Slash for $40.

MetroPCS

MetroPCS is another low cost provider with great national rates on plans. Right now, these range from $30 to $45 per month.

The Deals

MetroPCS is selling select Motorola phones at up to $70 off. Plus, with their Family Unlimited plan, you can get 4 lines for $100 a month. That’s tough to beat.

Who’s Got the Best Deal?

Well, as usual, it depends on what you’re looking to get. If you want an iPhone, then as the exclusive service provider, AT&T has the best (only) deal. Of course, you can also visit Apple to purchase an iPhone.

If you want to get an advanced phone, or select from a wide variety of phones, Verizon might be for you. Those that use a lot of minutes or who are looking for budget plans would likely do well with T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and MetroPCS.

Really, it’s your call.