cr0sh:
Have you thought about building one?Here's a really nice one made from generic "loc-line":
http://www.instructables.com/id/Third-Hand-A-multi-use-helping-hand-for-electro/
Here's an interesting one which uses a PC fan as a base, to blow the soldering fumes away:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Yet-another-third-hand-soldering-aid-with-some-n/
...and here's a dead simple one that you could probably make from junk in your electronics stash:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Super-Simple-Third-Hand-Tool-done-within-30mins/
All of them are very inexpensive; I think if you could somehow combine the first version with the second version, you'd have one heck of a solution there. It would be unique, while useful. Best of all, she'll always remember who made it for her, with love and attention.
Bingo, those modular hose clamps in the first post would give even more flexibility than a normal third hand. I've seen them before for camera tripods for point & shoot cameras, but I didn't know where to buy just the basic parts. In fact, as I was looking at the picture, my wife asked what they were, and my daughter heard the conversation, and she now wants me to make one for her. I believe I will order several of the 40413 kits: http://www.modularhose.com/Loc-Line-14-System/14-kits/Loc-Line-40413
I'll have to think about adding the fan. I probably won't initially, but it is fairly simple to add.
The third link just does not look strong enough to me.
Thanks!