Barking dogs, crying babies, roaring vacuum cleaners. Why do all of these things have to be so noisy? Why can't they all just shhhh? Well, I can't help you with your pup or  babe, but German manufacturer Rowenta has made a point of diminishing the racket of the cleaning machine.   Vacuum cleaners, from $270, Rowenta.  Rowenta vacuums have been a popular choice in European households for 40 years, and Canadians can finally get our hands on the technology, too. The company's latest, French-made lineup is now available at mass retailers across the country. And not a moment too soon, as this range is the quietest on the market – up to four times quieter, in fact, thanks to noise-cancelling technologies like suspended, insulated motors and integrated air channels (which minimize sound vibrations). But quiet doesn't mean tame. When it comes to dirt, they mean business, boasting superior dust pick-up. Ergonomically designed, they're also really easy to use and store – trust me, I've taken them for a spin. Like so many others, I live in a tiny open-concept space, so an über-quiet vacuum sounds great to me! One of the full-sized versions would be great, or maybe a cordless slim "stick" model (love the triangular head – ideal for dust-bunnied corners). Or perhaps both. Santa, I hope you're writing this down.