Every Christmas I ask the same thing, “What do you want for Christmas?” Sometimes I get a reply like, “Oh, you know me. I love everything you choose,” which sounds suspiciously like, “Just get me a gift card and I’ll pick it myself.” This year I’ve started early, which means before December 23rd, and made a list of ideas. Just for you, I’ll share.
I have a ton of book lovers on my list. Whenever I see Gifts for the Booklover in a magazine, the ideas are always coffee table books about the history of some artist or musician. Some suggest cookbooks. I don’t know about you, but a cookbook seems like something to buy for yourself. It might be fun for some… but unless there’s one that person is absolutely drooling over, forget about it. If you have a true book lover, there are plenty of gifts out there at a range of prices. For the booklover who is truly into mysteries (especially fans of television’s LOST), give S. by JJ Abrams. It’s a story within a story. The novel itself is a story, with an additional story by notes left in the margins by two strangers as they investigate the author. Included are “artifacts” such as pictures, copies of letters, postcards, and other items. Not sure what kind of book to buy? Check out what they are reading now and look for something in the same genre.
Then there’s electronics. I’ve found that most electronic gadgets are a little pricey, but if you are up for the expense, go for an Apple or Kindle device. Kindle has everything from very simple eReaders to tablets at lower prices than Apple with great capability and plenty of apps. If you aren’t ready to drop hundreds of dollars, try an accessory or two. Fun cases for smartphones are everywhere from Target to designer stores. Skins go on like decals (no sticky residue when removed) and can change the look of everything from a phone to a tablet to a laptop. How about a speaker for that iPod? Or a keyboard case for the tablet? All of these are less than $100 and a lot of fun.
For the kids, there’s always whatever toy is proclaimed “Toy of the Year” and is on shelves for approximately 1.35 seconds before it is sold out, but can be bought on eBay for a 3,000% markup. Better to steer clear of that and try to find something educational, but fun. Impossible? I don’t think so. Legos are pretty amazing. There are sets from beginner to advanced builders and even robotic kits for teens. Elementary through High Schoolers can get involved in FLL or FRC, national Lego robotics competitions. There isn’t anything more fun than building a life-sized robot and challenging others to perform climbing, throwing, and other cool tasks.
Whatever you do for the people on your holiday gift list, buy from the heart. And always give the recipient an “out”. A gift receipt can save almost any bad choice.
