Holiday Gift Ideas for the Pop Culture Junkie in Your Family

*Originally published on 12/8/10




Despite having an Amazon wishlist that's been hovering around 250 items for a while, I've been told that I'm hard to shop for. I figured that someone who has a lot of hobbies would be easy to shop for, but apparently, the opposite is true. As such, I thought it would be a good idea to give the general populace a list of possible gift ideas to get for the pop culture junkie in your family.

Do keep in mind that this is just a starting point. You may want to check with the giftee to make sure that they don't already own the listed products or have no interest in them. Still, these things are (in my opinion) great ideas for people who are interested in the various aspects of popular culture and entertainment.


DVD's

Avatar: The Last Airbender Seasons 1,2,3

This show is really freaking good. One of my friends summed it up as a "joyful epic" and that sums it up pretty well. The writing is top notch, the characters are fully realized and the action sequences are extraordinarily well done. This truly is an animated series, and it appeals to people of all ages. Adults can enjoy it just as much as the kids it is aimed towards.

Graphic Novels

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes

It's Calvin and Hobbes! Arguably the greatest comic strip ever. Before you were limited to buying the various anthologies, but now you can buy the whole thing in one mega collection. It's a bit pricey, but considering the quality of the content, it's well worth every penny and then some.

Superman: Red Son

Imagine a world where Superman, the American Icon, was born in Soviet Russia (insert your own Yakov Smirnov joke here). That's the premise of this elseworlds story. This is one I haven't read myself, but the premise is intriguing and I have heard good things about it.

The Walking Dead vol.1: Days Gone By

With AMC's adaptation of the series becoming a huge hit, it's a perfect chance to get someone into the books that started it all. There is a gargantuan anthology out, but the first six issue trade is far easier on your wallet and less intimidating to the reader.


Video Games

Epic Mickey

This is a game that has received a fair amount of hype. Everyone seems to be genuinely excited and from what I've seen, it's an interesting idea.

Rock Band 3

This has proven to be a great party game. With new add ons and a whole new library, this entry in the popular series promises to deliver what you would expect from a Rock Band game while changing gameplay enough to make it stand on its own.


Blu-rays

Inception (release date Dec. 7 2010)

Christopher Nolan has proven himself to be a talented filmmaker and this latest entry continues to bring mind bending, psychological thrillers to the mainstream. This film delves into the literal psyche as Nolan explores the world of dreams.

Paranormal Activity

This is a love it or hate it film, but I enjoyed it a lot.

24 Season Eight (Dec. 7 2010)

The final season of the hit Fox show has Jack Bauer once again coming in to save the day from those who would do this country harm. After eight years, the show managed to remain intense and Bauer himself managed to up the ante,even though the show had gotten pretty extreme several years before.

Avatar (out now)

As one of the highest grossing movies of all time, you can bet that this is a surefire holiday sales hit.


Books

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

World War Z by Max Brooks

Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R.R. Martin

Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill


Gadgets

iPad

Kindle

Netbook

Kinect


Board/Tabletop games

Dungeons and Dragons Essentials

I've never played the game myself, but I've become intrigued by the idea. The newly launched "Essentials" line allows newbies like me to jump on and try out the long running game series.

Stratego

Othello

Outbreak Undead

This tabletop RPG puts the players in a zombie apocalypse. It allows you to put your zombie plan to the test and see how well you would fare.

So, there you have it. I do hope its helpful. If your entertainment addicted friend or family member is anything like me, he or she will be delighted to see these things appear under the tree on Christmas morning.