Annual Gift Guide 2008: Gifts You Buy

Since we always end up dividing the gift suggestions into three categories anyway, I'm putting up three separate posts: Gifts You Buy, Gifts You Make, and Gifts To Give Back.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything out there that is worth buying! It's just the stuff I'm particularly interested in right now. If I were Oprah I'd be able to get you all free samples, but I'm not, so I'll just describe the things in as wordy and conversational a manner as possible...

MoxieWear

I finally have my Cafe Press store up and running! It's sort of a random assortment of items, from baby shirts for tension increasers or releasers to bumper stickers with the MXM logo so you can identify other Moxie readers in traffic. Come take a look.

Books

I love books. They're just a really solid gift. The kind of gift that says "I like you. I take you seriously. I want you to be able to take a little break and lose yourself in a book."

For my dad I'm going to buy Ammon Shea's new book Reading the OED: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages. I'm hoping that's what my dad gives me, too. (Word nerds don't fall far from the tree.) The book is for anyone who likes words or dictionaries or geekitude or people doing absolutely ridiculous tasks. It's kind of like SuperSize Me, Into Thin Air, and the dictionary all rolled into one. Mark Peters did a funny interview with Ammon Shea about the book here. (Do you guys read Mark Peters' word columns on Good? He cracks me up, and not just because he's my friend and a fellow descriptivist. This one made me laugh. This one made me think. This one made me come up with a blindingly brilliant insight about language and double standards--feel free to comment on my typo-ridden comment there. Also, my photo there shows my current glasses.) I'm sort of ridiculously excited to read a book about reading a dictionary.

My shameful secret: I don't read much fiction anymore. I was a Comp Lit major in college, and read a book in English and one in Spanish each week. Those days are far gone, and now the only reading I do is nonfiction and the occasional review book (and probably a third of the books for my book club). So most of the fiction I buy is for other people.

My mom's been reading all the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, and I didn't know there were more series by the same author (Alexander McCall Smith)! I think it's going to be a 44 Scotland Street kind of Christmas for her. 

And that's what I know about books. X-treme wordnerdism and fiction for grandmothers. So I really really need suggestions from you guys in the comments of books in other categories. Please?

Computers for kids

The XO is back on sale again. There are still the same philosophical issues with it as before, but if you regretted not giving one, or buying one to give and one to share, now's your chance. $199 to donate one to a kid in a developing country, or $399 to get one for you and one to donate.

Handmade but not by you

You guys know about Etsy.com, right? Crafty people sell their crafts there, and you buy them. I've gotten some amazing things on Etsy, including a gorgeous painting that makes me happy every time I look at it.

If you have an Etsy store, put a brief description of what you make and put your Etsy link in the comments.

Kid Stuff

In all honesty, I just kind of don't have it in me anymore for all the different kinds of developmental toys and whatnot. I've requested a Wii for the boys from my relatives (they're all going in together) so that the boys have something 1) they can play together 2) that's relatively active 3) that can be done indoors when the weather is bad (that's January-April in NYC).

I'm all conflicted about Legos. I mean, LEGOS! They're the best toy ever. But LEGOS! They're all over the floor, digging into my bare feet and making so much noise when the cats play hockey with them at 3 am. If I do give in to more Legos, I'll probably get this set to make sure they have a full range of pieces.

Also, my kids are currently Uno-crazy up at their dad's place, so I'm going to have to get a deck to play at mine.

I know you all must have favorite toys for kids, so please list them in the comments!

Magazines

We're still in love with Sports Illustrated for Kids around here, and if I had a girl I'd be all over New Moon. My guilty pleasure is Entertainment Weekly.

I know we talk about it every so often, but what magazines give you and your kids and partners pleasure?

Skin Care

If you really want to spoil someone you love (or yourself), consider getting a skin care system from Daybreak Lavender Farms. They grow most of their botanicals themselves on their farm in Ohio, and everything's all-natural and gentle to your skin. The systems are expensive but last forever, and are completely worth it: I developed horrible skin problems from all the stress of the last few years, and tried almost everything (including Proactiv) and the only thing that keeps my skin clear is the Daybreak Zit-Zap System (it works through my whole cycle, too!). It took a full six weeks, but now my skin is clear and moisturized and happy. I've heard of similar miracles in treating rosacea with their Calmez Vous System. Again, they're pricey, but they work, are good for your skin over the long run, and last for months. Plus, the people are very nice and ship super-quickly.

Self-Sufficiency

The best $8 I spent this whole year was on a tool kit at Ikea. I can't believe I never had one of my own before. I find I use it once a week, at least. Consider giving a tool kit with hammer, screwdrivers, and pliers to everyone you know, and one for yourself.

Delicious Self-Sufficiency

Give a person some ice cream, and she'll eat it for a day. Give a person an ice cream maker, and she'll eat ice cream for the rest of her life. I've been using this ice cream maker for years, and love it. My favorite recipe: Piña Colada Sorbet: 1 can crushed pineapple, 1 can coconut milk (not coconut cream), sugar to taste, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, dark rum (optional). Blend together the pineapple, coconut milk, and sugar. (Add in a little cream or milk if you'd like.) Stir in the coconut. Refrigerate for a few hours until it's very cold. Turn in ice cream maker. If using rum, add it in once the sorbet is mostly turned.

If you're a popcorn fan, you need the Whirley-Pop. It's an old-fashioned pan you put on top of the stove, but the lid has a handle you crank that prevents the popped kernels from burning on the bottom of the pan. You can pop almost every kernel without burning anything. And it's fun for kids.

Massages

Probably everyone you know is stressed. And probably everyone you know would love a massage. You could get a gift certificate from a local massage therapist for someone you love, who would then love you much more, and in a more relaxed manner. Or, if you have a massage school near you, get two or three massages at the student clinic for the price of one from a graduated professional.

Gift Card Alert

Someone recently warned me that there are retailers that will be selling gift cards this season but then closing stores after January 1, so the cards will be worthless in 2009. I was sent a list, but have no way of verifying it of knowing the source. So if anyone has a reliable source for lists of gift cards that will expire at the end of December, can you link it? Thanks!

Your Suggestions

Is there anything you're just completely in love with? post it in the comments. If you put in the leading http string, it'll link it automatically.

Comments

[Lisa]

@Mo, which marble runs have you found that you like? I'm looking for one that's complex enough to retain the kid's interest but compact enough to fit in our smallish apartment and T's largeish-but-filled-with-toys room...

[Moxie]

susdru, I added grownup versions of the kid shirts.

[pnuts mama]

dudes...that is so cool that so many of you have etsy shops!! i love me some etsy!!!

thanks for the book ideas, taking notes and filling my amazon basket!!

[r+k+mama]

Oh my God Hush. How did you know my weakness for cute baby sweaters?!!!! So cute and WAY cheaper than the Hanna Anderson one I've been not so subtly pushing for. THX!!

[mo]

@Lisa - the one I've seen that looks nice (i.e., simple wood) is at KangarooBoo and is called the First Playing Ball Track Set by Haba (there are also add-on pieces you could add or other can get as a separate gift).

Book ideas for preschoolers - my boys like the whole Mr. Putter & Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant. She also has does the fun Mudge series. I personally prefer the Mr Putter series (although I like both) as the Mr Putter ones actually make me laugh while reading them and they can be quite fun to read outload. The Mr Putter makes Soup one is really funny to read. These also turn into read-on-your books once the kids get older (they are soft back, paper books so they are also not too expensive). We also like King Bidgood's in the Bathtub. Other books that are fun (don't really promote reading but are fun to do together) are the I Spy books. I just added Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons to our collection - LOVE IT and what it says (I also like every other Amy Krouse Rosenthal book out there).

[Mommychicky]

You asked, I deliver. I want someone to pay me to come up with gifts for people.

Fair Trade Gifts (and chocolate)
Callpod - products for the gadget collectors
Giant Microbes - the only time someone will thank you for giving them syphillis...
Felicitea - custom tea blends. Pricey but very personal
Grameen Foundation - give the gift of a microcredit loan
Little Hero Capes - these just rock
Martina's Creative Toyshop - because the kids really just want to play with cardboard boxes.
My Boulangerie - Frenchie-goodies delivered to the recipients home
REProduct Greeting Cards - Zero waste cards
EmergeGlobal @ Etsy - jewelry that makes a difference in the lives of Sri Lankan women

[Shelley]

So, books:

-The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson-- it's a newly-translated thriller from Sweden, and let me tell you, IT'S WONDERFUL and much more interesting, character-wise and in every other way, than thrillers ever are (it's the first part of a trilogy, although it stands alone perfectly -- I've read them all but don't think the second two will come out in English for awhile).

-Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community and War -- OK, so it's non-fiction, but WOW. The best popular history I've read in years. What a great read, what a fascinating time -- particularly enjoyed it right now around Thanksgiving.

-The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, although it doesn't have many women characters and that's usually something I look for in modern fiction especially. But read the author's notes at the back first.

[michaela]

Because I am a selfless and helpful person, I would like to volunteer to take any massage gift certificates off the hands of any of you massage-haters. Just remember: I'm doing this for you, not for me.

Seriously, if I could get a massage every day, I would.

[Heather]

@Rachel, we LOVE Click here! And still like reading the old Baby Bugs and Ladybugs.

For my son, science kits, easel, Brady Brady hockey books, and some kind of building kit.

[Shelley]

Oh, I forgot my annual plug for Farmer Jason, FABULOUS kids music by Jason Ringenberg (of Jason & the Scorchers): www.farmerjason.com or Amazon.

[Danielle]

Snopes calls this Gift Card issue "partly true."
http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/bankruptcies.asp

LOVE the book suggestions!

The gift I'm in love with for 14-month-old Bean is the Sansa Shaker, a little MP3 player with a built-in speaker that he just has to shake to change songs. $25-ish bucks.

Trying to get all the adults to do no gifts, or donations. Wine is always welcome, as well. :)

[Blythe]

I'll second the recommendation for The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. It's an amazing book, even if you're not into sci fi. A great choice for a book group - lots to discuss.

I love Vanity Fair magazine. Guilty pleasure, great photos, and investigative journalism, all in one place.

[roramich]

More to the love for the Cricket mags, although I have noticed some subtle sexism in the Click" that we got for my daughter. It has many aspects to recommend it though.
She also loves her subscription to National Geographic for Little Kids. Pictures! Games! Animal cards! Fun!
I also love Brain Child, and Bitch magazines.

[rebecca]

My mom embroiders pillowcases with initials and such...personal AND useful. I'm a big fan of useful. This year hubby and mom are both getting sneakers, I think. I have given to charity in year's past and noted it in Christmas cards to members of the extended family that I sometimes buy for. It's basically a "here's your card and (insert charity here) thanks you for a donation made in your name." Feedback was mixed! For those of you who want to support independent online businesses but aren't into all things crafty, check out my mom's astrology store. She does personal charts, relationship charts, kid charts and yearly forecasts. She's currently advertising on AskMoxie's front page! www.astrotalker.com. She thanks you!

[&BabyMakes75]

Adult/young adult book suggestion:

Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn.

Moxie, it is right up your alley! In a fictional town there is a statue honoring the memory of the man who created the famous sentence that contains all 26 letters of the alphabet. But, the letters on the statue start to come off... so the town council interprets it that the great man has decided that the letter is no longer valuable or needed, in fact it is banned! So, one by one, letters are banned from speech and written communications, (people in town face harsh penalties if they disobey this rule). It is a novel told in letters between two women. Read the title again, pronounced LMNOP. A great read; wish I could say I won't reveal the ending but, actually, I haven't been able to find time to finish it yet. But I am raving about how terrific it is so far! It is in paperback.

PS: You won't regret getting "The Week" magazine, too!

[&BabyMakes75]

Oh, one negative thing about "The Week" is that in their small "strange but true" or "good news/bad news" sections, they almost always have what the fake news story will be for the NPR news quiz show, "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me!" Just fair warning if you're also a "Wait Wait" fan... (and, if you're not, podcast it because it is laugh out loud funny and also a bit of news)

[Evan Kim]

A great idea for a gift for him would be a flask. I know it seems a little cliche, but it's always hard finding something for a man and they always seem to appreciate a flask... or a lighter.....

http://www.stanley-pmi.com/shop/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=10-00837-000

Stainless steel is a must.. and a lifetime warranty is always great! =)

[chapmanchick]

a *big* coffee mug with "don't ask my mum how i'm sleeping" sounds about right...

[Charisse]

@pnuts mama, start looking for fun chapter books too! There are some super-nice illustrated editions of classic books. We did Winnie the Pooh, Wizard of Oz (get the facsimile 1900 edition from Books of Wonder if you can), and Alice in Wonderland, multiple times each before Mouse turned 4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a little later.

For picture books, I find "When the Sky Is Like Lace" by Elinor Horwitz to be absolutely magical; look for fairy tales illustrated by Paul Zelinsky if she has any princess-related desires. They're the original, non-Disneyfied versions and the illustrations are just unreal. There's a Sleeping Beauty, a Rumpelstilskin, and a Rapunzel I think.

[Charisse]

@Moxie, nothing shameful about non-fiction...but in case you're looking for good fiction gifts:

-Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell is one of the most interesting things I've read in the past few years. Best aping of Jane Austen's style I've seen, but essentially a Napoleonic Wars-era sci-fi book with magicians and the faerie world.

-Neil Stephenson's latest, Anathem, is much better and tighter than the System of the World trilogy, worth a look if you've been a fan but got turned off by that last 2700 page mess.

-Also, I sometimes blush to mention this, but only Lisa knows who I actually am, right? I am a HUGE, obsessive fan of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. If you like amazing narrative, even if you don't like fantasy in general, it's a wonderwork. I bought the first one as a cheap paperback in an airport, grudgingly, because several friends had recommended it "even though they don't normally like that sort of thing"...bought the second one immediately when I got home, bought the expensive paperback of the third because I couldn't wait...and had the hardcover of the fourth on pre-order. Ditto the fifth, which is delayed and driving me bonkers with anticipation!

-For a fantastic and strange American novel, try Octavia Butler's "Kindred"--she was mostly a sci-fi writer (one of very few black women in the field) but this not really a sci-fi book. I believe it was Philly's "one city, one book" book a couple years ago--it's really cool.

[madelyn]

I second Brain, Child. Love it, great as a gift to new moms. I think they are running a subscription sale now.

Carmen -- have you tried Reiki? It's like *fancy* touching. Really, it's fantastic.

Moxie and company -- thanks so much for all of the great ideas! I can't wait to look into the Cricket magazines, and my parents will love the Week.

For the poster who mentioned personal stationery, I own a company that does this: http://www.wardrobe-stationery.com. Still not a fully interactive site (coming soon! so excited!!), but we are a small company and will turn a proof around for you lickety split. Mention Moxie and get free shipping.

[hedra]

Holy moly. I'm so far behind. Granted, our finances are still behind due to the unemployment period.

I need a nap, just looking at all the options. Good options, fabulous options, and the Moxie gear is going on my wish list...

For lego, love lego, SOMEWHAT effective for management: http://www.box4blox.com/ We have two. They hold an absolutely INSANE amount of lego (and even some bionicle) parts. It's reasonably easy to pick up and dump, shake, and disassemble to sort. The big issue is just getting them to the pick-up-and-dump part. Granted, we not only have 11 years of lego or so, for two boys, we also have the original lego from their dad. Seriously. We're awash in lego. And we'll keep getting it, because they keep building really cool shit out of it. It's an active toy. (And I also don't fret too much if some parts get vacuumed up, either - they never make the box item twice, so if there's a part missing, generally they just find something else creative to work in that spot.)

Train tables are also reasonably good at keeping lego from drifting.

This year, not sure what they're getting. Books are taking over the house to the same degree lego does (there aren't enough bookshelves. or walls. or boxes, bins, buckets, containers).

Someone give me a bigger house for Christmas?

[Nancy Savino]

Hello, we supply all Massage Schools and Physicians with Wholesale Massage Tables and Chairs. Please check out our webstie at http://www.serenitymassagesupply.com or call 480-232-2392

[Jessica]

Two items that I personally own and love and that I am giving to a wide variety of people this year are

1. These reusable shopping bags.
http://www.envirosax.com/products/graphic_series/#botanica . Pretty, practical and green. If you do a froogle search you can find the pouch sets for less and you can also slit up the sets to make smaller gifts. I don't think there is an adult female on my list that isn't getting at least one.
2. Sigg bottles. They are my favorite unisex young/old all purpose gift this year.
http://www.mysigg.com/index.asp

[smith]

Hi pals,

Here is smith and I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some exciting news that Safety Direct is the leading supplier of health, safety and hygiene products in Ireland with over two decades of experience in sourcing and providing quality, reliable products.

cheers,

Personal Protection,Protective Workwear,Corporate & Service Wear,Aerosols & Precision Cleaning,Storage, Handling & Access,Fasteners & Fixings,Power Tools & Machines,Tool Kits, Cases, Tool Boxes,Footwear,Gloves,Fire Protection

[fahmi]

My friend has a great line of hats and brooches and little gifts she made at her etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5443755

[L.]

For a popcorn maker, I would totally recommend this one that works in the microwave:

http://www.mendingshed.com/pcmp.html

It air-pops loose popcorn (1/3 cup for 3 minutes = 1 bowl) and then you can do what you like with it--butter, salt, or not. So cheap! Healthy! Doesn't take up a lot of space.

Cook's Illustrated recommended it, and they were so right.

They also recommended this one, which is now a little cheaper (don't know how shipping works out though), but I don't own it:

http://www.nordicware.com/store/products/detail/popcorn-popper/2265E7B0-7C89-102A-B382-0002B3267AD7

[ramy]

I'm very into giving magazines. My FIL gets Sports Illustrated every year, one of my nieces gets Ranger Rick (which I got myself for years from an aunt). I use Christmas to renew my husband's National Geographic and a few years ago convinced his mother to get my Mother Earth News instead of a multipack of bath supplies. Its not that I didn't like the soap but I don't get the time for a lot of baths so the bubble bath always got used by my daughter.

I'm also big on books and calendars. everyone needs a calendar for the new year. I buy these at the university bookstore at the end of the season when they have a huge 25% off everything in the store sale. I buy the uni sweatshirt/tshirt for whoever is on deck as well--I seem to rotate that around the fathers. That way by the time the old one has worn out, he gets an new one.

[Jina C.]

Moxie, I'm thrilled that you have a Cafepress shop! One suggestion for another adult shirt: "By any means necessary", maybe with a Malcolm X fist and a sleeping baby? :) I would have to wear that shirt every day!

[Amy]

I received an email from Anne Taylor Loft, who was on that list of stores closing, and they called the list a "hoax to scare consumers away from purchasing gift cards."
The email list is correct about Linens N Things, though, they are going out of business and will probably not be open past the end of the year. I don't think LNT is selling gift cards anymore though.

[dee]

@pnuts mama: my 3 yr old daughter can't get enough of anything by Robert Munsch. My favorite thing about his stories is that he's fun to read when you're an adult and required to read the same book 6 times in succession. If you don't know RM, a great place to start is with the Munschworks Grand Treasury (http://www.amazon.com/Munschworks-Grand-Treasury-Robert-Munsch/dp/1550376853/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227321084&sr=8-1). It has a nice selection of his older and newer stuff. A personal favorite of mine is "Something Good". I tear up every time I read it.

As for what we're going to give. My daughter got the Plan Toys wooden dollhouse for her birthday (two weeks ago) so we'll probably get her a couple of rooms worth of furniture. Apart from that probably some new books and some 'craft' supplies (stickers, glitter, sequins etc).

I have a 6yr old niece and 3yr old nephew. They have a huge finished basement playroom in their house and we were thinking Crazy Forts (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/toys/Crazy-Forts-by-Crazy-Forts/827912037234-item.html?ref=Toys%3aSection%3aNew+%26+Hot%3a1). If you haven't seen this it's kind of like tinker toys that you assemble and put a sheet over to make a fort in the house. I think it's very cool and would get it for my DD too but our 800 sq feet wouldn't accommodate it.

[Foster]

Since the December issue of Mothering magazine just came out w/ their big article on toxins in toys and their best natural toys of 2008, I got reminded what my original plan for dds toy supply was & decided to act upon it. I gave away anything that I did not really want her to have & decided not to buy her the Fisher-Price talking kitchen & living room set for 6 - 36 months for Christmas, but instead take that money and buy her natural, open-ended toys. So, she is getting a set of rainbow stacking bowls, a yellow Nicki baby doll, a set of small wooden cubes, a set of baby-sized rainbow playsilks, and some fabric play food. DH and I decided to give natural or etsy-bought toys for all the kids this year, too. I am totally 100% digging the following toy sites: http://www.oompa.com http://www.threesisterstoys.com and http://www.atoygarden.com

I really like Entertainment Weekly, but my sub is about to run out. Thankfully, my mom gets it, too, so she will save them for me :) I have a couple other subs, but my new ones for next year are going to be Mothering and Adoptive Families b/c these are my 2 favourite parenting magazines.

I order things from etsy all the time and love it! Here is my brand-new, barely stocked lil store. I make non-babyish baby blankets and lovies: http://noob.etsy.com

[MG]

My best friend just started an Etsy shop -- she makes wonderful cards, with themes like "Explore", "Grow", "Love", and other inspiration. A great gift for someone who likes to keep in touch by "real" mail! (We're planning to get some for my husband's relatives.) Here's the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5346884

[Missy]

For someone who likes to cook (and/or garden), a rosemary plant shaped into a Christmas tree is a great gift. It makes a great holiday decoration, smells wonderful, the herb can be used in cooking, and you can plant outside in the spring (or sooner, depending on where you live). I just got one at Home Depot, but I have heard they can be found in Whole Foods/grocery stores this time of year.

[Wonderfun]

Lego lovers, do you know about that Lego storage device where you pour all your legos in and it sorts them and stores them? So cool!

[Martha]

** TickleMe Plant - It Moves **
A great green low cost gift that will make everyone smile is to grow a TickleMe Plant and watch it MOVE when Tickled! The leaves quickly fold and even the branches droop when tickled. I found this to be a great stress reliever in my office and what a conversation piece!. You may have seen the TickleMe Plant in the botanical gardens.. Now it can be grown indoors year round.
No green thumb needed. I found it on line at http://www.ticklemeplant.com

[Morgan G.]

I love Moxie!

I am asking for books this year for my 8 month old. She loves to be read to but I'm getting a bit tired of the same old books I have already....

I have an etsy store but the jewelry I sell is not for kids! All moxie readers will get 10% off orders placed before December 18th. Just mention this comment in the note to seller and I will refund the 10%.

Happy holidays!

[Morgan G]

Oopps...I guess posting the link might be helpful!

www.MandG.etsy.com

[Morgan G]

Sorry! I'll try this one more time.

http://www.MandG.etsy.com

[wix]

About 3/4 of the way through "Reading the OED" right now, and it is just a joy to read. But of course now I want to read the OED itself....

[Christine]

Thank you for spreading the word of Etsy :o)

My shop is www.SzetoBaby.etsy.com and I sell first and foremost Reminder Bracelets for new mommies. It is an original five minute interval design that helps you to track when baby was last fed (nursed or bottle fed), had her diaper changed, went down for a nap, woke up from a nap, took medicine, etc!

I also sell adjustable tethers to convert any napkin, cloth or blanket into a bib or nursing cover!

There's lots more so please mosey over to my shop if you're in the market for some innovative Tools + Jewels for Mom & Baby!

www.SzetoBaby.etsy.com

Sincerely,
Christine

[buy ponds age miracle]

For me I receive letters with a beautiful poems and I buy myself a ponds age miracle because were not getting any younger anymore.

Jason Zenteno

[new balance]

We cannot always build the future for our youth , but we can build our youth for the future .

[Hermes Leather Bag]

He is a good friend that speaks well of us behind our backs.