Gift Guide 2013: Volume 2

After Volume 1 of the 2013 Gift Guide, there were so many ideas sent my way through the intertubes that I had to hold myself back from buying half of them at least. Ready for Volume 2? Of course you are! 

First, I am sad that this doesn't have any reviews that I could find, because I'm dying to try it out because…dude. Check it out: a Globe Ice Lantern Kit.

 

The kit comes with the balloons you need to make a set of four globes, plus there's a refill kit, too. Please tell me you've tried to make these because SO COOL.

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Chinaberry catalog's “Just Keep Swimming” bracelet is beautiful and not very expensive at $40, if you're looking for a gift for a friend (or for yourself!).

 

I know “Just Keep Swimming” is a mantra for many, and I hope this fits someone you know.

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Available in t-shirt or sweatshirt style, from the ever-dangerous Signals catalog (which also lists products on Amazon if you have any AMZ gift credit to spend) : a gift for the eagle-eyed proofreader in your life: 

 

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Know anyone who has a new baby girl, or will soon? How about a Pride and Prejudice onesie® that reads, “Obstinate, headstrong girl!”

Act fast, because this item is on clearance, and is under $10. 

I kind of want an adult-sized shirt for myself, now that I think about it. 

 

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Kris Bock recommended both these titles to me, saying, “I came across the following while working on a book on mechanical engineering for teenagers. I've only skimmed a bit, but they seem to be very readable nonfiction and would be great for people who like to learn about technical innovations or have an interest in the environment.”

Mad Like Tesla: Underdog Inventors and their Relentless Pursuit of Clean Energy by Tyler Hamilton ( A | BN | K S)

The Shark's Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation by Jay Harman ( A | BN | K S)

 

 

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From Vicki comes the very tempting link to OutOfPrintClothing.com, which specializes in gift items and accessories with classic and out of print book covers on them. I have seen this shirt with my own covetous eyeballs, and let me tell you, it's beautiful in person: 

Seriously, so tempting. 

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Laj emailed me with a wonderful suggestion: 

Check out Soaptopia. Wonderful soap……love love her stuff. I give soap boxes to the secretaries in my husband's office and nurses and staff in mine.

One year we put together a big basket geared toward “lovers” for a charity auction: Soap, lotions and massage oils from Soaptopia and a bag of coffee, two splits of wine, yummy herbal tea and some good foodstuffs. It was so popular I now raffle one off every Valentines Day and give the proceeds to the peds ward.

Oooh – and they ship internationally! 

Laj also suggested a lovely gift basket idea if you're stumped for a grab bag or secret Santa gift: “I received a book box last Christmas from a friend and the contents were: Three books, a gift card from Peets, a mug, a beautiful handkerchief and a pair of fantastic pajamas. Great huh!”

Now that is creative! 

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Darlynne suggested the jewelry at Etsy featuring the phrase, “I still believe in 398.2” – the Dewey code for…. wait for it… fairy tales. This particular set of charms is really beautiful.

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I try to find gift ideas that are perfect for the readers you love, or the readers you are, so if you have suggestions for the gift guide, please email me! I love to know what you're buying this year, as presents or for yourself.

Whatever holiday you're celebrating, and if you're not celebrating at all, I hope you have a warm and peaceful season.