Gifts for Geeks: Putting a Bow on It

I'd say it's about time we wrapped up (HA!) this year's edition of Gifts for Geeks, wouldn't you? Though not as comprehensive as in years past, the 2011 edition of GfG has been quite a bit of fun to write.

And I think we can all agree that the most useful--and best written--entry was by guest poster extraordinaire and wife of Nathaniel extraordinaire, neko-chan, with her rundown of Gifts for Geekettes.

Today, though, we'd like to do something just a little bit different. See, we haven't really been all that great about giving specific gift suggestions this year, and we'd like to change that with today's post.

We'll handle this quick-hits style, though, as we have been more than thorough in years past. (No, really, we have.)

So here we go.

Choose ONE gift for each of the following people/categories (And Nathaniel, ONE means ONE):

A sibling or friend who wants to get into [fandom of your choice]

ALEX: Well, we all know I'm gonna take comics, so let's just get it over with. When you're buying comics for someone who is just trying to feel his or her way into the medium, there are several directions you can take.

Personally, I would suggest foregoing the obvious routes of buying "evergreen" titles such as Alan Moore's Watchmen or Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.

Alternately, hoisting your own favorite series--no matter how great that series may be--upon your unsuspecting gift recipient might not be the best approach, either. Obviously, tastes vary, and even though I would ideally buy everyone on my list the first volume of Eric Powell's The Goon, I know that brand of humor might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Though I'm not sure you'd be my friend if you didn't like The Goon.

Anyway, instead of going in either of those directions, I would try to figure out what the recipient likes--outside of comics, I mean--and work from there.

For example, fans of the Firefly or Buffy TV series might enjoy the series of graphic novels put out by Dark Horse featuring "canon" stories for each of those shows. With stories by Joss Whedon himself and other writers from both series, you really can't go wrong by picking these up for fans of the shows.

But don't limit your choices to favorite TV shows or movies. If you know the person is a fan of horror novels, try Hellboy from Dark Horse or Locke & Key from IDW.

Also, since DC has relaunched their entire line of books, it's never been a better time to get in on the ground floor of their universe. You can pick up single issues from the New 52--still at their $2.99 cover price--and give a grab bag of titles.

NATHANIEL: I suppose that just leaves video games then, huh? If you have a particular game series or genre in mind, collections and variety packs are a great way to go.

Complete compilations such as the Space Quest Collection offer a convenient way to play an entire series without tracking down individual games (and, depending on the collection, individual systems). As an added bonus, compilations allow the player to start with whichever game is most up their alley in terms of difficulty, plot, graphics, etc., and that can go a long way in securing a dedicated fanboy or fangirl. I like Final Fantasy well enough, but some of the installments I've played more recently might have turned me off to the series if they had been all I had to start with, no matter how much other people might've wanted me to like them.

Digital distribution is making it easier than ever to get games you like into the (virtual) sweaty palms of the gamers you love. There's no imposition of required shelf space, and game bundles such as The Humble Indie Bundle make an ideal gift for someone who is looking to expand their gaming horizons without necessarily jumping on board with a series. Also worth mentioning are the retro game packages featuring absurd numbers of lost games from the heyday of companies such as Atari and Sega...though many of these "classics" have gone out of circulation for a reason.

Even if just one game out of the entire collection gets any kind of serious play time, you'll have a successful gift on your hands, not to mention a better idea of what your gift recipient's taste in games is like for the next time you give a gift.


Something for the hardcore fan of [inset fandom]

Alex: I was going to go with music on this one, but...well, just look below for Nathaniel's entry. Beat me to it, Flashman. Ah, well. I guess it's more comics, then.

Anyone who runs (or walks, wheezingly) in geek circles knows how hard it is to find a gift for a fellow fanatic. Mostly because it's tough to know exactly what he or she already owns.

This is especially tough when it comes to comics, because most collections are stocked are stored away in a closet, in boxes and hidden from the world.

For me, I've taken to getting fellow comics fans gift certificates to either brick and mortar shops or online stores, original art (it's one of a kind and can be quite a personal present, especially if you order a commission specifically for that person!), or I've simply broken down and asked the recipient if he or she already has something that I'm thinking about buying.

That makes it easy, you see, and I honestly don't think comics fans mind when you "ruin the surprise" of a gift. It's like a good spoiler. The way most fans look at it, it's better to get something you want, rather than to get something you already have.

This goes both ways, of course, as comic books can be rare, expensive, or simply difficult to find for the gift buyer.

So that's my story. How about you, Flashy?

Nathaniel: How about we go with music this time? Tickets to see someone's favorite band in concert are hard to turn down, unless you've overlooked any egregious logistical issues (I.e.: "Hey, guess what! I got you and your smelly Uncle Dingus tickets to see Blues Traveler in Reykjavík next November! Guess you'd better cancel your wedding and buy some plane tickets, huh?").

[Editor's--uh, Alex's Note--uh, Alex's Interruption: "smelly Uncle Dingus"?]

Good concert tickets are often expensive, time-sensitive, and annoying to order. In other words, simply going to the trouble of getting concert tickets is as much a gift as giving them. Keeping yourself in the loop about when someone's favorite artists are touring means you've always got a potential present on the backburner, even if it's several years before any decent opportunities come along.

A concert can be a milestone experience in someone's life, as Alex and I can attest to. I saw James Taylor; Alex saw Paul McCartney; I can guarantee you those concerts are among the coolest and most significant experiences we've ever had. Do not underestimate the profound impact of a musician on a person's life.

Concert tickets are one of the few non-edible, non-service-related gifts that can be given repeatedly without growing stale. Even seasoned concertgoers who have seen their favorite artists perform live several times over can appreciate a chance to see a different venue, and new music from the latest album. Concert tickets can become a tradition. They can be a rare surprise, too. While I wouldn't object to seeing James Taylor again, I like the idea of seeing a different artist perform every time I see a concert; the more unexpected, the better. Makes the time I saw the Village People all the more memorable.


Best [insert fandom] gift of 2011

Nathaniel: Sheesh, you act like I pay attention to anything released in the past decade. For anybody planning a Harry Potter marathon, I would think that Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection on DVD and Blu-ray would be a reasonable choice, especially given that the movies are apparently going out of circulation shortly after the holidays.

Alex: I'm gonna go on a similar path here and say that the Lord of the Rings trilogy extended edition Blu-ray is THE gift of 2011. Why? Because Amazon is selling it for $50.

Marked down from $120 bucks, if you or someone on your list doesn't yet own this, I'd say now is pretty much the best time to buy, ever. Great movies in a great package for a local convention price?

You can't beat that.

-- -- -- --

And there it is! Gifts for Geeks 2011 is all wrapped up. Let us know what you think of the new format and don't forget to give us your own gifts ideas! And for anyone who still has some shopping left before Christmas...be safe out there.

And tell 'em Exfanding sent ya! (And then back away, slowly, as people stare at you blankly.)

Gifts for Geekettes

Exfanded by Neko-chan

I am a geek. I read Dante for fun, I get excited about fabric samples and craft supplies, I play vintage PC games, I watch any sci-fi show I can get my hands on, I love world history, I have at least five different Green Arrow action figures, and I willingly married Nathaniel Hoover.

I am also a girl. However, I am not particularly “girly” in many of the traditional ways that people expect (i.e. beauty, fashion, gossip, etc). Sure, I dig flowers and chocolate, but I don’t usually wear makeup, I insist that my plaid Doc Martens count as dress shoes, I routinely put my hair up with office supplies and paintbrushes, I’m pretty sure a Kardashian is a type of sweater, and rarely would I choose to own, let alone wear, anything pink.

When I do decide to be girly, it is usually in an over-the-top theatrical way, such as my “Barbie cake” wedding dress that was 6’ in diameter and encrusted with enough sequins and beading to make a Disney princess jealous. My tastes simply tend to be capricious and unpredictable when it comes to anything classified as feminine.

Any of this sounding familiar? Chances are that you have at least one offbeat, unconventional female like me in your life, either at home or at work, whom you will feel obligated to find a present for this year. I understand that it can be stressful trying to choose the right thing; the combination of geekiness and femininity creates a powder keg of problems for any potential gift buyer.

Not only do you have to contend with the usual dilemmas of geek gifting such as “Does she own this already?” and “Am I buying the right character/game/version/edition that she requested?” but now you have to throw into the mix questions like, “By her pretty little bonnet, will she end me if I buy her these bath salts?” It’s always a toss-up whether we’ll react negatively to any of the “safe” gifts marketed towards women, and the whole idea of trying to buy us a decent gift can result in panicked nail-biting and a feeling of playing Russian roulette.

To help you in your quest toward purchasing a gift for someone in this diverse and oft-misunderstood demographic, I have compiled a wealth of ideas and suggestions to make this year’s gifting a bit easier.


Gifts for Geekettes, the Master List

Reading

Does she own more books than shoes? Is she on a first-name basis with her local librarians? Does she make you wait until a chapter break before responding to a question? Instead of jumping on the bandwagon of all this “e-book” hullabaloo, opt instead for a more personal and touching gift.

~ Try finding a rare edition of a book she loves, such as a collector’s edition, a first print, a special edition reprint, a signed copy, or simply a nicely bound hardcover version that will withstand the test of time. I highly recommend looking at Alibris. They have a great selection and some of the best customer service I have ever received.


Music

Does she have more than a terabyte of music on her computer? Does she listen to bands whose names you can’t even pronounce? Can she tell the difference between Baroque and Classical? Chances are that she will either have whatever album you buy her, or will be extra-picky about the types of things she listens to; therefore, try making her a mix tape instead.

~ Fill up a disc with songs that remind you of her, and include a track list with your rationale for each song. It will be like getting a gift and card in one, and she will have fun listening to it and thinking of you even if the songs, themselves, are not her favorite style of music. (Or she may hit you if you choose to be like Nathaniel and put “Tempted by the Fruit of Another” on your first mix tape.)

[Editor's note: Hey! It's a good song!]


Kitchen and Edibles

Can she name more than ten varieties of apples without blinking? Does watching her cook evoke the image of a mad scientist in a lab? Has she ever planned a vacation around the cuisine and restaurants rather than the sight-seeing attractions? Spice up your foodie’s life with some fun and exciting kitchen tech or edible curiosities.

~ Food Fighters Party Picks – Being a hostess is a tough assignment, so let her declare war on boring parties with these culinary commandos, guaranteed to earn her a Medal of Honor for exemplary food service in the line of duty.

~ "Equal Measure" Measuring Cup – Sometimes it can be hard to remember how many teaspoons are in a cup, or how many ounces are in a pound. Kitchen math is tricky. That’s why she needs this measuring cup, which makes life a bit easier by converting kitchen measurements into convenient everyday equivalents, such as the “volume of one human breath” and “one thousand sweet corn kernels.”

~ Combine two of her favorite fandoms by commissioning a cake that reflects her interests, such as an Xbox cake or a World of Warcraft cake. Or get creative by crafting and decorating your own baked confection for her.

~ MoMA Espresso Set – The perfect gift for the heavily caffeinated foodie. This set combines ingenuity with efficiency; with coasters that nest into the serving tray, and spoons that balance effortlessly on top of each cup. It can also double as an impromptu juggling act.

Art/Crafting

Does she sew her own clothes or accessories? Has she ever squeed over a sale on tools? Does she refuse to buy things in stores, insisting that she will find a way to make them herself? If so, try investing in some quality media and gadgets to help her on her journey toward inevitable Crafters Anonymous membership.

~ Laser Guided Scissors – If she is a seamstress, this gadget is the answer to a prayer. Using the power of lasers, these scissors enable her to cut a straight line without having to mark or measure intermediate points on the fabric, which saves both time and effort. Did I mention they come equipped with lasers?

~ Self Healing Cutting Mat – This is a nifty device that is useful for both sewing geeks and papercraft geeks. Not only does it protect her work surface from damage, but the quasi-liquid construction of the material actually reseals itself after use, re-filling in minor cuts and dents and returning to a smooth, clean finish. Yay science!

~ Prat Art Presentation Case – If she needs to transport her art back and forth between home, class, work, or client meetings, she definitely needs one of these. It comes equipped with a hard PVC casing, a carrying handle, zipper-closure, double-backed archival binder sleeves, a storage pocket, and a strap to keep pages from sliding around during travel. This was the most valuable and exciting present I received last Christmas.

~ Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils – If your girl is a developing artist who wants to take her artwork to the next level, treat her to a set of professional media such as these premier colored pencils. They are softer, smoother, and easier to blend than the cheap Crayola or Roseart varieties, allowing her more versatility with her expression. Make sure you also tag on a soft-lead sharpener, though, as normal sharpeners are too harsh for this delicate medium.

Jewelry

Does she gravitate toward anything shiny? Can she correctly say the word “chalcedony”? Does she set off airport security with the amount of metal she adorns herself with? Well, if every kiss begins with Kay’s, then every Ohhhhh Myyyyy! begins with o-riginality. Spoil her with one of these unique gifts this year:

~Handmade Jewelry from Etsy.com - Etsy is the “eBay for crafters,” and there is literally something for every taste. You can browse through thousands of pieces such as a sterling silver Mega Man pendant and an eco-friendly leaf pendant made from cement board, leaves, and guitar wire, or, if you are looking for something specific, many of the sellers will also take custom commissions for one-of-a-kind pieces.

~ThinkGeek.com also offers a small array of jewelry for the technically-minded geekette. Resistance is not futile with their matching earring and necklace set made from 1/4 watt resistors, and you can buy happiness with their serotonin molecule earrings.

~ Homemade Charm Bracelet – Get creative by starting a charm bracelet you can add to each holiday. Instead of buying generic and over-priced charms from a store, make your own by drilling a hole in found objects, such as game pieces or guitar picks, and attaching a clip. It’s a cost-effective, personal gift that shows how well you know her, and can hold a lifetime of memories and memorabilia.

Home Décor

Does she long for binary-patterned curtains? Is her original Labyrinth movie poster still hanging on the wall? Did she need to buy extra shelving in order to display her replica ship collection? Put your gift-giving skills on prominent display with one of these geek-themed décor items:

~ Lightsaber Candlestick – Sometimes it’s nice to just sith down to a fancy candlelit dinner, enjoy some Wol cabasshew salad, and talk about how many rebel fighters you destroyed at work. For those occasions, she’ll need this lightsaber candlestick to properly set the mood.

~ Pac-Man Fleece Blanket – If you’ve ever caught your girl “paku-paku-ing” around the house in search of cherries, she might like this retro-gaming blanket from Perpetual Kid featuring everyone’s favorite ghost-slaying pie-chart.

~ Art Nouveau Firefly Posters – Want to be the best gift-giver in the ‘verse? Head on over to ThinkGeek and pick up both sets, Les Hommes and Les Femmes, of these shiny, shiny new posters.

~ Glow in the Dark Moon Clock – You know the best thing about space? Space! If she is a total space cadet, get her this snazzy moon-shaped clock to decorate her control room, and fuel her intergalactic imagination.

~ 18” Geisha Shoji Lamp - If your girl owns more anime than live-action DVDs, views cosplay as serious business, or owns at least one J-Pop CD, she may appreciate this kawaii hand-painted table lamp inspired by traditional Japanese rice paper screens.

Clothing and Accessories

Does she wear her Call of Duty messenger bag with pride? Has she ever used cable ties to hold up her pants? Are most of her shirts printed with slogans that make Luddites stare wide-eyed in confusion? Help her befuddle and bemuse the hoi polloi with one of these quirky wearable gifts:

~ “She Blinded Me With Library Science” Tote – Now she can express her love of both reading and 80’s pop references while carrying her books to and from the library.

~ Circuit Board Headband – give her the motherboard of all tech-savvy gifts with this circuit board headband so she can hold back her locks in style. And if headbands aren’t her thing, try making her a circuit board belt buckle at home with this handy guide from HGTV.

~ Threadless T-shirts and Hoodies – No matter whether she is a Star Wars fangirl, a retro gamer, an eco-warrior artist, or a foodie, there is a shirt for her at Threadless. Designed by up-and-coming graphic artists, these shirts have character and originality, the perfect compliment to your unique geek.


Hopefully these suggestions have been mildly inspiring in some way, and have left you with the security of knowing that there are plenty of great gifts out there for all the geeky girls in your life. You can choose to ignore my suggestions, though, and brave the malls crowded with foaming, ravenous zomb… holiday shoppers, but don’t blame me when your girl hits you upside the head with that bottle of “artisan bath salts” you were convinced she’d like because it was in a magazine somewhere.

Gifts for Geeks: Nightmare Shopping

So far we've covered the "Would you rather?" portion of this year's Gifts for Geeks segment with our posts discussing surprise gifts and gift cards, but we're still a little light on the traumatizing-yet-educational holiday stories. Let's try to address that today.


What's the worst holiday shopping experience you've ever had?

Alex: Every year, I tell myself (and others, proudly) that I will be starting my Christmas shopping early. Like, in August or September. You know, so I can spread the money around and not feel it too much in the old wallet come December (or, more accurately, come January when the credit card bill comes).

I do this every year. That is to say, I tell people this plan every year.

But, to my credit, most years I actually follow through. Though, I must confess, the actual start date is typically right after Halloween and not in the late summer. I think November 1st is a perfectly reasonable, perfectly viable day to start one's Christmas shopping.

This year, I've managed to get the bulk of my shopping done and I've even handed out a few gifts. Still, this upcoming week--the last before Christmas--is going to be tight in terms of finishing off the list.

Now, what's all this talk about preparedness have to do with my Worst Holiday Shopping Experience, you say? Well, ironically enough, one year being prepared managed to get me into--and then out of--what was, simply put, a Vortex of Madness.

Let me explain.

It was November 22, 2005 (I have a feeling some of you have already figured out what I'm talking about), and I found myself standing outside a Sears attached to the Danbury Mall, shivering in the dark at 5:30 in the morning.

Even though the store wouldn't open for another few hours, there was already a line formed outside when I pulled up into the parking lot. I stood around in relative silence for a while, blowing on my hands occasionally to stay warm.

No one else on line was in much mood to talk, and that was understandable. It was cold, and after about an hour of standing there, it started to drizzle.

In line were all sorts of people.

Crazy people, like me; moms standing there with lists in their hands and displaying patience under pressure; dads standing there, looking annoyed and baffled; and even grandparents looking generally confused at what the world had come to.

We were, of course, all standing in line on that cold, dark, rainy morning because November 22, 2005, was the United States release date of the Xbox 360.

Now, before you get all hopped up; no, I wasn't waiting to buy one for myself. I was there--valiant as ever--helping my parents get a 360 for my brother. It had become sort of a running joke back then about actually managing to buy a 360 before the holidays because every store--EVERY STORE--was either sold out or just wasn't going to get a shipment in time.

It was Madness on a Tickle Me Elmo level, only with the added bonus that the customer base for this particular toy was in their teens and 20s.

My brother had even told me not to bother--it was going to be impossible to get one, so he was going to wait until after the holidays. But I was determined. Why? Love for my brother? Need to fill my life with (yet another) obsession? No idea.

But I was going to get my hands on one, even if it killed me. This was my Jingle All the Way. I was Arnold. The rest of the world was Sinbad.

Nineties Christmas movie references aside, I remember waiting on that line--I was only about 5 people back from the front--at Sears until they opened, looking at that new sign in the window with the shiny 360 on it that read "Xbox is here!" and thinking, wow, I'm actually going to score one of these.

I also remember the anticipation of the doors opening, the push from the folks behind me, and the look on the face of that poor, poor man from Sears who had to tell us the following.

"Um," he started. "We haven't got any. Sorry."

As if we were one entity, every person in line asked at the very same moment, "Any what?"

"Xbox," was the reply. "We didn't get a shipment in, and, well. It looks like we won't have them before Christmas."

As I walked back to my car in the now pouring rain, it was like a scene from a Romero flick at the store's door.

Because I was determined (and only a little brain dead), I continued on to countless stores over the course of the next couple of weeks. Every trip ended in the same empty-handed walk back to my car.

At that time, I had just graduated from college and I was taking a couple of post-grad courses in New York City. I had a good group of friends that I would hang out with after class every Tuesday night, and I started telling them my Xbox tale of pity and woe.

I added some flourishes (we were in a writing class, after all) to give the story a bit more flavor, and I might have thrown in a clown or two for good measure.

Anyway, I finished my story with a sigh and I took a sip of my drink. "And that's how I ruined Christmas this year."

My buddies laughed and there was a momentary silence as everyone at the table took a bite or a drink or simply took a moment to be thankful they weren't me. And then Mitch, from the corner, says, "Or I could just get you one."

Another momentary silence.

"One what?" I asked.

"An Xbox. My girlfriend's father is a big wig at [insert toy store here]."

I laughed. "That's mean. Haven't I been through enough--"

"No, really."

At that point, we were still two weeks from Christmas, but the semester had ended.

"Just meet me at work sometime next week, bring the money, and I'll have your Xbox."

Work, as it turned out, was literally a stone's throw from one of the largest [insert toy store here]s on the planet. And when I showed up to meet Mitch the following week, money in hand and big, stupid grin on my face, he handed me the Xbox and, as it would happen, the weight of the world.

"I'd get out of here pretty quickly, Al," he said. I was too busy smiling stupidly to understand what he meant.

"Alex. You should go."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to keep you," I replied.

"No, no. It's not that. Look across the street."

And there, at [insert toy store name here], once again I was faced with a scene from a Romero movie. The store, you see, had just sold out of the system (as the giant "SORRY, XBOX SOLD OUT" sign out front announced) and that eerie, dead-eyed look of failure was strewn across the faces of countless parents as they were exiting the store.

Some of the zombies--um, people--some of the people had spotted me. They saw the Xbox-shaped bag and I could tell that at least a couple of them were beyond the point of no return and attacking a complete stranger for a video game was something they might now consider.

So I left.

And that was that. It was a long, hard, and kind of stupid road, but in the end, I saved Christmas. And that's really all that matters.

Nathaniel: Unlike Alex, I try to avoid worst holiday shopping experiences. In recent years, I've done the bulk of my shopping at conventions--Comic-Con 2010 and Otakon 2008 were especially productive. I've also been conducting my shopping throughout the year, instead of in a mad rush in the day(s) before Christmas. There's usually a shopping trip to the mall one or two weeks out, but that's generally to give me inspiration for the last few stragglers on my list, and to fully immerse myself in commercialized holiday cheer.

I worked retail for a relatively brief period, and got a taste of the small-business holiday rush. I seem to have blocked the specific details out of my memory and may actually be fabricating part of this, but I do recall one customer who rifled through multiple copies of the same book before settling on one in gift-worthy condition, and after all the rigamarole of getting into line and handing the product over to be gift-wrapped, left the store in a huff because there was an imperceptible dent on the cover, grumbling something about going to a store that sold merchandise in decent condition.

Don't ever let the holidays get to you like that. Nothing is worth the stress that would drive you to that point. No retailer needs that backlash.

Anyone who's spent any time in customer service has at least a few stories of unhappy interactions and nightmare customers. I've got a story about a person who stopped me halfway through my complimentary gift-wrapping job and took back her gift so she could wrap it the right way at home. You've had worse, I'm sure. I've had it easy.

However, I did purchase a gift at Comic-Con 2011 and forgot to pick it up before walking away forever. I believe that counts for something.

Gifts for Geeks: To Card or Not to Card?

Gift cards.

For some, they are the Ultimate Holiday Present, opening up a world of possibility and, quite possibly, getting you closer and closer to that Daredevil, issue one, that's been sitting in the glass case of your favorite comic shop for three years now.

For others, gift cards are the Bane of All Existence, and the symbol of someone who has given up on the entire point of the holidays.

Today, your friendly neighborhood Exfanders debate (not really) the issue of giving and receiving gift cards for the holidays. It'll be like one of those political talk shows, with points and counterpoints. Except, it won't be as funny.

Since I'm a gentleman (not really), I'll allow Nathaniel to go first.


So, what do you think of giving and/or receiving gift cards for a holiday gift?

Nathaniel: I think Alex is totally asking for it.

I actually have gift cards on my standing wish list. I've got no problem giving gift cards, either; as with most things in life, it's not what I do so much as why or how I do it. A Starbucks gift card wrapped up in clever handmade packaging says so much more than, "I heard you like coffee." Handing over a Wii Points card to a gamer isn't a cop-out if you know they've been frequenting the Wii Shop channel to fulfill their Gradius cravings.

While a glow-in-the-dark Rubik's Cube or Tetris pillowcase might satisfy a specifically named need, a gift card covers an unnamed need, giving the recipient the freedom to browse, or the freedom to choose exactly what he or she wants (but can't or won't articulate). Sometimes it's easier for everyone involved to give a gift certificate to the local comics shop than to track down the Zaphod Beeblebrox action figure with the most satisfactory paint apps yourself.

Another benefit to giving a gift card is that you're effectively giving two or more gifts in one. With most presents, there's the initial excitement of opening the gift, followed by an integration of that gift into one's collection (or stomach, if edible). No matter how perfect, practical, and reusable a gift may be, I'd wager that the vast majority of gifts lose that "new gift smell" almost immediately.

Gift cards also yield that initial excitement, and then get tucked away into a drawer, purse, or wallet. Eventually--hours, days, weeks, or even months later--the recipient pulls out the gift card to make a purchase, and whatever he or she buys makes it feel like [insert name of gift-giving occasion] all over again. Especially if there's enough money on that card for multiple purchases (say, a $20 card that's only ever tapped to cover the occasional chocolate-covered donut).

I love gift cards, so long as they're practical and convenient to use--no $50 certificates for a burger chain that doesn't exist in the tri-state area; no Best Buy gift cards that you know I'll use to purchase the two items I specifically requested from Best Buy. Given in the right amounts to the right people for the right places, gift certificates can be every bit as desirable as all but the best surprise gifts...and heck, there's nothing saying that gift certificates can't be a surprise.

Alex: Annnnd I've been completely thrown for a loop. Thanks, Flashman. Never did I think that Nathaniel would make an argument for gift cards. He's all about the personal, well-thought-out gift.

I should know--he's bought me enough of them over the past few years. (Including a Batman bag that I still use pretty much every day.)

But I totally agree with his points above (which kind of obliterates that whole debate I had planned) that a gift card can actually be a personal present for someone.

Before last week, I had no idea that there were things like Playstation Network gift cards (my brother asked for one...also, stop judging me), but to me that makes sense as a really cool gift.

My long-standing belief about Christmas presents is that they should be things that the person wants, rather than needs, and they should be something that he or she probably wouldn't buy on their own.

Either because he needs to save that money for things he needs, or simply because, as much as he might want that Karnak mini-bust, he just can't bring himself to ask for it in a store. You know, with other people watching and all.
And let's face it--there are some people on all of our lists that are just plain hard to shop for. In those cases, gift carding is absolutely acceptable.

But let me throw on a quick caveat to that.

I guess as long as the gift card is something specific or focused, it's okay. Like an Amazon or Barnes & Noble card for a big reader, or a gift certificate to Apple for the techie or to Applebee's, even, for the foodie.

What I'm not big on, though, is giving one of those generic American Express (or whatever) gift cards that can be used anywhere. Getting one of those? Great. But giving one? I haven't been able to do that yet.

That, I think, is just too impersonal.

[Editor's note: Unlike our giveaway of four $15 gift cards for Amazon.com, which is completely different and not at all impersonal, mind you.]

So, to wrap up this "debate" (where Nathaniel and I did nothing but agree with and, in my case at least, compliment, each other for 800 words or so), I'll leave you with two things.

First, don't buy that Karnak mini-bust as a gift. Trust me. (Also, don't buy it for yourself.) And second, if you're really stumped when it comes to finding a present, don't be afraid to go the gift card route.

It's Exfanding approved, so you really can't go wrong.*


*Editor's Note: It could very well go wrong, and if it does, Alex and Nathaniel are not liable. For, um. Anything. Especially if you give a gift certificate to a comics shop and your buddy buys a Karnak mini-bust, re-gifts it one year later when he realizes his horrible mistake, and it ends up on your mantel. Especially then. (Thanks, again, Dave.)

Waiting for Wednesday, Volume 3, Issue 50

I...don't have much to write about today.

Looking over the old shipping list, I realized that there's not too much on the stands that I'll be buying. Sure, there's some good product coming out--like the latest issues of Locke & Key, Buffy, and American Vampire--but I've written about those titles many times in the past on Waiting for Wednesday.

If you're not reading them by now, I don't think my (uncanny) skills of persuasion will ever get you there.

But they're good--trust me--and definitely worth your attention.

So the question becomes--what do I write about today? Let's see...hmmm. Well, ya know what? Since we're in a very Gifts for Geeks mood this week, and since we're just under two weeks before the holidays, let's talk turkey.

And, by turkey, I mean, gift-giving. More specifically, though, the actual buying of said gifts.

As usual, things are quite busy at work, which means that there's not a whole lot of spare time in my schedule. Still, I've managed to get the bulk of my holiday shopping done.

Sure, there are a few gifts that remain, but they're the most persnickety on my list, so I imagine it'll be sometime next week before I can cross them all off.

It sounds bad when I put it like that, doesn't it? Crossing them off a list, as if it's just something else to be done with. But I guess that's what a lot of people feel like at the holidays.

As one's group of friends and family grows, so too do the amount of gifts you'll need to buy and the amount of time you'll need to carve out for lunches, dinners, and general get-togethers.

All of which is great, mind you, but it does seem like we tend to pack a whole lot more on our plates than we can possibly...um...eat? Sorry, I'm mixing turkey metaphors again.

But I think my point is clear.

Normally, I'm a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to going out during the week (I get up too darned early!), but December is certainly the exception.

Just this month, I've been to two holiday parties (one on each weekend), and I have my office party tomorrow, followed by a late dinner get-together with friends I haven't seen in far too long.

I have lunches lined up, literally, until the day before Christmas Eve, and I already have plans to meet up with at least four different friends/groups of friends in that week between Christmas and New Year's.

Oh. And there's that issue of those few remaining, persnickety gifts to buy. Maybe I'll head out today at lunchti--oh, wait.

Gifts for Geeks: SURPRISE!

After a week of threatening to begin our yearly Gifts for Geeks series, here we are at last.

This isn't all capitalism and excess, mind you; no matter how extravagant, materialistic, and entitled we may sound, we understand that not everyone is giving gifts this time of year--whether by choice or by necessity. For those who hope to give and receive, we're here to offer whatever insight we can. For everyone else (and, indeed, for everyone), we're here to share our stories of the more tangible aspects of our favorite fandoms and the lessons we've learned from growing up in a culture of gift-giving.

Our Gifts for Geeks posts this year will follow the kind of question-and-answer format that Alex and I are rather partial to, except with less back-and-forth banter and, we expect, more unrestrained pontification. So, here goes:


When you are the recipient of a gift, do you prefer a surprise, or something you've asked for?

Nathaniel: That sincerely depends on how long the gift-giver has known me, and how well. I think the secret to truly dynamite gift-giving is not just knowing the recipient's personality, but knowing their lifestyle, what they use and display in their home, and how their trends have changed over time. Listening is also key. I'm happy to receive anything off of my wish list, but the gifts that transcend pure materialism are the ones that are especially thoughtful or appropriate coming from a particular person, or the ones that only use the wish list as a starting point.

I estimate that the the average gift-giver at an office party, group function, or family get-together picks out gifts for acquaintances based primarily on the most obvious aspects of the recipient--typically their attire and personality--filling in the gaps in their knowledge with their own personality, or with their perception of what kind of interests a person with that attire and personality might have. It can be really fun to see what kinds of ideas people in such situations come up with. It can also be incredibly awkward, frustrating, and even insulting. In such cases, surprises are welcome, as long as "safe" and "general-interest" are the guiding principles.

Really, it's the extreme ends of the spectrum that I tend to enjoy surprises from the most--the people who know me profoundly well, and the people who still mispronounce my first name. It can be very difficult having friends and family--even reasonably close friends and family--lavish you with gifts that involved any significant amount of guesswork in the selection process (see: Gifts for Geeks: "Safe" Gifts for Befuddled Buyers).

Ultimately, I receive gifts with the same mindset I apply to my everyday life: I like occasional surprises to keep things fresh and interesting, so long as there's a solid foundation of predictability in place.

As a side note, one of the things that's helped me figure out (and remember!) what I do want is a standing wish list. Instead of preparing a new list every time a gift-giving occasion rolls around, I simply keep one massive list on file that contains everything, reasonable and unreasonable, broken into categories, that I possess any interest in having. The list gets updated on a "whenever I think of something to add or remove" basis, or if someone specifically requests it.

This standing wish list has proven invaluable as an aid for my own acquisitions as well as for my holiday benefactors. I can keep track of what seasons I have on DVD of any television shows I'm collecting, and can rifle through the used video game tables at conventions with fewer deliberations over whether such-and-such-a-game is worth owning. I should mention that I also have a separate list entirely for my Dungeons & Dragons miniatures, but by mentioning this, I think I've completely deviated from the topic. Alex, where were we?

Alex: That...got incredibly involved towards the end, there. So much so, in fact, that I've managed to completely forget the question. Hang on a second while I scroll up to read it.

So many words to scroll through...okay. There. Got it.

When it comes to receiving gifts, do I prefer a surprise, or something I've asked for? Well, let me say this. As one of those (insane) comic book fans that I always describe as being impossible to shop for, I am, well, quite difficult to shop for.

I'm not so great at receiving gifts, actually, which makes things even more complicated when trying to buy for me. Getting a gift always makes me feel awkward for some reason. I enjoy giving gifts to others, but the getting of them? I dunno.

Always a little weird. Which probably says something about me and some deep-rooted psychological blah blah blah, I'm sure.

Anyway. Here's a fer example. Take this holiday season. My brother, bless his heart, always wants to get me that perfect gift. See, we've had this thing since we were kids where we try to outdo each other at Christmas, always one-upping the other in terms of gifts.

Over the years, there have been some pretty cool things under the tree.

Recently, though, I've become increasingly difficult to buy stuff for. I think this is mostly due to the fact that, if I want something, I'm just going to buy it for myself when I see it.

There have been two or three occasions in the past month or so where I've told my brother, "There! That! Buy me! It'll be the perfect Christmas gift!" And then, about an hour later I'll send him an email saying to forget about it because I've already bought it.

I think, especially as a comics fan, the things I want are so (so!) specific that it's sometimes harder to tell people what I want. It's just easier to buy it myself and then wait to be surprised with what others get for me.

So, um. I guess that's my preference--to be surprised.

However, as a comics fan, sometimes being surprised can lead to, say, five copies of the (excellent, but really I only need one) The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics, by Denny O'Neil.

Great gift? Sure it was. But after the fifth person bought me one, that shiny happy wore off a little.

Though, I have to say.

Because of the abundance of DC Guides I've accumulated over the years, I was able to make Denny O'Neil laugh a couple years ago when I took a writing class that he was teaching.

So, now that I think about it, maybe they weren't such bad gifts after all...

Gifts for Geeks 2011: Bring it On!

Okay, so the title of this post is a complete lie. We won't actually be bringing you anything Gifts for Geeks related this morning.

Mostly because I...um...forgot that we were doing that today. What can I say? It's been a really long, really stressful week.

So instead of actual, bonafide content today, you'll get an IOU (or, I suppose, a "WeOU" since I like blaming Nathaniel for things).

So, yeah. Sorry about that. Not to fear, though, because (the all-new, all-different) Gifts for Geeks is coming soon.

Ish.

Soon-ish.

What's that? Tomorrow? Who knows? That's what makes coming to the blog every day so exciting--you'll never know if we're gonna waste your time with some nonsense or the other, or if we're gonna completely waste your time.

It truly is an exciting time to be alive and reading Exfanding, is it not?

Oh, boy. I need a graceful exit here. Lessee...nope. Got nothing. Sorry, folks. We'll do better next time.

But, um. Don't hold us to that, okay?

The Holidays, Exfanding Style

So this is our big, important warning--uh, I mean post--to officially kick off the holiday season here at Exfanding Your Horizons. Not gonna be much content today, except to tell you that the 2012 edition of Gifts for Geeks is coming.

As I'm sure you're all well aware, Gifts for Geeks is the Internet's longest-running and most-respected holiday gift guide for the dorky. (Editor's Note: Um. That's really not true.)

And since we're kind of old hands at this particular game, we're going to mix things up a bit this time around. Be sure to check back in later this week to see just what in the heck I'm talking about.

This year things are gonna be all new and all different, but if you'd like to catch up on still-relevant (and always amazingly well written, snarky, and informative) previous Gifts for Geeks posts, here's a little reader's guide for ya:

We've covered all the basics, from anime and comics to more comics and even more comics. And, um. just a little more comics.

From gifts that will cost you nothing to gifts that will cost you everything, from "safe" gifts for that impossible to buy for geek in your life to our greatest gifts ever, we've really left no stone unturned over the past three years.

If that's still not enough gift ideas for you, there's also a rundown of the baddest gifts ever and the indispensable guide to the hottest gifts of 1989.

Literally something for everyone.

So go check out previous guides, leave comments and suggest your own dorky gift ideas, and be sure to check back in later this week for the 2011 edition.

Gifts for Geeks: Gifts That Will Cost You Nothing

Our annual Gifts for Geeks series usually focuses on the material stuff you can buy for your favorite geek. After all, comics collectors need something to collect, gamers need something to game, and movie buffs need movies to...buff. With all the holiday hoopla and endless advertisements, it's easy to forget that some of the best things in life are free.

So you bought your daughter a $2500 light-up replica of Serenity. Have you ever watched the show with her? So you gave your brother expensive front-row tickets to a They Might Be Giants concert. Have you ever met James Ensor or made a little birdhouse in your soul? Becoming involved in someone else's favorite fandom, if only fleetingly, is one of the greatest ways to connect with the geek in your life, and it's even more of a gift if you willingly go outside your comfort zone to do so.

Not everyone will appreciate you leaning over their shoulder while they play Pokémon, and not everyone can stomach a manga like Hellsing, but an honest and unobtrusive effort to understand this "LARP" thing your father goes to can open up all sorts of possibilities in terms of how you relate to one another. Also, it makes gift-giving significantly easier when you can tell the difference between Ice Cube and Ice-T.

Sometimes the geek in your life will approach you and offer up a round of video games or a road trip to some dork convention. In cases where it's clear you'll never understand , you may need to be a little proactive: borrow something from their shelf, or simply ask them what's so appealing about what they're doing and see where the conversation leads you.

I never understood the appeal of having season tickets for a baseball team until a friend explained that it's not just about the game; it's interesting to follow the foibles and triumphs of the people. There's a sort of story behind every team, and this had never occurred to me until I asked. For me, it was all hot dogs and people running around in circles, but my friend's consistent enthusiasm makes much more sense now, knowing that there's more satisfaction in a baseball game than just doing "the wave."

This whole blog was founded on the premise that there's a value in sharing your favorite hobbies and fandoms with others. I relish any opportunity to explain to people that Dungeons & Dragons is not a video game like they thought it was. Give the geek in your life that chance. I own a handmade Strong Mad plushie/lunchbox because I exposed my artsy girlfriend to Homestar Runner. It's so much easier to give personalized, meaningful gifts when you know what you're giving.

Whether you become instantly addicted to Kendal Mint Cakes or have read enough J.D. Salinger to last a lifetime after just a few chapters, any exposure to something a person loves can bring a better understanding of that person. Ask some questions. Offer to try out something you've refused in the past. Volunteer to do something together. Don't be pushy, don't pretend you're suddenly as zealous and informed as they are, and hold off on judgment until after the fact.

Maybe you'll discover a new favorite fandom. Maybe you'll hate it. Whatever the outcome, it'll give you something to talk about, it'll open your eyes to something (one way or another), and it could very well be something your favorite geek will always remember. Can you say the same thing about that destined-for-the-trash-can "I'm With Stupid" belt buckle you're about to buy?

Gifts for Geeks 2010 Part the First: Comics!

Holy Santa Claus' socks, Batman!

It's holiday time again, and that means your friendly neighborhood Exfanders turn into your friendly neighborhood holiday elves and provide you with one-stop gift ideas for that special geek in your life.

It's no secret how...finicky...a geek can be, and especially when buying for one, things can get difficult. That's where we come in.
[Image courtesy of the excellent Great Geek Manual]

As we've done for the past two years, EyH will provide ideas--from the smallest of stocking stuffers to the biggest, pie in the sky-iest mega gifts--and we encourage you all to chime in with your own recommendations.

We'll try to cover a wide range of gifts--in a wide range of prices--in a short amount of time. Since we've been down this road before, we encourage you all to check out past Gifts for Geeks entries.

You can do this one of two ways--first, by clicking on the hyperlinks above for a sampling, and second, by typing in "Gifts for Geeks" in that search bar to your right.

We'll try not to repeat gifts from years past, especially since we have a bunch of, "Hey! Here's what you should buy someone who is just getting into [fill in the fandom blank]."

So that's the rundown. Today's installment will feature (what else?) comics, and I'll try to focus on product from the past year. We'll cover everything from actual, floppy comic books to hard cover collections, from books about comics to statues, toys, and clothing.

I'll start by saying this--it's almost impossible to buy a comics fan something he or she doesn't have without asking very pointed, specific questions.

So don't run out to the local comic book shop looking to nab a handful of back issues before first checking what your geeky gift receiver already has. Or, at least, what he or she probably already has.

Sure, the thought is what counts, but if you're really not sure what that fanboy already has stashed away in his fortress of geek, it might be a better idea to stick with a gift certificate to his local comics shop.

If the whole gift certificate thing isn't personal enough for ya, you might try going to the fangirl's local comics shop and taking a moment to talk to the owner. He or she might be able to give you a head's up on what the giftee is reading, or what she may have expressed interest over.

Another idea for the comics fan is to buy comic book collecting supplies--bags, boards, etc--because every fan needs them, but doesn't like spending money on them. Just ask the LCS proprietor what you'll need, and he will hook you up.

On that note, comic book display frames and frames for original comics art are another cool gift idea that your typical fanboy might not think of buying for himself.

So, now that we have a good place to start, let's get into the nitty gritty. The real, down and dirty comic book fan gifts. Our first category will be comic collections from this past year, and as we go along, we'll split each category into two sub-categories: For the Newbie and For the Hard Core Veteran.

Collected Comics 2010

For the Newbie: All Star Superman, Volumes One and Two, from DC Comics. A repeat from last year, but with a few significant differences. First, both collections are now (finally) available in cheaper, less intimidating trade paperbacks, and they're on Amazon for $10 and $9, respectively.

Volume One:This series has been heralded as one of the very finest Superman stories ever told, and its accessibility for new readers makes it the perfect choice for someone who has either just gotten into comics, or for someone you'd like to get into comics.

Volume Two:While each trade is self-contained, writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quietly's story is 12 issues long, and anyone who has Volume One will certainly want to see how the whole thing ends in Volume Two.

Luckily, the paperbacks are inexpensive, and together they make a heck of a gift.

For the Hard Core Veteran: All Star Superman, Absolute Edition, from DC Comics. Simply put, DC's Absolute Editions are amazing. They're huge, oversized, leatherbound, slip-cased monstrosities that include the highest paper quality and a slew of additional features not seen elsewhere.

And this year's biggest [pun kind of intended] Absolute Edition is All Star Superman.
The big pages allow readers to experience Frank Quietly's stunning linework the way it was meant to be seen. Plus, you get the entire 12-issue story in one place.

The drawback, of course, is the price. At retail, these bad boys will cost you $100, so you'll really, really have to love the person for whom you're buying this thing. Amazon has it for considerably less, but still expect to pay over $60 for the book.

Books and Things About Comics

For the Newbie: Books about comics are always a great gift for comics fans. Why? Well, because typically, a fan won't buy such things for himself. They're usually more expensive than the average trade paperback--in some cases, they're way more expensive--and that money cuts into the weekly comics budget.

And anything that cuts into the weekly comics budget (and doesn't provide life-giving sustenance, like food) is anathema to a comics fan. Even so, there are so many cool comics-related books and, especially this year, documentaries, on the market that you'll have a wide variety from which to choose.

For a newer fan, I'd suggest starting with the recently released Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics documentary. You can check out a longer review that I wrote right here. I enjoyed this quite a bit, and even though I didn't learn too many new things from the doc, it was still well worth the time.
And for someone just getting into comics, it might be a nice gift idea to introduce them to the history of the medium.

For the Hard Core Veteran: On the opposite end of the history of comic spectrum is the November-released 75 Years of DC Comics: The Art Of Modern Mythmaking, written by longtime DC editor, writer, and all around comics guru, Paul Levitz.

This thing is massive.

And I don't just mean page count. It's literally a massive book--clocking in at a ridiculous trimsize of 11.4 x 15.6 in. (!!!) and 720 pages, this thing is a monster. Don't have any clue as to how large a trimsize that is? Well, take a look at the photo, below. That's Paul Levitz, and that's his book.
And, before you ask--yes, Mr. Levitz is a normal-sized human being.

Published by Taschen, this book promises to be the definitive history of DC Comics, and for the price, it better be. At retail, expect to shell out $200. On amazon, expect around $125.
Still, looking at it (somewhat) rationally, the price is to be expected, considering the production value. Check out the solicitation information from the publisher:

In 1935, DC Comics founder Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson published New Fun No. 1, the first comic book with all-new, original material—at a time when comic books were mere repositories for the castoffs of the newspaper strips.

What was initially considered to be disposable media for children was well on its way to becoming the mythology of our time—the 20th century’s answer to Atlas or Zorro. More than 40,000 comic books later, in honor of the publisher’s 75th anniversary, TASCHEN has produced the single most comprehensive book on DC Comics, in an XL edition even Superman might have trouble lifting.

More than 2,000 images—covers and interiors, original illustrations, photographs, film stills, and collectibles—are reproduced using the latest technology to bring the story lines, the characters, and their creators to vibrant life as they’ve never been seen before.

Telling the tales behind the tomes is 38-year DC veteran Paul Levitz, whose in-depth essays trace the company’s history, from its pulp origins through to the future of digital publishing.

Year-by-year timelines that fold out to nearly four feet and biographies of the legends who built DC make this an invaluable reference for any comic book fan.

So, yeah. Certainly lots of good stuff and so far, the buzz about the book is fantastic. I've convinced a family member that I need this book, and I think I might actually have a shot at getting it. Yay.

A Little from Column A, a Little from Column B: This one can go either way, I think, and both a newbie and a grizzled comics vet will appreciate the gift. From director Patrick Meaney, we get the (happy) surprise documentary of the year in Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods.
I know this list is starting to get Morrison-heavy, but hey, he's been the most prolific mainstream comic book writer this year, and his contributions to DC have triggered line-altering changes to established characters.
I've read interviews with Morrison about his writing process, his childhood, and his theories on actual, real life magic. Needless to say, his is a fascinating life story, and this film delivers the goods.

Another comics-related item that's perfect for both the new reader and the longtime fan is Icons: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee.
This hardcover collects hundreds of illustrations, original pages, sketches, and paintings from one of comics' greatest pencillers. This one works on two levels--it's a great item for the casual Batman fan, as Lee's art is nothing short of stunning. And Lee devotees will be all over this book, as it's the first career retrospective of one of the most important creators of the past two decades.


I haven't seen the book pop up in any of the comics shops that I haunt, so there's a good chance the fanboy/girl on your list hasn't gotten his/her hands on this bad boy yet.

And the Rest

Leaving our sub-catagorizations in the dust, let's now focus on some of the ancillary comic book stuff that's available. And awesome.

Statues

Every month, comics shops are flooded with cool, new product. Some of it is your standard, everyday fare, while other stuff is just flat out cool and unique. Falling into this category are comic-inspired statues.

These little pieces of art are amazing, and every year the product lines get better and better. Prices range from the modest to the truly obscene, and everywhere in between, and it's the not-so-secret desire of every fanboy to throw a statue or three up on their bookshelves.

Here's a quick rundown (with prices) a few of the best from 2010.

From Kotobukiya, the Iron Man Mark IV ($90-$119):

From Dark Horse, the 60th Anniversary Classic Peanuts #2: Snoopy ($49.95):

From DC Direct, the Batman Black & White Arkham Asylum statue ($80), available in stores Decemeber 22:


Everything Else!

Obviously, we're just scratching the surface of what's out there. But there are only so many hours in the day, and so many words to type before I fall over. So, moving briskly along, let's get into another quick hits category of other, random stuff available at all price points.

SuperHeroStuff.com is a veritable treasure trove of all things comic book-y, from awesome retro t-shirts to iPhone cases to coffee cups.






Great, unique gifts at good prices--be sure to check them out.

And, finally, we come to my favorite category of comics-related stuff. Original comic book art--in my opinion, the pinnacle of comic book "collecting," because each and every page is its very own limited edition of one.

The nice thing about buying art for a fan is that, no matter what page you purchase, that fan does not already own it. Because, like I said, there's only one piece of art for every page produced. The not so nice part about buying art is that it can get amazingly expensive.
Now, don't get me wrong--there are literally thousands of pages out there in the $50-$75 range. You'll just have to do some digging to locate them.

When buying art, it's always a safe bet to concentrate on the fanboy/girl's favorite character, and try to find a page with him or her on it. Even if that character is only in a single panel.

There's no need to sek out specific artists--just focus on characters. A non-art collector who reads comics will be thrilled to own something so new and different, and any collector will appreciate the new page.

There are tons of venues to purchase art, but luckily for you, we've already done the work and compiled the best of those retailers. You can check out the two posts on original art here and here.

-- -- -- --

And with that, this little elf is about ready to fall asleep ont he keyboard. Not to fear though, for we shall be back tomorrow with another installment of Gifts for Geeks. Until then, Happy Friday!