Paste's Holiday Gift Guide For TV Lovers
In continuation of this week’s gift guides, we turn our attention to something you probably look at everyday. TV lovers know what they want, but sometimes they need help expanding their horizons. It would be easy to give them nothing but their favorite shows on DVD, but there are much more interesting TV-related gifts out there.
We found some of the most unique and entertaining gifts whether your loved ones obsess over sitcoms or get hooked by drama. Here are 10 great ideas to get your favorite TV lover.
1. Wilfred Dog Costume
$99.95
Fans of Wilfred already know it’s one of the most creative and funny new comedies on television and you should reward them with this replica costume for knowing a great show when they smell one. You may be thinking “Why would a grown man want a dog costume?” and we have two terrific answers for you: 1) It’s better than a Snuggie. And 2) Their Halloween costume is set for life. Or maybe they’d prefer Charlie’s Army jacket from from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
2. MacLaren’s Pub Drinkware
$7-$25
The ‘90s had Friends’ Central Perk and now the ‘00s have How I Met Your Mother’s MacLaren’s. Fans of the show would let Barney hit on their sister to share a drink in the underground pub, but luckily they don’t have to. CBS offers fans the chance to own the pub’s shot and margarita glasses, pints and even a coffee mug (for the eggnog hangover) in the comforts of their own home. You can even pick up a MacLaren’s shirt (or a Hoser Hut one too if you’re Canadian, eh?).
3. Pyramid of Greatness Combo
$34.99
Ron Swanson means business and you can too. While not everyone can grow the manliest mustache since Tom Selleck, everyone can adhere to the Pyramid of Greatness. Gift a loved one this friendly reminder than they can only give 100% because “only a fool can give 110%.” Since a poster above their bed isn’t enough, get the combo pack so they can wear the shirt whenever they need a reminder that if they need ‘honor’ defined, they probably don’t have it. Throw in the Many Faces of Ron Swanson poster if they’re really special.
4. Mad Men: A Musical Companion
$23.99
Since the best drama on television won’t return for awhile, get fans of the show this two-disc CD with songs that their favorite ad men listened to while drinking a whiskey for breakfast. It includes more 30 classics like “Fly Me to the Moon”, “It’s Not Unusual” and “Doo Wah Diddy Diddy”. You might also think about a 2012 calendar so fans can mark down the days until the new season premieres.
5. Community on DVD
$23.99 on Amazon
Chances are if your loved one is a Community fan they already own the first two seasons on DVD, but if for some reason they’re not fans of this witty sitcom they need these now. The show has flown under the radar for a lot of TV lovers who wrote it off as goofy. While the plots are indeed gloriously silly, it’s become one of the smartest shows on TV. Plus, buying the DVDs can help save the show. Pick up one of the show’s clever shirts (like the #AnniesMove one) for them to wear while watching the show.
6. The Simpsons Skateboards
$131.95-$144.95
The Fox animated comedy teamed with Santa Cruz Skateboards to produce a series of cruzers for fans to get around on. If you have a Simpsons_-loving loved one in college, this is the perfect gift. You can choose from a replica of what Bart rides around on or ones that feature Homer’s face or a Duff beer canthe-simpsons.
7. The Office Kit: This is Huge! (That’s What She Said)
$12.99
This kit is filled with novelties from the show ranging Michael Scott’s World’s Best Boss mug to Pam’s painting of the office. It also includes a game book featuring games like cross words, word searches and spot the difference that will help pass time like Stanley does every day. You might also want to think about the DVD board game as a family gift.
8. Dexter/Lumen Thermals
$34.95
The kill shirt has been a staple on Dexter for six years, and last season we saw Lumen join the hunt. Not only are these thermals great to wear out in public, they’re also great for couples to put on and cozy up while watching your favorite serial killer do his thing. We suggest buying this fleece blanket to make it a real romantic evening.
9. The Walking Dead Busts
$49.99
Super-fans of the hit zombie show would definitely appreciate one of these hand-painted busts depicting one of the infamous zombies on the show. The busts were designed and sculpted by KNB EFX Group, the same special effects team that creates the zombie and makeup effects for the show. If these are too scary, pick up one of the fun character action figures.
10. Netflix, Premium Cable Subscription, DVR
various
While these might seem like simple ideas, a lot of TV lovers surprisingly rely on catching shows when they air and then waiting to watch them on a laptop. With a DVR, fans can record their favorite show and watch it at their leisure. Meanwhile, getting a subscription for HBO or Showtime will provide fans the chance to watch some of the best series on right now (instead of illegally streaming them!). And Netflix isn’t just for movies: Real fanatics can instantly stream loads of classics like Cheers and Roseanne and current hits like 30 Rock and Glee.
