Are you ready for the holidays? Are we ever ready? This year seems more stressful than ever with Thanksgiving falling earlier in the month. This week kicks off so many holiday sales and specials and we want you to be ready for it.
We want to make the gift buying part of your holiday prep a little easier so we aimed to find a little something for every TV lover on your holiday shopping list (yes, even your dog!).
The Good Fight: The Complete Series DVD Set
You don’t need me to tell you that having physical copies of your favorite TV shows is the way to go. Streaming platforms became more capricious than ever in 2023, pulling series and movies off of their platforms with no advance notice (Were you waiting to catch up on Willow? Too bad!) All the more reason to purchase the complete series of one of television’s best shows. The 18-disc set includes all 60 episodes from the show’s six-season run along with two extra hours of content, including deleted and extended scenes, a gag reel, and the featurette The Good Fight: A Farewell. The series began with the election of Donald Trump and perhaps no show heard our collective primal scream more. The Good Fight is not to be missed.
All Things Bluey
It’s Bluey’s world and we are just living in it. The animated series, which airs on Disney+, is beloved by kids, teens, and adults. Maybe only Taylor Swift has the same multi-generational appeal. Because the show is so adored, we aimed to find something for every budget. As a fun stocking stuffer, good2grow has just released juice bottles with Bluey and Bingo on top (you can find them at Target, Walmart, and other national retailers). Bluey creator Joe Brumm wrote and illustrated Sleepytime based on the cherished episode (guaranteed to make you cry!) of the same name from the show’s second season. And if you want to splurge a little, Bluey: The Video Game came out just last week and is available on Ninetendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. The game features both favorite moments from the show along with brand new storylines. As Bingo and Bluey might say, “Hooray!”
Little People Parks and Recreation
Has there been a more genius idea than creating Little People figures for adult collectors? Released this year, Leslie Knope, Ron Swanson, April Ludgate, and Andy Dwyer (with his guitar!) are all turned into adorable Little People figures and displayed in a collector’s box. They join existing collections of Ted Lasso, The Office, and Friends, among others. So, as Tom and Donna might say, treat yo self!
Donkey Hodie Plush Toys
New this year are plush toys tied to the adorable PBS series Donkey Hodie. The puppet-based series follows the charming adventures of Donkey Hodie, the granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. When watching the show, you just wish you could give the puppets a hug, and now you can! Donkey Hodie’s best friend Purple Panda is also available for the first time. And these cute stuffed animals are good for ages 0+.
The Unofficial Ted Lasso Cookbook
This cookbook features recipes inspired by episodes from the show’s three-season run, like Sam’s Oven-Baked Ratatouille, Mum’s Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Top, and a Believe Cupcake Sheet Cake. And a Ted Lasso cookbook wouldn’t be complete without a recipe for Biscuits with the Boss and instructions on how to make your very own pink box. Written by best friends Aki Berry and Meg Chano, the book is a fun and delicious celebration of the Emmy-winning series. And remember, if the recipe doesn’t come out right, success is not about wins and losses.
Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History
This book, which will be released on November 28th (just in time for Chrismukkah!), features Rolling Stone chief TV critic Alan Sepinwall in conversation with series creator Josh Schwartz and executive producer Stephanie Savage. The book also contains interviews with all of the series’ stars including Ben McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson, Peter Gallagher, Kelly Rowan, Melinda Clarke, Tate Donovan, and Chris Carmack. The show ran for four seasons and made an indelible mark on the TV landscape. Fans of the series will especially devour Chapter 8, which delves into what went on behind the scenes of the show’s problematic third season and Chapter 9, which is a revealing look into Mischa Barton’s departure from the show. The only thing missing from this definitive dive is Ryan’s trademark brooding.
Kitsch Stranger Things Pillowcase and Eye Mask
Can a pillowcase change your life? Maybe? I swear by the Kitsch silk pillow cases, which truly do leave my hair less tangled and frizzy in the morning. While waiting for the show’s fifth season, you can buy a Stranger Things set inspired by the hospital gown Eleven wore in Season 4. Not a fan of the Upside Down? Kitsch also features Wednesday-themed products.
Audible Subscription
I know. I know. A TV holiday gift guide telling you to buy something having to do with books and podcasts. BUT on October 20th, Audible debuted Slayers: A Buffyverse Story featuring James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Head, Juliet Landau, Emma Caulfield Ford, Amber Benson, James Charles Leary, and Danny Strong all reprising their roles from the seminal series. The story picks up ten years after the series finale of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and was co-written and co-directed by Benson, who played Tara in the series. Audible is also currently running a promotion through November 27th where you can get the first four months for $5.95 a month plus an Audible credit of $20. So maybe this is a gift you buy for yourself…
The Simpsons BarkBox
Why should people be the only ones getting gifts this holiday season? BarkBox, a favorite among dog owners, has come out with a complete line of The Simpsons-based dog toys including Homer, Marge, Maggie, and, of course, Bart. You can even get Blinky, the three-eyed fish found in Springfield’s lakes. We are partial to Marge who, of course, has something hiding in her hair.
LEGO Millennium Falcon Holiday Diorama
Based on the LEGO Star Wars: Holiday Special from 2020, this set, which debuted in October, features five LEGO Star Wars characters, including Rey and Finn in holiday sweaters. This 282-piece building set is only available until December 31st, 2023. Once the set is constructed, you too can help Rey teach Finn how to use the force.
Amy Amatangelo, the TV Gal®, is a Boston-based freelance writer and a member of the Television Critics Association. She wasn’t allowed to watch much TV as a child and now her parents have to live with this as her career. You can follow her on Twitter (@AmyTVGal).
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