If you are still looking for that perfect gift for the scifi/fantasy fan on your list (or you're looking for ideas for yourself), here are some of our suggestions:
First of all, I would like to start by reminding everyone about Pat Rothfuss's annual Worldbuilders fundraiser. Pat collects wonderful books (including many signed copies) and other awesome prizes, and then has a lottery for anyone who donates to his team page at Heifer International. It's a great way, as Pat says, to "make the world a better place while winning fabulous prizes."
Here are some other possibilities:
Shirt.woot.com has a lot of fun t-shirts--it's hard to pick which ones to buy. Some of my favorites (that are still for sale) include "Console Wars," "Little Bilby Goes for a Walk," and "After the Party."
I did a lot of my shopping over at Etsy this year--I really like feeling like I'm getting something unique while also supporting an individual, rather than a corporation. Here are some of the coolest things I saw in my search for the perfect gift:
- Posters inspired by Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, including this one of Roland Deschain.
- There is a lot of wonderful steampunk jewelry available, including this ring from the shop Crimson Curiosities.
- The shop ReComputing takes computer parts and makes them into jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, cufflinks, as well as key chains. I actually have a necklace and a ring, and they're both beautiful and well-made.
- The Bookish Life makes jewelry from old books, including fantasy favorites like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Harry Potter.
Of course, there are many books that can (and should) be given as well, and if I listed them all, I would go on all day. I'll stick to just one--if you know people who grew up in the 80s and who love video games, get them Ernest Cline's Ready Player One
And if you have other ideas, please share them in the comments!