Ho Ho Whoa! It’s Our EPIC 2019 Holiday Gift Guide for Every Pop-Culture Fan on Your List (PHOTOS)
Nintendo Switch Lite
Don’t be fooled by the name. This latest handheld unit is meant for gaming on the go, so it weighs less than the original Switch, features built-in controllers and is compatible with oodles of titles from the Nintendo library. Oh, and the colors it comes in—yellow, turquoise and gray—are fire! (nintendo.com, $199.99)
Capcom Games
If they’re getting a game console, they’re gonna need games and Capcom’s got some of the top action titles of all time. Pick from the fan-favorite Resident Evil line, the critically acclaimed Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and the fifth installment of Devil May Cry for Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC. They also have a slew of downloadable entries for the Nintendo Switch, including these titles: Dragon’s Dogma: Dark
Arisen and Phoenix Wright: Ace
Attorney Trilogy. (gamestop.com and bestbuy.com, prices vary)
Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure
Gaming gets real—and healthy—in this new immersive set that sends players to massive fantasy world where they battle baddies using real-life exercise. Employing the Ring-Con and leg strap accessories, the wearer’s movements are translated into in-game actions, so the more they move, the more power their play gets. This takes leveling-up to, well, the next level. (gamestop.com, $79.99)
Polaroid’s Limited Edition OneStep 2
The folks who gave us the glory of instant cameras have dropped a seasonally sexy red-and-white update on their iconic OneStep. Just load in some i-Type instant film and go! The A-plus lens and sturdy flash make sure your pics look amazeballs and the rechargeable battery holds up longer than a month of Christmas-movie marathons. And for anyone hankering to transfer all of their digital images into physical pics, Polaroid Lab is a must-get! It’s basically a desktop darkroom with way more style. (us.polaroidoriginals.com, $99.99-129.99)
Earbuds That Won’t Break the Bank
Not all ears are created equal so surprise the audiophile on your list with in-ear options that actually fit and are affordable. We dig the noise-isolating TicPods that come in multiple colors (amazon.com, $79.99), as well as Helm’s water-resistant model (helmaudio.com, $79.99). Both sets come with charging cases, silicone eartips in multiple sizes and effortless pairing tech. Which comes in handy when linking to…
Google’s Pixelbook Go
At 13mm thin and just barely over 2 pounds, the newest member of Google’s laptop line is the computing gift that makes sense but not noise: The back has a grippable design for on-the-go travel, the keyboard has ultra-quiet Hush Keys that are backlit for working in low light and boots up its 8th Gen Intel® Core in a flash. The toughest part of picking this one is deciding between Just Black and Not Pink. (googlestore.com, starting at $649)
Spongebob Squarepants Slow Cooker
Possibly the cutest idea for your foodie friend, this 7-quart slow cooker comes with all the trappings of a typical unit—variable settings, a removable stoneware and cool-touch handles—but look at that face! There’s also a Spongebob popcorn popper available and now we want to redo our entire kitchen in pineapple yellow. (macys.com, $39.99)
Game Night!
OK, so candles and wine make for fine host gifts, sure. Basic but fine. But if you really want to have fun at the 17th “holiday get-together” with folks you just saw last weekend, hand out these hilarious time wasters. Carpool Karaoke takes the best of The Late Late Show with James Corden’s hilarious car ride sing-alongs to test your gang’s vocal and dance chops (target.com, $19.99). Seek fame and fortune in 1950’s New York with a round of The Game of Life: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Edition (amazon.com, $24.99). For TV freaks like us, there is the clever quiz book Name That Show to put your boob tube knowledge through the wringer (amazon.com, $9.97). And lastly, the home edition of You Bet from Ellen DeGeneres’ Game of Games allows players to take on one another in challenges from a 100 double-sided category cards (target.com, $24.99). Or you could go with…
Game Night in a Can
Can you write a ghost story on the fly? How about a round of competitive paper airplanes? Best friends Barry McLaughlin and Jason Lautenschleger have cooked up this handy can containing 30 hilariously creative challenges for all ages that will keep your holiday party going for hours. Fun fact: Jason’s side-hustle is being the Director of Development for Adam Levine’s production company, so you’re basically giving a gift that Maroon 5 totally plays with, too. (barryandjason.com, $30)
The Office Pops! Figures by Funko
These ubiquitous vinyl hoots have taken over the collectibles world, with everyone from Stan Lee to The Purge getting their due. Some of our faves come straight from Dunder-Mifflin’s Scranton facility, including this perfectly put-upon Jim Halpert. Other colleagues of his include Darryl, Kevin, Michael and Dwight and Pam. No word on Meredith, but we’re betting she’s just at the bar. (walmart.com, $10.99 – $14.99)
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures
The heroes on a half-shell are back in their new Nickelodeon series with a cool look and crazy-fun action figures packing 13 points of articulation and hours of play. Our suggestion is to make sure all four of the guys go under the tree…and maybe even some of their vehicles (sold separately). Give Cowabunga for Christmas! (target.com, $9.99)
Douglas Company Plush Pals
Unbelievably soft and so damn cute, the stuffed animals from Douglas are begging to be given this year, especially the crew from their 2019 Holiday line like Tartan the Buffalo Plaid Scottie, Bramley the Scarf-Sporting Sloth, Crispin the Snowman, Blitzen the Santa-Suited Sloth and of course, Caticorn. (douglascuddletoy.com, $11.25-19.95)
Super7’s Happiness Is Pop-In@Nordstrom
The coolest pop-culture design house has partnered with Nordstrom for these must-visit pop-up shops stocked with oodles of Peanuts products for every age range. From 3.75″ ReAction Figures to puzzles to apparel, there is finally a reason to hit the mall! check for participating stores at Nordstorm.com/POP
Poe Dameron’s X-Wing
The Rise of Skywalker is upon us, which means someone you know—young or old—is gonna want all the toys. Like the
Star Wars The Vintage Collection’s film-inspired vehicle (target.com, $99.99) designed for 3.75-Inch scale action figures and even the more compact characters like BB-8. And speaking of Star Wars…
Star Wars Scream Saber
The Force is strong in Rosario Dawson (pictured) and other A-listers who have snapped up Hasbro’s must-have new lightsaber, packed with multiple sound effects (hello, “Pew! Pew!”) and even lets users record their own sounds. Let’s see The Mandalorian do that! (target.com, $27.99)
LEGO Star Wars: AT-ST Raider
You just saw this badass new vehicle wreaking havoc in The Mandalorian and now you can have one of your own! With 540 pieces, four minifigures and hours of Star Wars play at your fingertips, this set is even better than having a Baby Yoda! shopdisney.com, $49.95
Duke Cannon News Anchor Hair Care
David Muir doesn’t have to be the only one with flawless top-story locks! Choose from thickening and charcoal shampoos, pomades, styling creams, tonics, and even a dry shampoo that all provide hold, style and a shockingly affordable grooming experience. Oh, and the stuff smells awesome. (target.com, dukecannon.com, prices vary)
Manscaped Trimmer
You remember it from Shark Tank: The “below the waist” grooming device for men designed to safely tend to their, well, you know. Ergonomically designed, wireless and mercifully built with the trademarked ToughShear blades for a smooth, nick-free trim, you can order your guy one of two models and add in a ton of products perfect for keeping it all fresh and tight all the time. Use the discount code TVINSIDER for a special holiday discount! (www.manscaped.com/?utm_source=tvinsider&utm_medium=blog)
They Called Us Enemy
Before he was a Star Trek legend, George Takei was one of the 120,000 Japanese Americans imprisoned by the U.S. government during WWII. In this poignant graphic memoir, Takei recounts his harrowing youth and the horrors he saw, resulting in a tale of triumph and courage that is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. (amazon.com, $11.59)
An Encyclopedia of Tolkien: The History of Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World
We all know a Middle Earth fanatic who is counting the days until Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series drops. Well, make the wait worth it with this beautifully illustrated, leather-bound volume from author and Tolkien scholar David Day. Filled with four decades of research and writing on the lands and inhabitants of the mythical land, Day has delivered the essential companion, complete with an A-to-Z dictionary devoted to the battles, history, beasts, and heroes of Tolkien’s stories, all accompanied by 200 black-and-white drawings. (amazon.com, $15.69)
Beauty of Horror: Ghosts of Christmas Coloring Book
If you think the weather outside is frightful, just wait until you see this brilliantly demented adult coloring book! A stocking -stuffer extraordinaire for that friend who likes a little scary with his merry. (amazon.com, $10.38)
Twin Peaks: From A to Z
The weird and wonderfully complicated world of Twin Peaks is packed into this exclusive-edition set that collects the original ABC run, Fire Walk with Me, Showtime’s limited-series return and a mind-blowing array of deleted scenes and never-before-released behind-the-scenes footage. There are also unedited performances from The Roadhouse and new cast interviews. You probably won’t have to look too far down your gift list to find the Peaks freak who needs this in their lives. But there are only 25,000 copies avaialble, so act NOW! (bestbuy.com, $139.99)
Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and BeyondThe tome every Throner needs is Myles McNutt’s comprehensive, series-spanning look at the world of HBO’s saga. Featuring stunning hand-illustrated art, location breakdowns, deep dives into key alliances and animosities, a timeline and more, this gorgeous companion publication can even help ease the pains one may have after the final season. (amazon.com and everywhere books are sold, $50)
Books for Binge Watchers
Not only does The World of Vikings chart the drama of History’s terrific series, it also explores shipbuilding, Norse culture and the first encounters between Viking warriors and the kings of England and France (amazon.com. $21.36). The Making of Outlander: The Series: The Official Guide to Seasons Three & Four is author Tara Bennett’s latest all-access trek behind the scenes of TV’s steamiest time-travelers (amazon.com. $31.49). And finally, fans of Netflix’s The Witcher will be grabbing for Orbit Books’ fabulous special-edition hardback edition of Andrej Sapkowski’s The Last Wish, the best-selling novel that first introduced fantasy readers to Geralt of Rivia (amazon.com. $15.99).
The Man in the High Castle: Creating the Alt World
The award-winning series’ various timelines and terrifying alt-universes get a full-scope exploration in author Mike Avila’s gorgeous coffee-table book. Spanning the first four seasons, the hardbound keeper contains concept art, costume designs, on-set photos and storyboards that have never been shown to the public before. (amazon.com, $25.00)
Hoodies to Chill For
From Snoopy’s trip to space and Riverdale to Hogwarts and Godzilla, FYE is stocking the shelves with a plethora of apparel for your pop-cultured people. (fye.com, prices vary)
Peggy Li Designs Jewelry
Some of our favorite shows rock the looks of the Cali-based Li, whose handcrafted pieces continually steal our hearts. So expect your love to lose it over stunners like her Compass point necklace (seen on Riverdale and The Vampire Diaries), the Crazy Lace Agate Droplet pendant from Why Women Kill, the Smoky Trillion Earrings worn by Danielle Panabaker on The Flash and the Game of Thrones-inspired Kaleesi Ring that is total fire. (peggyli.com, prices vary)
Pyrrha Talisman Necklace
One of the hottest accessories in Hollywood is also one of the most environmentally sustainable! Cast in 100% reclaimed precious metal, these handcrafted pieces use authentic wax seals and imagery from the Victorian era to create a unique and symbolic gift meant to inspire, celebrate and empower the wearer. Available in a series of lengths and themes, Pyrrha’s standout line has been seen around the necks of Sissy Spacek on Castle Rock, Angela Bassett on 9-1-1 and Tony Goldwyn on Chambers. (pyrrha.com, prices vary)
Timex X Peanuts Watches
The first name in timepieces has come up with a watch collection starring the First Beagle in Space, Snoopy! Available in a galaxy of styles, these will send the young and young at heart right over the moon. (timex.com, prices vary)
Original Grain Watches
For a different vibe in wristwear, Original Grain has an eye-catching collection of watches crafted from the reclaimed wood of old whiskey barrels, ammo cases and sports-stadium seats. Each artisanal piece has its own story behind its sourced materials and there are even designs that feature stone-washed distressed steel. Distinctive and sustainable, just like the best friendships. (originalgrain.com, prices vary)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine 2020 Wall Calendar
Yeah, we’re counting the days until the new season of TV’s funniest crime-fighters returns, too. This will make it much easier…and far more entertaining. Noice! (amazon.com, $13.95)
Me To We’s “Bead Your Own Rafiki Bracelet Kit”
The charity that’s partnered with Sofia Carson, Shay Mitchell and Lilly Singh has a ton of crafting gifts inspired by Maasai beading tradition, including this delightful DIY set that Includes everything you need to make two 48” Rafikis or a bunch of single-strand bracelets. Even cooler: Proceeds go toward helping break the global cycle of poverty. So you’re giving twice. (ShopMeToWe.com, prices vary)
Adopt a Wild Animal
Speaking of gifts that give back, the Sierra Club has a wonderful way to save wildlife and spread holiday cheer. Get a plush pet, a backpack and informative booklet for the animal lover in your life when you you symbolically “adopt” a grizzly, cheetah, sea otter, manatees or any of the other at-risk animals in their name. Your donations go toward preservation and protection efforts across the country and that definitely fits with the “goodwill toward all” of the season. (https://store.sierraclub.org, prices vary)
Package from Santa
Imagine the look on your little one’s face when they get THIS special delivery! Available in three different tiers, kiddies receive their own, personalized letter from the Big Guy of the North Pole and a printable “Nice” list, as well as a phone call and a video. It’s an ingenious idea that brings Christmas to life in a way we wish everyone could experience! (packagefromsanta.com, $14.95-$74.95)
Reindeer in Here
Forget that creepy Elf on the Shelf and his tattling ways! This plush pal with the one too-short antler is all about celebrating everyone’s differences while also providing little ones a huggable companion who lets Santa know what they like and when they behave well. So start a new tradition in your family and gift your kids with a book-and-stuffed toy set they will hold deer, er, dear. (reindeerinhere.com/shop or amazon.com, $29.99)
PBS Kids Playtime Pad+
Leave it to the #1 educational-media brand for children to create the safest online space for little viewers ages 2 to 10. This 7-inch HD tablet offers live streaming and video, responsible parental controls, brainy content, over 50 PBS Kids games and access to a world of third-party apps, books and songs. All in a colorful, easy-to-hold design. (bestbuy.com, $79.99)
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
No holiday is complete without a touch of Hallmark and their iconic line of ornaments has something for everyone, whether you’re a Peanuts aficionado, a Disney freak or just down with Star Trek in all of its geekiness. So treat yourself to something this season, too. Your tree will thank you. (hallmark.com, prices vary)
Paw Patrol HD Wifi Camera
Talk about a watchdog! Paw Patrol‘s star canine, Chase, keeps an eye on things with this adorable app-controlled 1080P hi-def cam featuring night vision, 120-degree angle coverage and motion detection. If something seems amiss, this guy will warn you with alarms and phone notifications without even expecting a belly scratch. What a good boy. (walmart.com, $29.99)
DVDs Galore
Sure, streaming has made things easier, but some folks still love a physical set of DVDs and there is nothing better than unwrapping an entire series. Batman Beyond: The Complete Series Limited Edition celebrates the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking cartoon with every episode, 15 featurettes and a newly-remastered Blu-ray presentation of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. For live-action Bat-fans, there is Gotham: The Complete Series, which collects all five seasons of the spectacular Fox prequel that took us right up to the dawn of the Dark Knight. And nerds can rejoice now that The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Series is available with all 279 original episodes from 12 seasons of the top-rated comedy. Bazinga all through the holidays! (bestbuy.com, prices vary)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to give unto others!
Time is running out, but for those last-minute shoppers, we’ve whipped up a Gift Guide wish list of items that should have TV and entertainment lovers singing “Hallelujah.” Because ’tis the season to be jolly and honestly, we’d be smiling from ear to ear if any of these chestnuts turned up under our trees.
So hang the stockings with care, load up on some caffeinated hot cocoa and get to getting, folks. There may even be a few goodies in this gallery you might wanna grab for yourselves and even Santa would be OK with that sort of self-care. Cheers!
