Life As It Comes

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with gift ideas for people, so I thought in an effort to get those creative juices flowing, I’d create a list of some gift ideas for “in” things this Christmas season that would appeal to a variety of tastes (hopefully). What else would you add?

Specific ideas:

1) The Shack by William P Young
This book has maintained its status as number one trade fiction paperback on the New York Times Best Seller List since June 2008. I’ve not read it, but several friends have. It is a book about pain and loss, faith and healing and one that has a Christian message. The book’s website is temporarily down.

2) This Voice in My Heart by Gilbert Tuhabonye
Gilbert coaches a running group in Austin called Gilbert’s Gazelles. He is a survivor of genocide in his native land of Burundi who nearly qualified for the Beijing Olympics. Gilbert’s book is rumored to be both inspirational and uplifting.

3) WALL·E
This movie ranks as one of the best-reviewed films of 2008. Metacritic gives it 93/100. It was released yesterday (Nov 18) on DVD and Blu-ray.

4) The Dark Knight
Critics and fans also loved this newest installment of the Batman franchise. It will be released on DVD and Blu-ray December 9.

5) Apple Airport Express
If you’re like me, you love music. Having it fill the house is really important some days. With this device, you can plug in your stereo to receive music streamed wirelessly over the air from your iTunes library in another part of the house.

6) Mophie Juice Pack
The iPhone has become the number one selling mobile handset this year. Did you know that? The Juice Pack is a case that doubles as a battery-life extender for that iPhone-fan in your life.

Other ideas:

1) Blu-ray
You may or may not have been aware, but the format wars over the next generation of DVD media was decided this year. So, if you are looking to move to HD in your household, there is no risk in deciding which of the new formats (the other, losing format was HD-DVD) to buy movies and/or players in now. Before you gift movies on Blu-ray, be sure the recipient has a player or is planning on getting one. If you’d like to skip to the next-next big thing, consider Apple TV or a NetFlix membership (now with downloadable movies) or streaming movies on-demand from your cable provider.

2) TV Shows
These days, we have access to our favorite shows – whether last season or last decade – due to the rush to release them on DVD and Blu-ray. These make great gifts to be enjoyed in thirty-minute blocks or weekend-long marathons.