Looking for a great gift for someone in your life who is obsessed with TV and film? I put together a few ideas for you.
Hallmark Movie Fans: Good for you if you have a Hallmark movie fan in your home! I am one and love these movies, especially at holiday time. Now you probably already know there is a whole bunch of merch in the actual Hallmark stores, so I’m going to point you in the direction of my favorite Hallmark podcast, Deck the Hallmark. Bran and Dan and their friends talk about soooo many Hallmark shows throughout the year and then, come holiday time, it’s a Hallmarkpalooza of Christmas movie reviews. They are fun, funny and passionate about what they do. For fans who love their podcast, they can become a ‘Dekkie” and become part of the Facebook group. The guys have also written a Christmas book, “When’s It Gonna Be Christmas Again?” and, together with their friend and film critic Alonso Duralde, wrote, I’ll Be Home for Christmas Movies: The Deck the Hallmark Podcast’s Guide to Your Holiday TV Obsession. They have their own Christmas merch too! And if all of that isn’t enough, they came out with a Christmas Movie Magic Card Game that you play while you watch Christmas movies! To say I enjoy this podcast and this group of people is an understatement. They make living in a crazy world a little better.
Hollywood Pride, A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film: A few months ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Alonso Duralde regarding his book for an article I wrote for Next Avenue. As a writer, this book is impressive with the detail of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. I loved this book and your loved one will too.
On Location: A Film and TV Lover’s Travel Guide: It’s a shameless plug, but it’s my blog so I think that’s okay haha. It’s a great gift that helps to plan a trip around some favorite movies or celebrities. My book gives great ideas, listed state by state. For example, sit at the diners used in Top Gun and Breaking Bad. Visit museums about Lucille Ball and Jimmy Stewart, or television and movies such as The Christmas Story Museum, from New York to California. And statue alerts! Snap a photo with a bronzed Elizabeth Montgomery at the Bewitched statue in Salem, Massachusetts.
Film and TV Cookbooks! Last year, I listed a bunch of cookbooks that are based on a TV show or movie as gift ideas, so check out this list because they are not outdated ideas. This year, I would like to add one for fans of The Great British Bake Off. Chef and television personality Dame Prue Leith released, “Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom”! With 80 fantastic recipes designed for deliciousness while being quick and easy to put together, the book is perfect for any home cook wanting to put an elegant meal on the table with minimal time required. Recipes in the book include Celeriac Rémoulade with Prosciutto, Rocket and Pine Nuts, Crispy Pork Belly, and Sushi for Scaredy-cats. These dishes paired with Prue’s insights and anecdotes make for the perfect cookbook for the novice cook new to the kitchen or the seasoned chef wanting to learn a little more from one of the culinary greats!
WWE 2K24: Here’s another fact about me. I have unapologetically been watching the WWE since I was a little girl. I watch every week, almost every PPV, went to my first WrestleMania last year, and own merch. I don’t, however, play video games, but my (now adult) kids do and love them. Here’s my son’s review of WWE’s 2K24 which makes a great gift for WWE fans.
According to Travis Brinkley, a video game player and reviewer, “This is the most complete wrestling game on the market today. The in-ring action is smoother than ever, featuring Superstars of today and legends from Stone Cold Steve Austin to Bruno Sammartino. 2K24 introduces new Ambulance and Casket match types, as well as Special Guest Referee where you can call it down the middle or take matters into your own hands.
There is a full suite of other modes with plenty of depth. Compete against friends or the AI in MyGM to build the best weekly show, or control the entire WWE in MyUniverse. Compete in MyFaction to collect the best Superstar cards and alternate attires. Live your own WWE journey in MyRise or check out the Showcase mode to relive the greatest matches in WrestleMania history. WWE 2K24 has something for every kind of wrestling fan and is the premier title in this series’ 20+ year history.”
Thanks Travis!
Monopoly: I walked into my local bookstore and couldn’t believe how many games there were that were TV and/or film-themed, such as this Monopoly game that’s based on Grey’s Anatomy. You will “experience the drama of intense surgeries and personal relationships, immersing yourself in the intricate workings of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital through this fresh take on the classic game.” But maybe do what I do with the show and don’t play before you go to bed. LOL There’s also a Parks & Recreation Monopoly, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Ted Lasso, Peanuts, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and even Guy Fieri’s Flavortown!
Lego: Do I even need to start about how Wicked fans will love anything related to the movie or Broadway show this year? Agree or disagree with me, but Wicked was my favorite movie of the year. And yes, there’s even a Wicked Monopoly game! There are also many variations of Wicked Lego, including this adorable one of Emerald City (Santa, I’ve been a good girl!).
Games, games, and more games! I’ve seen games based on Stranger Things, Clueless, Good Omens, and more. Just put their favorite movie or TV show and “game” or “book” or “cookbook” in the search engine. Maybe their favorite actor, actress, or content creator can be found on Cameo where you can have a personalized message sent to them.
And I’m a huge fan of gift cards, especially if it means that we can see more movies or stream more TV shows.
This isn’t a long list, but it’s only two weeks till Christmas when I post this. I just wanted to give a few ideas if you’re stuck. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!
