by Jaye Sonia

Well, well, well…. It seems it’s Giftmas time again and chances are pretty good you’re already shopping for loved ones, family, and friends. So, while it may be a little late for me to make recommendations (at least for this month), I’m still going to do just that – because whatever you don’t get this month, you can always grab this Hala February!

My first recommendation can easily be called a ‘big-ticket item!’ Weighing in at …well, I’m not sure how heavy it is, so let’s just say a lot! The Retro Alien Couch looks conspicuously like one of those alien invaders from the 1980s. It’s a solid $5000 (KD 1,412), not counting shipping, but worth every penny if you’re shopping for something exclusive this season. I’m willing to bet no one else has one. Maybe you’ll be the first lucky gamer? You can buy it here: http://www.igorchak.com/store/#

Harry Potter fans are going to love this next gift idea. Built to look like a ‘magic wand,’ this television remote learns from your other remotes, is programmable, and has some thirteen magical functions it can perform on DVRs, TVs, DVD players, and so on. It’s a lot less expensive than the aforementioned couch ($89 or KD 25) and is currently available on ThinkGeek.com (http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/cf9b/?cpg=cj&ref=&CJURL=&CJID=3363563)

Okay, this next gift is pretty inexpensive, but it’s all sorts of 1980s retro! Not only is it a must-have for a whole bunch of geeks, I’m pretty sure your average gamer will love it, too. I’m talking about the Transformer USB Drive (4 or 8 GB). It’s modeled after the old Decepticon Ravage and is available here: http://www.amazon.com/Transformer-USB-Flash-Memory-Drive/dp/B004CI906G/ref=pd_cp_pc_1 Prices vary according to storage size, but shouldn’t be more than $15 (KD 4.5) on Amazon.com.

I’ve been following this next item for nearly a year now (and will happily wear it if any of my fans pick one up) and still love it. It honestly doesn’t get cold enough in Kuwait to really justify buying one, but it still just oozes cool. The Grey Knight ‘armored hoodie’ is an affordable $125 (KD 35.5), features a full-face mask, and is designed and made in America. You can pick one up here: http://www.thesofworks.com/

Okay, so this next gift idea is another one of those ‘fun but weird’ items that will enjoy a lot of traction with zombie fans, but is probably a bad gift idea for your mother-in-law (unless your mother-in-law has a wicked sense of humor or loves The Walking Dead). The Zombie Garden Gnome won’t help you get a good deal of travel deals, but it will make an excellent yard decoration. Guaranteed to keep random strangers off of your yard or out of your dewaniya. You can pick it up here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006F3LTZ6/?tag=047-20 for about   $250 (KD 71).

This next gift idea is pretty inexpensive, has gotten good reviews, and promises to solve a lot of problems this winter for those of us with touch-screen phones. Texting Gloves are relatively affordable at $7 (KD 2), can be picked up on Amazon.com, and allow you to use your smart phone without your hands getting cold! You can pick them up here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HLNZVY/?tag=047-20

Okay, so this is another one of those superstar gift ideas. Sure, it’s not very practical, but it’s perfect for those fashion and music geeks – the Rolling Stone bathroom mirror! This simple idea puts you on the cover of the magazine every time you brush your teeth or wash your face, keeping your favorite star right where he or she needs to be! It’s an affordable $40 (KD 11.5) and can be had right here: http://www.amazon.com/RollingStone-Magazine-Cover-Novelty-Mirror/dp/B004PFLISE/ref=pd_sbs_hg_5

This next gift comes, once again, by way of ThinkGeek.com and is absolutely perfect for all of us out here in the desert. The FreeLoader Pro Solar Charger is $80 (KD 22.5), has adapters for all your devices, and can guarantee you power provided there’s still sun – which we have in spades here in Kuwait! The device has ten adapters, comes in a snug carrying case, and is sure to put a smile on all your eco-friendly friends’ faces. You can grab it here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/beb8/

The last thing I’m going to share with you is perfect for non-Geeks, but will make the geeks in your life smile with joy! These Outdoor LED Cubes (17”) make perfect seats (they can hold up to 300 lbs/136kg), are rechargeable, and come with a remote that lets you change the color! These are perfect for around the pool, in your youngest one’s bedroom, or even for a romantic meal on the back porch. Creative gamers are likely to use them in their game rooms, as well! At $180 (KD 51), these cubes are affordable (and memorable) gifts! You can grab them here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005A3XO4G/?tag=047-20

And of course, there’s a whole host of other cool gifts that I couldn’t fit in this article, but discerning readers won’t find themselves set back too far. You need only dial up ThinkGeek.com, Amazon.com, or ThisIsWhyImBroke.com for a host of additional great gift ideas! So, come the end of this month (or next birthday), pull out all the stops and be the thing of legends! Or at least buy something awesome!

Until next time…