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The Daily BLAM! 2011 Holiday Gift Guide
Published: November 28, 2011 - 12:50pm
Our collection of staffers have put their collective heads together collectively to bring you our best-of-the-best gift recommendations for the 2011 holiday season!

It's that time of year when film lovers, gamers, collectors, technophiles and literary connoisseurs get the opportunity to share their favorite products of the year with friends and family. Today of all days is crucial to those who utilize online shopping: Cyber Monday! Here at The Daily BLAM! our team of writers have banded together to present you with a listing of some of our favorite items we've had the pleasure of watching, wearing and toying around with over the past few months thanks to their respective manufacturers and distributors. Accompanying each item you'll find abbreviated reviews, official product descriptions and direct links to the companies where you can purchase them. We hope you find this guide helpful in your endeavor to uncover quality products, and hope you share our suggestions with others in need. Without further ado, here is our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide!
Best wishes for a safe & festive holiday season!
Blu-rays & DVDs

Captain America: The First Avenger
Limited Edition 3D Blu-ray
$34.99 / Purchase link: Paramount Pictures
"What was one of the most favorable movies of the summer has quickly become one of the must-have home releases of the year. The Captain America Blu-ray not only lets you relive the excitement of this amazing action/adventure film from director Joe Johnson but offers some of the best special features of all of Marvel Studios' properties. It would be hard pressed to find a comic book or film fan who wouldn't appreciate adding this to their collection." -
[Full review]
Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures introduce the latest addition to the incomparable Marvel Super Hero team with CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, ready for action on high definition Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD October 25, 2011. Called “the best superhero movie ever” (Brian Erdy, CBS-TV), the thrill-packed adventure is a blockbuster hit with audiences worldwide, earning over $350 million at the Global Box Office. When a terrifying force threatens everyone across the globe, the world’s greatest soldier wages war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull. Loaded with fantastic action, stunning visual effects and an awe-inspiring hero imbued with courage, humanity and an unbreakable spirit, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER transports viewers into a world of daring exploits and excitement. Starring Chris Evans in the title role, the film features an outstanding ensemble cast including Academy Award®-winner Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving as Marvel’s Ultimate Villain, Red Skull, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke and Stanley Tucci.
The CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER three-disc set includes the film on Blu-ray in high-definition 3D and in high definition 2D, as well as on standard definition DVD with a digital copy. The two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack includes a high definition presentation of the film, plus a standard definition presentation with a digital copy. Both sets boast over an hour of behind-the-scenes bonus material including an original Marvel short film, an exclusive sneak peek into the ultimate Super Hero team, Marvel’s The Avengers, six featurettes that go behind-the-scenes of the filmmaking process, deleted scenes and much more.

The Walking Dead Season One (Special Edition)
$59.99 / Purchase link: Anchor Bay Entertainment
"If you're still not familiar with this television series you need to educate yourself immediately. Much like the critically acclaimed comic it is based on, the first season of The Walking Dead is foremost a character driven drama. The fact it is chock full of zombies only amplifies the thrills. This wonderfully acted, beautifully directed series hs top production value thanks largely to its magnificent practical effects and makeup. If you're a sucker for in-depth, behind-the-scenes details then this edition is the one for you." - 
AMC's hit "The Walking Dead," which broke ratings records in its first season reaching more Adults 18-49 than any other drama series in the history of basic cable television,* returns for its second season this Fall. The series is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln ("Teachers," Love Actually), who travel in search of a safe and secure home.
Shot on location in Atlanta, the series also stars Jon Bernthal ("The Pacific," The Ghost Writer) as Shane Walsh, Sarah Wayne Callies ("Prison Break") as Lori Grimes, Laurie Holden ("The Shield," Stephen King's The Mist) as Andrea, Jeffrey DeMunn (Stephen King's The Mist, The Green Mile) as Dale, Norman Reedus ("The Conspirator") as Daryl, Steven Yeun ("The Big Bang Theory") as Glen, Emma Bell (The Bedford Diaries) as Amy and Chandler Riggs (Get Low) as Carl Grimes. Season two of "The Walking Dead" is executive produced by three-time Academy(TM) Award nominee Frank Darabont, Gale Anne Hurd, Kirkman, David Alpert, and Glen Mazzara and AMC Studios. Greg Nicotero
Available in three versions (Special Edition DVD, Special Edition Blu-ray and Limited Edition Blu-ray Collector's Tin), each set contains all six episodes of the first season and is loaded with NEW behind-the-scenes featurettes, audio commentaries, extra footage and the fan-requested black and white version of the pilot episode. In addition to the Blu-ray special edition, a limited edition collector's tin contains an exclusive wearable zombie mask from NECA designed by the series own make-up artist, Greg Nicotero. The first 100,000 units of the Blu-ray and Limited Edition Collector's Tin together includes an EXCLUSIVE Cryptozoic "The Walking Dead" trading card.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Extended Edition Blu-ray Bonus Set
$119.98 $49.99 / Purchase link: WB Shop
"Lord of the Rings fans are an obsessive bunch, but what seems to distance them from most is their pursuance of quality products. This newly released collector's set is a prime example. While most revamped Special Edition home releases offer a new snippets of never before seen footage or a few shoddily thrown together featurettes, this pack couldn't be more different. For less than the price of seeing these re-released, extended edition films on screen you can take home DAYS worth of bonus material spotlighting every aspect of production from page to screen; all meticulously organized and edited for maximum viewing enjoyment." - 
A WBSHOP.COM EXCLUSIVE! Buy The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Blu-ray and get a bonus set of seven stunning portraits of Frodo, Gandalf, and more. Plus, save 10% on other The Lord of the Rings merchandise when you order this Blu-ray collection! The Quest Is Over: All 3 Extended Versions in Dazzling 1080p and DTS HD-MA 5.1 Audio. Deluxe 15-Disc Set Includes 9 Special Features DVDs with over 26 Hours of Spellbinding Behind-the-Moviemaking Material Including the Rare Costa Botes Documentaries. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING EXTENDED EDITION With the help of a courageous fellowship of friends and allies, Frodo embarks on a perilous mission to destroy the legendary One Ring. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS EXTENDED EDITION In the middle chapter of this historic movie trilogy, the Fellowship is broken but its quest to destroy the One Ring continues. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING EXTENDED EDITION The final battle for Middle-earth begins. Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum, continue their dangerous mission toward the fires of Mount Doom in order to destroy the One Ring.

The Devil's Double
$29.99 / Purchase link: Lionsgate Shop
"A stunning film that tells the story of Latif Yahia, a man forced to become the double of Saddam Hussein's malicious son. Dominic Cooper masterfully portrays both Yahia and Uday Hussein, though his acting is so on key you wouldn’t believe it unless you saw it for yourself. Both characters are incredibly different in terms of mannerisms and speech, yet Cooper captured both fluidly. Action fans and historical buffs alike will undoubtedly find appreciation for this film. -
[Full review]
Based on a gripping, unbelievable true story of money, power and opulent decadence, Lionsgate’s THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE takes a white- knuckle ride deep into the lawless playground of excess and violence known as Baghdad, 1987. Summoned from the frontline to Saddam Hussein's palace, Iraqi army lieutenant Latif Yahia (Dominic Cooper) is thrust into the highest echelons of the "royal family" when he’s ordered to become the ‘fiday’ – or body double – to Saddam's son, the notorious "Black Prince" Uday Hussein (also Dominic Cooper), a reckless, sadistic party-boy with a rabid hunger for sex and brutality. With his and his family’s lives at stake, Latif must surrender his former self forever as he learns to walk, talk and act like Uday. But nothing could have prepared him for the horror of the Black Prince’s psychotic, drug-addled life of fast cars, easy women and impulsive violence. With one wrong move costing him his life, Latif forges an intimate bond with Sarrab (Ludivine Sagnier), Uday's seductive mistress who’s haunted by her own secrets. But as war looms with Kuwait and Uday’s depraved gangster regime threatens to destroy them all, Latif realizes that escape from the devil’s den will only come at the highest possible cost.

Fast Five
$24.99 / Purchase link: NBC Universal Store
"Fast Five breaks the mold cast by the previous installments in the franchise by transitioning into a proper heist film. All of the Fast and Furious characters from films one through four are back (within continuity, of course); we are also introduced to a fantastic, and fitting, addition to the cast: Dwayne Johnson. Fast Five brings the action that is expected by long time fans while offering just a tad more dramatic elements in it's surprisingly well developed plot. Though the extended edition cut includes two scenes, they do not add much impact to the storyline of overall film. Aside from that the other bonus materials offer a fantastic look at the production of this hit film." -
[Full review]
Spectacular street chases and pulse-pounding physical action are set against the mesmerizing beauty of Rio de Janeiro’s exotic thoroughfares in Fast Five, the most successful installment of the Fast & Furious franchise. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead a reunion of returning all-stars from every chapter of the phenomenally successful franchise built on speed plus action superstar Dwayne Johnson (Faster) in the all-new action caper available on Blu-ray™ and DVD Combo Packs, DVD, Digital Download and On Demand.
Available for a limited time only, the Blu-ray™ and DVD Combo Packs bring the full-throttle excitement of the ultimate Fast Five experience to the screen with perfect picture and the purest digital sound available on Blu-ray™, as well as an extended edition of the film with even more explosive action, exclusive bonus features, a DVD to enjoy in the car or on the go, and a Digital Copy of the film that can be downloaded and viewed on an array of electronic and portable devices anytime, anywhere including laptops, tablets, and smartphones as well as Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray™ set top boxes. Debuting on the Fast Five Blu-ray™ is Universal’s Second Screen, an all-new app for tablets and computers that provides an innovative and interactive viewing experience.

Smallville: The Complete Series
$249.99 $199.99 / Purchase link: WB Shop
"Many fans of the long running superhero show have been following it's home releases yearly, and may feel a box set that collects the entire series doesn't offer anything new. Very, very wrong. Not only do you get to re-watch every episode of Smallville (in HD and commercial free) but stay tuned for what appears to be every snippet of behind the scenes footage, nterview clip and promotional panel the cast and crew attended over he past decade.You'll also get the opportunity to watch the un-aired Aquaman TV series pilot, which became a long standing top seller on the iTunes Store, proudly display a collectible Daily Planet newspaper -- which is the first I've seen created by DC Comics themselves. All in all, a wonderful collection for anyone who can set aside a lot of time to enjoy it." - 
The groundbreaking, Emmy®-winning 10-season hit that redefined the origins of the world’s greatest hero is all here – from Krypton refugee Kal-el’s arrival on Earth through his tumultuous teen years to Clark Kent’s final steps toward embracing his destiny as the Man of Steel. Relive a decade’s worth of thrills in fantastic adventures full of action, heart and humor in abundance, all anchored by the marvelous performance of Tom Welling at its center. Savor again the series’ thoughtful and imaginative integration and reinvention of the iconic characters of DC Comics lore. And let your spirits be lifted up, up and away.
This ultimate collector’s set for the ultimate fan features over 192 hours of content – including all 218 episodes, over five hours of newly added special features such as an unaired, never-before-seen Superboy pilot from 1961, a retrospective look at the series with over 100 minutes of season featurettes, a decade of Comic-Con featurette and more!
• The Adventures of Superboy – the original 1961 pilot
• A Retrospective Look at The Series with over 100 Minutes of Season Featurettes - the first in-depth, season-by-season look at the creation of this landmark television series. Highlights include new interviews with Tom Welling, Eric Durance, Michael Rosenbaum, Allison Mack, Phil Morris, John Schneider and many more, as well as rare behind-the-scenes footage. A Decade of Comic-Con featurette
• Paley Fest 2004 Event
• Aquaman Pilot
• Secret Origin: The American Story of DC Comics
• The Making of a Milestone - Expanded Version of the 100TH Episode (Season 5)
• A Daily Planet newspaper written by DC Comics that highlights the important storylines developed during the 10-year run of the show
• Episode guide with never-before-released on DVD production art and behind the scenes photos

Crazy Stupid Love
$19.99 / Purchase link: WB Shop
"Romantic Comedies are a dime a dozen but, despite the title, this movie is not about finding your soul mate as much as how to survive with your soul mate. This movie is an example of Steve Carell's true acting ability away from The Office's dry humor. He shows so much heart while still hilarious banter you can help but root for him. Ryan Gosling is incredibly dashing and, as always Emma Stone is her charismatic self stealing scenes with her goofy charm and fearless capability to be comedically awkward. Small parts played by Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei really round out this stellar cast in a film that catches you by surprise with a genius ending." -
[Full review]
Crazy, Stupid, Love, the perfect combination of sexy and cute, is available on Blu-ray Combo Pack from Warner Home Entertainment Group. Adapted from a screenplay by Dan Fogelman (“Cars” films), Crazy, Stupid, Love is a critically acclaimed romantic comedy-drama that follows a man’s perfect life unraveling after he discovers his wife is having an affair, turning his whole world upside down. Directed by Glenn Ficara and John Requa (“I Love You Phillip Morris”), Crazy, Stupid, Love stars Steve Carell (TV’s “The Office,” “Date Night”), Oscar® nominee Ryan Gosling (“Half Nelson”), Oscar® nominee Julianne Moore (“Far From Heaven”), Academy Award® winner Marisa Tomei (“My Cousin Vinnie”), Kevin Bacon (“Frost/Nixon”), Emma Stone (“Easy A”), Jonah Bobo (“Zathura: A Space Adventure”) and Jane Carroll Lynch (“Shutter Island”).
The Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD include an UltraViolet Digital Copy of the standard definition theatrical version of the film, which allows consumers to download the film to a PC or Mac plus instantly stream it from a digital cloud to many computers, tablets or smartphones.

Bellflower
$31.99 / Purchase link: Oscilloscope
"Hollywood studios spend tens of millions of dollars to create visually compelling films. The filmmakers behind the Sundance-hit Bellflower spent $17,000. That’s an amazing figure for a film that involves two friends building a flamethrower, and souped-up Mad- Max muscle car in case the apocalypse hits. But using their shoestring-budget wisely, the filmmakers create an absolutely incredible experience by giving equal attention to the film’s emotional and visual qualities. Shooting on a camera that writer/director/lead actor/co-editor Evan Glodell actually invented, the film has an amazingly unique visual aesthetic. Bellflower is a haunting triumph of low-budget independent filmmaking, and quite possibly one of the strongest feature debuts from a director ever." -
[Full review]
BELLFLOWER, the critically acclaimed feature-length debut from director Evan Glodell, is now available on iTunes, DVD and Blu-ray. An Official Selection at both the 2011 Sundance and SXSW Film Festivals, this visually stunning film follows a a pair of best friends through their journey of love and hate, betrayal, infidelity, and extreme violence. Special features include Behind the Scenes of Bellflower Featurette, Medusa Rundown, Outtakes and Original theatrical trailer.
BELLFLOWER follows two friends as they venture out into the world to begin their adult lives. Literally all their free time is spent building flame-throwers and weapons of mass destruction in hopes that a global apocalypse will occur and clear the runway for their imaginary gang "Mother Medusa". While waiting for the world to end, their call to excitement comes unexpectedly when one of them meets a charismatic young woman and falls hard in love. Quickly integrated into a new group of friends, they set off on a journey of betrayal, love, hate, infidelity and extreme violence more devastating and fiery than any of their apocalyptic fantasies.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga
$89.99 / Purchase link: FOXconnect
"Star Wars fans need not be convinced to take home this newly released and digitally revamped collection. Some may not be fans of director/creator George Lucas' continuous replacement of dated effects with modernized computer graphic imagery, but in the end this is Star Wars in crisp, vibrant, high definition beauty. Give this set to an adult who may have lost touch with the property over the years and watch them revel in nostalgia; give it to a child whose never seen the films before and watch them get drawn into a galaxy far, far away like only Star Wars can do." - 
The comprehensive collection includes the six movies (THE PHANTOM MENACE, ATTACK OF THE CLONES, REVENGE OF THE SITH, A NEW HOPE, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI) with unparalleled high-definition picture and sound quality, and features numerous deleted, extended and alternate scenes, new documentaries and a cross-section of the countless Star Wars spoofs that have appeared in pop culture over the past three decades. Marking the first time ever that the full Saga is available in one complete collection, STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY also features a coveted peek into the making of the Saga with vintage documentaries, audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, prop and costume turnarounds, retrospectives and more.

It's A Wonderful Life 2-Disc Collector's Set
$22.49 / Purchase link: Paramount Store
"Revisit Bedford Falls in this stunning collector's edition which has debuted just in time for the holiday season. Both black & white and color versions of the film are crisp and still as engaging since it's original release in 1946. The accompanying bell ornament will make a great companion to your tree. An included featurette will tell you why famed director Frank Capra considered it to be his favorite film made. Give this charming and nostalgic gift to anyone who needs a little magic to rekindle holiday traditions." - 
Take a trip to Bedford Falls to experience the life-affirming message of director Frank Capra’s enduringly popular classic all over again when IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE gets its wings in a new two-disc Blu-ray™ Shadow Box Gift Set on November 1, 2011 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Starring James Stewart (Mr. Smith Goes To Washington), Donna Reed (From Here to Eternity), Lionel Barrymore (Key Largo), Thomas Mitchell (Three Wise Fools) and Henry Travers (The Bells of St. Mary’s), the film has made an indelible impact on popular culture and continues to be a beloved part of many families’ holiday tradition.
An ideal holiday gift for everyone on your list, the IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Gift Set comes packaged in a striking shadow box and includes a two-disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray with a beautifully colorized version of the film in high definition and the original, fully restored black-and-white movie in high definition, as well as “The Making Of It’s A Wonderful Life”, a documentary featurette hosted by Tom Bosley, and the original theatrical trailer. The set also includes an exclusive bell ornament and a commemorative booklet.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
$24.99 / Purchase link: Disney Store
"Compared to the previous three films, On Stranger Tides is not the strongest in the franchise story-wise but it is just as enjoyable and the action -- amplified tenfold this time around -- is thrilling to watch. On Stranger Tides is a great addition to the film series and a nice jumping off point for future projects. Wonderful, sweeping cinematography and a vivid score accompany fantastic and whimsical performances that prove why this was one of the most well received films of the summer. The collector's edition, which comes in a beautifully crafted treasure case, is a fantastic gift for any Pirate lover in your household" -
[Full review]
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes the fun, epic adventure and humor that ignited the original. Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, a tale of truth, betrayal, youth, demise and mermaids!
When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), he's not sure if it's love or if she's just a ruthless con artist using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Forced aboard the ship of the most feared pirate ever, Jack doesn't know who to fear more - Blackbeard (Ian McShane) or the woman from his past. Directed by Rob Marshall, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is filled with eye-popping battle scenes, mystery, and all-out wit. Rated PG-13. Bonus Features include: Bloopers Of The Caribbean, LEGO Animated Shorts: Captain Jack's Brick Tales, Disney Second Screen and Audio commentary by director Rob Marshall.
Gadgets & Accessories

fuse PowerSlice
$44.99 (Additional slices $9.99 each) / Purchase link: fuse
"This sleek charging deck has only one cord to charge up to four of your electronic devices You can custom buy which ones you need the most, whether it is your iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, camera or USB accessible cameras and other gadgets. It saves room while at home or work and you’ll be able to keep your regular chargers packed for the road. Keep in mind this is not a portable charging station meant to be carried around and should be kept on a nightstand or other static area. The extra USB port on the side is useful to charge extra devices as well." - 
With the recent release of the iPhone 4S and the imminent release of the Kindle Fire, people now have more gadgets - and more cord clutter - than ever. The PowerSlice from fuse is a universal charger that can help keep those gaggle of gadgets organized and charged.
Allowing you to charge up to four gadgets on one plug, the PowerSlice uses individual slices with charging tips (and built-in USB port on the charger base), including iPhone/iPod and Micro and Mini USB, Samsung and LG. Now, charging anything from Smartphones to cameras, handheld gaming consoles, e-readers and Bluetooth devices can all be consolidated with one device.

Agloves Touchscreen Gloves
$17.99 / Purchase link: Agloves
"If you are a person who has a hard time putting their phone down for extended periods of time and are also prepping for the impending winter season you're going to want to check these gloves out. Unlike other pairs which utilize awkward finger pads, Agloves' newest line features skintight cloth interwoven with metal filaments that offer an ergonomic feel. Note: If you are a man who is more fashion conscious than function needy keep in mind that the gloves give off a light sheen that may appear slightly feminine. Overall, if you would love the option to use your phone at any given time regardless of a drop in temperature it's worth giving these gloves a try." - 
Touch Screen Gloves for cold weather use. You can text with these gloves on! Agloves touch screen gloves are lightweight, soft, warm, stretchy and slightly fuzzy knitted gloves. Made in the USA, these seamless, knitted gloves have high quality workmanship. Agloves are compatible with any and all of your touch screen phones, cameras, multimedia devices, game systems, and eReaders. Two unisex sizes S/M or M/L Color is black with silver flecks to produce a charcoal grey coloring. Hand washable in water.
Agloves work on all touch screens including: iPhone, Droid X, Samsung, Tom-Tom GPS system, Nook, ATM, iPad, iPod Touch, MP3 player, Palm Pre, Blackberry Storm, Zune HD, Flip HD and other cameras, and many more.
Nanodots
$24.99 - $44.99 / Purchase link: Nanodots.com
"If your friends have addictive personalities and the ability to fidget with anything they can get their hands on, they need a set of Nanodots. These fully poseable and very durable magnets can be molded into anything from jewelry to chess pieces to model figurines of your favorite characters. They're LEGOs for adults. Once you start messing around with them it's very hard to put them down, and you'll find yourself carrying a set around to alleviate random bouts of boredom." - 
Don’t be confused by their logic-defying magnetic properties, their eerily beautiful reflective surfaces or the weird (yet soothing) clicking sounds they make. These aren’t your ordinary magnets. Nanodots are kick-ass,
take-no-prisoners, juiced-up super magnets. Unlike today’s complicated high-tech gadgetry, Nanodots require no instructions and will never need an upgrade. Featuring no flashing lights, computer chips or batteries, these polished dots derive their allure from sheer magnetic force and human imagination.Nanodots are powerful magnetic constructors milled from Neodymium - the world’s strongest permanent magnet. The precisely shaped spheres are coated with multiple elements and engineered for the formation of complex shapes. These versatile dots are used for many things including the “destressing” of corporate executives as a desk toy, teaching geometry and mathematics, and even worn as daily jewelr

iFrogz Ear Pollution Audio Line
CS40, TimbrePro Earbuds with Mic, Mogul
$39.99, $49.99, $69.99 / Purchase link: iFrogz
"This series prides itself on comfort and they are a great companion to have while on the run. They fold up to fit in your bag and are comfortable enough to wear all day. Well made and providing superior sound quality even in noisy environments you won't want to leave home without them." - 
CS40’s Headphones: Headphones are the accessories for music lovers. These over the ear headphones allow for hours of amazing listening experience thanks to the AeroFoam ear cushions. The CS40’s come in nine different color choices, making these the perfect combination of style and comfort.
"A tangle-less cord and internal microphone make this headset, most beneficial for use with your phone, a perfect addition to the everyday items you keep in your pocket. What truly makes this device different from the earbuds that come standard with most mobile devices are the thin, wood sound chambers in place of plastic ones; and it's easy to tell they offer a higher level of audio clarity." - 
TimbrePro Earbuds with Mic: The wooden sound chamber packs a punch, delivering smooth, quality sound, and undistorted high of clear vocals. Ensuring comfort, the TimbrePro come with three tip sizes to fit your ear canal along with the trusty anti-tangle cord.
"These DJ style stereo headphones are sturdy and very affordable compared to many other similar headsets. The noise cancelation works like a dream while the bass surround sound brings music of all types to its best quality. The padding provides maximum comfort and the pads are flexible, guarantying best possible fit. Also included is a ¼” adapter." - 
Mogul: These over the ear, DJ style headphones deliver some serious deep bass. Equipped with 50 mm drivers, a padded headband, thick cushions and foldable design these headphones are true moguls.

Mighty Wallets
$15.99 / Purchase link: Dynomighty
"For someone who goes through about three wallets per year it's nice to know there are other economical options available. Finding that Dynomighty's wallet line is more resistant to day-to-day wear than the usual patent leather ones I usually purchase but come at less than half the price makes them an enticing option indeed. Add in the fact that these wallets come in over 100 different styles including pop culture designs from DC Comics characters, Star Trek, Speed Racer and many others, it's hard to resist making the switch." - 
The Mighty Wallet is tear-resistant, water-resistant, expandable and recyclable. Made from Tyvek® (think express mail envelopes), these cool wallets resist tearing because of thousands of interlocking plastic fibers spun in random patterns, giving them incredible strength.
The ingenious origami construction was and is the original folded Tyvek® wallet designed by Terrence Kelleman. The stitch less design reinforces the materials own strength and allows these very slim wallets to instantly expand and adapt to your own personal storage needs. The Mighty Wallet® will expand right before your eyes (watch the videos).
Because of the slim, lightweight and water resistant features, you can take these cool wallets anywhere. They make great "night out" wallets for a slender silhouette and the writable surface conveniently acts as a quick note pad on the go. In time, the Mighty Wallet® will gradually soften and patina but, even after years of wear, it will still offer surprise and solicit intrigue.

Portal 2 Long Fall Socks
$11.99 / Purchase link: JINX
"Finding geek-centric female accessories for newer properties isn't an easy task as most of the industry panders towards the male demographic. Thankfully Jinx has come out with a sexy item based on one of the most well received games of the year. A great way to showcase your geek patronage, these knee high socks are comfy, adorable and nerdy. They are well made and the perfect accessory to give you that extra boost when running errands or escaping from GLaDOS." - 
While the Long Fall Boot is currently unavailable outside of Aperture Laboratories’ testing facilities, you can still sport the latest look in test subject fashion with these Long Fall Socks. As part of a previously mentioned test protocol, we are required to tell you that these socks won’t actually help you survive any long falls, however they will make your feet look attractive whether you’re safely on the ground or plummeting towards an imminent demise.

Compass Mobile Stand for iPad
$39.99 / Purchase link: Twelve South
"This compact metal stand boasts the ability to hold the iPad upright or in landscape position as well as other devices such as smart phones and even books Its metal grips are slip proof and the three available colors are vibrant enough to catch your eye yet still allowing for a professional vibe in a work environment. What separates this from the countless other tablet stands on the market are it's superior craftsmanship and portability thanks to the included padded traveling case." - 
Compass is a stylish, compact folding stand that works as an easel and a typing stand with all iPad models. As an easel, Compass beautifully displays iPad in both portrait and landscape modes. To transform Compass into a typing stand, simply flip down the secondary leg and this super portable stand sits at a perfect angle for comfortable typing on the iPad onscreen keyboard.
Available in iPad Silver, Tactical Black and Candy Apple Red, this slim, heavy gauge steel stand lets you enjoy both hands-free and hands-on use of your iPad anywhere it goes. FaceTime conversations, Keynote presentations and interacting with your favorite apps, Compass lets you see and do more with iPad. Folded flat, Compass is about the size of candy bar, talking up very little space in your backpack, computer bag or purse. Store it in the included soft travel sleeve and you’re ready to roll.

BookBook Case for iPhone
$59.99 / Purchase link: Twelve South
"This iPhone 4 and 4s case holds not only your phone but your wallet necessities as well. Closed it looks like a miniature, classic hardcover while, when open, the left side contains three slots for your ID or credit cards plus an inside pocket for cash. Handmade out of durable leather, the BookBook offers protection from minor drops and bumps. After switching over to this case several weeks ago I've found myself questioning why I haven't used this case since the day I purchased my iPhone." - 
BookBook for iPhone is a wallet and iPhone case rolled into one pocket-sized, vintage book. Open this beautifully designed leather book and you will see a wallet on the left and a slot for your iPhone 4/4S on the right. Trade your wallet for this handsome little book and you’ll have one less thing in your pocket or purse when you walk out the door. And, as long as you remember your phone, you’ll never forget your wallet again.
- Handmade, genuine leather case protects iPhone with style
- Includes wallet pockets for ID, cards and cash
- Unique book design disguises iPhone for added security

a-Jays Four Headphones
$69.99 / Purchase link: Jays
"The cables on these headphones are flat so that they won’t ever tangle, and the design denotes a sleek fresh look. They feature an easily accessible remote on the right cable that is useful for adjusting volume, pausing/playing songs, and starting/ending phone calls. Aside for it's aesthetic appeal, the most important aspect of this headset is how immediate you notice the superior sound quality to the standard Apple headphones most people use. The package includes five different sized ear buds in order to accommodate all size ears." - 
The a-JAYS Four are developed for one purpose only. To match your iPod, iPhone or iPad and let you enjoy and get as much out of them as possible. Not only do the features and buttons provide you with full control, but the design is also made to match your iPhone 4 perfectly.
Smart and flexible earphone design is not just about enhancing the quality of the sound. A selection of sleeves available in five different sizes means JAYS earphones fit snugly into any size of ear canal. And with the sleeves being fully washable you’re able to keep them clean at all times.
The remote on the a-JAYS Four is a three-button remote with SMART-feel soft touch concave/convex buttons for perfect grip and carefully selected state-of-the-art components giving you a complete full-feature solution and options to play/pause music and videos, answer/hang up calls, skip songs, volume up/down and voice control etc. Read more about all the features on the remote instructions tab.

Emily the Strange & Harley Quinn Mimobot Flashdrives
$14.99, $18.99 / Purchase at: Mimoco
"Nowadays everyone needs a flashdrive; be it for school, work or as a portable backup of personal, digital goodies. Mimoco has offered quality geek-centric drives for years and their collection continues to expand with new products from DC Comics and Emily the Strange. Not only will it be hard to misplace these stylish drives but they pull double duty as great desktop display items. And before you begin fulling them yourself, don't forget to download the wallpapers, avatars and images based on the drive's character that come pre-loaded. Thanks to these Mimobots, you can gift your friends with so much more than run-of-the-mill stocking stuffers this year." - 
The distinctive character-based MIMOBOT line offers from 2GB to 64GB of flash memory storage and transport for all your most precious music, docs, pics and other personal data bits and bytes. The MIMOBOT collection is available in several co-branded ranges of iconic franchises, has functioned as a canvas for indie pop-artists, has originated from the minds of our fans through design challenges, and our original MIMOBOT Core Series of data deprived denizens hailing from far out Planet Blõôh started this whole creative revolution in portable data storage. Additionally, MIMOBOT flash drives deliver original exclusive preloaded Mimory™ content for your enjoyment
- The Emily the Strange “Save Yourself” MIMOBOT shows Emily as a masked crusader for self-empowerment. Don’t sit around waiting for someone else to help you: save yourself. Emily’s cape-wearing, injustice-fighting MIMOBOT will keep your data safe, transporting your music, photos, and documents. And maybe carrying it around will make you feel a little like a superhero too.
- The latest edition to the Batman x MIMOBOT series draws on the immensely popular Arkham City video game series for design inspiration. Though best known for the "Mad Love" of her sociopathic love affair with The Joker, Harley Quinn is very much her own twisted girl. In true MIMOBOT® form, Harley Quinn MIMOBOT®encompasses the fan-favorite Batman character as re-imagined in Arkham City styling with red and black leather bustier, rainbow-highlighted pigtails, shock of blonde hair, and the menacing white face of a sociopath worthy of The Joker’s love. Harley Quinn MIMOBOT® is hell-bent on transporting all your digital treasures! You'd be crazy to question the insane beauty of this latest edition to the Batman x MIMOBOT series of designer USB flash drives!
Harley Quinn x MIMOBOT is an SDCC 2011 Exclusive. Hand numbered, edition size of 800 units. For a limited time only, get a FREE 11"x17" SDCC 2011 Exclusive poster with purchase while supplies last!
Literature

Alien Vault: The Definitive Story of
the Making of the Film
$34.99 / Purchase link: Q Book Shop
"The industry is being flooded with 'Making of' and 'Art of' compilations based on the most popular films, video games and television shows. Though it's not too difficult to find those of exceptional quality, many are mundane repetitions thrown together for a quick cash grab. This is not the case with Alien Vault. Upon opening the cover you will be inundated with page after page of beautiful artwork and behind the scenes photos taken on the set of the acclaimed sci-fi film. Sift through the first few splash pages and you'll be treated with the first of four interactive collectibles which include reproduced script pages and vehicle blueprints. If you are a long time fan of the Alien franchise or simply anxiously prepping for the upcoming release of the next film, pick up this anthology immediately." - 
For over thirty years, audiences have been simultaneously captivated and appalled as the spaceship Nostromo is invaded and its crew stalked by a terrifying parasitic creature. From the gore of the infant alien bursting from Kane’s chest to the mounting claustrophobia as Ripley discovers the monster has followed her into the escape shuttle, Alien is a chilling masterpiece. Now, Alien Vault: The Definitive Story of the Making of the Film opens a portal into the making of this legendary film, tracing its path from embryonic concept to fully fledged box office phenomenon.
Featured herein are director Ridley Scott’s own annotated storyboards, Polaroids and script pages; the elegant but disturbing concept artwork of H.R. Giger; sketches and construction blueprints for the Nostromo; costume designs by Moebius; a treasure trove of never-before-seen photographs of the cast and crew; and ten meticulously reproduced artifacts, enclosed in vellum envelopes, for readers to remove and examine more closely. Fully authorized and illustrated throughout, Alien Vault is the ultimate tribute to a movie that changed cinema forever.

Batman: Noel (Deluxe Edition Hardcover)
$24.99 / Purchase at: Comic Shop Locator
"Artist and Writer Lee Bermejo takes Dicken's classic Christmas Carol tale, giving it a Gotham twist. The art is bold and haunting, and the story is so rich that this seemingly cheesy interpretation is mastered tastefully. Seeing Gothamn heroes and villains as iconic character is gratifying and no previous knowledge of the Batman universe is needed, a great trade to pick up for new and old readers alike." - 
Inspired by Charles Dickens' immortal classic A Christmas Carol, BATMAN: NOEL features different interpretations of The Dark Knight, along with his enemies and allies, in different eras, from writer/artist Lee Bermejo.
In this spectacular, oversized graphic novel, Batman must come to terms with his past, present and future as he battles villains from the campy 1960s to dark and brooding menaces of today, while exploring what it means to be the hero that he is.
Written by LEE BERMEJO; Art and cover by LEE BERMEJO

Star Wars: The Complete Vader
$59.99 / Purchase link: Random House
"This coffee table book is chock full of two-page spreads, pull out posters and layouts of unseen art that chronicle the complete history of Star Wars' Dark Lord of the Sith. Readers are given close insight of the merchandising surrounding Anakin Skywalker including decades of action figures, trading cards and video games. A nice focal point spotlights how the character's iconic black mask became a worldly recognizable couture symbol. This book is the perfect addition to any Star Wars fan's collection." - 
Star Wars: The Complete Vader is the definitive book on the history, myth, and cultural impact of Darth Vader. From his early development in the first Star Wars film by George Lucas, to the new legends created in comics, videogames, and novels, to his ongoing appearances on everything from television commercials to bedspreads, Vader presents a complete view in all his incarnations as the Dark Lord of the Sith. Going beyond the films to cover his further adventures in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, the book combines new insight with exclusive interviews and photographs from the Lucasfilm Archives. Interactive reproductions of rare memorabilia fire the imagination, while pages packed with never-seen-before images explore the world’s endless fascination with the notorious Darth Vader.

TCM Classic Movie Trivia
$22.95 / Purchase link: Chronicle Books
"This is one of the most comprehensive film trivia collections to ever be released with over 500 pages worth of questions on topics such as Early Hollywood, Leading Men & Women, Couples, the Film Genres and Variety Show. It’s filled with rich history with spotlight information on the great actors and actress including Clark Gable, Ingrid Bergman, Glen Ford, Gene Kelly, Fred Astire and Ginger Rogers. A fantastic gift for those who grew up watching or appreciates classic films; particularly grandparents, parents and film buff friends." - 
This is the definitive movie trivia book, from the authority on classic film. Rediscover your favorite films and put your movie knowledge to the test with more than 4,000 questions that draw on a century of landmark cinema. Questions range from early Hollywood to the 1960s and beyond, including key genres, stars, directors, behind-the-scenes facts, famous quotes, and more—all highlighted by spotlight trivia features and hundreds of images and film stills.
A foreword by TCM host Robert Osborne and a challenging “Experts Only” section round out this ultimate volume for classic film aficionados. Robert Osborne is the primetime host and anchor of Turner Classic Movies and a columnist-critic for the Hollywood Reporter. Turner Classic Movies is the definitive resource for classic films and is available on cable and satellite systems worldwide.

Spoiler Alert!
$12.99 / Purchase link: Lyons Press
"This addictive and hilarious book is the go to gift for your ostentatious friends this year. There is a little bit for everyone in this compilation of spoilers for movies, TV shows and life with such blunt honesty you cannot help but laugh. Number 240 reads of Cameron’s Avatar: 'Its Pocahontas. In space. And blue.' Other life spoilers include 173: 'She will turn into her mother' and 174: 'Your mother will call you when you’re having sex.' You and your friends will be laughing well after the holidays." - 
Delayed gratification is good, but instant gratification is faster. In today’s world of short attention spans and long Netflix queues, we’re constantly jonesing for new, now, next. All of the spoilers of this succinct, informative, and amusing collection come from classic movies, shows, and books that everyone knows or needs to know. The life spoilers address universal experiences and dispel little lies we tell each other daily. Here is the perfect book for everyone who reads the last page of a book first.

Deadpool Pulp (Trade Paperback)
$9.99 / Purchase at: Comic Shop Locator
"What was once a B-level antihero in the Marvel Comics Universe has now become a staple in the majority of it's new books. Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth, has amassed a following on par with many mainstream heroes. This one shot series is based anchored Marvel's 'Noir' storylines -- alternate tales grounded in the 1930s - 1940s, some of which were very well received (Spider-Man, Daredevil) and some which were not as popular (X-Men, Luke Cage). As apposed to drawing from the standard Noir-esque attributes, this series is more gritty action meets grindhouse; very fitting for the central character. The art is fantastic and fits the story well; it's writing maintains the well-liked essence of Deadpool while tapping into a much more realistic rendition. It's no wonder many fans consider it the best Deadpool comic of the year." - 
Lies, spies and shapely thighs! Wade Wilson, codename: Deadpool — he's the CIA's deadliest agent. He's also certifiably insane, suffering from multiple-personality disorder and haunted by the ghosts of his past. In other words, he's the perfect soldier in a Cold War where it's impossible to tell friend from foe and reality from a lie.
Wilson is also the only one capable of hunting down a rogue CIA agent and recovering the stolen nuclear suitcase she's carrying before she hands it over to America's enemies. But who is this femme fatale, and why has she turned traitor? And is Deadpool crazy enough to survive this pulp caper, or will he become trapped in a web of international intrigue? Collecting DEADPOOL PULP #1-4.
Writer: Adam Glass, Mike Benson; Penciller: Laurence Campbell; Penciller (cover): Jae Lee

Amazing Everything: The Art of Scott C.
$24.99 / Purchase link: Pyramid Car
"This book lives up to its name. Who wouldn’t want to see a watercolor of every film icon hanging out in a tree together; The Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro standing next to The Iron Giant, or John Cusack in Say Anything next to Elliott and E.T. The random and the mundane jumble up in endearing, absurd and imaginative watercolor paintings. An amazing gift for every eclectic pop culture fan." - 
Scott C. has emerged as one of today's hottest artists. His paintings have been shown in galleries all over the world. His eclectic career started with studying comics and children's book illustrations, then to design children's video games, and ultimately to creating cartoons and paintings. In his new book AMAZING EVERYTHING: The Art of Scott C., Scott C. reveals his unique style of depicting ordinary and not so ordinary things. With equal parts style, humor and insight, Scott C. delights an international fan base with his unique watercolor paintings, illustrations, and drawings. His style was influenced by childhood comics, the array of everyday life, and Paul Klee. He has created comics, illustrations, video games, and children's books and has become one of today's most sort after contemporary artists whose works have been displayed in galleries around the world. His pop culture subjects and original creations have been on display at such diverse venues as Comic-Con in San Diego and Galerie Arludik in Paris.

The Art of The Adventures of Tintin
$39.99 / Purchase link: WETA NZ
"This book is a fan’s dream: the art is impeccable and the detail is vast. Never have I read an art book with so much detail of the process of animating a film as this one has. We are shown step by step how Weta Workshop took the art from the original cartoon and experimented with many different styles until finally finding the perfect fit. Considering the names attached to this film, we should not be surprised at the brilliance the film promises. This book is right in time for the holidays, the perfect gift for old and new Tintin fans."
[Full review]
The Art of The Adventures of Tintin is the beautifully presented book that will accompany the new film from Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures, The Adventures of Tintin, due for release in late 2011. This 3D performance-capture film, based on the universally popular series of books The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé, is directed by Steven Spielberg, and produced by Peter Jackson and Kathleen Kennedy. Chris Guise, the author of The Art of The Adventures of Tintin, provides a unique perspective on the film, both as a lifelong Tintin fan and as the lead conceptual designer on the film. Guise interviewed many of his colleagues about the production of the movie and lets them tell their stories and inspiration behind their work in their own words.

Blankets (Trade Paperback)
$29.99 / Purchase link: Top Shelf Comix
"With Top Shelf doing a re-release of Craig Thompson's Blankets this year, there's no better time to share comics' most endearing love story with that special someone. Snow is featured prominently in the visuals, which gives it an unintended seasonal connection and a reason to read it by a blazing fire. It's a beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking, and honest portrayal of first love and religious shame." -
[Full review]
Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, Blankets explores the sibling rivalry of two brothers growing up in the isolated country, and the budding romance of two coming-of-age lovers. A tale of security and discovery, of playfulness and tragedy, of a fall from grace and the origins of faith. A profound and utterly beautiful work.
Winner of the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards for Best Graphic Novel and Best Cartoonist.
Written by: Craig Thompson; Art by: Craig Thompson

Takio (Hardcover)
$9.99 / Purchase at: Comic Shop Locator
"Have a daughter, niece, or younger sister that's more into princesses than powered heroes? Enter Takio: a funny, heart-felt, and engaging read written by the team behind Powers Michael Oeming and Brian Michael Bendis (whose daughter helped with the story). It's a great entry point into the medium and the attractive hardcover doesn't hurt." -
[Full review]
Created by Brian Michael Bendis, Michael Avon Oeming and Olivia Bendis. Takio is the first all ages graphic novel series from Marvel’s Icon imprint and the first new creator owned book by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming since their award-winning, long-running Powers. Takio tells the story of two sisters in a multiracial, adoptive family who are driving each other insane! Their overprotective mother makes them walk to school together, eat lunch together, and play together. They can’t get away from each other!! But when a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime accident gives them real-life superpowers, these two sisters become the first actual superheroes in the entire world. And it is awesome!! Now the sisters have to learn to get along so they can save the world and get home by six… or they are so grounded. This fast-talking, whip smart new graphic novel series will thrill fans of Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-man!
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS; Penciled by MICHAEL AVON OEMING; Cover by MICHAEL AVON OEMING
Collectibles & Toys

Funko Blox Batman & Joker
$19.99 / Purchase link: Entertainment Earth
"The latest addition to Funko's pop culture themed collectibles are the Blox series of vinyl figures. As opposed to Pop! line up with feature exaggerated curves in rounded of mini recreations of well known characters, these figurines are as square as they come, literally. Simplistic detail highlighted by quality paint jobs make these fun companions to their circular counterparts on your work desk of display cabinet." - 
Funko's latest line of vinyl figures present a 2D-image "thickened" into a boxy 3D-figure. They are a bit bigger than FUNKO Pop! figures and feature a different overall aesthetic. Funko Blox figures feature distinctive cut-out styling, with sculpted details of your favorite superheroes.
- This amazing Batman Vinyl Figure presents all the details of the famous character in a new, mostly flat way. It's ideal for your desk or shelves!
- The Funko Blox Joker Vinyl Figure is amazing! It saves space, too! This sculpted plastic figure has all the details of the famous character in a new, mostly-flat way.

NERF Vortex Praxis & Proton Blasters
$24.99, $9.99/ Purchase link: Hasbro Toy Shop
"Face it, you'll be hard pressed to find a kid (or fun loving adult) who wouldn't enjoy touting around a Nerf gun and the Vortex line, the newest additions to their vast array of playthings, helps solidify that. Taking a cue from their popular N-Strike series (easy customization, intricate details) and adding new and improved disc projectiles make the Vortex blasters a solid leap to the next level of playground warfare. The discs appear to be even more safe than some of Nerf's other cartridges since they eliminate any pointed impact area; Though targeting is spot on even at distances over two dozen yards, yet at close range distances of 5-10 feet they won't cause unnecessary damage. A wise man once said 'Ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side' and the Vortex blasters prove that point in a full filled way." - 
Over the course of its history, the iconic NERF brand from Hasbro has grown into six popular segments including SUPER SOAKER, DART TAG, N-FORCE, SPORTS, N-STRIKE, and now, VORTEX! The NERF VORTEX lineup is a completely new NERF blaster experience, offering fans the latest in blaster technology and performance, and a greater blaster variety. With the customization and history of N-STRIKE blasters and the disc technology and power of the VORTEX lineup, NERF fans now have the essentials to create the ultimate NERF collection!
- Go the distance with the new NERF VORTEX PRAXIS blaster! Designed for long range disc-shots, this pump-action blaster features a 10 disc clip, removable shoulder stock and Tactical Rail System. Compatible with all VORTEX and most NERF N-STRIKE Mission Kit accessories like scopes and sights (each sold separately), the Tactical Rail System allows users to create one of the most epic N-STRIKE and VORTEX blaster hybrids yet!
- When you need that last shot to secure success, grab the compact NERF VORTEX PROTON blaster. This single-shot blaster comes with 3 VORTEX discs. Simply pull out the back chamber to load one of the discs and blast away even while you’re on the move No batteries required.


KRE-O Transformers Optimus Prime & Starscream Sets
$59.99, $29.99 / Purchase link: Hasbro Toy Shop
"Hasbro is giving LEGO a run for it's money with their new KRE-O playsets. These two in particular contain hundreds of pieces that join together to construct Transformers characters based on the popular film series! Both large sets comes with 5 'Kreons' that recreate movie scenes and each kit comes with a fully detailed step-by-step manual. Keep in mind, children younger than six or seven should be closely monitored while playing with these as the majority of the parts are small. They are sure to offer countless hours of entertainment." - 
KRE-O TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME set: Complete with more than 500 pieces, the largest amount featured in any of the 2011 KRE-O sets, builders can assemble the popular OPTIMUS PRIME character in ‘vehicle’ mode as the notable semi-hauler or in ‘robot’ mode to create the leader of the AUTOBOTS. When in ‘vehicle’ mode, the truck’s removable cab converts into a mini-command station and the trailer opens to fit the two motorcycles and five unique KREON figures included with the set. The trailer can also be disassembled and built into a command center playset for the KREON figures. When in ‘robot’ mode, builders can blast into action with a projectile launching brick! The KRE-O TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME set includes orange traffic cones and cool decorative decals.
KRE-O TRANSFORMERS STARSCREAM set: Builders can construct the STARSCREAM character in one of two modes: ‘vehicle’ or ‘robot.’ In ‘vehicle’ mode, builders can open this DECEPTICON ‘jet’s’ canopy to fit a KREON figure into the cockpit, blast off removable ‘rockets’ and ‘turbo thrusters,’ or use the retractable wheels to pretend they’re taking off the runway. Comes complete with more than 300 pieces and two KREON figures.

Dexter 7-inch Action Figure
$16.99 / Purchase link: Entertainment Earth
"This posable figure features America's beloved serial killer Dexter in his infamous Jumpsuit Outfit - apron and bloodied gloves with saw and kit close at hand. It even comes with plastic replica of one of Dexter’s blood drop glass slide mementos! Your favorite psychopath is now as your disposal and would make a great addition to any workplace environment where you wish to show affinity for the hit Showtime series and make your co-workers a bit nervous." - 
Dexter won't let anyone or anything stop his vengeance on serial killers. Based on the hit Showtime TV series Dexter which tells of the blood-splatter expert for the Miami Police Department by day who spends his nights going after serial killers and other bad people, this remarkable 7-inch action figure gives the good-guy/bad-guy a new look! In order to stay neat and tidy during his "extracurricular activities," Dexter is dressed in cloth scrubs and cloth apron, and he comes with a handsaw and welder's mask that features a flip-down visor. Don't let anything stop you from ordering him! This Dexter sculpt is personally approved by actor Michael C. Hall and Showtime Networks.
- Detailed action figure from Bif Bang Pow! features Michael C. Hall as Dexter.
- This blood-spatter expert sports a real cloth outfit!
- Includes a handsaw and welder's mask with flip-down visor!

Doctor Who TARDIS Bobble
$21.99 / Purchase link: Entertainment Earth
"This sturdy collector’s item is well made and ready to handle all time traveling needs this holiday season. In signature blue, the TARDIS bobble has a slightly worn look in order give the illusion of many decades worth of exploration. Upon activation it shakes and makes materialize/dematerialize noises. A fun spin on the popular bobble-head motif and a must have for Doctor Who fans of all ages." - 
Entertainment Earth Comic-Con Exclusive! With this extraordinary TARDIS Bobble Head based on the Classic Series, the entire TARDIS bobbles... and it includes the signature materialize and dematerialize sounds! Measuring approximately 6 3/4-inches tall x 2 3/4-inches wide x 2 3/4-inches long, the one-of-a-kind bobble head also features a remarkable Doctor Who-themed base with a button to activate the sound.
TARDIS stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space and looks just like a wooden Police phone box from the 1950s on the outside, but is of infinite proportions on the inside. This incredible time machine is piloted by the Doctor, a mysterious Time Lord, and is able to transport him anywhere through time and space, disappearing in one place and reappearing somewhere new. Limited edition of 3,000 pieces.

Star Wars Lightsaber Candlestick
$39.99 / Purchase link: Think Geek
"Why didn't anyone think of this sooner? Never rear, thanks to the guys over at Think Geek you can now have the perfect Star Wars-themed romantic dinner. The detail and construction quality of these candlesticks are top notch, almost to the point you'd be tempted to swing 'em around making lightsaber sound effects " - 
Each Star Wars Lightsaber Candlestick is a precise scaled down re-creation of Darth Vader's blade cast in zinc-alloy and chrome plated. Three no-drip red taper candles are included but most standard taper candles will fit the candlestick properly. The circular base unscrews to provide a more authentic look to the saber hilt for the true Star Wars collector.
- Solid metal candlestick is a perfect re-creation of Darth Vader's lightsaber
- Comes with three no-drip red taper candles
- Accepts standard taper candles for replacements
- Base unscrews for more movie accurate look
- Officially licensed Star Wars collectable
- Exclusive product designed and manufactured by ThinkGeek
- Dimensions: Lightsaber Hilt - 8.5 inches long, Red Candle Blade- 10 inches long
Video Games

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
$ $59.99 / Purchase link: ElderScrolls.com
"In typical Elder Scrolls fashion, the game delivers a compelling story driven by one's own choices. Returning players will find an abundance of new lore to whet a five-year old appetite for new TES knowledge. On the other hand, players that are new to the series, or players that simply aren't interested in the fine print, can take the story for its face value and get by fairly easily without delving into the smaller details. As a gamer, if you're looking to get your money's worth, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is the only game you'll need this fall." -
[Full review]
The next chapter in the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls saga arrives from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year, Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.
The Empire of Tamriel is on the edge. The High King of Skyrim has been murdered. Alliances form as claims to the throne are made. In the midst of this conflict, a far more dangerous, ancient evil is awakened. Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel. The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons.

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North
Collector's Edition
$139.99 / Purchase link: WBE Online Store
"This beautifully presented special edition set is made for LOTR and video game fans alike. A life quiver with embroidered edging holds a full sized map printed on canvas attached to two ornamental arrows. An 'Art of' the game book comes enclosed with the game copy in an attached book case. The game itself offers players the chance to expand their knowledge of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings universe by choosing one of three playable characters (dwarf warrior, ranged fighter and mage). Overall the action may become repetitive after awhile but overall the diverse combat options are very satisfying. Teamed up with the included collection this is truly a special game fit for grandeur." - 
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is a co-op Action RPG that immerses you and your friends in a brutal new chapter in the War of the Ring. Snowblind Studios is in the unique position of drawing inspiration from both the literary and film rights to world of Middle-earth, allowing players to bloody their axes on a wide range of deadly enemies and traverse both established and never-before-seen locations. The result is a journey that is both epic and intimate, familiar yet unexpected.
Includes:
- The Lord of the Rings: War in the North video game
- Ranger of the North Quiver Case
- WITN art compilation featuring concept art of key characters in the game, various enemies, and beautiful environments in Middle-earth
- Inside Look: The Music of War in the North—content includes: interviews and footage of legendary composer Inon Zur at Abbey Road Studios and the E3 2011 Concert event along with three tracks from the game soundtrack
- Ranger of the North Avatar for Xbox Live (Xbox 360 sku) - includes the Ranger armor set, helmet, quiver and bow
- War in the North Theme Pack (PS3 sku) - includes a War in the North wallpaper, fonts, icons and much more!

Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Starter Pack
$74.99 / Purchase link: Activision
"A long-standing franchise in the kid-friendly video game genre is that of Spyro and his fantastical escapades. This starter pack lets users bring the new game into the real world with more playable characters than ever before and matching figurines that interface with their digital counterparts. Playing on the Wii, though graphics quality is diminished, allows for even more interaction with easy to use yet dynamic controls. No doubt kids will love the latest addition to the popular line." - 
Skylanders Spyro's Adventure is the first game to deliver a cross-platform experience that allows kids to bring toys to life in a magical world via the Portal of Power. And because the toys remember their experiences, they can travel seamlessly -- from your house to a friend's and from one platform to another, including the Nintendo Wii™, Nintendo 3DS™, the Xbox 360™ game and entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 Computer entertainment system, PCs and Macs, as well as on the web with Skylanders Spyro's Universe(SM). Skylanders Spyro's Adventure's boundless multi-modal, cross-platform play is a watershed for both the toy and videogame industries, and for young gamers seeking genuinely innovative and exciting digital adventure. Kids can collect more than 30 characters, each with their own powers and personality; and each expands the gameplay experience. The sinister Portal Master Kaos has cast them out of the Skylands and banished them to earth, where they are frozen and appear to look like toys. But they are very much alive on the inside and only young gamers can free them by placing them on the Portal of Power so they can return to the Skylands and defeat Kaos.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
$59.99 / Purchase link: COD.com
"Continuing from the story in Modern Warfare 2, the Russians have invaded the United States, partially spurred on by a massacre in Russia blamed on Americans. The heart of New York City is in the grasp of the Russians as the game begins. The real mastermind of the attack – Vladamir Makarov – continues to plot attacks. His first is a series of chemical attacks in major cities across Europe, which later progresses to more collateral damage-oriented story arcs. Within these overarching stories, you play as several foot soldiers in the battles. You are again often joined in the action by British special ops Captain John “Soap” MacTavish, who serves to lead through some levels and fill out the back story. Everything is over the top gratuitous indulgence in this latest Call of Duty game. The weapons, the action, the dialogue – everything is on hyperdriven caffeine. Though nothing is really 'new' in terms of what this game offers the industry, the Call of Duty series has become a yearly offering with enough slight tweaks to bring the fans back for more; and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the latest and greatest." - 
Modern Warfare is back. Available now, the best-selling first-person action series of all-time returns with the epic sequel to the multiple Game of the Year award winner Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, and DS.

Super Mario 3D Land
$39.99 / Purchase at: Nintendo
"This game is the one that convinces you to go out and buy a Nintendo 3DS. A grand adventure that is on par, even surpassing its predecessors.The game is a tribute to the nostalgic visuals and soundtrack we grew up with, with daring quests and classic villains. It doesn't reinvent the game, instead upgrading the ones you loved to better suit your own modern taste. " - 
Super Mario 3D Land reinvents everything fans love about Mario™ gaming with the first platforming environment in true 3D, without the need for special glasses Players will experience an exhilarating new sense of depth, distance and speed while running, jumping and stomping on enemies throughout the levels.
- Tanooki Mario returns! The fan-favorite Tanooki suit makes its first appearance on the Nintendo 3DS. Use the Tanooki suit’s tail to attack enemies or float gently down from great heights
- 3D visuals make it easier for players to judge the depths and distances in their environments. Players can more accurately judge the jump to the next platform or how far Mario is from a question block.
- New and familiar abilities add unique game-play strategies to the adventure. Mario can perform a rolling somersault attack or run fast with a dash move.
- The Circle Pad gives players complete control to confidently move Mario through fun and challenging environments.
- New enemies include Goombas with tails, tall stacks of Goombas and a Piranha Plant that spits ink to obscure a player’s view.
MUSIC

Jane's Addiction
"The Great Escape Artist"
$9.99 / Purchase at: Band Merch
· Audio CD
· Number of Discs: 1
· Label: EMI Music
"It's been eight years since Jane's Addiction decided to show planet earth that Rock n' Roll is far from dead. Their new album is a sleaze-ass slice of rock pimpery sent from the heavens. 'The Great Escape Artist' is one of the year's finest rock albums and a great record to throw on, sit back and remember the good ol days of grunge and messed up pants"
[Full review]

Blue October
"Any Man in America"
$12.99 / Purchase link: Band Wear
· Audio CD
· Number of Discs: 1
· Label: Sony Music
"Lead singer Justin Furstenfeld is a song writing genius. His music and lyrics are so personal it's almost hard to listen to despite how wonderfully crafted the tracks are. 'Any Man in America' chronicles Furstenfeld's divorce and custody battle for his daughter and it is also by far the best record of 2011." -
[Full review]

HUGO: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
$18.99 / Purchase link: Howe Records
· Audio CD
· Number of Discs: 1
· Composer: 1 Howard Shore
· Label: Howe Records
"With a director as musically inclined as Martin Scorsese, one should not be surprised that the score to his latest family flick Hugo is quite good. The first thing of note when listening to each piece of music will be the liberal use of Parisian Waltz music with a few hints of Argentinian Tango. As time signatures go, 4/4 is the dependable standby that can be fun, but whose familiarity might cause some complacency with the relationship. 3/4 time and her hyper sister 6/8 are the ones bringing with them some unpretentious sophistication quoting Kafka or Wordsworth, finding the best hole-in-the-wall places, and beguiling with the mysteries which come from their combination of old world charm, yet newness of spirit. That's the magic and beauty of this album." -
[Full review]

A Very She & Him Christmas
$14.99 / Purchase link: Merge Records
· Audio CD
· Number of Discs: 1
· Label: Merge Records
"The third album from M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel features classic Christmas hits with a jazzy folk twist. The tracks are simple renditions, quite refreshing against the slew of over promoted Disney pop culture. 'Baby Its Cold Outside' has Deschanel wooing M. Ward to stay, 'Silver Bells' features the subtle melody of a ukulele and 'The Christmas Song' is a pure treat thanks to Deschanel's sultry crooning. A wonderful compilation of background music to enjoy during this holiday season." - 

Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth & Anthrax
"The Big Four Live"
$34.99 / Purchase link: Warner Records
· NTSC Blu-ray
· Number of discs: 2
· Studio: Warner MusicFull live sets from all 4 bands presented in stunning high definition, uncompressed stereo and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround Sound Dolby 5.1 digital surround sound plus behind the scenes documentary giving you exclusive access to The Big 4 back stage at the Sonisphere Festival, including interviews and ‘Am I Evil?’ Rehearsal footage.
"If you only buy one concert film this year, it better be this one. After feuds in the press and metal fans dreaming for over two decades of such an epic concert, the dream came true as the four biggest thrash bands of all time graced the same stage. Filmed in stunning high-def, this Blu-ray captures each band's complete set as well as a documentary featuring some amazing behind-the-scenes footage of each band. If you are a metal fan you must buy this – no questions, it's your duty and you will not be sorry." - 

COLDPLAY
"Mylo Xyloto"
$14.99 / Purchase link: Merch Direct
· Audio CD
· Number of Discs: 1
· Label: Parlophone Records
"Full disclaimer: If I hear the song 'Yellow' ever again, I will lose it. I've never been a fan of Coldplay and I found them in the past to be downright irritating. Now let me proceed to shock myself as I write this by saying not only is 'Mylo Xyloto' a good album, it's very good. Coldplay have without a doubt created the 'feel-good' album of 2011 and I'm not ashamed to say that I lost myself in it happily." -
[Full review]

My Week With Marilyn:
Music from the Motion Picture
$12.99 / Purchase link: Sony
· Audio CD
· Number of Discs: 1
· Label: Sony Masterworks
"Conrad Pope’s sweeping score of 18 tracks is a twinkling reminiscent melody of what it must have been like to be in love in the summer of 1956. “Paparazzi” and “Marilyn’s Theme” are two must have tracks that will without a doubt envelop you into this world. Michelle Williams also lends her voice as Marilyn for three tracks. It’s difficult to recreate the well known sultry voice of Monroe, and Williams’ offers a noble attempt. However, it is on the last track “That Old Black Magic” when Williams’ finally does hit her mark as a spot on rendition of the iconic actress." -
[Full review]
Comments
Krysalid
Great guide guys! I'm sure a lot of the Blammers can benefit and be advised by it.
fanboiii
I might pounce on the Book Case for iPhone. It's super neat.
bookishbelle
Social Media Coordinator
I might pounce on the Book Case for iPhone. It's super neat.
I LOVE my Book Book Case, and I've recieved so many compliments on it. Trust me, its worth it!
UberGeek
Nice list i want at least one item from each section, time to write out my list to santa!
Have to ask, how come you only include two of the Nerf Vortex range, and not the Vigilon and Nitron?
Both of these are just as great!
Pietro Filipponi
Editor-in-Chief
Nice list i want at least one item from each section, time to write out my list to santa!
Have to ask, how come you only include two of the Nerf Vortex range, and not the Vigilon and Nitron?
Both of these are just as great!
The two we included are from their newest line and we offered to us to test out. We only recommend new products that we've tested out ourselves
Upupandaway
Movies Editor
Nice list i want at least one item from each section, time to write out my list to santa!
Have to ask, how come you only include two of the Nerf Vortex range, and not the Vigilon and Nitron?
Both of these are just as great!
The two we included are from their newest line and we offered to us to test out. We only recommend new products that we've tested out ourselves
...in the nude.
Anthony3
I might need to get a Green Lantern wallet.
TorturedXGenius
wow LOTS of good stuff on here