For the (non-video) gamer

Our world constantly inundates us with serious matters that require us to put on our mature personas and deal with. But we all have a child hiding somewhere beneath our adult exteriors, and games are a great way to encourage it to emerge. The next time you need a present, consider giving the gift of fun that a game offers. Even if your recipient isn't a huge gaming buff, she will likely appreciate receiving a new game as a gift - most people love fun presents they can use and enjoy! Games and gaming accessories also make great hostess, wedding, and wedding shower gifts - don't be surprised if you are invited to a game shower sometime soon!

These recommendations are limited to gamers of the non-video variety - not because of any prejudice against video gamers, but simply because there is no way to give substantive recommendations for both kinds of gamers without posting the longest entry ever in the history of blogging. Don't worry, I will cover video gamers at a later time!

Here are some suggestions for your next gift for a non-video gamer:

Special or different edition of her favorite game: If your recipient has a favorite board game, think about giving her another version like a retro (see below) or updated edition. For a Monopoly fan, give a different edition of the game (find a list of available editions here), like the Electronic Banking or City edition, or Photo-opoly (insert your own pictures for a customized and unique gift). For Scrabble lovers, consider this premium edition (one of Oprah's all-time favorite things) or the premier wood edition. For a chess buff, check out a modern version like the MOMA edition or this black and clear glass set, or even a giant garden set. If you want to spring for luxury (read: expensive) games, visit Luxuo, the British Museum store online (for chess and Mahjong), or Zontik Games (which also offers custom games and pieces) - or buy a collector's edition of her favorite game, like this Monopoly version from Franklin Mint. For a crossword puzzle lover, you can't give a bigger gift than The World's Largest Crossword Puzzle - or go with a more manageable but really cool framed copy of the world's first crossword puzzle plus the personal favorite of the crossword master himself, Will Shortz. If her favorite game has add-ons (like the Apples to Apples expansion set or Cranium booster box), these can also inject new life into her favorite gaming experience.

Premier Wood Scrabble Crossword Game with rotating board (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Retro Version of Game: Retro products are making a comeback, and games are no exception. Game lovers who also enjoy history will especially appreciate these older versions. You can find both original versions of the game (rarer and pricier) and new versions in vintage styles. I love this original retro 1954 Monopoly game and this 1949 Clue edition. Etsy is a great resource for these kinds of items, as are sites like Vintage Game World (which has hundreds of vintage games to choose from) and Vintage Board. For vintage (but new) editions, check out Monopoly Nostalgia (made like the 1957 edition, complete with wooden houses and aged money), Scrabble Retro, Risk Vintage, Sorry Retro, Clue Vintage, and Life Vintage.

Monopoly Nostalgia (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Mini or Travel Edition: Let your gamer have fun on the go with a smaller version of his favorite game. You can find travel games all over the Internet, but Amazon has a great selection. Even smaller versions of some games are available here, and many come in keychain versions that actually work, including Simon Says, Trouble, Sorry!, Battleship, Monopoly, Boggle, Cranium, Connect Four (also available in pen form), Scrabble, Operation, and Rubik's cube. Lots of larger games also come in table top versions, like air hockey, pool (complete with cues, chalk, and a table brush!), and foosball (which also comes in a pocket version).

Connect Four pen (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Game Accessories: Most games come with the basic items required for play, but upgrading your gamer's accessories makes a great gift. Consider dice (see below), a chess clock or storage container, backgammon checkers or dice cups, extra Monopoly money, a deluxe hourglass timer, or a Rubik's Cube stand. Visit The Chess Store, The Backgammon Store, or The Mahjong Store for a complete selection of products for their respective games. If your recipient likes to wager when he plays, he will appreciate a quality set of poker chips, like this World Series of Poker edition or this set that comes in a handy carrying case.

Dice: Every serious gamer deserves to have a premium dice set of his own. If you value quality over quantity, check out these Trademark Poker 19mm A Grade Serialized Set of 6 Casino Dice, available in a variety of colors, or this set with Swarovski crystals in an alligator case. If quantity is more important, go with this Fabulous Las Vegas Dice 200 Piece Set. For a nice, middle of the road version, check out these precision sets in various colors. For a perfect roll every time, throw in a dice tower like this miniature one or this portable version. Top it all off with a dice tray like this luxury version or this more affordable alternative.

Trademark Poker Casino Dice (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Accessories: For a less useful but more interesting gift, consider giving jewelry or accessories made from game pieces. For men, I like cufflinks featuring dice, Four Aces, Monopoly Money Pot Bag Token Pieces, Sudoku grid, Legos, and Scrabble tiles, as well as this Monopoly money tie. If you want a ladies gift, check out this Lego block ring, Scrabble earrings, Scrabble ring, Scrabble necklace, Dominoes necklace, Rubik's Cube necklace, Monopoly tiny house earrings, and Monopoly charm bracelet.

Furniture: For a hardcore game fan, consider giving a piece of furniture or home decoration inspired by his favorite game. A Scrabble lover will appreciate this set of four pillows that look like large playing tiles (available in your choice of letters) or these pillows available individually by letter (spell out his name or a special word). Rubik's Cube addicts will love this coffee table sized version that doubles as a mini storage unit, and these oversized chess pieces will thrill a chess aficionado. For Lego lovers (or anyone who needs storage in a game room), these giant Lego storage boxes are both fun and functional. I also love the Connect Four mirror, Hidden Word Wall Clock, and 6-in-1 game top dresser.

Hidden Word Wall Clock from chiasso (photo courtesy of Amazon)

New Game Like His Favorite: As fun as his favorite games are, sometimes a gamer needs a new experience to spice up game night. If you want to give a new game your gamer is unfamiliar with, either choose one you are personally a fan of (and think he would also enjoy), or look for a game that is the same type as his favorites (logic, individual, group, trivia, etc.) For logic lovers, give a Rubik's Cube in either the original or a more difficult version, or a "mindtwister" game like Pentago. Scrabble lovers will enjoy Scrabble Me (each player has his own board), Scrabble Flash, and Bananagrams (like Scrabble but without the board). Other twists on the classics include Anti-Monopoly (like classic Monopoly but players choose at the outset to play as a monopolistic entity or as a capitalist entity), Yamslam (like poker but without the cards), and Sudoku Cube. If you need some inspiration, visit Game Days, Gift Bee, or Amazon.

Game-Inspired Items: To extend the gaming experience beyond game night, give an item inspired by her favorite game. For chess lovers, there are wall hooks, salt and pepper shakers, and bookends. For Scrabble fans, check out the Scrabble keyring (with a single letter tile) and Scrabble board sketchbook. I also love the Rubik's Cube salt and pepper shakers, Rubik's Cube alarm clock, chips and dice salt and pepper shaker set, Battleship USB hub, "Board Game Expert" mug, and NY Times crossword tray.

Brainteaser Salt And Pepper shakers (photo courtesy of Amazon)

I love finding new games that are fun and challenging. Some of my favorites are BananaGrams, Wits and Wagers, Apples to Apples, Catch Phrase, Guesstures, Scattergories, Taboo, Cranium, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.

What are your favorite games?

For the political junkie

You've probably heard that you should never discuss religion or politics, and that certainly is good advice for new and casual acquaintances. But having been a political science and religion double major in college, I've often found it difficult to completely avoid these topics that occupy so much of my time. For today, I'm ignoring the rules and talking politics 100%. If you know someone like me, who keeps up with politics like its her job or watches C-SPAN for fun, this post is for you. Everyone knows there are plenty of humorous and parody political products on the market, but what about a more serious gift for a serious political junkie? 

When buying for a political buff, be wary of anything too partisan. Even if you know where your recipient stands on the political spectrum, you can't go wrong with a non-partisan gift. Your ultra-liberal recipient might love a parody doll of Dubya, but his wife might find it offensive and his kids might learn that the Presidency is only good for a laugh. However, if you are beyond certain that your recipient will appreciate a partisan gift (and your relationship is close enough to make such a gift appropriate), be sure to use discretion if you choose a politically charged present. When in doubt, it is better to be safe than sorry, and this goes double for politics!

In honor of President's Day, here are some ideas for the political junkies in your life:

The West Wing: The West Wing is TV at its finest and a must-have for any political junkie. Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe, and Bradley Whitford are just a few of the great actors in the series, which takes place over the course of a two-term presidency. I recommend springing for the complete series (which comes in a super cool dossier), but if you have to pick a single season, you can't beat the first one.

The West Wing: The Complete Series Collection (DVD) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Presidential Memoirs and Biographies: As I've said before, regardless of political persuasion, presidential memoirs are a rare and unique look into one of the world's most exclusive, demanding, and private jobs. Even hatred for a particular president can't overshadow the opportunity to delve into the mind of the world's most powerful person. Most presidents have memoirs, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Biographies are another great source of inside information about presidents, and although they may include fewer personal anecdotes, they have the benefit of being told by an outside source who can provide some perspective and criticism. Don't just stick to the US - most world leaders have memoirs and biographies that give this same insight, including Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Golda Meir, Charles de Gaulle, and Tony Blair. Whether your political junkie prefers life overviews, war accounts, or leadership guides, you can find plenty of books to satisfy her curiosity.

Miniature Figures: If your political junkie enjoys displaying his love of politics at home or in the office, a replica doll might be just the thing. You can find stationary versions, bobble heads, and parodies, but my favorites come from Jailbreak Toys. They offer Barack and Michelle Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, Che Guevara, and Mao Zedong individually, along with a revolutionaries collection with Che, Mao, Gandhi, and Malcolm X (the old version also included Lenin). They also offer various other historical figures and collections of writers, artists, and scientists.

Little Giants Revolutionaries (L to R: Gandhi, Che, Malcolm X, Mao) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Political Books: There is certainly no shortage of political literature, and new books are published weekly, meaning that you have a constant flow of gift possibilities for a politico who enjoys reading. For the latest books, just check the NY Times bestseller list or the displays at your local bookstore. However, there is a good chance that your recipient doesn't have every older political text, so here are a few suggestions if you want to avoid the latest (and likely quite partisan) books. My number one recommendation to anyone remotely interested in politics is Thomas Goldstein's The Lexus and the Olive Tree, which provides a comprehensive look at globalization and how the world came to face our current political issues. Every political junkie should own classics like Plato's Republic and Rousseau's The Social Contract. If you want some humor mixed in, look at Stephen Colbert's I Am America (And So Can You!) and Jon Stewart's Earth (The Book): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race, or pick up a book of political cartoons like The New Yorker Book of Political Cartoons or American Political Cartoons, 1754-2010. For Supreme Court fans, you can't beat The Nine, The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States, or any book written by a former justice (I am partial to O'Connor's The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice). For a more global perspective, consider Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century or The Post-American World. And for a general overview of American politics, choose Politics in America or The Almanac of American Politics.

Vintage Paraphernalia: If your political junkie appreciates historical items, consider giving a vintage political gift like a pin, poster, signature, or flown flag. The place to start is definitely Legacy Americana, which specializes in American historical and political memorabilia, including one of a kind and limited edition items like this Order of the Procession given to mourners at Lincoln's private funeral (one of only a few remaining copies and the only one on the market in recent times) and March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom button from the 1963 rally (just like the one worn by Martin Luther King, Jr. when he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech). Next, visit USA.gov, which links to many different agency gift shops and offers items like flags flown over the US Capitol (which are also available here, with flown state flags offered on various sites). You may also have some luck finding memorabilia on Ebay and Etsy or through a quick Internet search.

Sandra Day O'Connor Autograph (dated 12/18/1994) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Subscription to a Political Publication: The one thing a political junkie needs to feed her addiction is political news. Don't be afraid to be an enabler - a subscription to a political journal or magazine like the Harvard Political Review or Newsweek makes a great gift. If your recipient prefers to get her fix in electronic form, go for an online source such as The New York Times or The Cook Political Report.

Games: Although political junkies are often thought to be stuffy and uptight, I can assure you that they will enjoy these games featuring a political element. For casual games to play among a gathering of friends, Loaded Questions: Political Party and Politico are great choices. For more prolonged and individual games, let your recipient run her own political campaign with computer games like President Forever and The Political Machine. President Forever lets the user run presidential and congressional campaigns, with add-ons available for state races and foreign elections too (available in UK, German, Canadian, and Australian 

versions, with a 2012 US election version expected soon). The Political Machine is similar, but with fewer candidate options and more political speech opportunities.

Intellectual Devotional: The Intellectual Devotional series provides a bite-sized dose of education on a different subject each day of the week. For the political fan, pick up the American History (book or audio) or Biographies (book only) edition. Also available in original (various topics), modern culture, and health editions.

The Intellectual Devotional: American History (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Great Speeches: Political milestones often come in the form of great speeches from political leaders, but unfortunately, most political gurus didn't get to witness these orators for themselves. Give him the next best thing with a collection of history's great speeches. You can find lots of speech collections, but the most comprehensive for recent years is the Great Speeches of the 20th Century series (CD), available in Vol. 1 (Presidential Addresses), Vol. 2 (The New Frontier), and Vol. 3 (Dreams and Realities). Also check out Great Speeches of 20th Century, Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History, The World's Great Speeches (4th Ed.), The Greatest Speeches of All-Time Box Set (DVD), and Great Speeches of our Time (book). If you want to stick with a single orator, you can find collections of speeches by Churchill, Ronald Reagan (Vol. I and Vol. II), and Lincoln, among others.

Picture or Print: Pictures and prints of political institutions or events make a great memento for political buffs. You can find plenty of great photos of Washington landmarks (both in their current and historical forms) like the White House, the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the monuments (online gift shops are a great place to find these kinds of prints). Pictures of historical spots like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell also make inspirational gifts. I also love Aaron Foster's Fifty States One Union print, which features state license plates in the shape of that state (you can get an authentic version here if you have $4500 to spare) There are lots of great prints like copies of historical documents (link: US Constitution) and enlarged political cartoons, but my favorites come from the Visual History series. These prints from Timeplots give a visual history of various American political institutions, including the American Presidency, the Senate, the Supreme Court, the Democratic Party, and the Republican Party. They would look great on a wall and provide your politico with a new source of knowledge about her favorite US government branch.

A Visual History of the United States Supreme Court (photo courtesy of Amazon)

What are your favorite political gifts?

For the exam-taker

For college and graduate students everywhere, the start of the Christmas season is a double-edged sword. It's almost Christmas break and you get a whole month off. But that month off comes at a price - exams. Weeks of studying, stressing, and drinking so much coffee that your local barista starts your order as you walk in the door. Cramming more knowledge in your brain than you knew was possible, praying that your professor has mercy and asks the one question you actually know the answer to, and trying not to break down every time your parents tell you how their Christmas decorating is progressing. It seems like exams will never end - and then you get a care package. Suddenly, things are a little better. You remember that there is life outside of exams, that the stress won't last forever, and that someone is thinking about you.

This year, take a moment to be that someone for your favorite college or graduate student. Here are some ideas to brighten his day and take her stress level down a few notches.

• Coffee or a coffee gift card. My favorite coffee spots are Starbucks and Panera Bread - they have lots of locations and offer food and coffee. If your exam-taker prefers tea, you may want to choose a caffeinated version.
• Clif Bars. These pack a serious protein punch and are very tasty!
• Popcorn. A great study snack that's quick to make. My favorite is the movie theater butter version!
• Candy bars. Who doesn't love to indulge in their favorite guilty pleasure when they're stressed?!?
• Christmas candy. Preferably something with peppermint and/or chocolate.
• Chewing gum. Because sometimes you just need to chew on something while you're studying. Gummi bears also fulfill this desire and are more fun!
• Energy drinks. Love 'em or hate 'em, they work. Red Bulls seem to be the most popular, but there are some higher-octane choices too, such as Monster and 5-Hour Energy.
• Quick-fix meals. Studying requires sustenance, and time constraints require that it be quick. Some of my favorites are easy mac, frozen pizzas, and single serving soups.
• Highlighters, pencils, and pens. You can't ever have too many of these, especially during exams. Plus, if your recipient is anything like me, she hates switching colors midway through a book or document, so a stash of yellow highlighters is essential. I prefer the Sharpie Accents.
• Bluebooks and liquid paper (or some form of correction fluid). These things are easy to forget about until you are sitting in the exam room, and your exam-taker will thank you for remembering on his behalf.
• Earplugs. Silence is golden and very hard to find. Let your recipient create her own and maximize her study time. The foam ones, like Hearos, work best.
• Pain killers. Because exams = headaches, period.
• Post-it notes and flags. The more colorful, the better!
• A coloring book and crayons. Sometimes exams make you want to revert to childhood - and this will allow your exam-taker to do just that.
• A Slinky or some other frivolous toy. Just make sure it will provide a fun (but brief) distraction.
• iTunes gift card or a CD. Some people prefer to study with sound, some like complete silence, but everyone loves music at some point during their day.
• Something to look forward to post-exams. From a movie gift card to a massage voucher, anything that provides something fun or relaxing to look forward to will be a big hit.
• A note or card. You can't have too much encouragement or humor during exams, and your exam-taker will appreciate a reminder that you care about him.

There are several sites offering pre-packaged exam care packages (as well as packages for other occasions). Some of my favorites are Hip Kits, Care Packages, and Gift Baskets. What were/are some of your favorite exam treats?

Good luck to everyone taking exams!