Rec. #788: Strand Tote Bags

What: Of course, the Strand is a major NYC bookseller, with its taglined "18 miles of books." You may not have realized, though, that it's also a great place to purchase bags for carrying your new books (or whatever).

The bags come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and designs. Crucially for me, many of the totes now have zippered main pockets and interior pockets, making them ideal for travel. 

Comparable to: Tempted by Baggu? Do this instead and support an independent bookseller.

How to get it: If you're in NYC, la-di-da, good for you, go in person. If you're not, you can also browse and buy on the Strand website.

While you're there, you might also check out their current petition.

Gift Idea #11: Virago Modern Classics editions of Angela Thirkell

Shown: High Rising, Wild Strawberries, The Brandons,
Summer Half, Christmas at High Rising, Pomfret Towers

What: Angela Thirkell's comedic novels from the early/mid-twentieth century hold up very well, especially considering most of them take place in Barsetshire, a British county that doesn't even exist.

Thirkell's thirty-plus books have been going in and out of print for years, so I'm delighted with Virago for giving us such swish editions this time around.

Who to give it/them to: Fans of Barbara Pym, Jane Austen, Anthony Trollope

Gifting tip: The universe of Barsetshire is vast and detailed, if you're interested in paying attention to that sort of thing. 

The comprehensive indexing of Angela Thirkell's World: A Complete Guide to the People and Places of Barsetshire, by Barbara Burrell, can be quite handy.

How to get it/them: Virago is a U.K. publisher, so go to your online U.K. sources for this one --- I recommend Book Depository. Or, sigh, yes, these books are also Kindle-able.

More info:
Cheerfulness Breaks In (Rec. #240)
Summer Half (Rec. #40)
Quote from a Fictional Character #12
Quote from a Fictional Character #31
Quote from a Fictional Character #43

Quote from a Fictional Character #51

Gift Idea #10: Various Merch from Society6

[See Gifts Ideas #1-9 here.]

Society6.com has a great stated mission (manage the sale of artists' work across various products, let artists retain the rights to their work) and a huge, giftable inventory (wall art, t-shirts, mugs, shower curtains, duvet covers, tablet cases, etc.).

The downside? Like Etsy, there is just so much stuff to wade through to get to the best bits. So here are a few suggestions to start you off:

Beth Hoeckel Collage & Design

CardboardCities

Julien Ulvoas

Maps Maps Maps

Sammy Slabbinck

Worth noting: Society6 is having sale after sale in the lead-up to the holidays. Yesterday was $6 off cases, today was $6 off pillows --- all with free shipping.

List #44: Masterpost of Previous Gift Ideas from The Daily Wreck

Later this week, we'll post some new ones, but in the meantime ...

[Click through on the titles below for more details.]


Gift Idea #1: Blackout/All Clear, by Connie Willis

Why then: "I stayed in love with it until the end, even though it often made me so anxious I felt like vomiting."

Why now: Really, winter is the best time to let Connie Willis tell you a long story.



Gift Idea #2: Hark! A Vagrant, by Kate Beaton

Why then: "Everyone loves Kate Beaton; that's not even up for debate."

Why now: Success hasn't spoiled Ms. Beaton, but it has made her web updates less frequent. It's nice to have something tangible on hand.



Gift Idea #3: The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition

Why then: "When you give someone The Chicago Manual of Style, you give them the answers to the universe!"

Why now: This book is a rare beacon of truth in an often dark and confusing world.



Gift Idea #4: Penguin Classics designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith

Why then: "Really, isn't this a prime opportunity to throw some cash to your local independent bookshop?"

Why now: Sooooo prettyyyyyy.



Gift Idea #5: Parks and Recreation

Why then: "This is a show that rewards multiple viewings, so take advantage of all of the sales going on all over the place to give someone seasons 1 (good), 2 (better), and/or 3 (best) on DVD."

Why now: The next season of Parks and Rec will be its last --- a good time to celebrate the highlights.



Gift Idea #6: A New Leaf

Why then: "Movies like this are why the phrase 'darkly comedic' was invented."

Why now: The sad passing of Mike Nichols has reignited interest in writer/director/actor Elaine May, his onetime comedy partner.



Gift Idea #7: P.G. Wodehouse, as published by Overlook Press

Why then: "Give them to book design snobs, Anglophiles, or anyone whose eyes light up when they hear the word 'Jeeves.'"

Why now: Per the Overlook Press website, there are now almost 100 titles available.



Gift Idea #8: Bad Machinery merch

Why then: "But dude cannot be expected to exist just on the fervent love his (free) web comics inspire."

Why now: Last month, author John Allison announced the conclusion of the Bad Machinery series. Grab everything you can now.



Gift Idea #9: Sherlock, series 1 and 2

Why then: "With the discs, you can pass along lists of helpful websites that a) show Cumberbatch as an otter and Freeman as a hedgehog, b) gather Sherlock slash fiction, or c) perform both functions."

Why now: Remember when Benedict Cumberbatch wasn't quite everywhere yet?

Gift Idea #9: Sherlock, series 1 and 2

Click here for Gift Ideas #1-7.

Click here for Gift Idea #8.

What: Sherlock is due back in January with series 3! That is soon, but it actually does give people plenty of time to catch up on the show, since the first two series only had three episodes each. That's just six episodes total of Benedict Cumberbatch being satisfyingly smug-grumbly and Martin Freeman being adorably exasperated-snarky.

Who to give it to: Your Anglophile friends who wish Downton Abbey were cleverer/more murder-y and who are not currently boycotting Steven Moffat for ruining their golden age of Doctor Who.

Gifting tip: With the discs, you can pass along lists of helpful websites that a) show Cumberbatch as an otter and Freeman as a hedgehog, b) gather Sherlock slash fiction, or c) perform both functions. Choose wisely, depending on the recipient.

Gift Idea #8: Bad Machinery Merch

Click here for Gift Ideas #1-7.

What, and recommended giftees: John Allison is the Internet-crushworthy clever person behind Bad Machinery. But dude cannot be expected to exist just on the fervent love his (free) web comics inspire. So get thee to his TopatoCo store and buy some delightful merch.

Like a hardcover edition of Bad Machinery's Volume 1: The Case of the Team Spirit (shown above). For almost anyone, really.

Or this t-shirt, for your friends who are not afraid of odd whimsy:

Or this print with some very sound advice:

Or this tote bag, for your cousin who knits (but is, thank goodness, not smug about it):

Or this apron, for your brother who mocks you for being a vegetarian, but whom you've decided to forgive, in the spirit of Cold Weather:

So many other things, too, and I want them all, even the ones I already own.

Connection to previous Wreckage: Bad Machinery was Rec. #138.

List #33: Previous Gift Ideas from The Daily Wreck

Before we venture into new territory, here's a quick reminder of Gift Ideas from years past. Click through on the titles below for more details.


From 2011

Gift Idea #1: Blackout/All Clear, by Connie Willis

 

Gift Idea #2: Hark! a Vagrant, by Kate Beaton

 

Gift Idea #3: The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition

 

Gift Idea #4: Penguin Classics designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith

 

Gift Idea #5: Parks and Recreation

 

From 2012

Gift Idea #6: A New Leaf

 

Gift Idea #7: P.G. Wodehouse, as published by Overlook Press

 

Gift Idea #7: P.G. Wodehouse as published by Overlook Press

Around this time last year, I presented Gift Ideas #1-5. You can find a list of them here. 

I think they're still pretty good ideas, but I'm giving you more this year, too. See Gift Idea #6 here.

What: P.G. Wodehouse is hilarious and the Overlook Press editions of his books are absolutely gorgeous.

Who to give it/them to: Book design snobs, Anglophiles, anyone whose eyes light up when they hear the word "Jeeves."

Gifting tip: Pair this with the much beloved television series Jeeves & Wooster.

How to get it/them: According to the Overlook Press website, as of right now you've got 85 titles to choose from.

Also: For example, you could get Cocktail Time (Rec. #24), or Jill the Reckless (Rec. #136), or Much Obliged, Jeeves (Rec. #153), or Uncle Dynamite (Rec. #204), or The Mating Season (Rec. #254).

Gift Idea #6: A New Leaf

Around this time last year, I presented Gift Ideas #1-5. You can find a list of them here. I think they're still pretty good ideas, but I'm giving you more this year, too.

What: At long last, the cult classic film A New Leaf is finally on DVD*. In Elaine May's story, a newly penniless member of the entitled elite marries a hapless heiress-slash-botanist as a last resort. He immediately starts plotting her demise, but is thwarted at every turn.

Movies like this are why the phrase "darkly comedic" was invented.

Who to give it to: Any friend whose favorite movie is Harold and Maude.

Gifting tip: Round out the present by including an oh-so-thematically-appropriate fern frond token, like a necklace or cufflinks.

Also: Read some representative quotes (and revisit a not-long-ago time when A New Leaf was still difficult to find) at Rec. #56.



*Granted, we've reached a time when some people have basically stopped using any non-streaming video media, but still.

Gift Idea Roundup

A quick reminder in case you need a last-minute push.

Gift Idea #1: Blackout/All Clear

Gift Idea #2: Hark! A Vagrant

Gift Idea #3: The Chicago Manual of Style

Gift Idea #4: Penguin Classics designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith

Gift Idea #5: Parks and Recreation

Gift Idea #5: Parks and Recreation

What: While we wait for the holidays to finish themselves off (and for the reruns and cheesy movies to end), we can at least enjoy watching already-aired episodes of Parks and Recreation over and over and over again. This is a show that rewards multiple viewings, so take advantage of all of the sales going on all over the place to give someone seasons 1 (good), 2 (better), and/or 3 (best) on DVD.

Who to give it to: Someone who has this sense of humor, but just hasn't gotten around to watching the show yet. (Committed fans likely already own at least one season, and non-fans will probably be turned off if you gift this with the sort of zeal more often associated with fans of Community.)

Gifting tip: Pair a DVD set with a copy of Pawnee: The Greatest Town in America, written by Leslie Knope. And throw in a Knope 2012 button or shirt for good measure. Also, these iPhone cases are pretty cool.

Also: I considered including Parks and Recreation on my list of Things That Are Good for Wallowing (part 1, part 2). I've found, however, that the show always, always improves my mood, and one of the foundations of wallowing is that you do not want to be put in a better mood.

Gift Idea #4: Penguin Classics designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith

One of my good friends suggested I make some end-of-the-year gift recommendations. OK, thanks, I will! Previously: Gift Idea #1, Gift Idea #2, and Gift Idea #3.

What: Look at these clothbound hardcovers! They are gorgeous. Penguin has presented us with approximately 30 Coralie Bickford-Smith editions of many delightful books, including The Woman in White, Pride and Prejudice, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Tales of the Jazz Age, Oliver Twist, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Middlemarch. And even more are coming in April . . .

Who to give it to: Readers! Or design nerds who want to look like readers. Or people who aren't readers yet, but might be tempted by the pretty colors.

Gifting tip: Sure, yes, you can easily get these from Amazon. If you wanted to splurge, you could even get a boxed set! But, really, isn't this a prime opportunity to throw some cash to your local independent bookshop?

Gift Idea #3: The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition

One of my good friends suggested I make some end-of-the-year gift recommendations. OK, thanks, I will! Previously: Gift Idea #1 and Gift Idea #2

What: When you give someone The Chicago Manual of Style, you give them the answers to the universe! What's the difference between "toward" and "towards"? When should you hyphenate an adverb? Why do people quietly mock you when you put two spaces after a period? This book knows!

Who to give it to: Grammar geeks or people who would like to become grammar geeks. Or, I suppose, people who want to be thought of as grammar geeks, even if they aren't. Also, people who like the robin egg blue cover of the latest edition.

Gifting tip: You could also purchase an online subscription to the website, which gives the user access to (and searching ability within) both the 15th and 16th editions. The website also features additional subscription-free content, such as the delightful "Chicago Q & A." The voice behind this editorial advice column, Carol Fisher Saller, also has a blog and a book (The Subversive Copy Editor).


Finally, a word of caution. Please tell the recipient of this gift that with great power comes great responsibility, and that the public at large generally does not appreciate uninvited attempts to correct its grammar.

Gift Idea #2: Hark! A Vagrant

One of my good friends suggested I make some end-of-the-year gift recommendations. OK, thanks, I will!

What: One jaunty little phrase, so much good stuff. There's Kate Beaton's new book, of course. But so much more! You could, for example, go to her website (also Hark! A Vagrant), find a comic that your recipient will like, and purchase a print of that comic. At Beaton's TopatoCo store, you can get other merchandise as well, including t-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies.

Who to give it to: Everyone loves Kate Beaton; that's not even up for debate.

Gifting tip: For extra gift-giving points, try some variation of a book/print/mug/shirt combo.

Example 1
A print of this comic
With this shirt
And this mug

Example 2
A copy of the new book
With this onesie
And a print of this comic

Example 3
Both of Beaton's books
Plus this shirt

You get the idea. (But let me know if you want more examples. I originally had about 10 combos, but decided that might be overkill for this post.)

Connections to previous Wreckage: Read about the Hark! A Vagrant website (Rec. #95) and the new book (Rec. #186).

Gift Idea #1: Blackout/All Clear

One of my good friends suggested I make some end-of-the-year gift recommendations. OK, thanks, I will!

What: Blackout/All Clear is a gorgeous, award-winning, solid two-volume novel by Connie Willis that returns us to her world of time-traveling historians. I fell in love with this World War II story as soon as characters from The Importance of Being Earnest started blowing up tanks. I stayed in love with it until the end, even though it often made me so anxious I felt like vomiting.

Who to give it to: Connie Willis fans will be so happy to encounter Badri, Colin, and Mr. Dunworthy again. And WWII buffs will certainly have a good soak in the vivid period detail. Beyond that, you are probably the best judge about who among your acquaintance would most appreciate an intricate, clever, harrowing puzzle that is 1,100+ pages long.

Gifting tip: You know what would make you the best gift giver ever? If you made a little timeline for the recipient to scribble on while reading. Something with bimonthly intervals marked from December 1939 to June 1945. I cannot recommend this course of action highly enough for any reader of Blackout/All Clear.

Connections to previous Wreckage: You could also give Willis's To Say Nothing of the Dog (Rec. #100) to anyone who hasn't read it yet.