Categories: Originals

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Tech, Tabletop, Comics, Movies and more

Editor's Note: A quick Google search of the following books, comics will reveal prices. Stores differ online and in-store, so you might want to check places near you in person for their prices. Digital options are also available online.

Books / Comics / Movies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Deluxe Heirloom Edition – Amazon

With a movie releasing in 2016, what better time to catch up on your Jane Austen fan-fic than now? Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an expanded version of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem. This deluxe heirloom edition includes a new preface by coauthor Seth Grahame-Smith, thirteen oil painting illustrations by Roberto Parada, and a fascinating afterword by Dr. Allen Grove of Alfred University. Best of all, this limited special edition features an incredible 30 percent more zombies—via even more all-new scenes of carnage, corpse slaying, and cannibalism. Complete with a satin ribbon marker and a leatherette binding designed to endure for generations, this hardcover volume honors a masterpiece of classic zombie literature.

Room – Amazon

A powerful novel getting a film adaptation, Room is a must-read. The story is told from the perspective of a five-year-old boy, Jack, who is being held captive in a small room along with his mother.

A Monster CallsAmazon

Yet another amazing and emotion novel getting a movie next year, now is the time to read the book. A Monster Calls is an unflinching, darkly funny, and deeply moving story of a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected monstrous visitor.

LEGO Star Wars: Small Scenes from a Big GalaxyAmazon

Created by Finnish photographer Vesa Lehtimäki using his son's favorite toys, the book features painstaking recreations of classic movie moments and hilarious new takes on fan-favorite characters and themes. Informative captions give technical details for each scene, while anecdotes from Lehtimäki offer background insights to his creative process.


Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Novels

Star Wars: Aftermath – Amazon

Aftermath sees the beginnings of a new government in the wake of the Empire's losses during the Battle of Endor, and features at least one fan favorite character from the Star Wars films.

Star Wars: Lost StarsAmazon

This thrilling Young Adult novel gives readers a macro view of some of the most important events in the Star Wars universe, from the rise of the Rebellion to the fall of the Empire. Readers will experience these major moments through the eyes of two childhood friends–Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell–who have grown up to become an Imperial officer and a Rebel pilot. Now on opposite sides of the war, will these two star-crossed lovers reunite, or will duty tear them–and the galaxy–apart? Star Wars: Lost Stars also includes all-new post-Star Wars: Return of the Jedi content, as well as hints and clues about the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, making this a must-read for all Star Wars fans.

Star Wars: Moving Target: A Princess Leia AdventureAmazon

Princess Leia returns for an all-new adventure in this thrilling upper middle grade novel. Set betweenStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi, the story follows the warrior princess as she leads a ragtag group of rebels on a dangerous mission against the evil Galactic Empire.

Star Wars: Smuggler's Run: A Han Solo & Chewbacca AdventureAmazon

Han Solo and Chewbacca the Wookiee team-up for an all-new adventure in this thrilling upper middle grade novel. Set between Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, the story follows everyone's favorite pair of smugglers as they fly the Millennium Falcon on a top-secret mission for the Rebellion.

Star Wars: The Weapon of a Jedi: A Luke Skywalker AdventureAmazon

Luke Skywalker returns for an all-new adventure in this thrilling upper middle grade novel. Set betweenStar Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, the story finds Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, and R2-D2 stranded on a mysterious planet, and explores a dangerous duel between Luke and a strange new villain.


Marvel's Star Wars Comic

Marvel's Star Wars comics (13 issues)- Marvel

Set between the events of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Marvel presents the best Star Wars comics ever. Get ready to follow the adventures of your favorite characters like Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2.

Star Wars: Lando comic- Marvel

You know him…you love him…now, join him for his biggest caper as master of charm Lando Calrissian gets his very own comic book! Before he joined the rebellion, before he ran Cloud City, Lando made his way in the galaxy getting by on some swindles, some swagger, and a smile. Lobot at his side, Lando has a plan to steal a very valuable ship…but has he bitten off more than he can chew?

Star Wars: Vader Down #1- Marvel

When Darth Vader accidentally finds himself facing off against the Rebel Fleet on his own, the rebels will learn the true strength of the Dark Side of the Force! Once Vader crashes on a nearby planet, the Rebellion is willing to risk everything for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to take out one of their biggest enemies!

Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire (4 issues)- Marvel

For the first time in the new Star Wars canon, journey into the time after the end of Return of the Jedi! Writer Greg Rucka (PUNISHER, WOLVERINE, Gotham Central) and artist Marco Checchetto (AVENGERS WORLD, PUNISHER) take us past the destruction of the second Death Star into the chaos of a Shattered Empire.


Movies

Avengers: Age of Ultron – $22.49 Amazon

Marvel Studios unleashes the next global phenomenon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — Avengers: Age of Ultron. Good intentions wreak havoc when Tony Stark unwittingly creates Ultron, a terrifying A.I. monster who vows to achieve "world peace" via mass extinction. Now Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and The Hulk — alongside Black Widow, Hawkeye and Nick Fury — must reassemble to defeat Ultron and save mankind.

Star Wars Trilogy – $34.96 Amazon

With Star Wars: The Force Awakens releasing in theaters on December 18, and Star Wars Rebels making a splash on Disney XD, the original Star Wars Trilogy on Blu-ray is the perfect gift for you child. Episodes 4 throug 6 are fun for the whole family!

Blade Runner 30th Anniversary – $13.89 Amazon

With Blade Runner 2 a go, what better time to revisit the Ridley Scott classic. In a cyberpunk vision of the future, man has developed the technology to create replicants, human clones used to serve in the colonies outside Earth but with fixed lifespans. In Los Angeles, 2019, Deckard is a Blade Runner, a cop who specializes in terminating replicants. Originally in retirement, he is forced to re-enter the force when four replicants escape from an off-world colony to Earth. The #1 sci-fi film of all time is captured in this 3-disc Blu-ray/DVD and 30th Anniversary commemorative gift set. The set includes: the final cut on Blu-ray and DVD.The 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition box set features an all-new concept spinner car, action Lenticular and a 72-page art production book with never-before-seen Ridley sketches, poster art and photos from the set.

Ant-Man – $29.98 Amazon

Armed with the amazing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must channel his inner hero and help his new mentor Dr. Hank Pym protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of ruthless villains! With humanity's fate in the balance, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a daring heist against insurmountable odds. Filled with humor, awesome special effects and exclusive bonus features.

Jurassic World – $14.96 Amazon

The Jurassic World theme park lets guests experience the thrill of witnessing actual dinosaurs, but something ferocious lurks behind the park's attractions – a genetically modified dinosaur with savage capabilities.  When the massive creature escapes, chaos erupts across the island.  Now it's up to Owen and Claire to save the park’s tourists from an all-out prehistoric assault.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation – $19.99 Amazon

With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt out in the cold, a new threat — called the Syndicate — soon emerges. The Syndicate is a network of highly skilled operatives who are dedicated to establishing a new world order via an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Faced with what may be the most impossible mission yet, Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with Ilsa Faust, a disavowed British agent who may or may not be a member of this deadly rogue nation.

Tabletop

Exploding Kittens – $20 Amazon

If you like kittens and explosions, then Exploding Kittens is definitely the game for you. It's a tense game where players draw cards in hopes of them not being the titular exploding kitten. Drawn one of those and you're out! Unless of course you have a defuse card! Experience a constant back and forth as you try to screw over other players while keeping yourself safe. It's an absolutely fantastic party game with awesome card art to go with it. There's even a saucy NSFW version, you know, for you inappropriate types.

Minecraft Card Game – $12.99 Amazon

You can bet that Minecraft got its own card game. In this game, you collect resource cards in order to build various tools and items. Each tool or item that you build also has a specific power to go along with it. Winners are then decided by counting up the point values on each collected card. This is definitely a card game for younger players, but can be enjoyed by adults as well.

Last Night on Earth – $41.80 Amazon

Team up with other players in a zombie apocalypse to try and survive, well, the last night on Earth. You'll have to collect various resources and arm yourselves with weapons if you hope to survive the zombie onslaught.

Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game – $25.45 Amazon

Even though The Force Awakens isn't in theaters yet, you can experience a two-player battle between an X-Wing and two New Order Tie-Fighters. You'll get everything you need for two players to start playing right away, but you can always expand your game with a myriad of add-ons with new campaigns.

Star Wars Imperial Assault – $64.25 Amazon

If you'd much rather take the fight to the ground, you can experience a multitude of campaigns that take place during the original trilogy. You can play as various classes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, as you take on the Empire across multiple scenarios, that progress depending on the outcome of your battles.

Betrayal at House on the Hill – $34.49 Amazon

Explore a spooky mansion and try to survive its traps. That is of course, until the betrayer is revealed. One of the players will be a betrayer and will then completely change the way the game is played. There are tons of scenarios, so each time the betrayer will have a different goal, making each experience unique.

King of Tokyo – $26.49 Amazon

Who doesn't love giant monsters rampaging all over the city. King of Tokyo lets you do just that. Take control of a giant monster, and claim the city as your own, as you try and take down not only other players, but the city's defenses as well.

Small World – $33.99 Amazon

If you wished Risk was more fantasy oriented, then Small World is easily the answer to that. Choose a race and lay claim to the world, using various means. Expand your borders and crush your neighbors in order to reign supreme over the land.

Sushi Go! – $9.97 Amazon

A simple yet fun pass and play game where players will pick 1 card from their hand, and then pass it to the next player. The goal is to build combos with various sushi to get the most points. Add wasabi for a point multiplier or collect the most puddings to get a big bonus at the end. It's always an unpredictable game since you never know what the other player is going to take from their hand.

Marvel Dice Masters – The Amazing Spider-Man – $14.87 Starter Set

Marvel Dice Masters: The Amazing Spider­-Man takes epic dice battles to new heights! Introducing more than 30 heroes and villains (and their dice!), Marvel Dice Masters: The Amazing Spider-­Man will be sure to stick out as a highlight of your Dice Masters collections! The Starter Set is the perfect starting point for new players. To supplement your dice and deck, there are booster packs and a playmat that makes the playing field nice and organized, which you can find at WizKids.

Tech and Accessories

Star Wars BB-8 by Sphero – $179.99 Amazon

Sphero brings to life Star Wars: The Force Awakens' cute, adorable rolly droid, BB-8. You control this tiny replica with your smartphone or tablet. BB-8 by Sphero also recognizes and reacts to your voice, and can also record video. It's probably the coolest Star Wars product to own this year.

ADATA's rugged HD720 external hard drive – $59.99 – $119.99 Amazon

HD720 is the ultra-durable external hard drive with a sporty design. It features a large storage capacity, and also undergoes stringent tests for waterproofing, dustproofing and shock resistance to provide excellent protection of data. The HD720 is the most rugged data backup for your next adventure! Comes in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB sizes.

KontrolFreek thumbsticks and grips – $12.99 Amazon

The KontrolFreek ULTRA thumbstick extender was developed for the sole purpose of enhancing your gameplay experience. By increasing the length of the analog sticks slightly, control is improved dramatically. A controller outfitted with KontrolFreek ULTRA provides a range of motion increase of over 40%, giving you the ability to make smaller, more precise in-game movements. This increased precision and decreased thumb-fatigue results in a better way to game. The link goes to the PS4 grips, but they are also made for the Xbox One.

Logitech- G410 Atlas Spectrum TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – $129.99

Amazon

If you read my review of the Logitech G910 Orion Spark mechanical gaming keyboard, you know I loved it. The Logitech G410 is a smaller, more streamlined mechanical gaming keyboard (with a Ten keyless design), but with many of the same features as the Orion Spark. It uses Logitech's exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches, that have up to 25 % faster actuation. You still get all of the RGB customizable backlighting, as well. It's great for LAN events, traveling, smaller kids, and if you require more mouse space.

Loot Crate Subscription – $14.99 monthly

Undoubtedly by now, you've heard of Loot Crate. You pick which crate you want, Loot Crate curates the items in there, and then they ship it to you every month. A subscription to Loot Crate is perfect for the geek/gamer in your life. Right now, Loot Crate has some specialty crates available, such as Star Wars ($100), Call of Duty ($100) and Doctor Who ($50). They also have a monthly Loot Anime full of anime and Manga gear, and Level Up, which is full of geeky apparel.


Headsets

$40 – $100

Turtle Beach Star Wars gaming headsets – $49.95 – 99.99

If you're looking for a less expensive, but still quality gaming headset, Turtle Beach has you covered. They have two Star Wars-themed gaming headsets — X-Wing Pilot and Star Wars Battlefront Sandtrooper — both ideal for use with Xbox One, PS4, PC and mobile.

$101 – $250

Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming Headset – $149.99

Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum RGB 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is a full-featured, surround sound gaming headset worthy of serious audio fans. Experience your games like never before with advanced audio drivers, 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound, a noise-cancelling foldaway boom mic, multi-source sound mixing, convenient on-headset controls and more. It's for PC, mobile, Xbox One and PS4. Jam-packed of features gamers crave, the G633 is a great option for gamers, regardless of platform. Stay tuned for review…

Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum Wireless Gaming Headset – $199.99

If you think the Logitech G633 gaming headset sounded great but you really wanted a wireless gaming headset, look no further than the Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum Wireless gaming headset, which has everything the G633 has and then some. For use with PC, or console (PS4, Xbox One, etc.), the G933 has tons of features and a great, wireless 7.1 Dolby surround sound. With 12 to 15 hours of battery life, fully customizable lighting, audio mixing, programmable G-keys for macros, and a flip-to-mute mic this is your wireless option for a PC gaming headset (it comes with a cable for use with consoles). Stay tuned for review…

Astro A40 Halo 5: Guardians Edition – $220

The must-have headset for Xbox One owners, the Astro A40 Halo 5: Guardians Edition features Halo 5 details and a unique color scheme. Halo fans are going to want this for their Halo 5 gaming sessions. You can read our Astro A40 + Mixamp M80 review. The package of the A40's design, quality, sound and comfort is great for the price. Stay tuned for review…

$250+

JBL Everest Elite 700 – $299.95

If you're looking for high-end, wireless headphones, the new JBL Everest Elite 700 should garner some attention. An incredibly comfortable wireles headset, the Everest Elite 700 has active noise cancelling technology with the ability to control how much outside noise to let in. A solid amount of bass and a dynamic acoustic experience, TruNote calibrates the headphones to you. While you wouldn't think of it for gaming, you can use the included 3.5mm cable to plug into controllers. We would recommend the JBL Everest Elite 700 for mobile and tablet use. Stay tuned for review…

Master & Dynamic MH40 – $319$399

Though not your traditional gaming headset, Master & Dynamic's MH40 over ear headphone is beautifully crafted and presents a nice, rich sound. It's a very sophisticated, high-end headset for more of a lifestyle than just straight up gaming. With impeccable quality, nice lambskin-wrapped foam ear pads, top-not leather and metals, it's unmatched in design and sound. Audiophiles will appreciated the MH40 whether it's for games, movies or music. It comes with a 1.25m remote and mic cable for iOS devices, a canvase case and a leather cable box. For gaming, M&D sells a $129 Boom Mic for your chat purposes, and a steel stand for display purposes when you're done using them. You'd be hard-pressed to find an adult that doesn't love the MH40 and its retro design. Stay tuned for review…

Lance Liebl

Ray. If someone asks if you are a god, you say, "yes!"

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Lance Liebl

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