Non book holiday gift guide

December 5, 9:42 AMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

Image from mcphee.com

The economy is tough right now and things look a little grim, but you can spread joy to someone's life by giving a thoughtful gift.  I know that this year even though I am spending less on gifts, I'm giving with more heart.

Over the past few weeks I've created several gift guides, including two about books that are great for friends and family, along with yesterday's non book list that won't break the bank.  For me, the best part of the holidays is giving (don't get me wrong, I love to open presents).  To help out with the stress of finding the perfect gift for your loved ones, I've created one more non book gift guide.  Most of these items are available for purchase online (my personal favorite way to shop for things not found in used book stores).  Watch out for the shipping deadlines if you want your gifts to arrive before Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa.

Non book gift guide:

For your coworker, friends, and anyone who works from a desk: how about some literary action figures?  Both Archie McPhee and Powells Books have a wide selection of action figures like Seattle's famous librarian Nancy Pearl, Edgar Allen Poe, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Sherlock Holmes.

For babies and future librarians:  these "future librarian" onesies from buyolympia.com are too adorable and less than 15.  I've also seen them at Third Place Books on Bothell Way.
 

For people who like to wear clothes:  there are hoards of great literary t-shirts out there.  Michelle from the Book Examiner posted a bunch on her site.  Buyolympa.com has some cute ones too like "reading is sexy" (reading is sexy!) and "guybrarian."  I've also seen these shirts at Third Place Books in Bothell at at Powells.

Image from Powells.com

For coffee and tea drinkers:  how about a coffee mug or travel mug from their favorite bookstore?  Most regular coffee mugs are less than 10, and travel mugs usually run under $15.  Bonus points for including a box of tea bags or a pound of their favorite coffee with the mug.

For recessionistas:  you can't go wrong with a burse (book purse).  It's recycling and fashion rolled into a handbag.

For your mail carrier, pilates instructor, hairdresser, or anyone you can't figure out what to get them: gift certificates and gift cards to both independent and chain bookstores are never a bad idea.  Even if the recipient isn't a reader they will likely find something else that strikes their fancy.