PMO’s 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

I’ve been writing on PoisonMushroom.Org a bit more in recent, and in light of that, I wanted to try something out here that I’ve been meaning to do in years prior. Something that might help you… and could potentially help me as well: a gift guide.

If you visit this site and Mario’s Hat often enough — though more the latter, in particular — you might have noticed the presence of Amazon links to different products. As I’m making literally nothing from ad revenue (and if you use an ad blocker for for any Nyteworks site, consider this my humble request that you turn it off — I do my best to stick with non-invasive ads to try to help keep the lights on, as it were), I try to get a little something from Amazon as well.

The way it works is simple enough: when you visit Amazon.com through any link on this page and purchase something — even if it’s not the item linked — then I get a tiny percentage from any sale made during that visit. So say you click one of the links below, then go about whatever shopping you’d normally be doing on Amazon.com? I’d get a part of that, and it would really help me out. And honestly? It would be nice to have that percentage, if only so I can do better when gift shopping for my niece and nephews or friends.

One other thing: as of this writing, I’ve received a notice from Amazon that if I don’t make a sale of some sort in this fashion by December 2nd, then they’re shutting my Associate account down, and I’d really rather that not happen. So even if you’re not interested in anything on this page, if you were planning to buy something from Amazon anyway, it would be appreciated if you could do so by reaching the site through one of these links.

As an aside, PMO uses Amazon.com’s Associate program, while Mario’s Hat uses Amazon.ca’s, since that site has a more Canadian focus. I’ll have a game-specific guide up there soon, and the same deal applies, though most recommendations should be available on either site.

Now, without further ado…

For the Back to the Future Fan…

Back to the Future: The Complete Adventures

2015 has been a big year for Back to the Future fans, and one of the biggest things to come from it has been the 30th anniversary edition box set of the movies on Blu-ray and DVD. With this particular set, however, you not only get the movies, but the entire Saturday morning animated series featuring Christopher Lloyd, Tom Wilson, and Mary Steenburgen reprising their roles (plus Bill Nye assisting Lloyd’s Doc Brown in some science experiments), along with some other bonus features as well.

Also consider: Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History, Back in Time [Blu-ray], We Don’t Need Roads: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy, Back to the Future Level Pack – LEGO Dimensions, Back to the Future Emmett’s Custom Autos Adult Heather Red T-Shirt (Adult Large),

For the Transformers Fan…

Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Devastator Figure Set

These aren’t your father’s Constructicons! Hasbro’s Transformers subline Combiner Wars is in full swing, and the biggest and baddest Combiner of them all is back with an absolutely massive Titan class (i.e. the biggest of the big toys) set. Six Constructicons convert from robot to construction vehicle and back, and are able to join together to form the original gestalt warrior Devastator, who stands 18 inches tall and ready to stomp some Autobots into scrap.

Also consider: Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Voyager Class Optimus Prime Figure, Transformers Platinum Edition Trypticon Figure, Transformers Generations Leader Class Ultra Magnus Figure, Playskool Heroes Transformers Rescue Bots High Tide Rescue Rig Playset, Transformers Legacy: The Art of Transformers Packaging, Transformers: The Covenant of Primus

For the Dragon Ball Fan…

Dragon Ball Z – Resurrection ‘F’ [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD]

The latest movie in the Dragon Ball series sees the return of one of Son Goku and friends’ oldest enemies, now with a new drive bent on revenge! It looks like it’s going to be a while before the new series, Dragon Ball Super, gets a release in North America, this is a good way to kill some of that time.

Also consider: Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods (Extended Edition) (Blu-ray/DVD Combo), OrangeTag Crystal Dragon Balls, Pack of 7, Transparent, Dragon Ball Z Kame Symbol Zip Up Hoodie M, Funko POP! Anime: Dragonball Z Vegeta Action Figure

For the WWE Fan…

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Commemorative Replica Wrestling Belt

Everyone will know “The Champ is Here” if they show up to the party with this replica of the actual WWE World Heavyweight Championship title belt in tow. This version of the belt bears the company’s current logo, and has been worn by champions such as Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns (albeit briefly), and the current title holder, Sheamus.

Of course, if for one reason or another that replica is too much for you, there is also a much cheaper toy version of that title and others from Mattel.

Also consider: WWE: Owen – Hart of Gold (Blu-ray), WWE: Undertaker: The Streak R.I.P Edition 21-1, Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery, WWE: Ring in the Holiday, Santa’s Little Helper, The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown

For the Power Rangers Fan…

Power Rangers Legacy Saba Sword

One of many in a line of Power Rangers Legacy releases, this is not like the toy of old. This is a full-size prop replica featuring electronics, die cast, and plastic parts. The hard plastic blade extends, and when turned on, various buttons trigger light-up eyes and sounds ranging from sword clashing to tiger roars to the actual voice of Saba reciting lines from the show. I’m lucky enough to have this one (it’s the only part of the line I have), and I can say that it is legit — plus, if any fool came at you with a toy lightsaber, Saba could probably destroy it easily (try that at home at your own cost/risk). While younger Rangers-in-training might enjoy it, this one’s definitely for an older fan.

Also consider: Power Rangers Mighty Morphin Legacy Edition Morpher, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Legacy Blade Blaster, Bandai Power Rangers Legacy Dragon Dagger, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Legacy Power Morpher Green / White Ranger Limited Edition, Fisher-Price Imaginext Power Rangers Morphin Megazord, Power Rangers Dino Charge – Deluxe Dino Charge Morpher, Power Rangers Dino Charge – Deluxe Dino Saber, Power Rangers Dino Charge – Ptera Charge Megazord Action Figure

For the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fan…

TMNT Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figure Collectible Toy: Michelangelo

It’s time to face facts: Playmates’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line is just not as good as it used to be. Granted, there are improvements in some ways, but it seems they’re cutting back on something with every new wave of figures, whether it be paint applications or points of articulation or accessories. Fortunately, if the four Turtles themselves are all one cares about, there is an answer. Revoltech has released a collector-geared line of highly-articulated, fully-detailed action figures of all four brothers from the new Nickelodeon television series — each with numerous accessories, such as Mikey’s “spinning nunchuks” seen above.

Also consider: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Nickelodeon Metal Mutants Turtles + Fugitoid 5″ Action Figure 5-Pack, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Revenge, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 1, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection Volume 1 (Tmnt Ongoing (Idw) Coll Hc), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Volume 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Preschool Half Shell Heroes Dino Leonardo and Triceratops Figures

For the Video Game Fan…

UDON Art Books

When not playing a video game, there are other things one can do. They can read about video games, or play with toys based on video games, or listen to music from video games… you get the idea. And of course, there is also looking at art from and inspired by video games, a domain in which UDON reigns supreme with their many art books. The Tribute line shown above brings fans and professional artists together to show their love of a particular franchise, while others such as the Darkstalkers: Official Complete Works and Street Fighter: World Warrior Encyclopedia lean more on the official side of things. Oh, and we mustn’t forget their Mega Man: Robot Master Field Guide, written by yours truly and Nadia — now back in stock!

Also consider: Sonic / Mega Man: Worlds Collide: The Complete Epic, Bandai Tamashii Nations S.H.Figuarts Fire Mario Action Figure, Super Mario Galaxy Boys Red Flannel Pajamas (8), Nintendo 72 by 86-Inch Super Mario Fresh Look Comforter, Twin/Full, Mega Man Megamix, Vol. 1, Atari: Game Over [Blu-ray], Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation, Out Run – Original Soundtrack, Vol. 1

For Fans of Cats…

The Good, the Bad, and the Furry: Life with the World’s Most Melancholy Cat

Among the worst-kept secrets in the world is the fact that I love cats, and I am not alone. Picking out a single stand-out item for this portion was tough, but one look into The Bear’s eyes (of “My Cat is Sad” fame on Twitter), and I couldn’t resist. I can’t describe this any better than the Amazon page, so I’ll just mirror it here:

Humorous and endearing, The Good, the Bad and the Furry is a heartwarming memoir about a man at the mercy of his unpredictable, demanding and endlessly lovable cats.

Meet The Bear―a cat who carries the weight of the world on his furry shoulders, and whose wise, owl-like eyes seem to ask, Can you tell me why I am a cat please? Like many intellectuals, The Bear would prefer a life of quiet solitude with plenty of time to gaze forlornly into space and contemplate society’s ills. Unfortunately, he is destined to spend his days surrounded by felines of a significantly lower IQ.

There is Janet, a large man cat who often accidentally sets fire to his tail by walking too close to lighted candles; Ralph, a preening tabby who enjoys meowing his own name at 5AM; and Shipley, Ralph’s brother, who steals soup but is generally relaxed once you pick him up and turn him upside down.

And then there’s Tom Cox, writing with wit and charm about the unexpected adventures that go hand-in-hand with a life at the beck and call of four cats.

I haven’t read this one, even though it’s been on my wish list for a while. But if it’s at all like the Twitter/Facebook, I’m all in.

Also consider: Grumpy Cat 2016 Wall Calendar, Gund Grumpy Cat Plush Stuffed Animal Toy, Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever, The Grumpy Guide to Life: Observations from Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub 2016 Wall Calendar, Cuddle Barn Lil Bub Adorable Kitten Cat Plush Toy, CB8240, Lil BUB’s Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life of the Most Amazing Cat on the Planet, I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats, How to Exercise Your Human: A cat’s purrsonal training guide to a healthy homosapien, I’m Climbing Up the Christmas Tree Neow!,

That’s it for this year! If you think there’s an area I should have covered, feel free to let me know in the comments below! But at nearly 2,000 words, I figured I ought to call it right about here.

And as I said, please look forward to the video game-centric gift guide coming soon to Mario’s Hat, and if you can grab something/anything from Amazon.com by way of clicking on a link here (particularly before December 2nd), I (and I’m sure my niece/nephews) would appreciate it!

—

David Oxford is a freelance writer of many varied interests. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

David Oxford

David Oxford, or “LBD ‘Nytetrayn’,” as he is sometimes also known, is a freelance writer of many varied interests who resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

For a full list of places to find him online, click here.