Anne of Green Gables Gift Ideas

I have been watching and thoroughly enjoying season two of the CBC mini-series, Anne with an E. It is remarkably cast and really, really good but I digress. My enjoyment of that series and my enduring love for Anne of Green Gables, sent me looking on Etsy for some great gift ideas. If you are a fan, prepare to enjoy my little gift shop, which highlights a few of the very best Anne items on Etsy.

The image shown to the left is a picture of Amybeth McNulty, the actress currently portraying Anne in Anne with an E. It is a digital drawing printed on high quality paper that is suitable for framing. Alternatively, the artist, evehartmanart, has a postcard with the same image on it, either of which would be a great surprise for a fan of the series.  You can find either item on Etsy by clicking right here.

The literature-themed shawl or wrap shown to the right is totally unlike anything I have ever seen. If you love Anne, you are likely to appreciate this item, which shares an image of a book cover and a page from Chapter One in the book. It is available in two colors but I chose this one because I think it is likely to be the most neutral and go with more items in your wardrobe. You can find it on Etsy by clicking right here.

Next up and shown below is a small and affordable wee gift or even stocking stuffer for an Anne fan. It is an enameled pin with Anne Shirley's image. I think that it is too cute representing the image of Anne Shirley that so many of us carry around in our heads. You can find it here on Etsy.

Another piece suitable for framing and hanging is the Anne of Green Gables original water color painting shown below. I love how it highlights many things from Anne Shirley's world and Prince Edward Island. It would do double duty as both a gift for someone who loves Anne and a souvenir of a summer vacation spent on the island. You can find it on Etsy by clicking right here.

A mug is always a great gift idea especially because it can be chosen with your recipient in mind. What Anne fan would not like this one, with the quote from L.M. Montgomery that reads, "Dear old world, you are very lovely and I am glad to be alive in you." I love the orange or carrot coloring and I would definitely use this mug every day.  Note that the mug design is also available on a t-shirt and you can find both of them on Etsy by clicking right here.

I do think that another practical and fun gift idea is a t-shirt and I did find a few lovely ones including the one with the text from the mug shown above on it (t-shirt not shown) and the t-shirt that is shown here to the right that features a romantic image of Anne Shirley and the house called Green Gables that she went grew to call home in in Prince Edward Island. It is a high-quality reproduction from an original illustration that was hand painted and hand lettered by the Etsy seller By Ky Studios. Find it on Etsy by clicking right here.

I love antique L.M. Montgomery Anne of Green Gables books and, if you can afford one, I believe every fan should have one. A one hundred year old book just feels so much closer to Montgomery. You will have to work to find one. They come and they go on Etsy but there are lots of other book options. You can wait for a really old one or you can choose instead one that is the actual version you read as a girl or you can simply pick one that takes your fancy. There are so many beautiful versions, the choice is up to you.  To see all of the L.M. Montgomery books available right now on Etsy click here.  Be warned that genuine antique books are expensive.

Another book-themed gift idea is a book safe. I love how Etsy seller Folio has carefully handcrafted this book out of a fairly recent version of our beloved story.  You or your Anne fan will be able to tuck treasures safely away within the 'pages' of this book.  Find it here on Etsy. If you are shopping for more than one reader, you will also enjoy the wide variety of book safes with different titles that include additional classics and even current day books like the Game of Thrones and Harry Potter.

I have two more items that I would like to share with you. One is a personalized item for a child in your life. Etsy seller Heather Feather Fashions will sew for you an Anne Shirley dress or costume in sizes 3 through 14 that consists of a dress and a pinafore.  I think that this would be an especially nice gift idea for a young girl who has an avid imagination and is enamored with our literary hero. Perhaps one who would love to visit P.E.I.  For more details, you can reach out to Heather on Etsy by clicking right here.

Finally, I love this Anne of Green Gables tote bag. Rather than give it alone, I would consider using it to craft a themed gift set. Place a few Anne items in the bag like a book, a movie and a t-shirt and use the tote bag as your wrapping paper. Alternatively, use it to carry your books to and from the library! You will find the tote bag here.

How about it? Do you love Anne Shirley? Will you be creating an Anne of Green Gables gift set or will you be buying something for yourself? I love all the ideas on this page. How about you?

See you
at the book store!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Check out all of the Anne of Green Gables items on Esty.

Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby Gift Set

Continuing in my series of movies and shows based on toys for young children, let’s celebrate Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby in Wonderland.

In this fairy tale, Sesame Street's Muppet, fairy Abby Cadabby, falls asleep and follows a Red Rabbit (played by Elmo) down a rabbit hole and into a "Wonderland" where she encounters quirky and whimsical characters including Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (played by Bert and Ernie) and The Cheshire Cat (played by Cookie Monster.)

Abby also attends a silly tea party presided over by a Mad Hatter (played by Grover) who also can be a "sad" hatter or a "glad" hatter with the change of a hat. Will Abby find her missing magic wand and be able to get back to Sesame Street or does the Grouch of Hearts (played by Oscar) have other plans?

Watch the trailer for yourself and see just how adorable this film is:

Fans of Abby Cadabby will want to own this movie. I am  pretty sure they would like to own this beautiful plush doll, too! Abby is so pretty! Pretty in pink. Put a copy of the movie and the plush to together to come up with a great gift set for a young Abby fan.

Is someone you know a fan of Abby?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Order Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby in Wonderland from Amazon.
Find this beautiful Gund Sesame Street Abby plush toy on Amazon.

Author's Note: Originally published elsewhere in 2008.

Candy Land Gift Set

Continuing in my series of movies and shows based on toys for young children, let’s celebrate Candyland: The Great Lollipop Adventure! 

CANDY LAND THE GREAT LOLLIPOP ADVENTURE

The gingerbread boy in this television program, demonstrates responsibility, perseverance, and ingenuity on his adventure to the Candy Castle. The program features a cute story and five songs that will introduce your child to Candy Land in a whole new way. The 55-minute program is rated G. 

Order your copy of Candy Land on DVD from Amazon. 

CANDY LAND THE BOARD GAME

 
It may be hard to believe but the game Candy Land has been in production since 1949. It is a simple board game, which is appropriate for young children because you do not have to be able to read to play it and you need only know basic counting skills. There is not even any strategy. You just follow directions and race through the game. The game is recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 7.

Order your copy of the new version of the Candy Land game from Amazon here.

VINTAGE CANDY LAND BOARD GAMES

If you have fond memories of Candy Land, you might prefer to gift or to add a vintage copy of the board game to your collection. Click here to see the vintage version of this game available right now on eBay. Remember that the listings on eBay are available from private sellers and, once they are sold, are gone forever so if you see a copy of the game you would like to own, don't wait to place your bid.

To create a fun gift set, put together a copy of the show on DVD with a copy of the game and maybe some candy.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

How to Make an Angelina Ballerina Gift Set

Continuing in my series of movies and shows based on toys for young children, let’s celebrate Angelina Ballerina and Mousical Medleys in which the mouselings visit with the stars of Mousical and the Musical may be ruined. In this hour-long show, Gracie jeopardizes a dance-a-thon when she turns her attention to recycling.

To create a fun gift set, bring together a copy of the show on DVD, one of the pretty books and a beautiful Madame Alexander mouse doll like the one shown here!

You can find the Mousical Medleys DVD here on Amazon.

The pink doll, shown at the top of this page, seems to be no longer available at retail though you can click here to find the Madame Alexander Angelina Ballerina plush mouse here on eBay.

The mouse themed doll was sometimes sold with a coordinating Madame Alexander girl doll who is also known as Pirouette in Pink. You can find her here on eBay where she is available new and used and blonde and brunette. 

I do think that any pink-themed ballet item would be a good part of a gift set. Add a tutu, a pair of ballet shoes...the ballet is the limit.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Bob the Builder: Teamwork Time Gift Set

To create your gift set, simply start with a copy or two of the television programs that are available on DVD and then add an item from the selection that follows! 

TEAMWORK TIME DVD

Toy company HASBRO and Kidtoons joined together to create movies based on toys that are appropriate for young children to view. On this page, the fourth in a series, let's celebrate Bob the Builder's Teamwork Time. 

In the 2012 program, your child learns all about teamwork when Dizzy learns to be thoughtful, Roley learns that safety is of utmost importance and Scrambler discovers he needs a team to get the job done. All important lessons in life. I know a couple of grown men who would have loved Bob the Builder if he had been around when they were boys.

Find your copy of Teamwork Time here on Amazon.

DELUXE TALKING TOOL BELT SET

Who wouldn't love the Deluxe Talking Tool Belt set? It featured everything your young (2 to 5 year old) builder requires to work his own construction site, including a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, a wrench, a hammer and a ruler. They will even be impressed with the belt bucket when it speaks in Bob’s voice and, perhaps most importantly, they will love wearing the hard hat. 

This set is out of production but you can sometimes still find the Bob the Builder Deluxe Talking Tool Belt set on eBay by clicking here. 

If you cannot find the original branded products, you can ad lib. Any pair of little boy's coveralls and construction set would do.

BOB THE BUILDER LEGO DUPLO SETS

There were a total of twenty Bob the Builder-themed Lego Duplo sets released between 2001 and 2009 for children aged 2 to 5 years of age. The smallest set was Sumsy, number 3298-1, with eight pieces and the biggest set was  Bob's Big Building Box, number 3275-1, with 51 pieces.  None of them are made anymore but some of the Bob the Builder Lego sets are still available here on eBay.

BOB'S WHITE CHRISTMAS DVD

There's even a Christmas show called Bob's White Christmas. You might like to use multiple DVDs in your gift set. Find this one by clicking here to Amazon.

OTHER GIFT IDEAS

There are so many other items available, too. Beyond these movies, construction outfits and Lego, I also see tons of other merchandise including but not limited to games, plush toys and more. Click here to see all of the Bob the Builder items available on eBay.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

QUICK LINK:

Bob the Builder in my eBay store.

Noddy and Friends Movie Gift Set

Toy company HASBRO and Kidtoons joined together to create movies based on toys that are appropriate for young children to view. On this page, the third in a series, let's celebrate Noddy and Friends as seen on PBS.

Noddy is set in a village called Toyland whose people are "committed to friendship, respect, caring, and cooperation." The doll we know as Toddy loves helping others. In this film, he helps those around him realize that it doesn't really matter who goes first but rather that everyone gets a chance to take part.

If you are creating a gift set, start with a copy of the program on DVD and then add an item like this adorable plush Noddy!

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Order your copy of Noddy and Friends from Amazon.
Check out the Noddy toys on Amazon.

Author's Note: Originally published elsewhere in 2008.

Thomas & Friends Great Discovery Movie Gift Set

Toy company HASBRO and Kidtoons joined together to create movies based on toys that are appropriate for young children to view. On this page, the second in a series, let's celebrate Thomas and Friends: The Great Discovery Movie.

In this movie, Sodor Day is coming and the engines are busy preparing. When Thomas gets lost in the mountains, he discovers the old town of Great Waterton! Soon the whole island is buzzing with the news of his discovery. Sir Topham Hatt puts Thomas, along with his friends, in charge of restoring the town in time for the Sodor Day celebrations.

Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine need to start with a complete set like the Great Discovery set shown here though of course a complete set is expensive. If buying a set is too much for your budget there are, of course, plenty of other Thomas toy items available. Whatever you choose, combine it with a copy of the movie to create a great little boy's gift set!

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy your Thomas and Friends The Great Discovery Movie from Amazon.
Find the Great Discovery train set on Amazon.

Author's Note: Originally published elsewhere in 2008.

Harry Potter Wallets for Harry Potter Fans

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. That is definitely the case with these attractive Harry Potter wallets. They feature themes from our favorite book and movie franchise and they are so cute that I hardly need say a word about them! A picture alone would do the job quite nicely.

Anyway, whether you prefer the Mischief Managed theme, you would like the Hogwarts Express wallet with the platform 9 3/4 reference or you always dreamed of an acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, there is a wallet for you.

You can read more about them and find them on eBay right now by clicking here. They seem reasonably priced for a product that is not leather. Yes, that is the obvious downside of these wallets. It would be great if they were leather but, if they were constructed from leather, no doubt they would be a lot more expensive.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy your Harry Potter wallet on eBay.

MORE HARRY POTTER:

Who played Lord Voldemort?

Hogwarts Express Lego Set.

Pretty Fantastic Fantastic Beasts Gift Ideas.

Create A Barbie Mermaid Tale Gift Set

Toy company HASBRO and Kidtoons joined together to share movies based on popular toys that are appropriate for young children to view. On this page, the first in a series, let's celebrate Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2. Here is a peek into the story via the official movie trailer:

The animated movie A Mermaid Tale 2 finds Barbie acting as the character Merliah, a champion surfer who also happens to be a mermaid and a princess. "Anything is possible when you stay true to yourself!"

Fans of Barbie and her adventures will want to own this 2013 animated Barbie movie and probably the first movie, too. I am also sure that they would like to own this mermaid-themed Barbie doll. Put the two items together to come up with a great gift set for a young Barbie fan. If you would like to put this gift set together for a wee one in your life, you will find the Mermaid dolls on Amazon by clicking here and the movies by clicking here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Order your copy of Barbie in a Mermaid Tale from Amazon here.
Find the mermaid Merliah Barbie doll here.
The Barbie Andy Warhol Doll.

Author's Note: Originally published elsewhere in 2008.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Jingle Buddies

After the creation of my How to Create a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Gift Set page, I came across these adorable Jingle Buddies. They are simple but adorable ornaments, each one representing a character from the show sitting on top of a bell. They are suitable for decorating your Christmas tree and for gift giving. As some of the Amazon reviewers have said, they are perfect for slipping into a Christmas stocking this year. Wonderful for someone who grew up with the television special.

You can find my complete page on how to create a Rudolph-themed gift set here and you can find these cute little Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jingle Buddies on Amazon by clicking here.

Merry Christmas!
Brenda

How to Create a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Gift Set

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a television show that many of us grew up with. That is, the 1964 animated Rankin/Bass television story. We shared the story with our children when they were growing up and we still look forward to watching it every year.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was written in 1939 as a short story in a thin booklet form by Robert L. May. It was a giveaway for the store he worked for, Montgomery Ward and that year, the store gave away 2.5 million copies to visiting children. The Rudolph story went on to be part of a popular song, the television program in 1964 and a movie in 1998.

You probably know the plot of the story of Rudolph, the young reindeer with the glowing red nose. Rudolph was not accepted by his peers because his nose glowed but eventually proved himself on Christmas Eve when Santa Claus needed help pulling his sleigh.

Rudolph is now firmly established as part of our pop culture. He is so popular that we love the idea of putting together a gift set for both the young people in our lives or for the older folk who hold Rudolph firmly in their hearts. Therefore, on this page, we have assembled a few of the best Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer products available to help you create a simply smashing gift set for someone on your gift list this Christmas.

Click here to order your Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie from Amazon and start building your gift set today.

A Rudolph Hardcover Book

Of course, every Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer gift set should probably start with a copy of the classic book, as shown here. I love the fact that the book has now been recreated in a hardcover version to look like the booklet that Robert L. May originally created for Montgomery Ward in 1939.

Find the hardcover Rudolph book on Amazon here.

A Funko Rudolph Plushie

If you are looking for something soft and cuddly, you might consider adding one or even all three of the Funko Rudolph plush toys. Your choices include Rudolph himself as shown here as well as Hermey the Elf from the Island of Misfit Toys and Bumbles. They're fun hug-gable, collectible toys that will be treasured every year at Christmastime.

Find this Rudolph Funko on Amazon. If he is unavailable there, click here to try eBay.

A Jim Shore Rudolph Christmas Ornament

If you are looking for something a bit more grown up but still precious, you might consider a Jim Shore figure like the one shown here. They are hand-painted and hand-crafted and this one features a musical sleigh with Santa, Rudolph and Hermey.

You can check out all of Jim Shore's Rudolph pieces on Amazon by clicking here.

A Rudolph Coffee Mug

I am a big coffee mug enthusiast. I like mugs because they are usually practical and affordable. (This mug currently retails for less than $10.) I would be remiss therefore if I did not include a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer coffee mug option on this page. I like the Vandor Rudolph mug seen here but given the current very expensive price point, I presume that it is no longer in production so I went searching a bit farther and came up with this handsome new blue Vandor mug. Another fun item to take out of the Christmas box each and every year.

You can find this Rudolph mug on Amazon by clicking right here. If he is unavailable there try eBay by clicking here.

A Rudolph Tote Bag

Finally, you might choose to pack your gift in a handsome and reusable bag, like the Rudolph one shown below. This bag is strong and water resistant. It is meant for shopping but also makes the perfect gift bag for your gift set and it is an item that will be used by the recipient over and over again.

You will find the Rudolph tote bag here.

Remember that Amazon will ship your order for free if it totals $35 or more so be sure to bundle your Christmas shopping to save money on shipping!



Are You a Fan of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer? the Book? The movie? Both?

Merry Christmas!
Brenda

More Christmas Gift Set Ideas:

A Frosty the Snowman Gift Set
The 12 Days of Christmas Starbucks Gift Ideas

Fantastic Beasts Newt Scamander Wand

It's been a long while since I have had a new wand to write about. However, there's a new wizard in town and the folks at Noble Collection have created a wand for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them's wizard Newt Scamander. It is an authentic prop replica, officially licensed and comes complete with a collector's box.

According to the website Fandom, Newton Scamander’s wand was likely purchased from Ollivander's Wand Shop and was constructed from lime with a bone core and some shell at the end. It was of unknown length though the one offered here  from the Noble Collection is 14 inches long.

How exciting that Eddie Redmayne, who portrays Newt Scamander in the film, gave away wands to 6,000 fans at San Diego's Comic Con. Here's your chance to own one, too. I would like to wave my wand and give you one but I am pure muggle so I cannot employ magic to obtain a wand for you and I definitely do not have the connections that Redmayne has in order to be able to give you one so you will just have to follow this link to Amazon to buy your own.

Have you seen the movie yet? What did you think? Is there a wand in your future?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Find Newton Scamander's wand on Amazon.

How to Make A Frosty the Snowman Gift Set

Frosty the Snowman is an animated television program that many of us grew up with but did you know that the famous song was written in 1950, inspired by the success of the Christmas song, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? The song appears on almost every children's music compilation.

That same year, Little Golden Books published a book sharing the story.

There was a short 3-minute film made but the film we all know and hold dear in our hearts is the 1969 Rankin-Bass television special of the same name.

When I was a child, this television special was one that we watched every year and when I eventually had my own family, we shared the story each year with them, too.

Frosty's popularity continues to endure. He's a timeless Christmas classic and an important part of our pop culture.

This popularity means you probably already know the plot of his story, the snowman who comes to life when children place a magical hat upon his head. Frosty enjoys playing with the children but is unable to tolerate the sun and eventually leaves, promising "He'll be back again someday."

This show is so popular that we love the idea of putting together a package for both the young people in our lives as well as for the older folk who have fond memories of the story. Therefore, on this page, we have assembled a few of the best Frosty the Snowman items available to help you create a wonderful themed set for someone on your list this Christmas.

Start with a copy of the television show and add any of the following...

Click here to order Frosty the Snowman on DVD or Blu-ray from Amazon.

A Copy of the Book

Of course, your gift set should probably start with a copy of the classic book, as shown here. This is a Little Golden Book style of book and seems appropriate given the fact that the first Frosty book was a Little Golden Book, too.

A Coffee Mug

There do not seem to be any official mugs so I shopped around and found this cute and adorable snowman mug by Fitz and Floyd.  It's full of spirit, practical and affordable, too. Find it on Amazon here.

A Plush Toy

I love the Build-A-Bear Workshop plush pieces, like the Frosty the Snowman plush toy, which features Frosty and his hat. There is an accessory kit that will allow you to include his broom, scarf and pipe. There are other stuffed toys that include his friends, Karen and Hocus Pocus.  Find it and other Build-A-Bear pieces on Amazon by clicking right here.

A Hallmark Ornament

Hallmark has released numerous Frosty the Snowman ornaments. We like these three, Magic in the Air, Frosty the Snowman and A Warm Frosty Hug. Hanging a Frosty ornament on the tree will become a family tradition so it is a perfect addition to your gift package. If Hallmark continues to release new versions, you will also be able to add to this collection every year. You can find all of the Hallmark Frosty ornaments here on Amazon.

A Snowman Kit

Another great option is a snowman kit, which contains everything you need to build a snowman except, of course, for the snow! We show below the Burton & Burton set, which cost a bit more, but which appears to have the nicest hat.

A Reusable Tote Bag

Finally, we have included a reuseable totebag that is adorned with the image of a snowman and can be packed with whichever Frosty-themed treats you choose. Be sure to tuck in a couple of edible treats, too! They'll enjoy the goodies and be able to use the bag for years to come.

In Closing

We hope this page has given you some inspiration for a unique Frosty the Snowman themed gift set!

Merry Christmas!
Brenda

More Christmas Gift Ideas:

A Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Gift Set
The 12 Days of Christmas Starbucks Gift Ideas