Hunger Games Gift Ideas

The Hunger Games trilogy came along just in time. The Harry Potter series had wound down and we needed some exciting reading material that would translate into the movie world. Author Suzanne Collins was kind enough to create the bestselling Hunger Games trilogy and Hollywood was only to happy to transform the riveting stories into movie form for us.

Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson and a supporting cast featuring the likes of Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley, Toby Jones, Alexander Ludwig, Isabelle Fuhrman and Amandla Stenberg, we were been presented with a movie spectacle worthy of The Hunger Games books.

We looked for great merchandise choices featuring The Hunger Games and it was provided. Whether you are shopping for a tween, a teen or an adult who is enthralled with the world of The Hunger Games, you will find a top-rated Hunger Games gift idea for them here on this page.

A Complete 4-Film Collection

Of course, it goes without saying that every fan of the trilogy ought to own The Hunger Games and Catching Fire on Blu-ray disc or DVD! The set shown above can be found on Amazon by following this link.

A Katniss and Peeta Coffee Mug

A coffee mug is something that everyone can use and I cannot imagine a gift that a Hunger Games fan would like more than one they can use every day. This Katniss and Peeta thermal coffee mug is a standard sized mug with a thermally activated changing image. When you add your favorite steaming hot beverage, flames appear in the black area of the mug, starting at the bottom and then working their way up. Find it here on eBay!

The Catching Fire Soundtrack

I read an AMAZING review of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack and I believe that it appeals to all fans of the trilogy. Right now I'm listening to Coldplay's Atlas, which is the lead single from the soundtrack and perfectly simmers until it boils over...

Consequence of Sound  called the soundtrack a nice curation. The Ottawa Citizen, my local newspaper, gave the soundtrack a very strong four stars and says, "There's no clear victor on this record, apart from the fan."

The movie soundtrack is available on CD or MP3. Note that there are two choices a regular edition and a deluxe edition though if you're going to buy this release, I'm not sure why any fan would settle for the first.  You will find it here on Amazon.

The Limited Edition Poster Set

This set is a nice way to collect posters of your favorite characters from the movie. Included in this set of eight are Cato, Effie, Haymitch, Cinna, Gale, Katniss, Peeta and Rue. Amazon reports that only 2,500 of this poster set are being produced. Out of production, it is no longer available on Amazon but you can try to see if any have become available by clicking here.

The Mockingjay Pin

Every fan of The Hunger Games knows the significance of the mockingjay and will want to own a pin.  If you are after one, you might want to check out this bronze pin, which is available directly from Amazon and which is very affordable, too making it the perfect way to show your support for Katniss Everdeen. Find it here on Amazon.

A Down With The Capitol Poster

If you are looking for something to put on your wall, you might have considered this Down with the Capitol poster by digital artist L. Dossey though like many other Hunger Games merchandise items is no longer available. You can check, just in case, on Amazon by clicking here.

UPDATE: This poster, in paper format, appears to be discontinued. However, there is a metal version of it on Amazon here.

A Nothing Can Prepare You for the End Movie Poster

Or you might consider this image which reads, Nothing Can Prepare You for the End. It is available affordably priced in four sizes from the artist on Etsy by clicking right here.

The Trilogy Boxed Book Set

Of course, every fan of The Hunger Games should own all three of the books. If for some reason your Hunger Games fan doesn't own his or her own copies, this would make a wonderful gift item. This is a book series that will be read more than once and become a permanent part of a book lover's library so I highly recommend the hardcover books, which are designed to hold up to repeated readings. Find it here on Amazon.

Are you searching for the Hunger Games gifts? Given that much of the movie merchandise is no longer available, you might consider a general search for Hunger Games items on eBay just to see what IS available. True fans will enjoy browsing through the more than 22,000 items that I see listed today. Click here to see all of the Hunger Games items on eBay. You will find lots of books and movies but also some interesting items for your collection.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda







Author's Note: This page relocated from another website.

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

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

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Gift Ideas

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a television classic that needs no introduction. Your family will watch this Peanuts story together, year after year!

A DVD

Any gift set then would start with a copy of the television special, like the one shown to the right, which is the 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition DVD of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, which includes a bonus Peanuts TV Special. Order your copy of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown here on Amazon.

A BOOK

Then share the story or maybe you will want to share the story first with the children in your life with a copy of Charles M. Shultz' story in book form. The book shown below is an interactive version with stickers. Order your copy of Charles M. Shultz' story in book form here on Amazon.

A JIGSAW PUZZLE

A Charlie Brown themed jigsaw puzzle would be another great way to celebrate this children's classic. Aquarius has puzzles in various sizes, as shown above, including puzzles with 300 and 1,000 pieces. Click here to check them out here on Amazon.

The bright orange one shown here was packed nicely in a bright and bold collector's edition tin, which is nicer than your typical cardboard puzzle box. It had 500 pieces and was recommended for individuals aged 6 and up. We love a good puzzle and one themed to the current holiday and a popular television program is double the fun.  Unfortunately, this one appears to be out of production. However, you can check eBay here to see if it is available there.

A BOARD GAME

How about a board game? This game promises family fun for individuals aged 5 and up and comes with sterling Amazon customer reviews. Comments like, "excellent game that captures the feel of the cartoon" and that it "is one of our favorite games to play year round" make it an excellent choice. Check out the reviews. Order your copy of this Charlie Brown board game on Amazon here.

I do hope that this list gives you a bit of inspiration for your Halloween shopping. Put a couple of these ideas together to make a wonderful Charlie Brown themed gift set!

Happy Halloween!
Brenda





Author's Note: This page originally written elsewhere in 2010.

Best Frozen Gift Ideas

If you are a parent of a little girl, you are likely aware that Disney's Frozen movie is hugely popular with that age group. It may be a while before Disney releases another female-focused movie that surpasses the success of this film.

When little girls started falling in love with the two new Disney princesses in this film, Elsa and Anna, the merchandise sold quickly and retailers did not have enough Frozen merchandise on hand. Fortunately, those days are past and now there are lots of great Frozen-themed gift ideas readily available.

If you have someone young or young at heart in your world who is in love with Frozen, you will enjoy these fabulous, officially licensed Disney gift ideas.

Which Frozen Items Did I Pick?

I start with a copy of the movie, which is definitely an essential for fans of Disney's Frozen. (Find your copy of Frozen on Amazon by clicking right here.)

In the toy category, I have included Anna and Elsa dolls, a wonderful Lego set and a great jigsaw puzzle. All are gifts that are fun to play with.

I have included items that can be used in everyday life including a t-shirt, a coffee mug and a calendar. They are fun as well as practical and affordable gift ideas.

I chose one expensive, really nice item that will be treasured by the recipient forever. It is a beautiful musical snow globe.

Frozen Lego Sets

Elsa's Sparkling Ice Castle, set 41062, was the first Frozen-themed Lego set. It is not an overly big set, having 292 pieces but features what you need to recreate the ice castle as well as the minifigures of Elsa, Anna and Olaf. It is rated for children aged 6 and up and I think that it is a great choice for the little girl who loves building and Frozen.

Click here to see all of Lego's Frozen themed sets on Amazon.

Frozen Coffee Mugs

In our opinion, the Disney Store makes some of the nicest coffee mugs out there. In the case of the Frozen mugs shown here, you can choose either the blue or the pink one or you can choose both. You can check out all of eBay's Frozen Anna and Elsa mugs by clicking here.

Frozen Jigsaw Puzzles

My family loves puzzles. We have always enjoyed working puzzles together and, when our guys were little, I particularly appreciated the fact that working a jigsaw puzzle is a fun and affordable family activity with a bonus educational benefit. Don't tell your children!

The puzzle shown here has three small 49 piece puzzles in one box and is recommended for children aged 5 and up. You will find one image of Anna, one of Elsa and one of everybody's favourite snowman, Olaf.  You can see all of Amazon's Frozen themed jigsaw puzzles by clicking right here.

Frozen T-Shirts

A t-shirt is definitely an affordable and practical gift idea, one that can be used all year. I Love, LOVE, love this pretty pink Olaf t-shirt. What Frozen fan would not want to add a t-shirt like this one to his or her collection? This one is a girl's shirt available in sizes 2T to 6X. You can find this t-shirt on Amazon by clicking here. You can find a Frozen-themed t-shirt for everyone on your gift buying list on Amazon by clicking here.

Frozen Calendars

You can celebrate Frozen all year long with a wall calendar. A calendar is yet another affordable and practical gift idea and a Frozen-themed calendar makes a great gift idea for a slightly older fan, one who can put a wall calendar to good use and who will enjoy decorating a room with it. Find all of the current Frozen calendars here on Amazon. Unfortunately, Disney will not continue producing Frozen calendars after the movie

Frozen Dolls

You and, more importantly, your little girl will recognise Elsa and Anna, dressed as they are in these beautiful outfits from the movie. These dolls are Disney's Deluxe Toddler Elsa and Anna and suitable for Frozen fans as young as three years old. Find them on eBay by clicking right here since they are a retired set. 

Frozen Snow Globes

If you are looking for something really, really special you might want to consider this beautiful Disney Store Anna, Elsa and Olaf 'Let It Go' musical snow globe. Another now-retired item, you can look for it on eBay by clicking right here. When I looked today on eBay, I did see some of this particular snow globe available in a wide range of price points. You can also see all of the Frozen-themed snow globes that are available on eBay by clicking right here.

Will you be giving someone a Frozen themed gift this year?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

More Frozen Reading:

The original Disney Limited Edition Frozen dresses are amongst the highly sought after merchandise from this movie. Learn where you can find one...and at what price.

A page full of Walt Disney collectibles and gift ideas!

Discover Disney's Keep Calm and Let it Go coffee mug.

Star Wars The Force Awakens BB-8 Gifts

BB-8 Droid

I'll start by saying that I am totally amazed at how popular this new Star Wars character, BB-8, is even before the new movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is released. 

The idea that people dressed as BB-8 for Halloween and that toys were flying off the shelves even before the release of the movie is really quite remarkable and a testament to the popularity of the Star Wars franchise with all generations. 

If you like the franchise yourself, I know you will enjoy these BB-8 gift ideas all of which feature, the new and very popular astromech droid. I have chosen ten interesting items. They are all items that I would like to own. They vary in price from quite affordable to budget stretchers. There is definitely something available for everyone whether you are looking for a really special toy that will be treasured forever or for something that is more affordable and practical.

BB-8 Coffee Keeps Me Rolling Coffee Mug

I'm a big coffee mug fan and collector so it seems natural that I'll start my list with a mug and yes, there are a number of BB-8 mugs available. Shown above is Hallmark's mug, Coffee Keeps Me Rolling. It's a handsome piece, available on Amazon by clicking here. It is a retired piece now so you might like to look for it on eBay by clicking right here.

BB-8 Reversible Winter Scarf

There's an attractive knitted reversible scarf featuring the image of BB-8. You will find it or a similar scarf on Amazon by clicking right here.

BB-8 Plans T-Shirt

Another of my favorite finds is this BB-8 t-shirt, which features the plans used for building the droid. A selection of similar shirts can be found on Amazon by clicking right here

BB-8 Night Light

This item had me scratching my head until I read more about it. It's a night light that mounts on the wall. The decal makes it look like BB-8 is crashing through the wall and into your room. It runs on batteries so there is no cord to ruin the effect. Like many of the products on this page, it is retired. You can look for it on Amazon by clicking here. If you can't find it there, try eBay by clicking here.  I had more luck finding it there today.

BB-8 Lego

If you are a Lego fan, you will find an entire Lego set dedicated to BB-8. It is set 75187 called BB-8. It features 1,106 pieces and is recommended for individuals aged 10 to 16. You will find this set by clicking here to Amazon. It was released in 2017 and is now retired so don't be surprised if the price is a bit higher than you might expect.

BB-8 App-Enabled Droid

Finally, here's the coolest BB-8 toy in town. It's the sought after BB-8 app-enabled droid.

Watch him in action in this two-minute video but watch with this warning in mind. Watching will make you want to own this droid.

What did you think? I think BB-8 is a whole lot of fun and I know that I am not alone. He's the cutest little droid out there and he is one of this Christmas' hottest toys. You can find the BB-8 App-Enabled Droid here on Amazon.

Finally, f you are curious, you can find even more BB-8 gift ideas on Amazon by clicking here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

The Best Harry Potter Decorative Gift Ideas (2020)

The Harry Potter franchise has spawned some truly amazing merchandise including the seven fantastic items on this page that really are perfect gifts for any Harry Potter fan, young or old. Each of items would double up perfectly as party decorations for Halloween and birthday parties and then magically become a part of your Harry Potter themed room.

SORTING HAT

What Harry Potter décor would be complete without a sorting hat? Fans will know that the sorting hat is used when you arrive at Hogwarts and that it sorts you into the house you will be part of, whether that be Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. The sorting hat would make a magnificent centerpiece for your table or accessory for your Harry Potter costume.

Click here to order your Harry Potter sorting hat from Amazon.

TRI WIZARD CUP LAMP

The Triwizard cup represents the trophy that is given to the winner of the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts. This replica is quite amazing, I love it because it is really a lamp! It is recommended by the manufacturer for individuals over 3 years of age. A lovely piece, a collectible, this lamp is 12 inches tall.

People who have purchased this lamp said:

"I bought this lamp for my thirteen year old daughter who is a huge Harry Potter fan and she was absolutely thrilled. It is a very good replica of the tri wizard cup featured the movie and it makes a good accent lamp for a HP obsessed teen's room." - Evensong

"This lamp is very pretty. I have it in my living room and it looks elegant (non-Potter fans have no idea that it is a movie related item). Potter fans smile when they see it!" - NA

Click here to order your Harry Potter Tri Wizard Cup lamp from Amazon.

MONSTER BOOK OF MONSTERS 

The Harry Potter Monster Book of Monsters plush shown here is a great plush prop for your decor. It is a toy of sorts or a very unusual cushion. Find your monster book here on Amazon. 

There is also an animated version of the Book of Monsters from Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which you can see here on eBay.

MARAUDER'S MAP

The Marauder's map maps the interior of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It shows the classrooms, hallways, grounds, secret passages and every single person that is at Hogwarts. It can also identify each of those people making it a extremely useful tool for Harry Potter.

This Noble Collection Marauder's Map will help you find your way around Hogwarts and it will also make a great decoration for your Harry Potter themed room. It is a replica, in full size, which measures 15.5 by 72 inches (when opened) and which has been printed on parchment paper.

Purchasers said:

"This map was a hit! It was a Christmas present for a self-proclaimed Harry Potter geek. He was expecting the little Marauder's Map that's being given away in Harry Potter 6 and was totally amazed and thrilled with this one. I recommend it for your favorite Harry Potter geek." - TS

"Beautiful map. Fairly heavy weighted paper, and the folds are pretty easy to follow. Good details on the map. You almost expect to see footprints waking around!" - LD

Click here to order your Marauder's Map from Amazon.

MARAUDER'S MAP PILLOW

Another perfect Harry Potter gift item is the Harry Potter marauder's map pillow. A quality item from NECA, it measures 17 by 14 inches and is recommended for individuals 13 years of age and up.

"The details in the print and the edging on both sides of this pillow are quite beautiful! I bought it as a Christmas gift for my husband and he absolutely loves it! The filling is nice and firm, and the fabric feels very durable. This is a decorative pillow not a snuggly one due to the texture of the fabric."- SLV

Click here to order your Marauder's Map pillow from Amazon.

MARAUDER'S MAP THROW BLANKET

Okay, I'll admit it. I always use a throw blanket when I am watching television but I do not have a throw blanket that I like as much as this one that features the all important Marauder's Map from Harry Potter.

Click here to order your Marauder's Map throw blanket from Amazon.

MARAUDER'S MAP COFFEE MUG

My son owns this Marauder's Map coffee mug (shown below) from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and it is handsome. If you are looking for a practical Harry Potter souvenir or gift, I can highly recommend this coffee mug though be aware that it is big, very big! This item has been discontinued and is easier to find on eBay. 

Click here to order your Marauder's Map coffee mug on eBay.

I hope that this page has given you some more Harry Potter decorating ideas.

See you at
The Hogwarts School of 

Witchcraft and Wizardry!
Brenda

More Harry Potter Gift Ideas

Harry Potter items in my eBay store.

Read my review of the Harry Potter Clue game.

Find a list of the Harry Potter movies for your marathon.

Harry Potter food resources for your Harry Potter party.