Are you feeling the crunch yet? I know I am! Don’t despair, though, because according to Amazon you can order today—standard shipping—and still receive gifts by Christmas 24th.
This is assuming that you don’t, like, live in the hills of Afghanistan or something.
Because you have all been so extremely helpful in suggesting gift ideas for my family, I would like to return the favor. Here are a few of my favorite things—they are tried and true and are all gift items that I have purchased in the past.*
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (Audio CD) We love all of Kate DiCamillo’s books, but this audio CD is a huge favorite. The story is excellent and the narration is wonderful.
The line “No more mice babies” alone is worth the price of the CD.
This gift is suitable for kids 7 and up. There are some mature themes—there always are in DiCamillo’s books—but they are woven into the story line with humor and grace.
Oh, and by the way. Do not assume that if you’ve seen the movie you know the book. The book is a hundred times better than the movie.
In my opinion.
Little House Books on CD (Narrated by Cherry Jones) The Little House books stand on their own merit, I know, but the decision to have Cherry Jones narrate was spot on. She is the perfect accompaniment to this listen-aloud.
Recommended for all ages. Especially good for long car trips up to North Dakota. (Ahem.)
The Straight Story This is one of the best movies I’ve seen—a perfect gift for the family. Richard Farnsworth (you may remember him as Matthew Cuthbert in the Anne of Green Gable series) plays Alvin Straight, a taciturn old guy who drives his tractor cross-country to visit his estranged brother.
I loved this movie. Watch it over the break and let me know what you think.
The Perfect Storm (Blueray DVD) This is a movie for that hard-to-shop-for guy on your list, though I purchased our old VHS copy for me. I can watch this movie again and again, in part because I love the salty New England characters and in part because I love the sea.
Mind you, there’s some sensuality and a bit of language. This is not one for the kiddoes.
Master and Commander Soundtrack The movie was good; the soundtrack, even better. I love this music—I love love love this music—and have been known to weep when they cue up all those violins.
But that’s just me.
A Year with Frog and Toad (The Musical) This would be an awesome gift for the littles on your list—even better if you toss in a copy of the Arnold Lobel book to go along with it.
We love this CD. It’s funny and fun and again, perfect for long car rides.
So there you go—six suggestions and they’re all free! (The suggestions, that is, not the products.)
Now get clicking!
With much love & many Advent blessings,
*I am not getting reimbursed in any way for these recommendations. Do let me know if you take any of my suggestions, though!
I don't think we've seen "Master and Commander" SO, we will rent it from Netflix, thanks you, I'll listen to the music and think of you! (during the movie)
Jamie, Master and Commander is a GREAT movie. I really wish they could have made more of these movies (based on a series of books) but I can only imagine the cost.
We are also big fans of the 'kid version' books of that time period, "Midshipman Quinn".
Margaret, I had forgotten about 'The Straight Story'-lovve Richard Farnsworth, I'll netflix it. Have you seen 'Secondhand Lions'? that is far and away my favorite crust-old-man movie. 😀
We've read The Tale of Despereaux (own it) and listened to the CD (library loan). Really liked the story, but haven't seen the movie.
We'll have to check out Command & Conquer, too.
I mean we'll check out Master & Commander! Command & Conquer is a PC game that my hubby likes to play!!
I will second "A Year with Frog and Toad". The music is entertaining for both parents and children. We listened to our cd so much it wore out. And Master and Commander is excellent!
thanks for the heads up on "Straight Story". It sounds like the perfect fit for post Christmas viewing. If you like sea movies, have you tried "Horatio Hornblower"? We have really enjoyed them in our home. They are mostly family friendly. . .nothing sensual just a bit intense sometimes.
Master and Commander is one of my husband's favorite movies. Thank you for recommending the soundtrack; I now know what to put in his Christmas stocking. I have placed The Straight Story DVD and the Liitle House in the Big Woods CD on hold at the library (I will be putting the other Little House CDs on hold as needed). Thank you for the recommendations.
I was stumped with a capital 'S' on what to get my niece. Lo and behold I didn't even think about an audio book. This little 11 year old loves all Laura Ingalls books, Anne of Green Gables, anything American Girls…
You may have well saved me from having to go to the mall. Thank you!
GoodMorning Maggie 🙂
I popped over to itunes to give Master and Commander a listen to. what LOVELY music!! Seeing as I had an itunes gift card just waiting to be used, I purchased it. Now that it is not so cold here, my dog will enjoy a much longer walk with mummy and her ipod :-)Merry Christmas
Theresa in ALberta
Ah yes, Frog & Toad. One of our favorite memories from our homeschooling days is attending that show at Children's Theatre with your family. We still put the CD on once in a while, and the kids talk about their favorite parts of the show, or their favorite memory of their friends that day.
Thanks. Simply the greatest!
T.C.
We also LOVE the Master and Commander soundtrack. Wonderful music. The movie is of course also fantastic, but the soundtrack stands on it's own.
The list is great except for The Perfect Storm. I loved it until my old boss pointed out how crazy it was. It became an office joke.
DS