Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Five Cool Christmas-Themed Gifts

By The Editors of ASSIGNMENT X

Posted: December 15th, 2010 / 11:58 AM

It smells like the holidays again, from the earthy aroma of fresh cut Christmas Trees to the sweaty scent of desperation the hard times have brought on to many hard-working people.

However, one thing you can’t escape (whether you’re rich or poor), is the gift of, well, giving. And we here at ASSIGNMENT X have compiled a bunch of nifty lists of expensive (and not so expensive) gifts that would be perfect for your geek-tastic, pop culture savvy recipient (or more likely a guide to the things that you may want to ask Santa for yourself).

So without further ado, welcome to ASSIGNMENT X’s 2010 Holiday Gift Guide:

CHRISTMAS-THEMED GIFTS EDITION

ANGRY BIRDS - Seasons | ©2010 Rovio

ANGRY BIRDS – SEASONS

Suggested Retail Price: .99 cents
What is It? The “holiday” version of the very addicting ANGRY BIRDS game which is available through the iTunes App store. In the original game, a bunch of evil pigs have stolen bird eggs. Now the birds are fighting back (you use the “touch” platform to slingshot the birds at fortresses built by the pigs). The “Seasons” version comes bundled with the latest “Christmas” game play and the Halloween game play.
Cool Yule Factor: First of all, at .99 cents, the original ANGRY BIRDS is a bargain with the hours of game play it affords. And yet Rovio is even more generous during the holidays with Christmas. If you own the Halloween version of Angry Birds, you get the Christmas version for free which exists as a technology age Advent calendar. Each day leading up to Christmas unlocks a new Angry Birds challenge. Be warned though, you need wifi to play this version of the game.
CLICK HERE to purchase

HALLMARK KEEPSAKES - STAR WARS: His Masters Bidding

HALLMARK KEEPSAKES

Suggested Retail Price: $14.95-$29.95
What is it? Every year Hallmark outdoes themselves with an eclectic mix of pop culture “Keepsakes” ornaments focusing on everything from STAR TREK, STAR WARS to more kiddie friendly properties like PEANUTS, SCOOBY-DOO and YOGI BEAR.

Cool Yule Factor: The Keepsakes do more than just hang – they usually incorporate special lights, sounds and other neat enhancements. This year, the STAR WARS line includes THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK inspired items including Boba Fett and Han Solo (in carbonite), the Snowspeeder and a Darth Vader/Emperor special edition. We’re also partial to the super cool Jack Skellington from the perennial classic THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
CLICK HERE to purchase

PHINEAS AND FERB - A VERY PERRY CHRISTMAS | ©2010 Walt Disney Home Entertainment

PHINEAS AND FERB: A VERY PERRY CHRISTMAS

Suggested Retail Price: $19.99
What Is It? The Disney Channel cartoon has only been around for a couple of years, but its inspired blend of humor, weirdness and inventive gadgets is slowly making it the next big animated crossover ala SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS. The show focuses on the title step-brothers whose imaginations (and gadgetry ingenuity) keep them from being bored during a long summer.
Cool Yule Factor: In this direct-to-DVD film, the boys try to stop Christmas from being destroyed by the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz (who actually, doesn’t really hate Christmas, he’s just indifferent about it). Aiding them in their adventures is their pet platypus Perry who happens to also be a secret agent (but they don’t know that part of his life). Some great songs, a handful of bonus episodes and an iron-on Perry transfer you can put on any T-shirt make this a very, merry holiday package indeed.
CLICK HERE to purchase

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: SPECIAL EDITION DVD

Suggested Retail Price: $19.98
What is It? The classic 1974 animated film is not as famous as other Christmas specials Rankin/Bass produced in the ‘70s, but it’s still a wonderful treat focusing on the dual household of mice and men and how one little mouse almost destroys Christmas.
Cool Yule Factor: This has been available in various box sets (and double features) for animated classics over the years, but finally gets its own special DVD release and remastered to boot. This special has always been mistreated, but it looks better than ever and well-worth the extra buy. There aren’t any archival special features, but it finally gives this great little special the attention it rightly deserves.
CLICK HERE to purchase

THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS Blu-ray

Suggested Retail Price: $24.98
What is It? The stop-motion animated classic also from 1974 features a sad (and sick) Santa who doesn’t believe anyone has the Christmas spirit anymore and decides to take the year off. Two little elves and Vixen decide to find the spirit of the holidays and in the process encounter Heat Miser and Snow Miser along the way.
Cool Yule Factor: This is known for the songs sung by Heat Miser and Snow Miser, but it’s also such a well-told and original tale that it’s no wonder it’s lasted all these years as a perennial classic. The new Blu-ray sports remastered picture quality, plus you get the bonus specials RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR, NESTOR THE LONG-EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY and a couple of special features. Throw in a DVD copy too, and it’s one perfect Yuletide bargain.
CLICK HERE to purchase

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Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Five Cool Christmas-Themed Gifts