As we approach the holiday season, the GPG is looking to continue the annual tradition of the Fanbase Press Holiday Gift Guide. We want to provide some options that we know will make great gifts for your family. When it comes to the “most wonderful time of the year,” we want to provide a list of items that are excellent options for your kids, while also being equally amazing for parents. As a parent, it’s great knowing that holiday (or birthday) gifts are perfect ways to see joy on their faces when they rip open wrapping paper. So, we’re listing a few options that are sure to be highlights when your kids open their presents.
Some gifts, like streaming services, might need creative ways to wrap or introduce as gifts, but kids’ reactions will still be priceless nonetheless.
GRAPHIC NOVELS & NOVELS
Bolivar Eats New York: A Discovery Adventure
If you’re familiar with the Geeky Parent Guide, you’ll know we LOVE the first chapter in the Bolivar franchise, which has an absolutely “wonderful message for parents and kids.” This followup to an incredible story lets readers travel with Bolivar and his friend, Sybil, as he discovers new foods beyond his favorite corned beef sandwiches. As a parent, I’m always keeping tabs on stories that my kids love, so it’s easy to recommend a sequel when my kids and I absolutely adore the original. This is a story we’ll be picking up as soon as possible!
Bolivar Eats New York: A Discovery Adventure is published by Archaia, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, from writer and artist Sean Rubin.
Cost: $14.99 (hardcover) / $11.99 (digital)
Calendar Mysteries: August Acrobat
Calendar Mysteries is a series of mysteries aimed toward piquing the curiosity of young kids. My daughter happened upon this book, and then, both kids became enamored. I read several chapters at a time, and each chapter described a mystery revolving around a local circus. Both kids enjoyed every second of this tale, which is why other Calendar Mysteries are on both kids’ wish lists for future books.
Calendar Mysteries is a children’s series from Penguin Random House, authored by Ron Roy and illustrated by John Steven Gurney.
MOVIES AND TV
Disney+
One-stop shopping isn’t something easily equated to shopping for one’s kids; however, when it comes to seeing wonderful stories, how can anyone go wrong with Disney? My kids don’t have an extensive experience with Disney or Pixar movies, but Disney+ will provide them with an endless supply they don’t even know exists.
I grew up on Disney shows, ranging from DuckTales to TaleSpin, and my kids have yet to experience such shows. Even classics like Sleeping Beauty, The Sword in the Stone, or Toy Story have yet to reach their eyes. With this new app, it’s the perfect opportunity to let our kids experience the magic that’s so closely associated with most childhood dreams. Fortunately, my kids have grandparents who are happy to pay for an entire year, which happens to be a discounted price from month to month.
Cost: $6.99 per month / $69.99 per year ($13.89 savings)
Star Trek: Picard / CBS All Access
If I could spend money on one service, just for me, it would be CBS All Access just for Star Trek: Picard. Although the first episode is airing after the holiday season (January 23, 2020), it can be an early gift for any Trekkie to catch up on older series or simply enjoy a rewatch of Star Trek: The Next Generation before the new series begins. I began TNG at a young age, so I know kids interested in adventure will be equally engaged.
CBS All Access also has a long selection of shows in its archive, along with original content, live sporting events, and entertainment news through ET Live.
Cost: $5.99 (Limited Commercials) / $9.99 (Commercial Free)
TABLETOP GAMES
Classic Games Collection – 100 Games
Our kids were introduced to Checkers this summer, so they immediately asked to have it in our home. Fortunately, Meghan was able to find this collection for $5 at Five Below. There are so many games, and most of them I had never heard of before. So, each time we play a new game, it’s a new experience for the whole family.
“Game of the Goose” has possibly been the biggest hit so far, as each player rolls two dice. Depending on where you land on this spiral board, you’ll potentially move forward, go backwards, or stay stuck until someone else takes your place. My kids also enjoy quick plays like “Tic-Tac-Toe” and “Four in a Row,” a horizontal version of Connect 4.
Cost: $13.99 (Online Order) / $5.00 (In-Store at Five Below)
Ticket to Ride: First Journey
My wife and I really enjoy Ticket to Ride, so it makes sense that we have an option on our own wish list to play with our kids. Ticket to Ride: First Journey is a simplified version of the original train-laying board game, where players look to complete destination tickets. The first to six tickets wins the game, meaning the challenge of earning points lets players focus on a simpler process.
Most kids, like our own, always want to participate in our activities, so it’s extremely encouraging to see game developers create versions available for the entire family to play. Ticket to Ride: First Journey is made from board game publisher Days of Wonder.
Cost: $16.79 currently (Regular: $34.99)
GEEKY EXTRAS
Harry Potter Funko Advent Calendar
Countdown the holidays with this spectacular gift, or keep it as a collector’s item, as Funko delivers an amazing opportunity to collect your favorite characters from the beloved Harry Potter franchise. The Funko Pocket Pop! advent calendar holds 24 characters for you or your child to unwrap. This is a fantastic surprise for fans of the iconic series or a great way to introduce your kids to a series they’re bound to love as they get older.
LEGO Disney Frozen II Enchanted Treehouse
Most kids I know love being able to put together puzzles or build, which means they’re all about LEGOs. If you’re interested in finding what’s probably the most exciting thing right now, wouldn’t it have to include the Frozen franchise? With the release of Frozen II, kids, like my own, are absolutely excited to see the movie in theaters. Well, whether they’re able to do so or not, they’ll get the chance to build their own Frozen treehouse, which includes characters they already love.
What are some items you can’t wait to gift to your kids? Do you or your kids have a favorite franchise that you always look to add something to your holiday wish lists? Share your comments below, and don’t forget to follow the Geeky Parent Guide on Facebook and Twitter.
If you need more gift options, don’t forget to check out the Holiday Gift Guides on Fanbase Press for more amazing holiday shopping ideas!
Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking.
