Christmas gifts...

Flay

It's that time of year again, and once again I'm faced with that dreaded question - what would you like for christmas.

I'm usually fairly good at tracking down a suitable gift for others but I hate asking for things myself. The problem is, my mum wants to have something to slide under the tree this December 25th, and I have no idea what to ask for. I'd like to say nothing, but that's kind of out of the question...

I'm sixteen and male. I'm in to arts, nature, games etc... but don't take them too much in to consideration.

Oh, and please don't say things like clothes or money... My mum wants something that can be wrapped. They don't have to be big (they could be something stupid and small, like a puzzle or something... I don't know), and in fact, the more inexpensive they are, the better.

EDIT: Here's a start, what's a good graphic novel for someone who's new to the medium. I'm not really in to superheros or the traditional comic-book visuals, I'm looking for something visually impressive and with an original, interesting plot line. Something more contemporary, maybe...

squeefish

I've been eyeing a series of graphic novels at the bookstore lately called Flight (and I've never read any graphic novels before except V for Vendetta - which rocks, by the way). They're short stories told through some pretty impressive artwork, from what I've seen (haven't actually read any of them yet, but they did look cool to me.)

http://www.amazon.com/Flight-One-Kazu-Kibuishi/dp/0345496361/ref=pd_sim_b_img_4/105-3715964-7680434

You could also ask for nice sketching pencils or something, since you said you're into art? Maybe something cool to hang on your wall (some sort of big print, or something framed, I dunno).. Books? A cool calendar? Some sort of thermos thing to put your coffee in when you're on the bus? CDs?

All right, that's all I've got for now :P

Weretaco

Graphic novels...

Sandman is excellent
Y the last man
The walking dead

Those are the 3 I've so far gotten into and loved.

Improvolone

Have you checked out the Fables series?
Do you like coffee? Maybe a single serve maker is up your alley.

Gaine

Flight is pretty cool - a bunch of unrelated stories with a single theme: Flight.

A couple of contemporary ones you could also try are Mouse Guard and (if you're into zombies at all, or even if you're not) The Walking Dead.

None of them have any superheroics of any kind, and they're pretty awesome. I also second the idea of a cool print to hang up. I'm not sure if you could get a strip or two of Penny Arcade mailed out soon enough for the 25th still, but it's worth a look.

Uncle Long

If you're into arts then "The Art Book," or "The Photography Book," would be quality decisions (I think that's what they're called).

Other than that there are always useful things you could use for being out and about in nature, like a new pair of boots, or bitchin' multitool.

Do you like to read? Ask for some books.

Do you like music? As for an iPod or other mp3 player and maybe some kind of fun-bucks to spend on music. Or just ask for some CDs, or stereo components or a record player and a load of vintage records (those are cheap so she could go really nuts and wrap for days).

see317

I know you said you're not into super heroes, but consider Kingdom Come.
Artwise, it is simply amazing.

This is not cover art, or promotional art for the book. The entire thing is done in this style and looks fantastic.
As for the plotline, Superman retires and gives way to a new generation of super powered "heroes".
The world quickly goes to shit.

Alternatively, you might like 300. Assuming you didn't find the movie completely abhorrent, I've heard good things about the graphic novel.

Flay

Flight gets a :^: from me, and I'll look in to the others as well.

Got any other ideas guys, apart from graphic novels?

Local H Jay

Find some T-shirts you like online.
I just make a list of sites with shirts I like and e-mail it to my mom.
The PA store has some good ones, but places like bustedtees.com and other webcomic sites have awesome shirts.
Look around.

KalTorak

Any games you haven't picked up yet?

Or systems?