Deck the Halls with Lots of Tolkien!

If you’re like me, then you probably got all of your holiday shopping done months ago. But if you’re among those who prefer to wait until the season is actually upon us, you may be scrambling to come up with some ideas for your loved ones. Or maybe you’re in no rush at all, but you’d still like some gift-giving guidance.

Below are just some of the many wonderful things available on the Internet (and, in some cases, your local stores!). Mine is a very basic guide - poke around on some of the websites for even more ideas!

BOOKS

* The Wisdom of the Shire, Noble Smith

In this “short guide to a long and happy life,” Noble shows us that we can all live like the Hobbits of the Shire.

* Hobbitus Ille, translated by Mark Walker

Perfect for the Latin scholar and the Tolkien collector alike. (This book will become available November 27.)

* Exploring JRR Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’, Corey Olsen "the Tolkien Professor"

Regardless of where your loved one stands as a Hobbit fan – whether they’ve already read the book or are simply excited for the films – this is the perfect companion volume to JRR Tolkien’s classic children’s story.

* Check your local Barnes & Noble for more books, as many locations have set up “Hobbit” displays in anticipation of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" arriving in theatres next month.

CALENDARS

* (9x12) The Hobbit - 2013 Special Edition Calendar by Poster Revolution, $9.49 on Amazon.com

* (11x12) The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - 2013 Wall Calendar by Poster Revolution, $9.14 on Amazon.com

* Official Tolkien The HOBBIT Wall Calendar 2013 (illustrated by John Howe and Alan Lee), $32.96 on Amazon.com

COLLECTIBLES – Statues, Busts, Weapons, etc.

* Medieval Collectibles

* Sideshow Collectibles – Legendary scale busts, premium format figures, fine art prints, prop replicas, and polystone statues

* Weta Shop – Polystone statues, prop replicas, fine art prints; there is also a section specifically for the Art of John Howe

JEWELLERY

$39.00, Badali

* MyPrecious.us – I purchased my One Ring replica from them in 2004 and to this day am still pleased with it!

* Tolkien Shop

* Badali Jewelry

* The Noble Collection – I purchased most of my other rings and necklaces from this website

TOYS and GAMES

* LEGO Board game - $26.24 at Toys ‘R US

* The Bridge Direct ‘The Hobbit’ 3.75 inch action figures – choose from Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, Thorin Oakenshield, Legolas Greenleaf, and Grinnah. Available at most toy retailers.

* The Bridge Direct ‘The Hobbit’ 6 inch action figures – choose from Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, Thorin Oakenshield, Legolas Greenleaf, and Tauriel. Available at most toy retailers.

* The Bridge Direct ‘The Hobbit’ 2-pack – choose from Bilbo Baggins & Gollum, Fili & Kili, Balin & Dwalin, Legolas & Tauriel, Bolg & Battle-damaged Gandalf, Fimbul the hunter & warg, and Thorin Oakenshield & the Goblin King. Available at most toy retailers.

* The Bridge Direct ‘The Hobbit’ multipack – set includes Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield, Fili & Kili, and Dwalin. Available at most toy retailers.

* ‘The Hobbit’ Plush Dolls – $9.99 from Funko

* ‘The Hobbit’ Bobble-heads – $14.99 from Funko

MISCELLANEOUS 

Some other ideas and helpful websites to check out are:

* Mythgard Institute’s “Ticket to Learning” – You’ve got a loved one who wants to study Tolkien in-depth. Why not purchase a gift card allowing them to take a course at Mythgard Institute? Courses available this spring include: Science Fiction Part II, The Story of the Hobbit, Tolkien’s World of Middle-earth, and Elementary Latin I Encourse.

* Pre-order 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' soundtrack today! (Available December 11.)

* Tolkien Town – I have purchased a number of small items from them in the past (keychains, enamel necklaces, patches, stickers, etc.) and am always impressed by their selection

* WB Shop/The Hobbit Shop

Feel free to share some of your gift ideas or favourite websites in a comment below!