Convention Fans

It’s that time of year again (okay, in the retail world it’s been “that time of year” for months already). Do you have people on your shopping list that are convention junkies (or just fandom geeks in general)? Well, this is the gift idea list for you! You still have a few weeks before the holidays, which is plenty of time to finish up your shopping and have the gifts shipped in time.

1. A Convention Badge & Lanyard

Conventions get more expensive each year. Why not go ahead and buy that entry badge for the one you love this holiday season? For many conventions, the earlier you buy, the cheaper it is anyway. While you’re at it, pick up a snazzy fandom lanyard to go with it! One of my favorites is the leather Firefly lanyard from Legendary Leatherworks. I picked one up myself at a Dragon*con a few years back, and have used it every year since.

2. World of Warcraft Talking Murloc Plush Toy

If you didn’t happen to get a J!NX catalog in the mail recently, you should head on over to their website and see their awesome line of WoW merchandise. After all, a WoW shirt is essential convention wear if you play the game. Gotta show that Horde or Alliance pride to the masses, am I right? But more importantly, J!NX now offers a talking Murloc plush for sale, which I consider to be a must have this holiday season. MMRRRRGGGRRRLLLURGLE! I swear, it’s the new Tickle-Me-Elmo.

3. A “Fits Down the Corset” Size Digital Camera

Don’t you hate it when you realize your amazing new convention costume doesn’t have any pockets? Where do you put your camera? If you’re a female, you know that one of the few places to stash one is down the corset between the twins. When I bought my last digital camera, I knew it had to be small enough to stash in such a place, so I could carry it around the convention without needing pockets. Luckily, you can pick up a pretty slim digital camera for a decent price these days. Best Buy is currently offering a Sony 7.2 MP Cyber Shot camera that is just 2.3″ tall, and 3.6″ wide, for $129.99.

4. Fandom Tree Ornaments

If you haven’t been into a Hallmark recently, you are missing out. There are official tree ornaments for superheros, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more. They can be a little pricey (sometimes as much as $26.00 a piece), but many of them have cool sound effects or light effects. If you haven’t seen the “Trouble with Tribbles” Star Trek ornament this year, it is definite must have for a Trekkie.

5. A Convention Essentials Gift Basket

If that special someone has a convention coming up pretty soon, why not put together a basket of convention essentials? You could include vitamin C and hand sanitizer (to combat con crud), insoles for their shoes (you do a lot of walking after all), protein bars and other easy snacks (you get hungry in line), a set of highlighters (to mark up the con schedule), and ear plugs (to combat the snoring of the four other people you will be sharing a room with). Nothing says “I love you” this holiday season like ear plugs.

6. Convention Business Cards

It may sound odd, but business cards actually come in handy at conventions. You often meet a lot of cool people, and may want to keep in touch. Order your significant other a set of convention business cards. It could include a cool logo from their top fandom, their online handle/username, AIM name and e-mail address. It is a fun, personalized gift that is also practical. I had a set of cards done specifically for the RPG my boyfriend and I run by Fred over at copyjoes.com, who did a wonderful job.

7. Custom Art Work

Although this could get a little pricey (and it may be tight getting it done before Christmas), it is definitely a personal and unique gift. A lot of fantastic fantasy and sci-fi artists do commission work. Why not get someone to do a commission piece based on your significant other’s avatar or favorite character? Maybe you could get a portrait done of them in a favorite costume? A lot of artists can work from photos, after all. You can get started by posting an ad at Deviant Art’s Job Offers message board. I can personally recommend Jeff Ward of www.stungeonstudios.com, who did a beautiful piece (left) for my boyfriend and I recently.

8. Dice Set from Q-Workshop

Whether your loved one plays Magic the Gathering, D&D, or another game that uses dice, a special dice set from Q-Workshop is a great gift. They have a ton of different designs, from dragons to runic! A set will run you about 15.00 Euros (they do ship to the US). They also have some accessories, such as cups and bags in various colors (some of which match the sets of dice).

9. Fandom Calendars

One benefit to a lot of fandoms becoming more mainstream, is that manufacturers produce a lot of conventional merchandise like 12-month calendars. You can get Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek, Star Wars, Princess Bride, anime, and Lord of the Rings calendars, for example. And best of all, your local mall probably has a lot of them available, so no special internet ordering is needed.

10. Specialty Card Sleeves and Card Boxes for CCGs

A lot of collectible card game (CCG) players transport their cards to conventions, and need to protect their investment (and cards are an investment). Why not get your loved one some specialty sleeves and boxes for their card decks? CoolStuffInc. is a huge online CCG store with a lot variety, and great deals. The one thing to keep in mind is that cards and sleeves come in different sizes. If they play Magic the Gathering (MTG), make sure the sleeves are compatible with MTG cards, for example. Sleeves are usually pretty inexpensive, with prices around $2.50 for a 40 count package of sleeves. Most CCG decks will probably need two packages to cover an entire deck (its like that hot dogs vs hot dog buns problem).

Feel free to leave a comment with your own gift ideas!

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