Gift Ideas

Christmas is just around the corner you’re still short on ideas! Well look no further. Us here at the Eagle are happy to help you out.

I, Skylerr Byrd, came up with 5 gift ideas for the book lover in your life:

1. Here’s a local idea for you. Get a gift card from Burrowing Owl! Nothing says “I love you” like letting your reader pick out their own books. Burrowing Owl also has book themed merch such as tote bags, mugs, pens, and so much more. It’s a great way to support local businesses.
2. A personalized library embosser. This has gotten really popular over the past year (it’s even on my Santa List). An embosser is a tool used to imprint raised designs on books. You get it it made with the person’s initials and a cute little design. It’s a stylish way to identify a book(s) as your. Plus, what bookworm doesn’t want to feel like they own their own personal library? I’ve found many of these on etsy and amazon.
3. A booklight. My husband got me one last year and we both use it daily. This especially useful if you share a bed, or room, with someone else. The specific  one I have is the Dewenwills USB Rechargeable Book Light from Amazon. No need to switch out batteries, easily fits onto your book, and you can adjust the lighting.
4. A book nook kit. A book nook is a miniature scene (mainly from books you love) that fits on your book shelf. I’ve scene scenes from Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and even Little Women. It’s pretty cool and I think it brings more magic to your shelves. I have also found many of these on Etsy and Amazon.
5. I’m just going to say it…whatever book is on their reading list is a great choice! Simply ask them what is on their book wish list and you can easily find something to gift them. Go to Burrowing Owl or Barnes and Noble to see if they have any of the books. Or, if you want a cheaper online version, you can check out Thriftbooks and Bookshop. Thriftbooks sells used books for pretty cheap. Bookshop is a website that pulls together books from various locally owned bookstores. Both are great places to check out.

The ideas don’t stop there. Morgan Tanner came up with 5 ideas for those pet lovers in the world.

1. Lowe’s will surprise you with great things for Pets at Christmas. Right now at your neighborhood Lowe’s they have Serta Waterproof Pet Blanket that’s amazingly soft and furry, and washes like a dream!  Use it on your couch or in your car.  Anywhere you need an extra cover for your favorite 4 footed buddy.
2. If you love to spend time outside with your pet in the Spring and Summer, here is one of my favorites, and Brody’s Too!  I got him a “sling bed,”  is what I call it.  It’s an elevated mesh bed that lets air get under it.  It’s cooling, firm, yet eliminates pressure points…and he LOVES it!   You can find them everywhere!  From Chewy to Amazon.  They even make them in foldable models for travel.
3. A ThinkPet No Pull Dog Harness on Amazon.  You can buy them with matching leash if you want.  I suggest passing, unless maybe your dog is rather large.  They are on the big side.  I bought one, and don’t like it because it’s just too big.  The harness though is AWESOME!  I got a bright fluorescent yellow one for Brody. It’s tough and heavy duty so your pet and you both feel secure with it.  AND It’s mega easy to get on, and off. And if you need it, there’s a front hook on the harness that you can attach his leash to, and it prevents your pet from pulling.
4. The company Called Fruitables make great dog biscuits!  They’re pretty good about cycling flavors to make them seasonal.  Brody’s Favorite is the Pumpkin, Cranberry.  As a matter of fact I brought some of those to the station for the little dogs that come in on Wednesday for Wet Nose Wednesday, and they all just gobble them up!  I usually have to find the Pumpkin Cranberry at Chewy, PetSmart also carries fruitables. Just find your pets favorite flavor and I bet he/she loves them.
5. ANY learning dog toy.  Something that stimulates and challenges your friend. I bought Brody one of these years ago and we don’t use it nearly enough.  However; when I pull it out he goes nuts for it.  I load some tiny treats in it…and he paws the toy and paws it to get the slots open for the treat.  Is he great at it?  Naw not really.  LOL  He knows mom will help.  But we both have great fun and it’s challenging for your dog.   His is similar to this.

You know what’s perfect for all you listeners?! Music inspired gifts. Johnny Black came up with 5 gifts he’d give to everyone on his list, if he could.  He believes down deep in his heart that folks should own these albums on vinyl format.  It just sounds better!  You know it’s true.

1. “Exile on Main Street” – The Rolling Stones. A dark, moody record made during a dark moody time in Rolling Stones history.  There’s a little bit of everything on this one – blues, country, rock, reggae, jazz – all on this double album!  And there’s tons of history here.  Books have been written, documentaries have been made, all about this one incredible record!
2. “Abbey Road” – The Beatles. Pretty much their final album, and listening to it feels like a long kiss goodbye! Superb production by longtime producer Sir George Martin, and life-altering songwriting from John, Paul and George when they were at the very top of their games.  A must-have for any music collector!  And you really should own it on vinyl.
3. “Rumours” – Fleetwood Mac. Really?  You don’t own this one?  Come ON!  What are you waiting for?  Either run out and buy this as soon as you can, or get the newly-released “Rumours Live,” which was released this past October and contains the songs from Rumours, recorded live at the end of their 1975 tour, plus additional favorites from the “Fleetwood Mac” album.
4.  “III” – Led Zeppelin. I bought this on vinyl this past year, and I’ll never listen to it on any other format!  It’s got just a few well-placed crackles and pops, and that wonderful vinyl qulity – deep and thick and rich.  From “Immigrant Song” to “Tangerine,” hearing this on vinyl is like getting a brand new Zeppelin album!
5. “Eagles Live” – The Eagles. Much of this album was recorded at the same venue as Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours Live” (above).  Recorded “live” at The Forum, Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, and the Long Beach Arena.  This record has been called “the most overdubbed live album in history” due to the fact that The Eagles had broken up, and only released this double album to fulfill a contract.  Glenn Frey wasn’t speaking to Don Henley, and certain band members wouldn’t record their parts while others were in the area and blah blah blah.  It was a mess!  But it’s a great sort-of-live album.  You should own it. On vinyl.