I've managed to (mostly) avoid the retail side of this past long weekend. I really struggle with the commercialization of the holidays, but I admit I did spend a little time at the bookstore over the weekend. I took home a few books (including giving in to one of those by three get one free deals) and didn't mind the discount on a couple of magazines. I have been daily deleting the barrage of email ads trying to get me to buy things I probably don't need, but I do have a weakness for bookish items. Is it cheating to share a few that have caught my eye lately?
I personally think you can never have enough tote/book bags, but I especially like this introverts tote bag. I sometimes think I must appear to people who don't know me as somewhat standoffish, but truly it is a matter of just being an introvert!
My other personal weakness is coffee mugs. I have a few favorites but that never stops me from adding a new one every now and then. So, how about this affect/effect mug, or this Bartleby "I would prefer not to" mug (I have the companion bookbag by the way), or this library card mug, maybe this banned books mug, or my own personal favorite (and I am sure I will eventually break down and buy it) this lost art of penmanship mug. Even Virago has a line of mugs and my favorite is Barbara Pym's Excellent Women mug. Something for everyone's taste it seems. I am not so much of a tea drinker these days, but I do have to share this tea cup with attached fisherman tea bag holders--isn't it cool?
I already have my advent calendar ready to go for this year, but I do like the this Victorian Mansion, too. And any calendar involving dark chocolates behind those daily doors is most welcome, too.
My usual go-to place for bookmarks tends to be Pomegranate Books as they are just the right size and are nice and sturdy, plus they are lovely details from paintings generally. But for something different I like the very timely and progressive themes found at the Syracuse Cultural Workers shop. I have ordered their postcards before as well and hope to squeeze in a little order from them soon.
So this brings us to boxed sets. (Because you have to have some books to put your bookmarks in, right?). A small confession here. I ordered the Little Black Classics Set. I will share them when they arrive. I simply could not pass them up. Penguin Books just generally does themed box sets really, really well, and then those smaller format books are so nice and attractively fit into your hand. Here is the list of books I will be reading my way through next year!
There is likely a boxed set of other topics that might strike your fancy, however. How about the Complete TED Talks? Persephone Books has a number of themed sets to give (or to keep!), NYRB Classics are grouped thematically and they even have a very cool list of children's/YA books, too.
What did I miss? What bookish goodness have you come across that you hope to get or give? Personally speaking, books (or their accoutrements) and chocolates (perfect pairing) always make perfect gifts.