It’s Christmas time again, and Santa’s elves are gearing up to hit the stores, hunting down the perfect gifts for all the good little geeks like us who can’t wait to surprise each other with something awesome. Here at SciFiPulse, we’re doing our part to share some cool gift ideas for the upcoming celebrations. And hey, if you mere humans need some inspiration, feel free to check out the list below!
Ian Cullen’s Picks
One of the most beloved and iconic Star Wars stories of all time, now adapted into a graphic novel and collected in its entirety!
Originally released as a trilogy of novels in the 1990s, this collection weaves a compelling tale set five years after the events of the original Star Wars trilogy. It introduces the legendary Grand Admiral Thrawn, a character whose story continues to captivate fans to this day.
You can order this book from Amazon or pick it up at your local comic book store.
Game: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
My video game pick for this year is the new Indiana Jones game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The game will be released digitally across all major online stores and will be available for Xbox and PC.
The story follows archaeologist Indiana Jones in 1937 as he works to thwart various groups seeking to harness a mysterious power connected to the Great Circle—enigmatic sites scattered around the world that…
PC gamers can purchase the game on its release date, 9 December, via Steam. Xbox gamers will be able to grab it through the Xbox Game Store.
Blu Ray: Doctor Who: The Collection Season 25 Blu-Ray (Limited Edition Packaging)
My Blu-ray pick for this year is Doctor Who: Season 25, featuring some of the best stories from the later years of the classic series.
This set includes the legendary Remembrance of the Daleks, which introduced the first Dalek capable of ascending stairs. It also features the iconic moment where Ace takes down a Dalek with a baseball bat. Other standout stories in the collection include Silver Nemesis and The Happiness Patrol.
You can grab this set on Amazon or from other major online retailers.
Action Figure: Funko Pop! Movies: Wicked – Elphaba – Collectable Vinyl Figure
My action figure pick for this year is the new Elphaba Vinyl Figure from the Wizard of Oz prequel movie series, Wicked. This figure is a perfect addition to any collection and is sure to appeal to fans of The Wizard of Oz.
Crafted from high-quality, durable vinyl, this collectible is designed to last, making it ideal for both display and daily enjoyment by fans and collectors alike.
You can snag this Pop Vinyl from Amazon or other major online retailers. And don’t forget—follow the yellow brick road!
Dominic Walsh’s Picks
Book: Resurrections by Ada Hoffmann
This collection of poems and short stories by Ada Hoffmann (who we interviewed in Ada Hoffmann Talks Sci-Fi, Neurodiversity, and Advice for Aspiring Writers) is packed with dark, twisted, and often romantic sci-fi. Hoffmann’s prose takes you to places you never imagined, thrilling and disturbing in equal measure. Some of their stories are not for the faint-hearted, but each one delivers that deeply satisfying sci-fi experience.
Hoffmann’s poetry, meanwhile, hits like a prizefighter, landing blow after blow until the very last line. Whether you want to be transported to strange and beautiful realms or gain a fresh perspective on your own world, Resurrections by Ada Hoffmann is the perfect gift.
Where to Purchase RESURRECTIONS – Ada Hoffmann
Game: Trinity Fusion by Angry Mob Games
Trinity Fusion is a roguelike where you play as three alternate versions of the same character, battling through different realities and taking down robots along the way. As you progress, you can combine your characters’ powers and abilities in the later stages, adding depth to the gameplay. The game demands quick reflexes and sharp reaction times.
The graphics are stunning, and the character designs are impressive. However, my one criticism is that the player characters feel too fragile, even on easy mode. Despite this, Trinity Fusion is a fun experience that leaves you in a great mood once you’re done playing. Do yourself a favor and check it out!
You can buy Trinity Fusion on GOG.com
Action Figure or Collectables: Star Wars The Vintage Collection Jedi Knight Revan and HK-47
Yes, it’s another KOTOR thing! Two of the game’s most beloved characters, Jedi Knight Revan and HK-47, will look absolutely fantastic on your mantelpiece. Since it’s Christmas, try to resist the urge to Force choke anyone who mistakes Revan for Kylo Ren (we’ve all been there). Jokes aside, these figures are beautifully designed and sure to spark happy memories of the greatest Star Wars game ever made.
If you already own Bastila and Malak, you can recreate some of KOTOR’s most iconic moments with all four action figures—or even stage your own version of “Darth Malak, the Dancing Twi’lek” if you’ve got a Lyn Me figure.
You can buy this action figure set at this link: Star Wars The Vintage Collection 3.75 Inch Deluxe Exclusive Action Figure – Jedi Knight Revan & HK-47 Twin Pack
BB-8 Remote Controlled Toy
There’s no denying it—BB-8 is awesome. This remote-controlled BB-8 toy is an absolute blast. Why not cosplay as Rey, Poe, or Finn and recreate some of BB-8’s iconic scenes from The Force Awakens?
This fun gift is sure to delight kids (and adults) of all ages. Children will love spending hours controlling BB-8 and embarking on their own adventures. Plus, BB-8 is waterproof, and his head is water-resistant, making him ready for action indoors and out. Even non-Star Wars fans (yes, they exist!) will get a kick out of him. If you’re looking for something cool and fun this Christmas, Volord’s BB-8 droid is the perfect pick.
You can acquire your BB-8 here.
Nicholas Yanes Picks
It’s easy to find video games, action figures, best-selling books, or other popular items for geeks and nerds. A quick Google search for “most popular [insert word] of 2024” will give you plenty of options.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with going for these popular picks. However, I’d like to suggest some different and unique gift ideas that stand out from the usual!
Original Art
As comic book artists work to diversify their income streams, many of them now sell original art.
For example, Rob Guillory (of Chew, Farmhand, and more) sells some of his original artwork on his website. Some of his pieces are priced as low as $300.
Another well-known artist in geek circles is Tim Jacobus. He is the artist responsible for the incredible covers of the Goosebumps books.
He sells sketches for as low as $60 and will recreate the classic covers for just $200.
Unique Watches
We all know there are plenty of T-shirts and other types of clothing that sci-fi fans wear to stand out.
However, if you know a geek who wants to subtly blend their love of sci-fi with fashion, check out Benly Design watches. These watches let the wearer showcase their sci-fi fandom without being visibly tied to a specific franchise.
Skywalker Wine
While many people—especially Star Wars fans—have heard of Skywalker Ranch, not everyone knows it houses a winery that sells to the general public.
Called Skywalker Wines, these make great gifts for any sci-fi fan, as they come straight from the vineyard owned by none other than George Lucas.
The high-quality craftsmanship of these wines ensures a great night of drinking that even the most discerning Jedi would appreciate. (Plus, I assume the Sith like to party, too.) Sharing a bottle of Skywalker Wine also adds a nerdy touch to typically stuffy and overly formal events.
Marx Pyle’s Picks
Game – RPG: Monster of the Week
I have to suggest one of my favorite games! For fans of supernatural mysteries and collaborative storytelling, Monster of the Week is a must-have tabletop RPG. Inspired by shows like Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this narrative-driven game lets players take on the roles of hunters tracking down and taking out supernatural threats. The rules are simple and accessible, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. And now is the perfect time to jump in—the creators recently ran a highly successful Backerkit campaign to fund new books: the Slayers Survival Kit and Hunter’s Journal, packed with fresh tools and inspiration for your monster-hunting adventures. Give the gift of monster-slaying excitement this holiday season!
Game – RPG: Shadowdark
For the tabletop gamer in your life, consider the gift of adventure with the Shadowdark RPG. This system captures the nostalgic feel of old-school role-playing games while offering modern mechanics that make it easy to learn and play. Designed for those who love immersive exploration, thrilling combat, and the tension of a flickering torch, Shadowdark invites players to delve into dangerous dungeons and face peril at every turn. This award winning game won four gold ENNIEs: Product of the Year, Best Game, Best Rules, and Best Layout & Design. Pair it with some dice and a journal for the ultimate adventurer’s stocking stuffer!
TV: FROM (MGM+)
This gift is a little different than my other suggestions. If you are a fan of mystery and horror, consider gifting a subscription (to someone or yourself) to MGM+, where you can dive into FROM, one of the most mysterious and spine-chilling TV series of recent years. With three seasons available to binge, FROM is set in a sinister town that traps all who stumble upon it. As night falls, terrifying creatures emerge, forcing the residents to band together to survive while unraveling the secrets of their eerie surroundings. LOST fans will recognize Harold Perrineau leading this talented cast. And I have to give a special shout out to Scott McCord for his portrayal as Victor. Packed with suspense, jaw-dropping twists, and a haunting atmosphere, FROM is the perfect gift for anyone who loves a good scare and a gripping story.
Honestly, FROM is the main reason I subscribe to MGM+, but there are other shows you might enjoy: A Discovery of Witches, Chapelwaite, Earth Abides, Beacon 23, etc. (I would also suggest checking out Evil on Paramount Plus or wherever you can find it outside the United States. A very different kind of horror show well worth checking out.)
Book: Tales of Monstrosity: Monsters, Myths, and Miscreants
For the book lover on your list, consider gifting Tales of Monstrosity: Monsters, Myths, and Miscreants, a multi-genre anthology from Cabbit Crossing Publishing. This collection features a rich tapestry of short stories that explores the theme of monsters—both literal and metaphorical. With a mix of horror, fantasy, science fiction, and dark humor, it’s perfect for readers who enjoy exploring the darker side of storytelling. Plus, Cabbit Crossing Publishing has two new exciting anthologies planned for 2025, making this a great introduction to their imaginative worlds. And there are other anthologies, like Dragons of a Different Tail, which were released in past years. (Full disclosure, I founded Cabbit Crossing and worked on these books. I’m very proud of the work from the entire team of authors and editors.)
https://books2read.com/talesofmonstrosity
