Now that it’s post-Thanksgiving – the real holiday season, in my book – it’s time to start thinking about what to get for those movie lovers close to your heart. Speaking from personal experience, it’s oftentimes hard to surprise your movie lover with something, as they likely have every DVD you can think to get them, and what interests are more interesting than movies, anyway?
Fear not – I’ve got a few week’s worth of good ideas that will delight even the biggest movie nerd with a variety of gifts that reach beyond the $5 DVD section at Target.
This week, I’m going to focus on movie-related home décor. Yes, it’s out there, and doesn’t stop at movie posters. Gifting home decor may sound boring, but doesn’t have to be – it’s a fun way to class up your or your friend’s dwelling, emblazoning every room with impeccable filmic taste.
GEEK BOY PRESS
I discovered the awesome wares of Geek Boy Press when visiting the Chiller Theatre Expo last month in beautiful Parsippany, NJ. The graphic artist behind Geek Boy Press re-imagines your favorite films and TV shows as cheeky cartoons and creates a variety of different prints, t-shirts, tote bags and even aprons with his original artwork. Thankfully, he has an Etsy shop, so you can buy his stuff from the comfort of your own home.
The prints that he sells, for instance, are the easily-frameable size of 10.5 x 16.5 and are on high quality matte board – and they are only $10, so you can get a bunch and not break the bank. If you have a specific request, you can also email him and he will create artwork on commission, though with clever shout-outs to titles like Shaun of the Dead, Star Wars, and even Flight of the Conchords, you might not have to!
Rushmore Poster
Priced at $10
This gem is proudly displayed in my kitchen (because, why not?). Note the attention to detail, heck Dirk Calloway even makes an appearance! If you have made someone’s list things to do today, this might be a good gift to butter them up.
Dr. Who Apron
Priced at $20
While I, for one, know absolutely nothing about Dr. Who, I know many who are obsessed with it. And boy, wouldn’t they want to cook while wearing this apron?
Brandon Bird
Brandon Bird is a past artist-in-residence at Cornell and a current creator of keenly conceptual, often movie-related, artwork that manifests itself in many forms – from greeting cards, to paint-by-numbers, from prints to cellphone cases. Even glorious, display-able Eric Robert and Gran Torino lunch boxes, pictured above. Below is a sampling of Bird’s eclectic offerings.
The Nicolas Cage Action Adventure Set
Priced at $12
I’m not 100% sure if this counts as “home decor,” but if someone gifted me with this for Christmas, I would likely put it on display. Based on the peel and stick Colorform technology of the 1980s, you can come up with the Nic Cage scenarios of your dreams, choosing between “haunted castle” and “tropical island.” This is real.
Lazy Sunday Print
9 x 13in signed print, priced at $20
As much as anyone desires “more cowbell,” they would desire “more Walken,” especially for wall décor, of course! This detailed print – spot the Tab! – is available in a variety of sizes and types, in addition to the one listed above: 18 x 12 print at $40, 21 x 14 print at $60, 30 x 20 print at $90, and a 24 x 18 poster at $9.
Horror Decor
Horror Decor offers a full spectrum of handmade items to decorate with, as it includes horror film-inpired candles, bedding, jars, lampshades, pillows, and much more! If you like what you see, hurry and buy because according to the site, the deadline to order anything and receive before Christmas is December 7th. In addition to the Ghostbusters-inspired throw pillow above, I’ve included some of my top picks below.
“Rough Night” Comforter
Twin, Priced at $40
Full/Queen, Priced at $50
King, Priced at $60
Make your friend’s bedroom look like a murder scene with this comforter set. Matching sheets, lampshades, pillows, shower curtains and bathmats are also available (via the same url). The blood is hand-painted, and all of them are fairly affordable.
Slasher Potholder
Priced at $7 (each)
This potholder is also hand-painted, and will make you think of Jason Voorhees every time you reach for that hot pan.
Urban Outfitters
Yes, even every city dweller’s moderately-priced standby, Urban Outfitters, has a bunch of great household items geared toward the cinephile – you just have to pour through the website to find them. A lot of it is also online exclusive, so it pays to buy online versus -in-store for this stuff, especially when you want to avoid annoying NYU freshmen on your holiday shopping expedition. Though, movie fan or not, male or female, who wouldn’t enjoy opening up this Pugs Not Drugs t-shirt? I digress. Now for the good stuff…
Dirty Dancing 2013 Wall Calendar
Priced at $13.99
What home can’t use an added pinch of Swayze? Especially Swayze doing what Swayze does best: dancing. While most people don’t really use wall calendars anymore, this is pretty damn funny… and pretty much everyone loves Dirty Dancing. This calendar is packed with pictures from the film and quotes. Whoever receives this will have the right to stick Baby in whichever corner of the house they choose.
Leg Lamp
Priced at $50
Especially during the holidays, fans of A Christmas Story will undoubtedly appreciate the fact that you picked this one up for them. Yeah, it’s hideous, but does it not have kitsch? And directly references a movie that a lot of people are obsessed with? Yes and yes!
For more Holiday Ideas, stay current with our Holiday Deals and Gift Guide features.