gifts
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The coolest gift
I've been extremely fortunate to be in some guilds with exceptionally generous people. When I was levelling my first character, a warlock, I found a very nice guild where people shared a lot of drops. I was out working on level 19 one day when a hunter on guild chat mentioned that they'd had a set of Black Velvet Robes drop. For a level 21 caster item, it's pretty much the best thing ever. I said something to the effect of "wow, those are really cool" in guild chat. An hour later, they were in my mailbox. I was just stunned at the generosity. Those robes sell for a lot of gold, even with the level 21 requirement making them less desirable for twinks in battlegrounds. Is this sort of generosity common? I have a very limited perspective, having been in exactly two guilds, so I'd like to hear your stories. What kind of items have you seen given away (or sold at well below cost)? What kinds of criteria are used for giving things away? I'm less likely to give something to someone's alt than their main, but I'd like to read your comments on this.
iTunes Red Card reminder
Don't forget that the iTunes red gift card is now available for purchase at the Apple store. Available in $25 denominations, each purchase sends $2.50 to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. So if you're looking for a nice Valentine's day gift and want to give your sweetheart something both practical and meaningful, consider this great combination of tunes and social responsibility.Thanks Josh W.
Express Shopping at the Apple Store
The Apple Store gets it right again! I just happened to be in my local branch last evening picking up a Wireless Mighty Mouse (contrary to what my loved ones might tell you, I do not live in an Apple Store), and I saw something pretty neat. They have a ton of Apple goodies stocked up for quick sale. There are two stations in the middle of the store with friendly Apple Store employees ready to check you out (credit card only) with hand-held card readers. They swipe your card, give you your box, and email you the receipt--Cool!I've continually been impressed by the Apple Store experience. For instance, tonight when I was getting the Mighty Mouse the chipper cashier inquired as to what Mac I had. I figured she was just doing the corporate "smile at the customer" thing. Later, however, I realized what she was really doing was making sure I was not buying the Wireless Mighty Mouse to work with a Mac without Bluetooth. In other words, she didn't patronize the customer ("let me make sure you know what you're doing in buying that"), rather she just seemed friendly and yet was also making sure I wasn't going to be unhappy when I got home. As I said, Apple is really doing this retail thing right. So if you're in need of a last minute Apple gift (hi mom!) and you need to get out fast, the Apple Store has got you covered. (Sorry for the crummy camera phone shot, this is the guy at the opposite station from the one that checked me out).
And yet another iPod hoodie...
TUAW has covered iPod hoodies before, but there was something about the overall look and style of this one that really caught my eye. Like other iPod hoodies, we're talking about an overpriced ($15-$20) iPod cover that hooks to your belt--but I thought the orange color and the detailing was so cute on this one that I'd share. I think they're a lot nicer than the standard cotton ones. Unfortunately, UpTown Bella, who sells these, is currently out of stock so you may want to check back in a few weeks after the Christmas rush or google for another vendor. They seem to be in stock over at AcademicSuperstore and BagYou right now. Thanks Dad
Engadget's meta gift guide
We've got our gift guide, sure (see: him, her, son, daughter, etc.), but there are plenty of other gift guides worth taking a gander at for the nerds in your life (or yourself, if you're still unsure what to ask for). To name a few: Make - Open source gift guide Phone Scoop - Mammoth cellphone gift guide Inhabitat - Green gadget gift guide Make - Gifts for the intelligent designer About cameras - Impossibly comprehensive camera gift guide PVR Wire - Personal recording gift guide (see also: part 2 and part 3) Red Hat - Geeky gift guide (see also: Dynamism's gift guide, Think Geek's gift center) Hot Hardware - Pimp that rig Core 77 - 77 design gifts under $77. Brilliant. We checked our list twice, but did we forget anything? Happy consumerism everybody.
iGlove Multi iPod gloves
We've mentioned the Tavo iPod gloves before, but if you want something a little bulkier - and warmer, from the looks of them, check out the iGlove Multi from Marmot. The iGlove Multi (we're really not sure what the "multi" is supposed to mean) is a pair of fleece gloves that are "Click Wheel compatible." They claim to be warm enough to wear by themselves, but thin enough to wear as a liner under your even warmer gloves.So what the heck makes them "Click Wheel compatible?" Glad you asked. The iGlove Multi uses the patent pending Playpoint™ technology on the thumb and forefinger tips, which apparently makes for better Click Wheel contact than your wool mittens. The rest of the glove features silicon printing for enhanced grip and durability.I like the concept of an iPod-friendly glove, in general, but I'd rather see a glove with a warm, snuggly, waterproof iPod pocket built-in and those fancy fabric iPod controls on top. Now that would be a sweet way to hit the slopes.[via Uncrate]
Nintendo documents Toys 'R Us goodies
We just can't stop covering this game! We love it and we aren't afraid to admit it. Our parents forbade that love, but we eloped and now they're forced to accept it. With the recent partnership between Toys 'R Us and Nintendo, there has been plenty of reason to keep plugging away in our towns (well, maybe not for some). In an effort to save you time and some of your life span as sunlight undoubtedly causes you pain, Nintendo of America employee Chloe felt she should document what exactly the 6 free gifts available are at your local Toys 'R Us. So maybe you've been holding back, thinking that dangerous star in the sky is not worth enduring for fabulous free gifts to place in a virtual home. Well, maybe this list of available gifts will change your mind: Green Pipe Flagpole 1-up Mushroom Starman Fire bar ? Box
TUAW Survey: What Apple/Mac-related stuff are you giving this season?
This survey goes out to all you TUAW readers who are giving gifts around this time of year in celebration of one holiday or another: What Apple and/or Mac-related stuff are you giving this season?Is there a musician on your list just dying for a MIDI keyboard for GarageBand? How about that family member you have who is the last person on earth without an iPod? Let's also not forget that student in your life who just came into owning an iBook, but still needs a decent case to groove around town with.So feel free to (anonymously) spill your Apple/Mac holiday gift plans, but remember: we're not liable if your lucky recipient checks TUAW and figures out who you are and what they're getting. Disguise your identity in the comments as you see fit.
