Christmas Gifts 2012

Games
Games are a traditional Christmas gift. They’re a great way to bring everyone together after the family dinner. Here are some of the latest which are locally available…sort of.

• The Art of Conversation is a social game which, as the name suggests, promotes conversation. A set of cards is there to promote conversation, with topics from memories to opinions. The game is available from the Czech company English books.
• Dobble is a picture-based card game designed for the whole family. It’s more a game of speed and perception, so it’s perfect for people who aren’t so much into the conversation games. Available from Svět deskových her and Svět her.
• Twister Dance is the latest adaption of the popular game. Instead of getting caught up in knots with other people, this new version gets you to dance. The game is available locally through Svět her and  Dárkyla.
• Cards Against Humanity has been one of the most interesting games to game out. A conversation game which rewards humor, it doesn’t seem to be locally available but if you’re a bit short of cash this Christmas you can download it free and print a set yourself.

Computer Games
For the gamer in the household, check out the computer games at Heureka website. The website lists some of the big releases for the year and includes an option to compare prices (porovnat ceny) from different stores.

• Assassin’s Creed 3 is an action-adventure game set during and after the American Revolutionary War and follows the half-Mohawk, half-English protagonist Connor. (For PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC)
• Diablo 3 has been one of the fastest selling games this year. It is a fantasy action role-playing game from Blizzard Entertainment, the same people behind World of Warcraft. (For PC – Windows and Mac OS)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 continues the popular franchise of this first person shooter game. The game is set both in the 1980s and in the near future. (For PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC)

Toys
The littlest kids will probably love the revamped Furbies, which have their own built in app allowing them to “adapt” to their owner.

In time for the new Hobbit cinema release are a series of Lego sets inspired by the film. They include the small play sets “Riddle of the Ring” to the larger ones like “Attack of the Wargs”. Lego lovers who have more down-to-earth tastes might prefer the new Lego line called Friends.

Or if you’re looking for a doll with a twist, there is the new line Bratzillaz, which is supernatural version of the Bratz dolls.

And two constants of toys – cars and superheroes – are combined in the Carrera Go!!! Amazing Spiderman Manhattan Madness slot car racing set.
   
The Furbies and Lego kits, and many other toys, are available through Sparkys, which has a number of stores around the country. Furbies are also sold through Mall.cz.

Pompo stocks the Spiderman car set. If none of these suggestions work for you, you can always check Pompo’s Christmas catalogue.

Hračky.cz is another website to try for the Bratzillaz and Lego Friends.

If you’re after some traditional Czech toys, you could try Kovap, which has a wide range of wind-up mechanical toys.

Electronics
A number of gadgets are available locally through Alza. On their website, you can find the iPad mini available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions in silver-white or black color.

Those who prefer Android devices might consider the Samsung Galaxy S III mini or Galaxy S Duos.

The new Kindle 5 and Kindle 5 without ads are also available. You will also find the Kindle Paperwhite in ads-free and ads versions at Alza. Datart stocks the Kindle 5, too.

Films
Quite a number of blockbusters are out on DVD or Blu-Ray . You can get a lot of them at Bontonland. A 2D/3D limited edition of Ridley Scott’s Prometheus would make an ideal gift for a sci-fi buff. The year’s two top grossing films Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises are also out on blu-ray and DVD. Or if someone in your life really loves the Caped Crusader you could get him/her the Batman box set.

Two TV series are in stock too. The first and second series of the popular TV series Downton Abbey is available in one collection. The first season of the fantasy epic Game of Thrones is also out in DVD and Blu-ray.

A few local films are out on DVD and Blu-ray in time for Christmas. The critically well-received animated film Alois Nebel and the award-winning Poupata, both would English subtitles, would be great for someone interested in Czech cinema. For people looking for something lighter, there is also the comedy Muži v naději.

Music
Two big rock releases are the new Soundgarden album King Animal, which is available on both CD and vinyl. Led Zeppelin’s 2007 reunion concert is captured on Celebration Day on both CD and DVD.

Two local releases in English would be suitable for indie music fans. Please the Trees have A Forest Affair, which you can order at the band’s website. And Luno’s newest release is out on Indie Scope.

Books
The ever popular crime-writer Jo Nesbo has a new Harry Hole novel called The Phantom. The great Richard Ford’s latest, Canada, also deals with crime but is concerned more with its emotional and psychological aftermath.  People wanting a thriller with some depth should check out Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan. Two books set in Prague are HHhH, a work of historical fiction which explorers the writing process, by Laurent Binet. A lighter read with the Czech capital as its backdrop is the modern fantasy City of Dark Magic.  All the books are available at Shakespeare and Sons.

Homeware
Well-made and thoughtfully designed glassware can be timeless gift. The studio Verreum brings together some of the most adventurous Czech brands such as Rony Plesl and Olgoj Chorchoj. This year, they have these water droplet flower vases by the French Designer Arik Levy.

For those with more out-there tastes, Libuše Niklová has this series of inflatable bright-colored animals.

Food and Drink
Gourmet goods  always make great gifts and Wine Food Market in Smíchov has all you need for lovers of Italian food and wine.

These items and many other Kenwood products are available through electro stores and big e-shops. See the price comparison on Heureka here.

Staying retro, De’Longhi have some funky looking espresso machines; with the ECAM 25.452 you can prepare a delicious and creamy Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Caffellatte or Hot Milk at the touch of a button. Ideal for the coffee-lover, the machines can be found on Heureka too.

If none of these suggestions inspire you, visit the Potten and Pannen stores whose modern designs would liven up a flat. They even offer some tips of their own. For example they have this cool mushrooming knife.

Crafts
If you’re on the lookout for some more original gifts, check out the alternative Christmas markets, where you can find handbags, jewelry, porcelain, and vases. You’re bound to find something unique there.

Read also: For more Christmas related content, check our dedicated microsite Christmas in Prague