It seems as though everyone’s ditching physical objects for the clutter-free freedom of the cloud. But there are still those among us who love a big book, or a lavish boxed set packed with DVDs and CDs. You may know one of them! If so, take a look at some of the season’s most bulky gifts.
Lonely Planet’s The Place to Be
The Lonely Planet website has been sparking wanderlust for quite some time now. But their new book takes things to another level. With 20 places and experiences for each emotion and state of mind, The Place to Be features 240 travel destinations around the world, all represented by gorgeous photography and stirring words.
Bob Dylan: Trouble No More — The Bootleg Series vol. 13, 1979-1081
Maybe you have a Bob Dylan fanatic in your life? Then consider your shopping done. This new nine-disc set is a fan’s dream come true, focusing on the songwriter’s much-maligned “born again” period, which is ripe for rediscovery.
Barry Lyndon
Cinema lovers prize the Criterion Collection for its carefully curated selection of classic films, presented in the best possible fashion. One of the company’s latest projects is Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant period piece Barry Lyndon, which has never looked better.
Smitten Kitchen: Triumphant and Unfussy New Favorites
There are food blogs galore, but nothing beats a good cookbook that you can easily consult while hunched over the countertop. Deb Perelman’s latest Smitten Kitchen guide is devoted to recipes that are not-too-tough to make but yield absolutely delicious results.
Thelonious Monk: Complete Prestige 10-Inch Collection
Vinyl is back! And the perfect gift for a jazz-loving friend or family member with a turntable is this new collection of Thelonious Monk’s early work. Good timing – the pioneering pianist was born 100 years ago this year.