Here's A Thought: Last-Second Christmas Gifts

Seven shopping days 'til Christmas, and NCV to the rescue! I’ve compiled a short list of gifts for all kinds of people, and these are affordable as well as readily available. Just for fun, I put in a more expensive surprise for those of you who have so much money you don’t need a bailout.

BOOKS

A Dog Named Christmas is a fast read, and a heart-warming, inspirational tale for everyone, particularly dog lovers. Written by Greg Kincaid, it tells the story of a developmentally challenged young man who convinces his father first, and then his entire town, to adopt pet dogs from a local animal shelter. It’s beautifully written and timely.

Between Rock And A Home Place is the semi-autobiographical story of Chuck Leavell, perhaps the greatest rock piano player of the past 30 years. He’s played with just about every big name you can think of (The Stones, Clapton, The Allman Brothers, etc), and this is an amazing look into his life. He’s also devoted to the south (he’s from Alabama) and trees (yes, he’s green… so what?). This is a page-turner.

MUSIC

I’m going with Leavell again. Want to play rock/blues piano? Do you know somebody who does? Chuck’s piano instruction DVD is absolutely brilliant. I don’t care how good you think you are, or even if you’re a novice, you’ll pick up something from his well-thought-out Chuck Leavell: Piano Instruction, Vol. 1 teaching DVD.

FITNESS

I admit it: I am a gym freak. I work out every day, and I’m always looking for new ways to exercise, lose pounds, burn fat and build muscle. Here is the BEST product I have found in the past 20 years: Perfect Pushup - Original or Perfect Pushup Mobile Unit. Here is why I like it: it is small and packs easily, it is easy to use, and IT DOES WHAT IT SAYS IT WILL DO. You’ve probably seen the ads. Two circular pads grip handles on top that swivel as you do a push-up. The product is affordable and can be used right out of the box. Whether you’re in peak physical condition or want to start working out, this is perfect.

KIDS/FUN/NOVELTY

This thing is offbeat, but it’s very fun. Companies like Hearthsong and Retro Toys sell “Finger Flashlights,” and that is exactly what they are. A small flashlight fits on your finger, and with just a flick it shines in one of four colors. Batteries included! I tried these last week and it’s impossible to stop once you start.

This is weird, but it’s kinda cool. ThinkGeek, Hog Wild and others offer LED faucet lights, so that when the water comes out of the faucet in your bathroom or kitchen, it can be colored red (for hot) or blue (for cold). IT IS UNFORGETTABLE! (And serves no purpose whatsoever.) 

EXPENSIVE

Finally, for those of you who don’t have to worry about price, here is an awesome treat for that special someone you’re trying to impress. How would you like to give your spouse or someone you love a senate seat? Well, it just so happens there is one for sale in Illinois! The price is a cool million, but why not? The drawback: you’ll have to broker it through the governor of Illinois, and he is a real pain in the neck. But he is in a must-sell situation, and I know you could have the deal done before Christmas! Contact the State of Illinois in Springfield to purchase.

Taylor Mason is a comedian, a musician, a ventriloquist and a writer (he can’t seem to hold a real job). He has headlined every major comedy club in the United States, and has played Carnegie Hall and The Sydney Opera House in Australia. He has been part of two Emmy-winning television programs, including his children’s TV show, “Taylor’s Attic.” Taylor works a mind-boggling 200 nights a year, in front of every kind of audience, and has managed to stay married for the past 22 years to his wife, Marsia. They have two teen-aged sons and live in New Jersey (the only state in America that uses air freshener … outdoors).

EDITORS' NOTE: Other great gift ideas that Taylor is too modest to mention include: