But the masses spoke, blogged, tweeted and emailed, and the prank became a present, thanks to licensing from LucasFilms. You’ll find this plush Tauntaun sleeping bag, with lightsaber zipper pull and printed internal intestines, for $100 at ThinkGeek.

So I knew exactly what to get my Star-Wars-fanatical, five-year-old nephew this year for his birthday. And he loved it. The gift was so well received, his seven-year-old sister cried because she wanted something so great. I didn’t see that coming. But I did believe their father, a devout Star Wars fan, would be driven to tears of joy.

My dad — a Bond movie fan and avid Ian Fleming reader — made 007 movies like Goldfinger our reward for the tough chores. After hours of housework, I’d see Sean Connery on The ABC Sunday Night Movie, edited for TV broadcast.

This Father’s Day, I gave Dad a trio of James Bond gifts.

• Carte Blanche: The New James Bond Novel in hardcover.
  Jeffery Deaver has rebooted Bond. Deaver updates 007 to an Afghanistan/Iraq veteran and a former smoker, while retaining Bond’s classic smooth spy persona.
• Volume 1 of the Sean Connery 007 Collection on DVD.
  For my dad, Sean Connery is Bond, James Bond. Volume 1 features Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever.
  
• Volume 2 of the Sean Connery 007 Collection on DVD.
  Volume 2 continues the iconic Bondfest: Dr. No, From Russia With Love, and Goldfinger.

Automotive

• Garmin nüvi 250 Portable GPS Device (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $180
• Magellan RoadMate GPS Navigation (Favorite Things 2004) $150
• Volkswagen 2012 Beetle (Favorite Things 2010 — just a peek at the silhouette, not a giveaway)

Beauty and Body Care

• Andre Walker Hair Care Products (Favorite Things 2010) $65
• Bath & Body Works Purifying Mask (Favorite Things 2003) $18
• BlissLabs Glamour Gloves and Glamour Gel (Favorite Things 2002) $60
• Bourjois Lipsticks, Lipgloss, Lipliners and Lipbrush (Favorite Things 2004) $25
• Clarisonic Skin Care System (Favorite Things 2007) $195
• Claus Porto Soaps (Favorite Things 2007) $45
• DreamTime Foot Cozys (Favorite Things 2002) $50
• Frédéric Fekkai Creme Luxueuse (Favorite Things 2003) $65
• Frédéric Fekkai Apple Cider Clean Shampoo and Conditioner (Favorite Things 2003) $24
• “Grace” Basket from Philosophy (Favorite Things 2005) $115
• Hope in a Jar by Philosophy (Favorite Things 2010) $38
• Kai Body Butter and Body Buffer (Favorite Things 2007) $83
• Kiehl’s Limited Edition Gift Box (Favorite Things 2002) $265
• Lollia Lifestyle Collection Hand Cream and Foaming Bubble Bath (Favorite Things 2004) $58
• Lovely Perfume by Sarah Jessica Parker (Favorite Things 2005) $62
• MAC Cosmetic Carrying Case (Favorite Things 2003) $125
• NARS Kabuki Artisan Botan Cosmetics Brush (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $75
• Origins A Perfect World White Tea Body Cream (Favorite Things 2002) $31

Beverages

• Holiday Favorites Assortment from Talbott Teas (Favorite Things 2010) $150
• MarieBelle Hot Chocolate Powder (Favorite Things 2002) $25
• Piper-Heidsieck Champagne (Favorite Things 2002) $40
• SpecialTeas (Teavana) Fine Tea Gift Certificate (Favorite Things 2004) $100
• Starbucks Gift Card (Favorite Things 2004) $100

Books and Magazines

• The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel by David Wroblewski (Favorite Things 2008) $17
• A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $8
• A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson (Favorite Things 2010) $25
• Everyday Grace by Marianne Williamson (Favorite Things 2002) $11
• O, The Oprah Magazine Cookbook (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $18
• O’s Guide to Life (Favorite Things 2007) $20
• The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo (Favorite Things 2010) $19
• The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (Favorite Things 2007) $15
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (Favorite Things 2002) $7
• O, The Oprah Magazine subscription (Favorite Things 2002) $18
• The Neiman Marcus Cookbook (Favorite Things 2003) $45

Charitable Gifts

• DonorsChoose.org Gift Card (Favorite Things 2010) $100
• Kiva Gift Card (Favorite Things 2010) $100

Clothing and Accessories

• Apple Bottom Jeans by Nelly (Favorite Things 2004) $70
• Balboa Medallion Rolling Duffel by Toss Designs (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $168
• Barefoot Dreams Robes and Throw Blankets (Favorite Things 2003) $135
• Burberry Coat and Purse (Favorite Things 2005) $1385
• Cambio Jeans (Favorite Things 2003) $150
• Cashmere Cable Sweater by Ralph Lauren (Favorite Things 2010) $498
• Cashmere Scarf by Burberry (Favorite Things 2004) $250
• Classic Sparkles UGG Australia Boots (Favorite Things 2010) $175
• Dooney & Bourke Leather Duffle Bag (Favorite Things 2004) $495
• Eileen Fisher Cardigan (Favorite Things 2004) $200
• Eileen Fisher Pants (Favorite Things 2004) $178
• FitFlops (Favorite Things 2008) $50
• H&M swimsuit (Favorite Things 2008) $15
• Karen Neuburger Pajamas and Socks (Favorite Things 2002) $68
• Kashwére Shawl Collar Robe (Favorite Things 2005) $145
• lululemon Relaxed Fit Pants (Favorite Things 2010) $98
• Magaschoni Embellished Tunic and Leggings (Favorite Things 2010) $298
• Miraclebody Jeans by Miraclesuit (Favorite Things 2010) $110
• Nike “Free Run+” Shoes (Favorite Things 2010) $85
• Nike Dri-FIT Workout Outfit (Favorite Things 2003) $130
• NikeiD Custom Shoes (Favorite Things 2005) $110
• Nordstrom Lingerie $500 gift card (Favorite Things 2010) $500
• Pure Color Cords (Favorite Things 2005) $170
• Quilted Jacket by Burberry (Favorite Things 2004) $195
• Rachel Pally Sailor Pants (Favorite Things 2007) $194
• Rachel Pally Swing Turtleneck (Favorite Things 2007) $141
• Ralph Lauren Black Label Cashmere Slim Fit Crewneck Sweater (Favorite Things 2003) $450
• Ralph Lauren’s Black Label Cashmere Cable-knit Sweater with Front Placket in Camel (Favorite Things 2005) $498
• Reva Ballerina Flat by Tory Burch (Favorite Things 2010) $195
• Season 25 T-Shirt from the O Store (Favorite Things 2010) $38
• Silver Ox Cuff Watch from Chico’s (Favorite Things 2002) $40
• Sophia Satchel by Coach (Favorite Things 2010) $398
• Tory Tote by Tory Burch (Favorite Things 2010) $250
• Tube Readers and Case (Favorite Things 2002) $30
• UGG Australia Classic Crochet Tall Boots (Favorite Things 2007) $120
• UGG Australia’s Uptown Boot (Favorite Things 2005) $180
• UGG Classic Short Boots (Favorite Things 2003) $140
• Yummy Tummies Tank (Favorite Things 2008) $62

Electronics

• Apple iPad (Favorite Things 2010) $500
• Apple iPod (Favorite Things 2005) $300
• Blackberry Smartphone from T-Mobile (Favorite Things 2005) $130
• Dell Wide-Screen LCD TV (Favorite Things 2004) $800
• Digital Camera from Frontgate (Favorite Things 2002) $250
• Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera (Favorite Things 2010) $700
• Samsung mobile phone/camera (Favorite Things 2002) $350
• Samsung Progressive HD Camcorder SC-HMX10C (Favorite Things 2007) $750
• Sony BRAVIA LX900 HDTV with 3D (Favorite Things 2010) $3600
• Sony Camcorder (Favorite Things 2006) $300
• Sony Handycam (Favorite Things 2003) $1000
• Sony VAIO notebook (Favorite Things 2005) $1500
• Talking Photo Album (Favorite Things 2002) $30

Food Favorites

• Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac ‘N’ Cheese (Favorite Things 2010) $29
• Brownies from Moveable Feast Geneva (Favorite Things 2005) $25
• Centerville Pie Company’s Chicken Pie (Favorite Things 2010) $20
• Ciao Bella Blood Orange Sorbetto (Favorite Things 2007) $33
• Cranberry Creations Chocolate Covered Cranberries by Nantucket Clipper (Favorite Things 2002) $35
• Croissants from Williams-Sonoma (Favorite Things 2002) $40
• Fat Witch Baby (Brownies) Gift Tin (Favorite Things 2002) $47
• Garrett’s Special Limited-Edition Favorite Things Tin (Favorite Things 2010) $135
• Good Karmal (Caramels) Mini Crates (Favorite Things 2002) $10
• Gourmet Florida Key Lime Bundt Cake (Favorite Things 2004) $28
• Greenberg Smoked Turkeys (Favorite Things 2003) $50
• Holiday tin of Garrett’s Popcorn (Favorite Things 2002) $80
• Key Lime Pie from The Little Pie Company (Favorite Things 2002) $65
• Oatmeal Cookie Dough from Fox & Obel Market (Favorite Things 2005) $50
• Perfect Endings Desserts from Williams-Sonoma (Favorite Things 2007) $60
• Williams-Sonoma Mini Croissants (Favorite Things 2010) $40

Games

• Scrabble App for the iPad by Electronic Arts (Favorite Things 2010) $5
• Scrabble Premier Edition from Hasbro (Favorite Things 2007) $300

Home and Office Furnishings

• Barefoot Dreams Throw Blankets (Favorite Things 2003) $130
• Cashmere Cable Throw by Ralph Lauren (Favorite Things 2010) $595
• Elfa Customizable Closet System from the Container Store (Favorite Things 2010) $1000
• Lafco House and Home Collection Candle Set (Favorite Things 2010) $55
• Officemax Gift Card (Favorite Things 2004) $100
• Picture Frames by Jay Strongwater (Favorite Things 2002) $115
• Williams-Sonoma Home Bedsheet Sets (Favorite Things 2004) $388

Jewelry

• Jessica Leigh Diamond Earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs (Favorite Things 2010) $1900
• Judith Ripka Eclipse Earrings (Favorite Things 2010) $525
• Judith Ripka Necklace (Favorite Things 2003) $400
• Museum Automatic Arte Watch by Movado (Favorite Things 2004) $1000
• Philip Stein 25th Anniversary “Oprah” Watch (Favorite Things 2010) $2475
• Philip Stein Diamond Watch (Favorite Things 2005)
• Philip Stein Watch (Favorite Things 2003) $595
• Sophie Jewelry Box from Pottery Barn (Favorite Things 2010) $180
• TOYWATCH Crystal and Colored Crystal Watch (Favorite Things 2007) $150

Kitchen and Appliances

• Baker’s Edge Brownie Pan and Ghirardelli Brownie Mix (Favorite Things 2010) $35
• Baker’s Edge Lasagna Pan (Favorite Things 2010) $50
• Breville Panini Press (Favorite Things 2010) $100
• FoodSaver Vac 800 (Favorite Things 2003) $120
• Hand-Blown Crystal Champagne Glasses by Deborah Ehrlich (Favorite Things 2004) $195
• HDTV Refrigerator with Weather and Info Center (Favorite Things 2007) $3800
• Herb Savor by Prepara (Favorite Things 2010) $30
• Kyocera Ceramic Cutlery Set by Ming Knives (Favorite Things 2010) $75
• Le Creuset Cookware (Favorite Things 2010) $600
• Maytag Top-Load Washer and Drying Center (Favorite Things 2004) $1100
• Melamine Bowls, Measuring Cups and Spoons from Williams-Sonoma (Favorite Things 2007) $54
• Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kit (Favorite Things 2007) $90
• The Artisan Stand Mixer from KitchenAid Home Appliances (Favorite Things 2007) $350
• Weber Genesis EP-310 Gas Grill in copper (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $700

Movies and Television

• Five-Year Netflix Membership (Favorite Things 2010) $600
• The Discovery Channel’s Planet Earth DVD Set (Favorite Things 2007) $31
• The Oprah Winfrey Show 20th Anniversary Collection DVD Collection (Favorite Things 2005) $40
• United Artists 90th Anniversary Prestige Collection (Favorite Things 2007) $870

Music

• A Christmas Prayer by BeBe Winans (Favorite Things 2004) $5
• Decoded by Jay-Z (Favorite Things 2010) $35
• Illuminations by Josh Groban (Favorite Things 2010) $13
• Let It Be Me by Johnny Mathis (Favorite Things 2010) $12
• The Beginning by the Black Eyed Peas (Favorite Things 2010) $18
• The Christmas Album by Johnny Mathis (Favorite Things 2002)
• Josh Groban’s Noel (Favorite Things 2007) $10
• Growing Pains by Mary J. Blige (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $10
• Together Book and CD Collection (Favorite Things 2002) $149

Travel

• $200 gift card from Courtyard by Marriott (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $200
• Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Cruise (Favorite Things 2010)
• Trip to Miraval Resort and Spa (Favorite Things 2004)

Next, I paired 2010′s Sherlock with the classic 1940s Holmes. The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection ($75) features all 14 Sherlock Holmes films, starring the inimitable Basil Rathbone. If you think the complete DVD box set is too much, consider giving these two double feature DVDs:

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and The Scarlet Claw ($14)
• The Hound of the Baskervilles and Pursuit to Algiers ($16)

Depending on what DVD he plays, either “The game is afoot” with classic Holmes or “The game is on” with the new Sherlock.

Next, I became the proud owner of the new, second-generation Apple TV. I connected this black box to the new 32-inch Toshiba HDTV/DVD combo in the master bedroom. In no time, my TV tapped movies, television shows, songs and photos from my iMac in the second-floor study. YouTube and Flickr came in flawlessly. I haven’t tried Netflix or video rentals yet. Overall, I love the clean simplicity of Apple TV’s on-screen menus, the gorgeous album covers that float in while my music plays, and the sleek, small design of both the box and the remote. All for an amazing price of $99.

Her Favorite TV Shows:

• Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album on CD
• The Fabulous Beekman Boys: The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir

Her Favorite Singers:

• Michael Bublé’s Let It Snow on CD

Her Favorite Movies:

• When Harry Met Sally… Collector’s Edition on DVD

Her Favorite Sleepwear:

• Bedhead blue and green snowflake flannel pajamas

Her Favorite Jewelry:

• Tiffany Blue Box bracelet in sterling silver

And she clearly knows my favorite things from the great Christmas presents I received:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents Earth: A Visitor’s Guide to the Human Race
• Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures for Nintendo Wii
• Lego Batman: The Video Game for Nintendo Wii
• The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Seasons 1 and 2
• Toshiba 32CV100U 32-Inch 720p LCD/DVD Combo TV

Launch iTunes, click iTunes Store and choose from 12 million songs, 55,000 television episodes, 8,500 movies and 300,000 iPhone apps. When you find the item to give, follow these steps.

Click the arrow on the right side of the Buy button.

A drop-down menu appears. Select the “Gift This” option.

iTunes takes you to a “Give a Gift” screen. To send the iTunes gift as an email, keep the delivery option set to “Send gift as email.” Enter your name and your recipient’s name. Make sure you have the correct email address then type it for “Recipient’s Email.” If you want to send to multiple giftees, separate the email addresses with commas. Type the e-mail address or addresses in again to verify. Now enter a brief personal message. Please note if you take too much time with your message, iTunes will time out your session and ask you to start over. Click the Continue button.

iTunes will prompt you to sign in with your Apple ID or AOL screen name and password to buy the gift. Enter both and click the Continue button. You’ll see a review page. Confirm your entries and, if correct, click the Buy Gift button. iTunes will display a “Thank You” screen indicating your gift has been sent. Within minutes, your gift recipient receives an email to redeem the gift on iTunes.

While National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation pokes fun at “of the month” clubs, I think Cousin Eddie had it right: “That’s the gift that keeps on giving throughout the entire year.”

Consider giving from these 12 “of the month” clubs.

		Omaha Steaks Gourmet Entree of the Month Give 12 months of mouth-watering meat, from top sirloins in January to prime rib in December.
		Jigsaw Java Puzzle of the Month Choose how many puzzle pieces and how many months (six or 12 months) for a puzzle fan.
		ProFlowers Flowers of the Month Club Send fresh, seasonal flowers to your love every month with ProFlowers.
		The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club Surprise the beer lover on your gift list with 12 months of 12-pack microbrews.
		Stone Creek Coffee of the Month My favorite coffee addiction, sent in two-pound monthly doses for a year.
		12 Months of Netflix Give a 12-month gift subscription to more than 100,000 movies and TV shows.
		Threadless 12 Club Cool in cotton form. Your giftee receives a dozen creative t-shirts, voted on by the online public.
		Tie of the Month Club The Tie Bar will deliver a dozen ties to your guy over the next year. Choose from traditional, trendy or “trenditional.”
		Giftlit Monthly Books Give 12 month’s worth of the best books for children, teens, men and women as selected by librarians, educators, authors and literary editors.
		Popping Through the Months Club Send a different flavor of popcorn — like chocolate drizzle caramel corn — each month.
		Fishing Lure of the Month Thrill your fishing enthusiast with 12 months of freshwater or saltwater lures.
		Forbidden Foods Club No one can handle a whole year of Zingerman’s forbidden foods. Select three months or six months of dangerous gluttony.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

When I see her tomorrow on Thanksgiving, I have an Apple gift card for her birthday that should close the gap. And if she buys the iPad on Black Friday, chances are, she can get a once-a-year discount.