The A&E staff brings you last-minute gift ideas for every hard-to-shop-for person on your list
For Your Cat-Crazy Grandma
Maybe your grandma has an impressive collection of cat figurines or even a couple spoiled felines of her own. If so, then the 1965 version of the Walt Disney movie “That Darn Cat” is the perfect gift to satisfy her cat fancy. The movie is about an adventurous tomcat who witnesses a robbery. He is then followed by the FBI in the hopes that it will lead them back to the robber’s hideout, resulting in a comical chase for justice. Your grandma is sure to have a blast watching this movie, especially since it’s probably based on her life story.
For Your New Muppet Fan Niece
If your niece or nephew likes the new Muppets movie with Jason Segel, they’ll like “A Muppet Christmas Carol.” The Great Gonzo narrates as Charles Dickens and Kermit the Frog becomes an amphibious Bob Cratchet. As usual, it’s a musical, and your young relatives can sing along with Kermit, Miss Piggy and even Michael Caine, who plays the cold Ebenezer Scrooge. Although I would suggest this movie for a younger relative, anyone can enjoy this hilarious retelling of Dicken’s classic — if not then “bah humbug” to you!
For Your Political Comedy Brother
If your brother likes “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report,” he’ll like Stephen Colbert’s newest book, “America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t.” With this book, your brother can see America through a new lens (3-D glasses are included inside the hardcover book). “America Again” combines hilarity with just a dose of reality that makes you reconsider anything you’ve ever thought about the USA. If your brother enjoys heatedly debating about politics while watching Comedy Central, save the country by buying this book for him.
For Your Mystery Infatuated Mom
If your mother wants nothing more than to be a bounty hunter inside Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, she will also love “The Spellman Files,” Lisa Lutz’s debut novel. The book stars Isabel Spellman, a detective for the family-run agency Spellman Investigations. The dysfunctional clan is full of loveable characters, but they complicate everything from Isabel’s investigations to her love life. The novel is sure to be one of the season’s bestsellers, so help your mom get ahead of the pop culture curve by ensuring that she reads it first.
For Your Potter Obsessed Roommate
You may be at a loss for ideas when it comes to finding a gift for your Harry Potter-obsessed roommate. It isn’t easy to find an invisibility cloak or flying broomstick here in the muggle world, so “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” may be just the gift you need. You may remember the book of children’s stories mentioned in the last Harry Potter book, but did you know J.K. Rowling actually wrote the stories? And if your roommate already owns the tales, you might even go a step further and get him or her the Collectors Edition, a replica of the real book from the movie series!
For Your Catchy Pop Loving Sister
If your little sister cannot stop playing Bruno Mars, give her (and your) ears a rest by buying her one of Mat Kearney’s highly listenable albums. The 34-year-old Nashville-based singer has been popular since his 2004 debut, “Nothing Left to Lose,” followed by “City of Black and White” and 2011’s “Young Love.” Four of his songs have already been on Billbobard’s Top 40 list. His infectious, reggae/rock/pop genre-blending songs should have your sister humming along for weeks.