Here we are again: It’s almost New Year and, even though we humbly tried to help with our supersized Animation Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide in the last issue, suddenly it’s mid-December, you never want to see a sweet potato for the rest of your life and you realize your plan to hand-crochet Jim Beam bottle cozies for all your nearest and dearest is not happening. And it has come to this — so, grab your credit card, take a deep breath and get ‘er done:
Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts. Get a fresh perspective on the whimsical worlds of Disney classics with this dive into decorative arts. Author/curator Wolf Burchard connects 40 works of 18th century European design to 150 pieces of film stills, production and development art, highlighting references to Gothic Revival architecture in Cinderella, medieval manuscripts in Sleeping Beauty and Rococo touches brought to life in Beauty and the Beast. (For bonus points, score some tickets to the Inspiring Walt Disney exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dec. 10-March 6.) [Dec. 7, $50]
Help your chums get an early start on summer with one of the limited edition The Simpsons Playmate coolers from Igloo. Featuring custom artwork, the totables are available in a Duff Beer design for the Elite 16-quart (up to 30 12 oz. cans) model ($50) or Little Playmate seven quart (nine cans) featuring the iconic Springfield family or the Kwik-E-Mart sign ($40 each). [igloocoolers.com]
“It’s About to Get Super Christmasy!” with a festive fleece Solar Opposites sweatshirt from Shop Hulu‘s holiday collection ($30). Your classy friends may prefer the subtle Archer “Merry Drunk I’m Christmas” stemless wine glass ($18). There’s also a very charming “Dig Old Bicks” poster inspired by SO that grandma would just adore ($25)! [shop.hulu.com]
After the last couple years, we can all agree: Reality is overrated. Give the gift of blessed escapism with the latest Oculus headset, the Quest 2, featuring a blazing-fast processor and its highest resolution display, backward game compatibility and all you need to enjoy both interactive and immersive entertainment. Available in a variety of configurations for your preferred time-space dislocation, starting at $300 for just the headset. [oculus.com]
Loungefly is always a great spot to pick up colorful, funky bags and accessories for fashionista superfans. Among this year’s charming holiday selection, the Peanuts Snoopy & Woodstock Glow in the Dark Mini Backpack ($75) is a standout, featuring the adorable duo in Santa hats, with applique, embroidery and glowy string light details in vegan leather. [loungefly.com]
Take care of the whole clan by planning a trip to the just-opened, world’s-first Warner Bros. hotel: The WB Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, the hotel brings the studio’s beloved films and TV series to life with curated images, props and costumes, Looney Tunes characters on call from room service and, as a bonus, a stunning 360-degree view of the city and sea. Guests have access to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park, which is just next door and host to six themed lands, including Cartoon Junction, Bedrock and Gotham City. [wbworldabudhabi.com]
