The Boot’s Holiday Gift Guide
If you're like most of us, you save your holiday shopping for December and then scurry to find last-minute gifts. Also like most of us, there's at least one person in your life for whom it's almost impossible to find the perfect present. Well, we have some great gift ideas that are just a click away! The Boot presents our annual list of holiday gift ideas for country music fans.
For Grandma
'The Quotable Dolly: A Collection of Rich Sayings to Live, Love and Laugh By From the Country Music Legend' celebrates the incomparable wit and wisdom of an American treasure. The 80-page book includes philosophical quotes that helped earn the singer/songwriter/actress her nickname, 'the Dolly-Lama.' For example: "People always ask me, 'What do you want people to say about you one hundred years from now?' I want them to say, 'Dang, don't she look good for her age?'" The small book (5 x 5 inches) is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer and -- best of all -- it benefits a great cause. Part of the proceeds will go to Dolly's Imagination Library, which promotes early childhood literacy by giving free books to kids around the world.
For Grandpa
The music of Hank Williams lives on with a groundbreaking three-CD set, 'Hank Williams: The Legend Begins,' which features newly-discovered recordings by the late country legend, meticulously restored to their original sound quality. The project includes some of Hank's earliest home recordings, including 'Fan It' and 'Alexander's Ragtime Band,' which have not been heard since the 15-year-old Hank and his pal and accordionist, Pee Wee Moultrie, recorded them in 1938. The first disc also contains four 1940 recordings of standards like 'Freight Train Blues' and 'Greenback Dollar,' while the second and third discs feature 49 songs from Hank's first syndicated radio show -- all restored to sound exactly as they did more than 60 years ago.
For Dad (but really for Mom!)
Describing the scent as "not too rugged and not too soft," Keith Urban released his first fragrance line this year with Phoenix, inspired by the strength and symbolism of the mythical bird. "The 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' story of the phoenix is something else that I think fits really well with a man's cologne," says the 'You Gonna Fly' singer. Fans can purchase a bottle for $35 on Keith's website, or selected retailers everywhere.
For Mom
Clothes, shoes, home decor -- Reba's extensive Dillard's line has it all! "I wore some wild things I probably shouldn't have worn. I've also worn some very expensive clothes which just weren't real comfortable for me," the singer tells the Wichita Eagle. "I found that clothes don't have to be very expensive. I've been around fashion and stylists for so long that I should know a little about what to wear." If you can't narrow down gift ideas to just one, a simple gift card is always the best way to go!
For Your Teen Daughter
Taylor Swift expanded her massive empire into the fragrance industry this year, releasing Wonderstruck, a perfume that got its name from a line in the singer's song, 'Enchanted.' "A fragrance can help shape someone's first impression and memory of you," says the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year. "It's exciting to think that Wonderstruck will play a role in creating some of those memories." Described as "a gourmand floral ... a charming and sparkling surprise of vibrant fruits," Wonderstruck is available in department stores, retailing between $18 and $59.50.
For Your Guitar-Loving Son
In his new book, 'Diary of a Player,' Brad Paisley chronicles his love affair with the guitar and the legendary guitarists who have shaped his artistry, including his own late grandfather, who gave him his first guitar. "It's really an inspirational book," Brad, who co-wrote the book with David Wild, tells The Boot. "I don't know that it was a guarantee that I would have made my way to the Opry or country music at all if it weren't for a grandfather who said, 'Don't let this get away from you. This could be the greatest thing that has ever happened to you in your life.' So I've tried to pay tribute to those people that are the guys that I wanted to be -- Vince [Gill] and Steve Wariner, Don Rich and James Burton ...They are all talked about in the book."
For the Charitable Soul
Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and more have joined forces with the online auction site CharityBuzz to raise money for non-profit organizations around the globe. Lady Antebellum, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Keith and Taylor have all donated signed guitars, while Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Toby Keith, Miranda and Jason have all donated concert tickets and packages for 2012 shows. Miranda's prize package includes tickets to her Jan. 28 show in New Jersey, with a guest suite at the show that holds 14. So this could be a gift you give your friends and yourself, too! Click here to bid and learn more about the organization.
For Your Wife
Guys, here's a gift you can give both your better half and yourself -- if you don't mind her having a little eye candy! Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Neal McCoy and Easton Corbin will be the onboard entertainment on a cruise hosted by Blake. Set for October 14 - 21, 2012, the trek aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines 'Pearl' leaves from Miami, Fla. and hits San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola and Nassau, with free live concerts on the ship every night, plus a songwriter workshop, talent shows, comedy showcases and much more. Click here for room availability and pricing levels.
For the Comfort Food Lover
The Zac Brown Band frontman collaborated with Americana musician John Brown to release 'Southern Ground,' a cookbook credited to Zac Brown and Friends. The cookbook has removable index cards containing 27 of the most coveted recipes from the 'Chicken Fried' singer and his pals, including Southern Fried Chicken, Farmer's Fried Green Tomatoes and Revival Peach Cobbler. The project also features songs, poems, stories and personal photographs from the Atlanta native. You can buy the cookbook separately, or in a special "holiday bundle" that includes an apron, Zac Brown Band's latest album, Zac's special brown sauce and Georgia Clay rub, plus more.
For the Barbie Doll Lover
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, who celebrated their 15th anniversary in October, celebrated the marital milestone with the release of Mattel's Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Doll Gift Set. "Tim sent photos of his complete suit, and Faith sent photos of her dress, makeup, and clear shots of her hair preference," says the Barbie Collector series designer, Linda Kyaw. "They knew what they wanted the dolls to look like, and they helped us achieve the best possible results." The collection has become a hit with everyone, including Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.
For Your Spiritual Friend
Mike Fisher, devout Christian and husband of Carrie Underwood, is the subject of 'Defender of Faith,' the motivational, true story of how his strong faith helped him overcome obstacles and rise to hockey greatness. "Having a relationship with Jesus and making him the center of everything I do is the most important thing to me in hockey and whatever I am doing," the Nashville Predators player said in an interview with Beliefnet.com. Written by Kim Washburn, the book is aimed for young people, around ages 9 to 12.
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