Here’s a list of ideas for holiday gifts for comedy fans. For a more comprehensive gift guide for comedians (including gifts for the craft), check out this post.
Experiences are the best gifts, say people who aren’t sure what to get their friends. Ok, comedy shows are damn fun. Here are some good ones. (Chime in–what are the best ones where you are?)
An “Experience”
- Tickets to see their fav comedian
- Improvised Shakespeare (Chicago) One of the funniest shows I’ve seen!
- e.t.c. Theater at Second City (Chicago)
- Comedians You Should Know (Chicago & LA)
- Knitting Factory Comedy Shows (Boise, Brooklyn, Reno, Spokane)
- The Secret Group (Houston)
- Comedy Club on State (Madison, WI)
- Comedy Corner Underground (MN)
- Lots & lots of cities that I didn’t mention (Denver & Austin, off the top of my head) have great comedy scenes–check it out.
People love things, despite the schmaltzy saying that experiences are the best gifts. Here are some comedy things.
Albums
Your friends’ taste may vary, but here are some of my favorite comedians’ newest albums, many included in these end of year best-of album wrap ups (Paste & Laugh Button). They’re available in all the usual places (Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, music stores, comedian web stores).
- I’m Sorry (You’re Welcome) Eugene Mirman
- Tasty Radio Mike D. O’Brien (Second City & SNL alum)
- Funches of Us Ron Funches
- This is Cool, Right? Brooks Wheelan
- (I’ve listened to a couple of tracks on this one and it’s hilarious.)
- Jon Benjamin, Jazz Daredevil: Well, I Should Have…* H. Jon Benjamin
- Good For Her Emily Heller
Books
- Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling (I loved her first book.)
- Born Standing Up by Steve Martin (Just finished this–well written, hilarious, and beautiful!)
- Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe
- The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson
Netflix/ Amazon/ Hulu Subscriptions (And the things comedy nerds should see)
- John Mulaney – Comeback Kid (Brilliant special!) / Netflix
- Masters of None – created by Aziz Anzari / Netflix
- w/ Bob & David – created by Bob Odenkirk & David Cross / Netflix
- Just Being Honest – Craig Ferguson / Amazon
- Difficult People – Julie Klausner/ Billy Eichner / Hulu
- Mindy Project – Mindy Kaling / Hulu
Gifts
[Pictured items numbered below.]
- (1) Giant stainless steel flask (would be awesome as a water bottle)
- (2) Mug Life (Thug-style coffee ring)
- (3) Ron Swanson Bobblehead
- (4) Fresh Prince iPhone case
- (5) Some cliche bullshit print
- (6) Sorry I’m Late T-Shirt (also available in Sorry I’m Gluten Free, Sorry I’m Awesome, etc.)
- (7) Squirrel in underpants ornament
- (8) Disguise/funny face ornament
- (9) Steve Martin print
- Tina Fey’k it till you make it print
- Tobias Funke greeting card (for Arrested Development/ David Cross fans)
Apparel
- Ear wolf Holiday Shirt
- Lightening Animals T-Shirt (Maria Bamford!)
- The Meltdown w/ Jonah & Kumail T-Shirt
- Portlandia Sweatshirt or T-Shirt
- Petey is My Homeboy T-Shirt (Yay, Pete Holmes!)
Nothing
Cards Against Humanity Literally sold nothing. And people gave. That’s some brand awareness. Comedy slow clap.
You?
See any favorites above? If you’re a comedy nerd/ comedian, what would you love to get?
