Notable Books and Music of 2005

The New York Times Book Review has listed 100 top books from the last year.

And the editors at Amazon have listed their top 100 albums, topped by the phenomenal Illinois, by Sufjan Stevens.

Go forth, read, and listen to music.

GIFT IDEA FOR YOURSELF

Crosley Traveler Turntable, $130

A portable suitcase-style turntable with built-in amplifier. Available in black, tan, or tweed. So cool.

GIFT IDEA FOR KID

Band in a Bucket, $20

A big bucket of high quality, wood and metal percussion instruments. Includes a kazoo, harmonica, and tamborine!

GIFT IDEA FOR HER

Turquoise and Carnelian Earrings, $20

Handmade. Sterling silver wire, chain, and posts. Lovely.

GIFT IDEA FOR COUPLE

Making Stuff and Doing Things, $12

A collection of DIY articles from 'zines. Topics include getting active, cooking ramen noodles in a coffee maker, homebrewing, building shacks, homeschooling, fixing a toilet, silk screening, making rubber stamps, how to juggle, magic tricks, basic car maintenance, how to handle an overdose, self defense, knowing your rights, natural remedies, making posters and stencils, and a few pieces for inspiration.

GIFT IDEA FOR HER

You Grow Girl, $15

Tips for transforming urban and suburban spaces into lush gardens. Also includes instructions for making your own tea, garden aprons, beauty products, and more.

GIFT IDEA FOR HIM

The Jimi Wallet, $15

Super-cool, ultra-thin plastic wallet. Waterproof. Translucent. Holds cash, credit cards, business cards. Available in six colors.

GIFT IDEA FOR KID

Original Big Wheel, $30

16-inches of big wheel. Primary colors. The same one you rode around on as a kid, except yours had a flat spot on the front tire from slamming on the brakes and skidding on the concrete. Awesome.

GIFT IDEA FOR HIM

Atari Flashback 2.0, $30

Game system with 40 of the original Atari 26000 games, including Asteroids, Millipede, Pitfall, and Pong. Includes classic joystick controllers. Set-up is quick and easy: just plug the unit directly into the jacks of your TV and plug in the ac adapter to an outlet. Enjoy the soothing pixelated graphics of yesteryear.

GIFT IDEA FOR HER

Note Card Set by Nikki McClure, $10.

Lovely images created with paper and an x-acto knife. I really enjoy Ms. McClure's work, and it's also available in calendars, t-shirts, posters, and books.