Christmas/birthday ideas for new fan

[quitomandie.livejournal.com]

First, hi! Long time lurker (like 10 years) but first post.

Now - here's my situation. I introduced my almost 13 year old to Gen & company this year. He LOVES them. Like, it supplanted Tolkien & JK Rawlings on his "favorite authors" list (now tied for first with Shakespeare).

He has a December birthday AND Christmas coming up, and near the top of his list was "Gen stuff". We already own all the books. All of his other fandoms (the 3 above mentioned plus Star Wars and Marvel) have ridiculous amounts of merch available between movie stuff and nerd stuff. But I have no idea what to get him for Queen's Thief, in spite of loving the books myself. (If it were his sister, I'd find some golden bee earrings, and she would totally wear them. But that won't go over well with Jack).

Any ideas? Looking under $20.

Comments

[an-english-girl.livejournal.com]

Celtic Sheepskin in the UK sell mini sheepskin boots as keyrings, £12. I know this because I want one! Gen is very fond of his boots...

[quitomandie.livejournal.com]

Lol. Yes he is. Jack doesn't have keys yet.

[canonisrelative.livejournal.com]

A set of lock picks? :D

A map of the QT world printed out in high quality and framed? That’s what I would want. I was a teenage LOTR fanatic and I spent hours drawing middle-Earth maps for my wall.

[quitomandie.livejournal.com]

That's kind of what I was thinking, but I'm not sure where to look for something like that. Not on Amazon - I tried already.

Does anyone here sell prints of nice fan art? (maybe on etsy or something like that?)

[canonisrelative.livejournal.com]

This person has in the past

http://www.sarahluann.com/

And maybe check out Emily B Martin who did the recent MWT sanctioned character art?

Other than that I don’t know, sorry :-/ if you know any artists you could commision something? Or find a high quality graphic of the map from the book online and have it professionally printed?

[canonisrelative.livejournal.com]

I just checked in with that artist and she says she has a few maps she can sell in her imprnt store and also some book covers:
1 copy of the Thief cover with text
2 copies of the Queen of Attolia cover without text
1 copy of the Queen of Attolia cover with text
2 copies of the King of Attolia cover without text
3 copies of the Conspiracy of Kings cover with text
3 copies of the Thick as Thieves cover with text

If you check them out and want one I’ll let her know and then I think she’ll arrange a purchase link ...

[(Anonymous)]

Ooohhh.... I would like to purchase at least the map. if you can let her know, thanks! I’ll also try to message her on her website.

[readsintrees.livejournal.com]

I just HAVE to point out that Eugenides wears earrings too!

[quitomandie.livejournal.com]

Lol. Yes, Gen does. Jack doesn't.

[readsintrees.livejournal.com]

Here's someone selling the map (https://www.mercari.com/us/item/m15976484069/?gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=11237762317&utm_content=t0&adgroup=111213303558&network=g&device=c&merchant_id=144818766&product_id=m15976484069&product_id=696733476852&gclid=CjwKCAiA5IL-BRAzEiwA0lcWYnUjhIGP_1kUCT6zM2pRGsU4hv3SOPslqqedFc2wl_5FA7NXQpxeChoC7A0QAvD_BwE) (which I think were limited release or something?).

[readsintrees.livejournal.com]

These bookmarks (https://www.etsy.com/listing/806244295/queens-thief-handpainted-watercolor?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=attolia+bookmark&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&pro=1).

[readsintrees.livejournal.com]

I've purchased a custom metal bracelet like this one (https://www.etsy.com/listing/819101108/custom-engraved-bracelet-black-stainless?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=custom+metal+bracelet&ref=sc_gallery-1-1&plkey=409b3ee06da9d83a011a9df7238f766393f84972%3A819101108&pro=1) where I had them put "I can steal anything, even with one hand."

[eachase.livejournal.com]

Does he already own all MWT's books -- including the short story collection, Instead of Three Wishes? And, if so, are they autographed copies? Or a copy of "Firebirds" or "Best Shorts" with her short story "The Baby in the Night Deposit"?

http://meganwhalenturner.org/books/books.html

If you order from Megan's local, https://www.macsbacks.com/, you can get a personalized autograph, which is pretty cool for a fan.

[quitomandie.livejournal.com]

Ooh. I need to remember that for me!

A wooden practice sword?

[(Anonymous)]

Hi, my daughter had lots of fun with a wooden sword at that age. They're designed and marketed as stage props/practice swords for stage combat. We actually got her a pair, so that she could practice stage combat with friends. Although she had lessons with her theatre group at summer conservatory, I bet there are videos out there on YouTube...

Otherwise, maybe one of those blank wooden boxes that you can pick up from craft shops (Michaels, joann?), and a pile of decoupage paper, a tub of varnish/glue and some plastic gems to decorate it with (like Pheris' box). Or a kit to make a wax seal with? Or a calligraphy set, if your son is the type to sit still for long enough? Or pens and paper to do a map of Attolia (or somewhere else!)?

Another idea might be the first of the "Eragon" books by Christopher Paolini. These were a hit with my 12 year old godson last year.

Good luck and have fun!

RE: A wooden practice sword?

[quitomandie.livejournal.com]

Wooden swords we have. Apparently there are a lot of dragons in my backyard.

[quitomandie.livejournal.com]

Thanks everyone for the ideas! I think I figured something out for this year, but I will definitely come back to some of these in the future.

[silverflight8.livejournal.com]

What about pins? I'm honestly contemplating buying bee pins myself.

[freenarnian.livejournal.com]

This may not be something that interests a 13-year-old, but I've collected little bottles that reminded me of inkpots from various craft stores and novelty shops, and I use them on my desk to hold my pens and things. (I have not, so far, felt the impulse to throw any of them!) You can often find real pen and ink (or quill) sets, too, which might appeal to kids with an interest in art or history. Oh, and wax seal kits! My friend gave me one with a bee design on it and a golden wax stick. Very Attolian. :)

[marchesa-of-pi.livejournal.com]

Wax seal kit! That’s so cool! Will think about that for my tween as she’s taken to writing (on paper) to her friends. Thanks!

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

Maybe. Fibula pin to fasten his winter cloak? 😁

https://www.etsy.com/listing/385932192/medieval-fibula-forged-copper-pin-for-a?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_d-jewelry-brooches_pins_and_clips&utm_custom1=_k_EAIaIQobChMI4My-7fGr7QIVDZyzCh2f_gstEAQYASABEgJeofD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_1730355545_66715045374_337603380670_pla-347319009580_c__385932192_12768591&utm_custom2=1730355545&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4My-7fGr7QIVDZyzCh2f_gstEAQYASABEgJeofD_BwE

[(Anonymous)]

I saw a lock picking set for under $20. And a small knife to carry is always cool for a boy. For $20 you could get a cool looking one, or a small sharp useful one.
Sorry, can never remember my password.

[(Anonymous)]

Megan mentioned a book she read on the logistics of war. Can’t remember the name, but I bet he’d love it. Or a flat pocket watch. Not under $20, but sword fighting lessons.

[anets-dream.livejournal.com]

Red Bubble has stickers (like the one on my car- annux Rex with a hook- and on my laptop.

[ccwtaylor.livejournal.com]

Maybe some Rosemary Sutcliff books, so he'll appreciate the references and because they are good in their own right? Like Eagle of the Ninth and Mark of the Horselord