[ I may, if I can find the time, put together a Buyer’s Guide for Shakespeare Gifts. This is not that post. ]
I don’t have any special Shakespeare things on my Christmas list this year. In the past i’ve gotten DVDs, books, action figures, pillows, a watch. My 6yr old in particular likes to think of Shakespeare as an adjective meaning “stuff Daddy likes” and for years has told me, on holidays, “We’re getting you 16 Shakespeare things!” because she knows it will make me happy ;).
Don’t tell my wife, but last night while watching Miracle on 34th Street my wife non-chalantly picked up her Netbook and logged on. “No fair!” I claim, having been busted for this behavior in the past, “Family time. Computers off.”
“I just have to check the status of something,” she says.
The 6yr old is sitting next to her, and reads over her shoulder. With a gasp she says “Hamlet!” and my wife immediately shushes her and tells her to watch the movie. I don’t know if she knows that I heard that.
So, see, now I’m intrigued. I’d gather that means that I’m getting a Hamlet something for Christmas. But I have no idea what it could be. The only logical thing I can think of is Kenneth Brannagh’s Hamlet on DVD, but that new release is Bluray, and we don’t have Bluray (she knows this, at least I hope she knows this). Although I don’t have that movie in my collection either way, so if she’s getting me the older version that’ll be nice, too. 🙂
By the way, this is not my request for people to tell me what other Hamlet products it could be, that’d take away the fun. She’s not mentioned it to me at all, or even asked for ideas, so whatever it is she’s thought of it entirely on her own, which is exactly how i like my Christmas presents. Some people do that whole “Pick out your own thing and I’ll just wrap it up for you” nonsense, but I don’t see it.
What Shakespeare stuff is on your list?
Don’t forget, there’s always Shakespeare Geek Merchandise! And I just lowered the price on my book, too!
I'm really wanting the new DVD version of John Barton's "Playing Shakespeare." I've seen the video's and some amazing Shakespeare is on them!