This list is for the dreamers and tinkerers…

Boneshaker (Sci Fi Essential Books) by Cherie Priest available for $10.87.  This novel has great reviews on Amazon.  The Boneshaker is a machine that unleashes zombies on 19th Century Seattle.

Abney Park “Music of a Vintage Post-Apocalypse”:  Abney Park is a Seattle band which embraces Steampunk in their aesthetic and musicality.  They self-publish their music and use Steampunk style custom instruments.  Their music is full of Industrial pulsing energy.  They have four cds for $15 each ($9.99 for instant download) or $50 for all four.  Their newest album, Aether Shanties, comes out tomorrow.  Click here to buy their cds or visit Myspace to listen to their music.

Need more Steampunk goodness?  Make Magazine’s blog has a Steampunk Gift Guide with lots of other ideas (stainless steel cutlery that doubles as a wrench anyone?)

What’s creepy cute?  It’s one of my favorite aesthetics because it combines my girly girl sensibilities with a touch of twisted macabre.

‘Tis the season for dark and dramatic makeup.  Whether you’re looking for something to wear for a holiday party or a present for a makeup enthusiast, don’t be afraid to vamp it up.

For The Eyes:

Stila Smokey Eye Palette – Sapphires available for $40

For the Lips:

For Nails:

OPI is my go-to nail polish brand. I usually pick it up at Ulta, but Beautysak.com has a great selection you can order online including “Here Today… Aragon Tomorrow” above for $8.50.  Also check out Lincoln Park After Dark and Light My Sapphire.

For simplicity’s sake I’m only recommending dvds in this post that were released in 2009.  I haven’t seen all of these films and tv shows yet so I’ve put asterisks next to the ones I’ve seen and can endorse in good conscience.  I have it on good authority that the others are worth watching though.

FILMS

Coraline (Single-Disc Edition w/ 3D) available for $15.49*

From the director of Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick) and author Neil Gaiman, Coraline follows the adventures of a neglected and spunky heroine who finds herself in a treacherous alternate dimension.  The visuals are gorgeous beyond words.

District 9 (Single-Disc Edition) available for $16.99 just in time on December 22

Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, the film focuses on humankind’s treatment of an alien race stranded on Earth.

Drag Me to Hell available for $16.99

Written and directed by Sam Raimi, Drag Me To Hell is a horror film where the main character struggles to break a curse that has made her life a living hell.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Widescreen Edition) available for $9.99 December 8*

The darkest and most visually advanced film in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince shows Harry and Dumbledore team up to learn as much as they can about Voldemort so that they can defeat him.

Let The Right One In available for $9.99*

A dark and desolate love story about the bond between an isolated young boy and his vampire neighbor.

Trick ‘r Treat available for $14.99*

A campy, mean-spirited horror film centered around the consequences of ignoring Halloween lore.  This film is wicked and fun.

TV on DVD

Criminal Minds: The Complete Fourth Season available for $43.49*

Criminal Minds focuses on the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI and their work profiling and apprehending serial killers.  Season 4 introduces Agent Hotchner’s nemesis Foyette, The Reaper and concludes with an outstanding cinematic 2 hour season finale that has to be seen to be believed.

Dexter: The Complete Third Season available for $18.99

Another show for people interested in serial killers.  Dexter is a crime scene blood expert who moonlights as a killer bringing justice to other killers who have evaded the law.

Fringe: The Complete First Season available for $44.99

Fringe is a science fiction horror series often compared to X-Files.

Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia: Season 4 available for $23.49*

I cannot say enough good things about this unfailingly dark and funny show.  Season 4 includes episode Manhunters, where Dee and Charlie are on an urgent quest to satisfy their craving for man-meat; Mac and Charlie die, where they fake their own deaths; and the hit musical the Nightman Cometh where Nightman may or may not be raping a young boy.

Sunny fans should also check out A Very Sunny Christmas, straight to dvd on November 17 here.

True Blood: The Complete First Season (HBO Series) available for $33.99*

A love story between a 150 year old vampire and a telepathic waitress, season one introduces the characters and follows a frightening murder mystery.

The Venture Bros.: Season Three available for $20.49*

This cartoon is heavy on adult content and satire.  I love the show, but I’ve had to have more than one joke explained to me by my brother who gets more of the references.  Arch-enemies, vendettas, licensed government assassins and a Necromancer named Dr. Orpheus make this action-filled cartoon fun and surprising.

VAMPIRES: “Snakes and mice get wrapped up so nice, With spider legs and pretty bows”

Obviously you can give Tim Burton fans dvds of Tim Burton movies, but many of us already have those and I don’t want to stick with the obvious in any of these lists.

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2010 Wall Calendar available for $10.39

Burton on Burton, 2nd Revised Edition available for $12.24. My edition has a different cover, but my dad and I devoured this book.  It’s a rare look into the life and mind of a somewhat reclusive celebrity.

Tim Burton available for $13.57.  Ok, here’s the deal on this book and why I was reluctant to put it on the list.  This book is a companion to the MOMA exhibit that opens next week, but it’s only 64 pages with 64 images of Burton’s art.  Meanwhile, sometime soon, Burton is releasing a probably limited edition of a 400 page book of art which should be much more thorough.  If you’re a subscriber to his official webiste, Timburton.com, you should get an email update about this new book which we’ve been told is coming out fall 2009.  That’s the book I’m waiting for.  I expect it to be expensive, but not as expensive as a cross-country flight which so far no one has volunteered to pay for for me.  On the other hand, the book pictured above just came out and is a reasonably priced item that most Tim Burton fans would doubtlessly appreciate.

Music from the Films of Tim Burton available for $16.98

TIM BURTON IS MY HERO director film movie dark SHIRT available for $19.99

Skulls, they’re not just for pirates.

I’ve divided these gifts For Women and For Men, but a few pieces are really gender neutral.  Also, I want pretty much everything on the For Women list.

For Women:

Leg Avenue Acrylic Elbow Length Skull and Crossbone Fingerless Gloves, Black/White, O/S available from $6.99

For Men:

Harley-Davidson® Men’s Skull Retractable Key Reel with belt snap hook. 97692-10VM available for $17.95

Pesky undead worshippers, these gift ideas will take care of them, but good!

The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks by Max Brooks available for $11.56.  This is the graphic novel version of The Zombie Survival Guide by the author of World War Z and it was just released at the beginning of October so unlike his other two books, your average zombie fan may not have it yet.

Zombie Fluxx available for $12.87: A fast-paced, humorous card game for 2 to 6 players (best for parties of more than 2) where the rules constantly change.  This is not a strategy game and it’s easy to pick up fairly quickly.

Zombie Movies: The Ultimate Guide available for $15.61 has 352 pages covering more than 250 zombie films from 1932-2008.  The book also includes some filmmaker interviews.

Unfortunately the hit film Zombieland is not scheduled to be released on DVD until January 6, 2010.  I’m surprised they don’t move it up a couple of weeks to take advantage of Holiday spending.