Last year, Beyond Words brought you a December article filled with affordable gift ideas for language-lovers. Below is an updated list of ideas to satisfy the linguaphiles on your shopping list this holiday season.
Body Language Cards
This fun, and sometimes inadvertently funny, flashcards promise to unlock the secrets of human body language, and even to, “help generate sexual interest in someone you desire.” We’ll have to come back to these around Valentine’s day to see how they performed.
Read more about them here: Body Language Flashcards.
The Linguists Documentary
This recent documentary was a hit at Sundance. It follows THE LINGUISTS, David Harrison and Gregory Anderson, as they travel around the world documenting languages on the verge of extinction. David and Greg’s work takes them deep into the heart of the cultures, knowledge, and communities at stake. A must-see for all language lovers.
Read more about it here: The Linguists
WORD-A-DAY Calendars
Ok, maybe these are best for gifting those language lovers on the perifery of your list, but they can be fun and really informative stocking stuffers. You can find a huge array of word-a-day calendars to suit any predilection. From foreign language training to etymology to simply goofing around, there are many calendars directed toward language lovers. Here are a few of our favorites:
The New York Times Electronic Crossword Puzzle
For the recreational language sleuth, this gift offers over 1,000 crosswords, complete with hints and solutions. You’ll be hard pressed to find a language lover who doesn’t enjoy a good crossword puzzle, so this is a safe bet!
Read more about it here: NY Times Crossword Touch Screen
Foreign Cookbooks
As many students of language know, cultural immersion can take many forms. A fantastic way to learn about a nation is to taste its cuisine, and many modern cookbooks offer traditional recipes from around the world that are sure to please the bon vivants on your list. Here are some of our favorites:
History of the World in 6 Glasses
The Gringos Guide to Mexican Cooking
T-Shirts, Bags, and More!
There’s still time to order those last minute bobbles for the translator, linguist, or language teacher in your life! Since last year’s ALTA gift ideas article, websites like Café Press, Main Street Books (a division of Café Press), and Zazzle have updated and expanded their collections to include an impressive selection of T-shirts, mugs, key chains, posters, calendars, and stationery aimed at linguaphiles.
Cafe Press Language Stuff
Main Street Books
Zazzle
Happy shopping!