Christmas Gift Guide: 41 Essential Presents For 2014

The gifts that keep on giving...

It's the most wonderful time of the year (again), and as usual it's getting to those last few weeks before the big day when creative ideas and planning make way for frantic grabs at whatever is left on the shelves after the Black Friday zombie hordes have cleared everything out. But fear not: because the best of Christmas is watching movies, re-watching old TV specials and trying hard to forget that George Lucas ever decided that anyone wanted a Star Wars Christmas show, there'll always be a helping hand round these parts for those who want it. So if you're buying for a difficult brother, a picky sister or just for the film, gaming or TV fan in your life, what follows is a compendium of the finest gift ideas for this year's festivities, as usual there are massive opportunities to win most of what has been included...

41. Infocus IN118HDA 3000 Lumens Projector

The InFocus IN118HDa 1080p projector's compact size and weight make it easy to move from room to room,but powerful enough to install. It has HDMI input for fast,high quality display of digital devices,built in speaker and 3.5mm audio out port provides clear audio. It also features high brightness that can combat bright lighting situations. Besides,RS232 port means it can be easily integrated into room control systems It features quality images and true-to-life colors with DLP technology with InFocus BrilliantColor implementation. Besides,amazing 15000:1 contrast ratio adds sharpness with darker blacks and whiter whites. Preset modes give you the best image quality on a beige wall, whiteboard, blackboard or other surface. It is always 3D-ready: project Blu-ray and PC-based 3D content via HDMI improves learning and retention of complex concepts. Buy yours from eBuyer here, or win one here.

40. Guardians Of The Galaxy

The best and bravest Marvel movie of the entire MCU, let alone Phase 2, James Gunn's brilliant sci-fi comic book movie is easily one of the movie highlights of the year. Follow Peter Quill as he builds an uneasy truce with an uneasy truce with a quarter of disparate misfits €“ Rocket, a gun-toting racoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer to take on a galaxy-threatening new foe. To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Guardians.

39. Edge Of Tomorrow

An alien race, undefeatable by any existing military unit, has launched a relentless attack on Earth, and Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) finds himself dropped into a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage is thrown into a time loop, forced to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again and again. Training alongside warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), his skills slowly evolve, and each battle moves them one step closer to defeating the enemy in this intense action thriller. To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Edge Of Tomorrow.

38. Into The Storm

Storm trackers, thrill-seekers, and everyday townspeople document an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes touching down in the town of Silverton. Relive the feverish thrills of the disaster epic on blu-ray this Christmas, when it is released on December 15th.

37. 21 & 22 Jump Street Blu-Ray Boxset

After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) when they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now they don't have to just crack the case - they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship. If these two overgrown adolescents can grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that ever happened to them. This box set brings both Jump Street films together with a cavalcade of extra features. To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Jump Street.

36. The Inbetweeners 2

In this critically acclaimed and award winning duo of films, The Inbetweeners boys Will, Simon, Jay & Neil go on a €˜lads' holiday to Malia for two weeks of sun, sea and, who knows, maybe even some sex. Then the guys travel to Australia to meet up with Jay on his mental gap year where there's singing round the camp fire, disgrace at a water park and a trip into the outback... will they survive? Win a blu-ray box set of both Inbetweeners movies here.

35. Noah

Darren Aronofsky, the Academy Award winning director behind €˜Requiem for a Dream€™ and €˜Black Swan€™, takes the helm of this epic re-telling of the biblical tale, Noah. Academy Award winner Russell Crowe stars as Noah in the film inspired by the epic story of courage, sacrifice and hope. Supporting cast features Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and Logan Lerman. To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Noah.

34. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Kenneth Branagh directs and co-stars in this action thriller starring Chris Pine as the iconic Jack Ryan character created by Tom Clancy. Following on from his career in the military, Jack now works as an analyst for the CIA's Financial Intelligence Unit under the guidance of William Harper (Kevin Costner). Believing he has stumbled upon a plot by Russian billionaire Viktor Cherevin (Branagh) to crash the United States economy, it isn't long before Jack is forced to go undercover and infiltrate Viktor's network. But with his wife Cathy (Keira Knightley) curious about the true nature of his work, Jack is under pressure to protect not only his country but his personal relationship as well. To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Jack Ryan.

33. LEGO Movie

Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett and Morgan Freeman lend their voices to this CGI-animated comedy based on the line of toys made by Lego. The wicked Lord Business (Will Ferrell) is determined to destroy the Lego universe and rebuild it using glue - which goes against the very nature of Lego. Mistaken as the 'Special', the only surviving Master Builder, the rather ordinary Emmet (Pratt) is selected to lead a group of figures on a mission to put a stop to Lord Business's evil plan. Emmet is helped by wise wizard Vitruvius (Freeman), tough girl Wyldstyle (Banks) and DC superhero Batman (Arnett), but can he find something extraordinary within himself in order to save the world? The film also features the voices of Channing Tatum, Liam Neeson, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Jonah Hill. Now packaged with an exclusive Vesuvius mini-figure in time for Christmas. To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line LEGO.

32. Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie

Mrs. Brown€™s foray into film is a rip-roaring comic romp, set in the streets of Dublin, starring Brendan O€™Carroll and his family. When market-trader Agnes Brown finds her stall under threat from a ruthless developer, she and her family embark on a campaign to save their livelihood, aided only by a motley troop comprising Buster€™s blind trainee ninjas, a barrister with an unhelpful affliction, and Grandad€™s elderly friends. As daughter Cathy turns her back on the family business and unwanted secrets emerge from Agnes's past, could the Brown matriarch finally be out of her depth? It's sink or swim for Agnes inMrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie. To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Mrs Brown.

31. Blended

Blended marks the third comedy collaboration between stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, following their successful onscreen pairings in the hit romantic comedies 50 First Dates and The Wedding Singer.After a disastrous blind date, single parents Lauren (Barrymore) and Jim (Sandler) agree on only one thing: they never want to see each other again. But when they each sign up separately for a fabulous family vacation with their kids, they are all stuck sharing a suite at a luxurious African safari resort for a week.

30. Godfather Blu-Ray Boxset

The classic trilogy collected together in the definitive edition, including special features and the full movies in all their high definition glory. A genuine must for all film fans. To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line The Godfather.

29. Bloodshot

Danny Dyer is back and on top form in Blood Shot. A torrid night of passion and terror awaits Phillip (Danny Dyer - EastEnders, The Football Factory) after a chance meeting with a beautiful stranger, whose shocking secret past threatens to destroy them both. Little does he know he will soon be drawn into a nightmare more terrifying than even he can imagine. This gripping thriller will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Let the massacre commence€ To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Bloodshot.

TV

28. Micky Flanagan's Detour De France

Relive all of Micky's magic in France from the brilliant Sky One programme, along with a host of exclusives and best bits that couldn't be aired. They went there to cycle - but decided to have a laugh instead€There are two kinds of men in this world €“ those that use maps and Micky Flanagan. Join Micky and bricky Noel on a detour through France quite unlike any other you€™ve seen before: Unicycling Clowns, cat-phobic jesters, a chicken that looks like Boris Johnson, gypsies, cross-dressing, nudism and cosmic wine €“ it€™s all here €“- in a hilarious bromance that see€™s Micky take on his greatest challenge yet€ the French! To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Micky Flanagan.

27. Toast Of London Season 2

Steven Toast (Matt Berry, The IT Crowd, House of Fools) is back. Struggling actor and resident of Soho's famous theatreland, the hapless thespian returns for more misadventures alongside his inept agent Jane Plough (Doon Mackichan, Smack the Pony, Plebs) and peculiar flatmate Ed Howzer-Black (Robert Bathurst,Cold Feet, Downton Abbey). This time he faces, amongst other challenges, a prostitutes' and celebrity blow-football tournament, the horror of being buried alive, freemasonry, and of course, his arch-nemesis Ray 'Bloody' Purchase. Can Toast win out and secure the glamorous acting roles he's sure his immense talent deserves? To enter the draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Toast.

26. Fresh Meat Seasons 1-3

Public school boy JP (Jack Whitehall), charming and crushingly insecure Kingsley (Joe Thomas), Josie (Kimberley Nixon) who's seeking new experiences, socially-awkward Howard (Greg McHugh), hard-living Vod (Zawe Ashton) and desperate to be cool Oregon (Charlotte Ritchie) are about to embark on the most exciting period of their lives so far: university. Thrown together as housemates they are on the brink of adult life and about to discover who they really are.

25. Miranda Series 1-3

All episodes from the first to third series of the BBC sitcom starring Miranda Hart. After a public school education, socially inept Miranda (Hart) is having trouble fitting in with her peer group, especially her childhood nemesis, Tilly (Sally Phillips). To top it all, Miranda constantly finds herself in awkward situations around men, and in particular, ex-university chum Gary (Tom Ellis). The cast also features Patricia Hodge and Sarah Hadland. The episodes from Series 1 are: 'Date', 'Teacher', 'Job', 'Holiday', 'Excuse' and 'Dog'. The episodes from Series 2 are: 'The New Me', 'Before I Die', 'Let's Do It', 'A New Low', 'Just Act Normal' and 'The Perfect Christmas'. The episodes from Series 3 are: 'It Was Panning', 'What a Surprise', 'The Dinner Party', 'Je Regret Nothing', 'Three Little Words' and 'A Brief Encounter'.

24. Jon Richardson "Nidiot" Live DVD

Jon Richardson€™s new DVD Nidiot takes the star of '8 Out Of Ten Cats€™ and €˜Live at the Apollo€™ to new levels of frustration. Recorded live in front of a sold out audience at the legendary Hammersmith Apollo we find that becoming happy hasn€™t necessarily ruined his life. Win a copy here.

23. Nina Conti "Dolly Mixtures" Live DVD

British Comedy Award Winner 2013, internet sensation and star of BBC€™s Live at the Apollo and Russell Howard€™s Good News, Nina Conti is a groundbreaking ventriloquist whose Dolly Mixtures show is a performance of comic thrills and surprises. Unlike any comedy show you have seen before Nina Conti - Dolly Mixtures is a night of outrageous madness and mayhem, making the audience part of the comedy and the show a must see--though you will be thankful you are enjoying it from the safety of your sofa. Win a copy here.

22. Jim Davidson "No Further Action" Live DVD

Comedy legend Jim Davidson returns with his brand new DVD Back & Live! filmed during his No Further Action UK tour. Jim takes a wry look at what life is like under investigation in the public eye as he tells the story of his year from hell following his arrest by Operation Yewtree detectives. He gives an honest and witty account of fighting to clear his name, subsequently having all allegations against him dropped and winning the heart of the nation all over again when he was crowned the winner of the most successful series of Big Brother by a landslide public vote. Hear the outrageous unseen stories of the Celebrity Big Brother house and what Jim really thought about his fellow housemates! Win a copy here.

21. Lee Evans Monsters Live DVD

The legend of comedy returns in 2014 with his biggest and funniest show yet. Monsters is the frightening funny new Live DVD from one of the biggest names in British comedy filmed during his ambitious 2014 tour. Lee€™s manic energy, uncanny observations, hilarious delivery and side-splitting material have made his live performances a must-see for comedy fans worldwide and Monsters sees Lee back doing what he does best live on stage, proving once again why he is a record-breaking comic and one of the nation€™s best! Win a copy here.

Games

20. Xenta E-400 Gaming Chair

Conventional sitting is no longer good enough for the serious gamer. You need something special for the hours you pour lovingly into your console. In short, you need the Xenta Pro E-400 Gaming Chair. Xenta have dreamed up the perfect solution making the gaming experience as comfortable as possible: it's good for posture, good for your backside, and good for your gaming. And that's not all: when it's hooked up to your games console or other audio/visual devices it really shines. The combination of a powerful subwoofer and high-quality speakers creates a soundscape that puts you right at the heart of the action, and there's a built-in control panel for extra ergonomics. Get your mates round and connect up to eight chairs together for full multiplayer immersion. Buy you chair from eBuyer here, or win one here.

19. Assassin's Creed Unity

Paris, 1789. The French Revolution turns a once magnificent city into a place of terror and chaos. Its cobblestoned streets run red with the blood of commoners who dare to rise up against an oppressive aristocracy. Yet as the nation tears itself apart, a young man named Arno will embark upon an extraordinary journey to expose the true powers behind the Revolution. His pursuit will throw him into the middle of a ruthless struggle for the fate of a nation, and transform him into a true Master Assassin. Introducing Assassin's Creed Unity, the blockbuster franchise's new chapter powered by the all new Anvil engine, rebuilt from the ground up for next gen. From the storming of the Bastille to the execution of King Louis XVI, experience the French Revolution as never before, and help the people of France carve an entirely new destiny. Win your copy here.

18. Assassin's Creed Rogue

18th century, North America. Amidst the chaos and violence of the French and Indian War, Shay Patrick Cormac, a fearless young member of the Assassin Brotherhood, undergoes a dark transformation that will forever shape the future of the American colonies. After a dangerous mission gone tragically wrong, Shay turns his back on the Assassins who, in response, attempt to end his life. Cast aside by those he once called brothers, Shay sets out on a mission to wipe out all who turned against him and ultimately become the most feared Assassin hunter in history. Introducing Assassin's Creed Rogue, the darkest chapter in the Assassin's Creed franchise yet. As Shay, you will experience the slow transformation from Assassin to Assassin Hunter. Follow your own creed and set off on an extraordinary journey through New York City, the wild river valley, and far away to the icy cold waters of the North Atlantic in pursuit of your ultimate goal to bring down the Assassins. Win your copy here.

17. Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare

The power of the next generation of advanced soldier. The power of a gripping performance from Kevin Spacey. The power of all-new exoskeleton gameplay mechanics. Power changes everything. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare delivers an inspired new era of Call of Duty. Published by Activision and developed for consoles and PC by Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare delivers a breathtaking new vision for the blockbuster franchise, jolting players forward in a groundbreaking experience that's ripped from the headlines of tomorrow, envisioning a future where both technology and tactics have evolved to usher in a new era of combat for the franchise. Win your copy here.

16. Far Cry 4 Kyrat Edition

Built from the legendary DNA of its award-winning predecessor, Far Cry 4 delivers the most expansive and immersive Far Cry experience yet in an entirely new and massive open world, with integrated drop-in/drop-out co-op play. Hidden in the towering Himalayas lies Kyrat, a country steeped in tradition and violence. You are Ajay Ghale. Travelling to Kyrat to fulfill your mother's dying wish, you find yourself caught up in a civil war to overthrow the oppressive regime of dictator Pagan Min. Explore and navigate this vast open world, where danger and unpredictability lurk around every corner. Here, every decision counts, and every second is a story. Win your copy here.

15. Just Dance 2015

Since its launch in 2009, the Just Dance franchise has become the world's top selling dance video game and a mainstay of popular culture. The game is back again this year with Just Dance 2015, bringing hot moves and new favourites to over 40 current hit songs and throwback tunes. Just Dance 2015 is the perfect way to let loose with friends and family by dancing to hit songs like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams and "Problem" by Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea. Staying true to the Just Dance personality, there are also legendary favourites like "Walk This Way" by Run-DMC and Aerosmith, and a chance to dance to Tetris moves! Get ready for this year's fun and quirky dance moves that have something for everyone in your family or group of friends. Win your copy here.

14. Shape Up Xbox One

Tired of going to the gym and repeating the same boring workout routine? Here's a fun fact for you: when you're having fun, you actually get a better workout because you work out harder. Shape Up is the game that proves when you have fun, you get better results. Shape Up features unique and entertaining 90-second challenges that turn the chore of working out into a fun experience. Shape Up's next-generation camera technology means that you'll never have to play solo. Record your workouts with the rePLAY system to challenge yourself, your friends, or play against unexpected characters in-game. Win your copy here.

13. FIFA 15

FIFA 15 brings football to life in stunning detail so fans can experience the emotion of the sport like never before. Witness the intensity of crowds chanting and cheering like on match day, and listen to commentators guide fans through the story of the game with dynamic match presentation. For the first time ever, all 22 players on the pitch are connected with emotional intelligence €“ now players will react to opponents and teammates within the context, and relative to the narrative of the match.

12. Sims 4

The Sims 4 is the highly anticipated life simulation game that lets you play with life like never before. Create and control Sims with new emotions, unique personalities, and distinct appearances. Smarter Sims with new emotions and unique personalities provide you greater choices to create rich, entertaining, and weird stories. All-new Create a Sim and Build Mode have been reinvented to be more powerful, intuitive, and fun than ever. Explore lively, vibrant neighbourhoods filled with rich communities of smarter Sims. See, share, and download new Sims and homes from The Gallery.

11. WWE 2K15

The long awaited next generation of WWE games has arrived. Bring all the action, Superstars, and entertainment of WWE to your home with WWE 2K15, which will deliver the most realistic WWE gaming experience to date. Win your copy here.

10. Cinelinx

Cinelinx is a fast paced card game of connecting movies, actors, genres and more together to form cohesive links between them. With a dynamic play area based on every card played, the game constantly adapts itself to film fans of any level of skill or knowledge. Want to throw a wrench into things? Director's Cut cards can often hinder your friends or change the rules to keep things interesting. Now you finally have an outlet for that wealth of movie trivia building up in your brain! Cinelinx is a new take on movie trivia games and is the perfect way to test your movie knowledge and challenge your friends during your next movie or game night! To enter a draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Cinelinx.

Others

9. Fender Mini '57 Twin-Amp Amplifier

The Mini '57 Twin-Amp captures the vibe of '50s era Fender. For the player who can't afford a real or reissue tweed amp, this lets them buy their piece of Fender history! Musicroom have launched an online interactive Gift Finder app to make gift shopping easier for the music lovers in your life: if you €˜tune the dials€™ you'll be able to find the perfect gift for everyone in your life. To buy a Fender Amp, click here, or win one thanks to Musicroom here.

8. The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions

Mark Lewisohn's definitive guide to every recording session done by The Beatles at EMI's famed Abbey Road recording studio. The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions includes the number of takes for each song, who contributed what, previously unpublished studio documents and interviews with many of the key recording personnel and facsimile reproductions of Abbey Road recording sheets, tape boxes, album sleeve roughs, memos, contracts, press releases and more. Everything you have ever wanted to know about The Beatles recordings are inside. To buy a copy of the book, click here, or win one thanks to Musicroom here.

7. Sainsburys Christmas Jumpers

What would Christmas be without Christmas jumpers? This year, pick up yours from Sainsburys whose range includes light-up designs, and ones aimed at every festive film and TV fan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdVQHSXapak&feature=youtu.be

6. Doctor Who PJs

Wouldn€™t it be fun to travel throughout time and space in a Police Box? Well, you could do that, or you could just lounge around at home and watch some Doctor Who instead! If you€™re looking for the perfect way to show off your inner Whovian while you€™re watching some Dr. Who, these Tardis lounge pants should do the trick! Featuring a Tardis print all over, these officially licensed Doctor Who lounge pants are perfect for any fan of this long running science fiction series. Celebrate the Doctor€™s many adventures in style with these awesome Dr. Who lounge pants! Buy yours here.

5. Pink Power Ranger

Show your love for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers with this officially licensed pajama. Buy yours here.

4. Home Alone Christmas Jumper

Everyone likes the quote €œMerry Christmas, ya filthy animal!€ If you've ever wanted to celebrate the season with this memorable quote, now you can with this ugly Christmas sweater! With snowflakes on the top and bottom, reindeer on both sleeves and your favorite way to say Merry Christmas, this hilarious holiday sweater is sure to bring you more than a few laughs. Buy yours here from UglyChristmasSweater.com

3. The Breaking Bad Cookbook

Finally, an easy-to-use cookbook collecting everything from the Whites' celebrated cooked breakfast, ASAC Hank Schrader's delicious barbecue, Walter's mouth-watering Heisenburger and Gus Fring's delectable Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken Copiously illustrated, here is the last word on how to cook like New Mexico's finest. Whether you favour precision and exact measurements, or prefer flair-cooking with a dash of chilli powder, this book has something for everyone - especially if you're 'breaking bad'. To enter a draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Breaking Bad.

2. Now That's What I Call A Party

The big night is here! All your friends are round, what music do you put on?! Fear not, NOW Music€™s got you covered. 62 of the biggest party hits will get the things going and keep it so all night long. To enter a draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Now Party.

1. The Very Best Of Now Dance

The latest addition to the Now Dance compilation collection, newly updated for 2014. To enter a draw to win a copy, email contest@whatculture.com with the subject line Now Dance.
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WhatCulture's former COO, veteran writer and editor.