List #11--10 Gift Ideas for the Deductionist/Persuader in Your Life

It's that time of year again: the holidays!  Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, or any holiday I've forgotten to include, there is a festive spirit in the air.  Here are some gift ideas you may want to consider putting on your list:

1. A magnifying glass.  Yes, it's a stereotypical detective thing, but it's pretty useful.  Plus, there are all sorts to choose from, and it makes a great small gift or stocking stuffer.
2. Any of the books from my Top 10 List  Many of these are/were bestsellers, and you can get them at bookstores in the Psychology or perhaps Business sections.  "I Spy" is in the kids' section and is the perfect gift for any observant children you happen to know.
3. Anything relating to a detective fandom you're in.  You know who you are.  You know what you want.  This is a friendly reminder.
4. Mystery books.  Okay, I am a little obsessed with books.  There just aren't that many other things I want.  Mysteries are very good for practicing your deduction skills, though.
5. Clothing in a color that will help with your life goals.  See my color post to find something that may be right for you.  If you don't like getting clothing, you can at least ask for it in an advantageous hue.
6. Wrapping paper.  Just ask for wrapping paper on whatever you get, so you have the chance to figure out what it is before you open it.  That's half the fun, right?  Look at yet another of my earlier posts for more ideas.
7. The Deductive Reasoning Cookbook.  Okay, this isn't actually a thing, but I've been telling people it's what I want.  I've also told them it's not actually a thing, so they don't agonize over it too much, but I want to see how they interpret the request.
8. Cool clothes that make you look mysterious.  Need I say more?  (If you're unsure of what sorts of fashions fall into this category, just watch "The Matrix.")
9. Forensic science experiment kits.  I've never tried these, because my experiments have generally come out of books or other sources and I've gathered the materials myself, but let's face it, asking for a banana so you can smash it and extract its DNA is kind of weird.  There are probably some good ones out there, especially at educational toy stores.  At places like that, you can also find kids' fake spy gear, detective games, and other such things you may find entertaining.
10. Sticky notes.  I've heard that putting things on sticky notes and giving them to people is persuasive.  Never tried it, but it's something not too over-the-top.
 

Happy holidays!

Signing off,

SM