AfterElton's 2008 Gift Guide

Yes, yes, Wall Street has imploded, unemployment is skyrocketing and the U.S. economy is plummeting like a skydiver who forgot to pack his parachute. But it’s still Christmas and we know that after you’ve sold some blood and scoured the house for spare change, you’ll have at least a few bucks to spend on holiday gifts. And we’re here to help with suggestions ranging from scoring a little Prop 8 revenge to what books to read, DVDs to watch, and maybe even where to go for a little break from it all! (Please note, a number of the of the links will take you to the Logoonline.com gift store. Logo is AfterElton.com's parent company.)

From Associate Editor Dennis Ayers

IT ONLY SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL KEEP YOU WARM ON THOSE COLD WINTER NIGHTS

When You are Engulfed in Flames Audiobook by David Sedaris

They best way to truly appreciate the work of David Sedaris is to listen to him read it. His latest collection of personal essays is hilarious as usual, but the set piece here is Sedaris' journey breaking a 3-pack-a-day cigarette habit. This is the perfect gift for any smokers (or former smokers) in your life.

I WILL SHELTER YOU, IF YOU WILL SHELTER ME

Shelter DVD

Coming out stories have been done to death, but this sweet little film about a surfer dealing with his sexuality and a difficult home life hit all the right notes and had a blessedly upbeat ending. Curl up on the couch and watch with your boyfriend; this one stands up to repeated viewings.

I BET THOSE MORMONS WOULD THINK TWICE THEN

"Can I Vote on Your Marriage Now?" T-Shirt. What to get for the guy who has everything except a marriage license? Well, how about this smart looking t-shirt, which raises an interesting idea: What if in the next election cycle there were state ballot initiatives making heterosexual marriage illegal? Seems only fair, right? $23.95 at cafepress/lavenderliberal

THE PERFECT X-MAS GIFT – FOR NEXT HALLOWEEN

Hulk Smash Hands & Hulk Mask Grrr. Hulk angry now! I saw these in Toys R Us and instantly wished I were 9 years old again so I could go crashing about the house in a light-up mask and oversized green fists. And then I thought, "What the hell!" and bought them anyway. My roommate thinks I'm crazy, but my dogs sure get a kick out of it. Honestly, these are a lot of fun - and the perfect gift if you have any children to buy for this season.