By Pauly
Los Angeles, CA

It’s that time of the year. If you’re Jewish, then you’re Christmas has already begun first night of Hanukkah. If you’re a fan of Seinfeld, then you know that Festivus is right around the corner, and for the rest of consumer America we’re only three weeks away from Christmas, which is a holiday where you spend a lot of money on gifts hoping that you get something decent back in return.

I compiled a list of items that you might be interested in picking up for a loved one. First batch is poker-themed…

Rise Hoodies – Rise is a company that is new to the poker merchandise market. Their products fall more under the category of sportswear than poker fashion. Let’s face it, most of the poker clothing companies out their offer up garish accoutrement worn by douchebags and clueless Europeans. However, Rise is a much different and more practical. They created hoodies with secure pockets and room for your iPod.

Mike Matusow: Check-Raising the Devil – If you haven’t picked up Mike Matusow’s bio co-written Amy Calistri and Tim Lavalli, then what are you waiting for? If you’d like to read a review, here’s my take on the Matusow bio.

The Godfather of Poker: The Doyle Brunson Story – This book is one of the coolest things I ever got from being in the poker industry, because Doyle Brunson sent me personalized/autographed copy. I always felt bad that I was too busy to write a proper review, but then again, the legendary Texas Dolly doesn’t need me to help him sell books. At any rate, his bio had many entertaining sections — a few of which I had gone back to find and re-read.

Pai Gow Poker – Green Felt Layout – Spread your own Pai Gow games in the comfort of your own home! Be the bank and watch your friends go on mega tilt with a simple piece of felt that fits over any table. Asian female dealer is not included.

Lost Vegas – Oh come on, did you actually think that I was not going to shill my own book? Lost Vegas is available for Kindle on Amazon.com. If you want to save $3, then you can buy a copy of Lost Vegas on Lulu.com but make sure you use coupon code: STOCKING305 to get 15% off.

And here’s a few non-poker themed gifts that are worthy stocking stuffers…

Same Difference – Martin Harris is also an establish poker scribe (I’ll let you do your own detective work figuring out his online handle) and one of my favorite contemporary writers. His first pulp novel, Same Difference, is a gritty tale set in 1970s New York City. Buy his book so he’ll be encourage to write more!

The Chosen – John Hartness established himself as a “redneck poet” with the debut of a collection of poems. In his debut as a novelist, he whipped up an outrageously entertaining tale that kept reminding about Tom Robbin’s cult classic Road Side Attraction.

The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine – If you were still wondering what really happened with the financial crisis of 2008 and the ensuing massive government bailout of Wall Street banks, then Michael Lewis’ book is a must read. Lewis also penned two of my favorite books: Liar’s Poker and Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game. What Michael Lewis did for Wall Street with Liar’s Poker, I attempted to do for Las Vegas and the poker scene with Lost Vegas. For Gen X’ers, you’d be happy to know this random bit of trivia — Lewis is married to fomer MTV VJ Tabitha Soren.

OK, that’s all I got for now.

Tags: america | festivus | las vegas | matusow | michael-lewis | pokerstars | random | texas