Sherpa's Ever-Lovin' List of 2013 Holiday Gift Ideas

Just in time for the annual economic warfare of Cyber Monday, here's a list of Sherpa's favorite gift recommendations for the 2013 holiday shopping season:

FOR THE YOUNGEST RECRUITS:

• Baby clothes. Military veteran and illustrator Aaron Provost was recently amused to find his "War Decor" series of T-shirts and wall art was also available as kids clothing. Consider the many possible interpretations of an "Embrace the Suck" onesie ... Genius!

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FOR TOMORROW'S DRONE AND MRAP DRIVERS ...

• Miniature MRAP vehicles. If your favorite Army communicator hasn't already separated themselves from the rest of the convoy with Too Many Antennas, try the bright-orange OshKosh M-ATV found in the 2013 Battle 5-Pack from Matchbox. (Orange is the branch color of the U.S. Army Signal Corps!) Also included in the pack are: a 1998 Jeep Wrangler; an olive-drab 1957 GMC Stepside Pickup; a lemony Humvee with TOW-missile launcher; and a futuristic-looking "Armored Response Vehicle." Available separately as a single toy, look for a 2013 International MXT in desert tan. For Red Bull Rising reviews of previous years' Matchbox offerings, click here, here and here.

• Remotely piloted toys. Develop hand-and-eye coordination and military-applicable skills with the "Air Hogs" Bomb-Dropping Remote-Control helicopter or Battle Tracker Elite combo set. The latter even features a ground-based missile-firing anti-aircraft emplacement!

• Young-adult books written by a former "Red Bull." Author Trent Reedy's young-adult novel "Words in the Dust" is recently available in paperback. Inspired by Reedy's 2005 deployment to Afghanistan as an Iowa National Guard citizen-soldier, the book tells the story of a 13-year-old Afghan girl's struggles with injury and hardship. For ages 10 to 14. Also, although not available until late January 2014, book No. 1 of Reedy's "Divided We Fall" trilogy of thrillers contains citizen-soldier themes, and is certain to appeal to a wide range of young-adult readers.

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FOR 'RED BULL' HISTORY BUFFS ...

• A powerful all-ages comic book. "Journey of Heroes: The Story of 100th Inf. Bn. 442nd Regimental Combat Team" graphic novel by Stacey Hayashi and Damon Wong. The 30-page comic tells the stories of Japanese-American soldiers who enlisted to serve their country after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The units fought as part of U.S. 34th Infantry "Red Bull" Division in World War II Italy. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Read a Red Bull Rising review here.

• A "Red Bull" movie about war and memory. "Memorial Day" (2012) feature film on DVD and Blu-ray. The 2012 film tells a story of service that bridges generations, between World War II Europe and the Red Bull in Iraq. Rated R for some war violence. Read a Red Bull Rising review here.

• A true story of "Red Bull" resilience. Written by Jim Kosmo and John Kresel, "Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriesel" is an inspirational non-fiction story of an Iraq War veteran as he recovers from from his injuries. Read the Red Bull Rising review here.

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FOR READERS OF MILITARY FICTION, NON-FICTION, AND/OR POETRY ...

• An anthology (or two) of modern military literature. Published last month, "Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors, Vol. 2" is the second collection of military writing and art by veterans, service members, and supporters published by the Southeast Missouri State University Press. The first volume continues to be available as well. Each is a great survey of voices about military experiences, from World War II to present-day conflicts. Full disclosure, however: The writer of this blog has material that appears in each volume.

• A subscription to a quarterly sampler of new military writing. Published by the Veterans Writing Project, "O-Dark-Thirty" provides insights and inspirations for both readers and writers of military fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Single issues are available for $10; a 4-issue subscriptions are $30; click here for details. For a Red Bull Rising review of previous issues, click here and here.

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FOR GROWN-UP MILITARY ENTHUSIASTS WHO STILL READ COMIC BOOKS ...

• A new comic book about combat-camera soldiers. The first issue of the "Tilt-Shift: The Quiet Profession" comic book is now available as digital-only publication via ComiXology. Written by Jose Torres, penciled by Josh Hood, inked by Michael Babinski, colored by Michael Spicer, and lettered by Thomas Mauer. For a 13-page preview of the issue on Facebook, click here.

• An R-rated Nick Fury war comic. Published by Marvel Comics, "Fury MAX" is an adults-only update to the iconic Nick Fury character of the 1960s and '70s. Available in trade paperback (Volume 1 and Volume 2) or digital monthlies on ComiXology here.

• A realistic covert-ops title. Published by Image Comics, "The Activity" is a realistic covert-ops team thriller in trade paperback. Available in trade paperback (Volume 1 and Volume 2) or digital on Comixology. Notably, Volume 2 contains a story regarding a terrorist attack on Minneapolis—that's "Red Bull" Division territory!

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FOR SUBSCRIBERS TO 'BETTER HOOTCHES AND GARDENS' ...

• Military art ... or a hand-grenade throw pillow. As mentioned above, military veteran and illustrator Aron Provost offers an affordable line of military art prints, as well as separate line of "War Decor" inspirational sayings. Want to start an interior design insurrection? Try an "Embrace the Suck" or hand-grenade throw pillow!

• A tactical stocking. From Fight and Flight Tactical, this tricked-out over-sized footgear is perfect for hanging by the Range Control fireplace with care. It includes enough hook-and-loop tape, elastic cords, and load-carrying loops for plenty of holiday chemlights and candy canes.

• A wall calendar ... or two! An official 2014 "Doctrine Man!!" or "Schlock Mercenary" cartoon calendar will demonstrate your sense of humor, if not your combat proficiency or good taste. Each artist specializes in pithy observations and military-themed maxims. Get a calendar from each: One for home and one for work!

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FOR STRATEGIC PLANNERS AND NEVER-SAY-DIE WAR-GAMERS ...

• A provocative coffee mug. From the military movers and thinkers at the Doctrine Man!! web comic, a "Planning Fundamentals" and/or "Clausewitz Bros. Coffee" mug will increase the average IQ of any military staff meeting. At least, that's what the staff thinks.

• Mil-themed stategy mags. A subscription to "Modern War" magazine by Decision Games' Strategy and Tactics Press, or "Armchair General" magazine. Each features historical and speculative scenarios for war-gaming.

• A counterinsurgency-themed game. At $78, the Afghanistan-focused "A Distant Plain" from GMT Games is probably a little expensive for casual would-be nation-builders, but that itself might be an appropriate lesson-learned, too. For 1 to 4 players. For reviews of the game, click here and here.