Humphrey's Holiday Gift Guide, 2012

The holidays are almost here! Humphrey thought he would share some of his gift-giving and gift-getting ideas.

1. A one-of-a-kind treasure from The Nunnery Vintage

Humphrey knows he can count on Claudia's exquisite taste in editing the shop's collection, and by giving vintage, he can feel better about the ethical implications of his shopping choices.

2. Who can resist a holiday Toro?

In light of last year's Nylabone factory fire, these tasty treats have been in short supply! Nylabone re-branded the Toros, and Humphrey can't get enough of them. Too bad that distribution has not been restored in Canada.

3. Any proud Canadian knows HBC stripes are a must have!

A cheerful, colorful outfit on a dreary winter day can lift the spirit.
HBC seems to have actually thought about dog comfort and ease of dressing when you  don't have opposable digits in the design of their coats (but not sweaters).
Humphrey may have already received an HBC collar, lead and nylon coat to show off his Canadian pride!

4. Dogs and people with an interest in education, politics *or* cookies can't resist these fine publications

Curriculum Reform in Ontario (University of Toronto Press, 2012) tells the story of just that, including Harris "whiz kid" perspectives on the politics of education reform! And 95 Strategies for Remodeling Instruction (Corwin, 2012) offers just what it promises - 95 ideas for better, student-centred instruction - it's even a Corwin Best Seller! Both are available at all major retailers.

 

But Humphrey is featured in a number of books - ranging from author to model! You can see his work on Blurb! 

 

His major accomplishments include a fully-illustrated cookbook, Who's that Wiggling in my Kitchen, his thoughts on democracy in the watercolor-and-ink illustrated My Citizen and Me, and Beauty Fades, Smart is Forever featuring affirming rhymes for girls of all ages. But who can forget his holiday classic, The Saddest Dreidl, with it's Humphrey-centred surprise ending!

He hopes you'll read them for free online.

5. Paw-crafted gingerbread

Each year, Humphrey makes gingerbread poodles, dreidls, and of course, the infamous Little Shark of Bethlehem as tasty gifts with a personal touch. Decorating can be a lot of fun...if one has time to do it.

6. Customized postage stamps!

Canada Post's Picture Postage allows you to create your own stamps using any image!

7. An autographed photo from your fave celeb!

Humphrey enjoys celebrity culture, as readers know from his Parasocial Pups post earlier this year. Humphrey has experienced the surprise of receiving autographed swag from some of his favorite celebrities, including Amy Sedaris (ironically, the author of Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People), Vanity Fair editor and SPY Magazine founder Graydon Carter (who happens to believe women should run the world), Mel Brooks, and others.

Of course, the tone of autographs vary immensely, from Graydon Carter's impeccable etiquette (left), to Amy Sedaris' observational humor (right).

A final thought...



Humphrey always reminds people: "good things come in small packages."