The PrivatelyAttack Gift Guide
Whether you’re prepared or not, the holiday shopping season is upon us. If you’re reading this, then you’re probably a more discerning games enthusiast. You might have enough money to buy at least one full price game every month or so. You don’t need socks with Mario on them. You already have socks.
Actually, let’s begin with socks.
Vim and Vigr Compression Legwear: Heathered Collection
$48
Whether you’re standing at work or sitting at home, a great pair of compression socks goes a long way. Mario isn’t on them, so you can freely wear these to your next dinner with the in-laws, business meeting, or BBQ. Just make sure to wear everything else. I’ve been gaming on the couch for extended periods of time as of late, and when my apple watch yells at me to stand up I would feel all of my upper body pressing down on my ankles, despite the weight I’ve been slowly losing. I bought a pair of these last month and it’s been nothing short of a game changer. “Level Up” your blood circulation with these stocks.
A Subscription To An Independent Publication
$70 for a year of Aftermath
Print may be dead, but digital is still very much alive and well. Free from corporate greed and incompetence, Aftermath, Remap, and Second Wind are just a few examples of great writers doing great things: their own thing. Much like Defector rising from the ashes of Deadspin, these new publications seek to supply readers with fantastic articles and interviews. Support independent media!
Donate
As much as you want! To whomever you want!
It’s the season of giving, so how about giving your money to a good cause? I’ll be using the Video Game History Foundation as an example, but there’s plenty of opportunities to help this season, or any season. Donate to a gofundme, help out a neighbor, donate food, invest in your community. Match your next steam sale shopping spree with a donation to a local charity. I mean it beats gifting Bad Rats to friends as a joke.
Share A Meal
Price varies
Last month I walked into my job’s breakroom to eat lunch. I made myself some carne asada the night before with homemade tortillas and salsa. Two people were sitting at the table that I have never met before. I would eventually learn that they were a husband/wife computer repair duo sent by corporate to fix some of our old registers. We sat down together and talked about our respective meals. We traded portions and shared a quick meal together. They talked about their family in Lebanon as we snacked on zaatar bread. I’ll likely never see them again, but that connection will never fade from my memory. I truly think that sharing a meal with someone is one of the most important things we can do as people, so next time you make a little extra food see if your neighbor wants some. If you don’t have time to cook, see if you can schedule a lunch date with an old friend. Catch up on things. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive either. McDonalds has some great deals on their app. The first thing I ask my friends when we meet up is “Have you eaten?” potentially followed by “would you like to?”.
Books
“A Guide To Japanese Role Playing Games” is $46 at Bitmap Books
Whether you like curling up and reading the latest fantasy novel, or you want to educate yourself on affairs overseas, it’s never been a better time to read. Last year I went and purchased the book above and I’m just now starting to thumb through it. It’s great. I plan on reading the entire thing, but for right now I enjoy flipping through random pages seeing if there’s anything that catches my attention.
-PA
If you like what you’ve read feel free to buy me a coffee or check out my patreon. If you’re from discord or insert credit follow me on Twitter, Threads, or Bluesky if you want to keep in touch with what I’m doing in between essays.
