With the holidays around the corner, it seems that everyone is coming out with a gift guide or wish list these days.  You have gift guides as broad as for him and her, and as specific as Pop Culture Fans and Foodies.   But what if you need to buy a gift for someone that spends the whole year marketing to others?  Well if that’s the case, here’s my short list of 5 Stocking Stuffers for that Brand Manager in your life:

• Mad Men Season One (and Two and Three): Mad Men is one of the top guilty pleasures for those of us in marketing.  In fact, sometimes I think the only people actually watching the show are marketers and agency folks.  But regardless, it is the perfect addition to help us relive the “good old days” when Madison Ave was king.
• Tumi Business Card Case: Even in the digital age of LinkedIn and Twitter, business cards are a staple of the day to day business world.    Help the marketer in your life upgrade so they are never without a business card again.
• Roku HD-XR Media Player: The convergence of digital and television has finally started to happen in earnest this year and it is something ever marketer should experience in the personal life.  My favorite option to live this is the Xbox 360 (with Xbox Live) but if you want an option that is a little more affordable, the Roku is a great alternative that allows for streaming of Netflix, Amazon On Demand and Blip.tv.
• eBook Reader (Kindle DX or Nook): Finally getting an eBook Reader was #1 on my holiday list this year.  It is the ultimate in convenience allowing you to carry the latest business books, all your PDF’s and even a few good mystery books when you need a break from business.  Personally I like what the Nook has to offer (especially in the price) though the Kindle DX is the proven winner right now.
• The Next Evolution of Marketing: Connect with Your Customers by Marketing with Meaning: Written by Bob Gilbreath, this book is at the top of my list of must reads this holiday season.  For other options, you can check out my post on the “Dozen Books for every Brand Manager’s bookshelf.”

(Note – A good reminder from my friend Ryan Jones that the FTC now “mandates” that bloggers disclose all ties to affiliate programs.  So in full disclosure, be aware that the above items link through to my Amazon affiliate program.)