In a quandary about what to buy for someone who loves geography? As your Guide, I'm here to help you with some gift-giving ideas.
1) The Times Atlas of the World
The tenth edition of world's greatest atlas. Years in the works, this comprehensive edition includes 125 color maps and almost a quarter of a million place names. No atlas is more comprehensive or detailed than the Times, it's the most trusted source for geographic information. Every geographic home should own a copy.
2) Sid Meier's Civilization III
Sid Meier's Civilization III is truly addictive. You become leader of a nation and must develop cities, resources, transportation networks, scientific discovery, and military might. If you've played the earlier versions, this one is considerably improved.
3) Michelin North America Road Atlas 2003
This atlas is perfect for planning long distance drives and road trips - the grid maps, which will be unfamiliar to most American road atlas users, is very useful and keeps the scale consistent. I highly recommend it.
4) Garmin eTrex Legend
A great starter GPS with a basemap of America. Only 5.3 ounces, this unit has a sturdy blue case and it fits in your palm. If the geographer in your life doesn't have a handheld GPS, this is one to buy!
5) World Almanac and Book of Facts
A happy holiday season always starts out with a brand new, hot off the press, World Almanac and Books of Facts! While they're not strictly geographical, almanacs have a plethora of world statistical data which all geographers love. Don't bother with a hardcover edition of these, every geography fan needs a new copy every year.
6) Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary
An extremely useful and informative reference. This latest edition has a phenomenal amount of information about places from the obscure to the famous.
7) A Globe
Every geographical home needs a globe and there are a plethora of globes to choose from. My favorites are those that have their own stand.
8) Earth Poster
Framed or thumb-tacked to the wall, an earth poster (especially the "Living Earth" poster) makes a fantastic and beautiful gift for the geographically inclined.
9) Binoculars
Geography fans are outdoor type of people and what better equipment than a pair of binoculars to explore the landscape of our planet. Binoculars come in so many wonderful varieties of size and power.
10) Compass
The ancient Chinese invented the compass and it's still an amazing tool for the field. In order to orient a map to the surface of the earth, it sure helps to have a compass.
