It’s that time of year again and many of us are frantically starting to search for the perfect gift to give. I’m not fond of shopping but I do like browsing online for interesting items for myself. So this year, I thought I’d take advantage of my window-shopping and offer up some ideas for interesting aviation presents.

One

To start, I have to mention my book, right? But to sweeten the crass commercialism of it, I’ve just launched a special offer for all of you.

After receiving a number of emails asking about this, I have finally released the first book in the Why Planes Crash series in PDF format. So if you don’t have an e-reader or just prefer PDF readers to any other format, you can now buy it at Gumroad for the super-duper low cost of…

$1.99!

That’s only one hundred and ninety-nine pennies!

This is my first “cyber-friday” sale and it is also a test of the Gumroad shopping system, so let me know how well it works (or doesn’t).

Sadly, the second book won’t be out in time for Christmas, but the first book is also available in traditional ebook formats at a vendor near you for $3.99 US (£2.99 UK):

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/15vt87o
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/12cNpJt
Nook: http://bit.ly/17JUVil
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ikFWE4
iTunes: http://bit.ly/12wRuYW

Two

These clocks from TrinTec are gorgeous and they are 35% off all weekend. The Brass World Time Clock is gorgeous (although confusing) but my very favourite is the artificial horizon wall clock:

Three

Rise of Flight: Channel Battles Edition describes itself as the most realistic WWI PC flight sim. I haven’t played it yet but it sure is on my wishlist.

Take to the skies of war torn Europe and experience daring air combat at the dawn of aviation. Re-enact famous air battles fought by legendary aces such as Manfred von Richtofen, James McCudden, Georges Guynemer and Eddie Rickenbacker.

Four

This RAF Fine China Mug says a pilot’s favourite words: Clear For Take-off! And it comes with a lovely tin which can be used to hold teabags.

And if you are shopping there anyway, you can pick up this wrapping paper covered with Spitfires and Lancasters for the full effect. What’s not to love?

Five

And finally, I can’t tell you how much I love these desktop clocks: Lindbergh Aviation Clocks! Aren’t they gorgeous? Someone tell Cliff this is what I want for Christmas, please.

Runner Up

I’m of two minds on this one. The Otto Pilot Universal Tablet looks pretty dazzling but I think it’s possibly too exciting for a knee board?

Still Stuck? Make Your Own Bundle!

I like making gifts out of lots of little things, so for a pilot, I’d head over to Amazon and come up with something like this:

Pick up a not-too-expensive flight bag with some character and then fill it with goodies:

• Always useful: Aviation Calendars
• Beautiful coffee table book: In the Cockpit: Inside 50 History-Making Aircraft
• I actually have a set of these: Vintage Aircraft Instrument Coaster Set – Set of 6
• A miniature Time/Speed/Distance computer! APR Pilot’s Keychain
• Check which phone, first: Protective iPhone 4/4S Case Shawnex Aircraft Propeller
• I definitely need this! The Pilot’s Pen: LED Powered Ink Penlight Night Writer

So, hopefully that’ll make it a bit easier to get presents this year – or point your nearest and dearest at this list and hope they buy the lot for you!