Holiday Gifts: Bieber fever

JENNIFER CARPER
President
Sage Collective
My 9-year-old technofile son is getting a Kindle Fire and an iPod Shuffle and my 6-year-old daughter, much to my dismay, is getting a Justin Bieber Tour Bus and a Justin Bieber doll with his real hairstyle. I bought this online so as not to shame myself in the store.
My husband is getting clothes … because he needs help. I’m asking for spa gift certificates because I’m going to go anyway and it makes it easy on them.

MATTHEW HONG
SVP/GM of sports operations
Turner Sports
This year I’ll be buying part ownership of the Green Bay Packers for my 8-year-old son — hope he can handle the responsibility of being an NFL owner and isn’t starstruck during Aaron Rodgers’ contract negotiation.
I’d like to receive the smallest, fastest, most reliable hotspot device possible, so I can stay connected 25 hours a day on the road and because I still don’t like typing on an iPad. Would also like to receive the commemorative DVD of N.C. State’s surprising run to the 2012 Final Four … would settle for the book if needed.

HEATHER HOUSTON
Executive director
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Please no more gadgets — I already have a BlackBerry, an iPhone, an iPad and a laptop. For books, I’d love a new coffee table book, one that reminds me of my days in New York. For gifts, I will (well, the bowl will) be purchasing 250 32-inch flat screens for a bunch of college football players and a Thomas the Train for my 2-year old.

JON PODANY
Chief marketing officer
LPGA
Hope to receive: The Steve Jobs book (I’m fascinated by the innovation and branding that has come out of Apple) and a new golf bag — not that I’m playing enough to wear it out, but it’s time.
Giving: Clothes, jewelry and iGadgets for the 4 women in my life (wife and three daughters). We’re also planning on a ski trip over the holidays to The Canyons in Park City, Utah.


KEN ROSEN
Executive producer/head of programming
Madison Avenue Sports and Entertainment
The book I’m looking forward to receiving is “Killing Lincoln,” by Bill O’Reilly. I’m a huge history buff, especially Civil War-related material, so thanks to Bill for thinking of me this holiday season! I’ve also asked for a new putter since mine is 25 years old and has apparently exhausted all of the good putts it once contained.
As for giving, after I read the book, I’ll “re-gift it” to MadAve partner Joe Tacopina and give my old putter to Ed Horne, another MadAve partner, because it could only help his golf game.

DAVID PARO
President
Deep Alliance Marketing
Hope to receive? Things that make me think and help me gain perspective.
Book: “Steve Jobs,” by Walter Isaacson. Such a critical figure in both tech and marketing.
CD: “Lioness: Hidden Treasures,” by Amy Winehouse. A tremendous talent that left us too soon.
DVD: ESPN Films’ “30 for 30” series. Great documentaries, just need to get through them all.
Gadget: Stylus for my iPad (can’t write with my finger).
Give? Books and apps (iTunes cards).

SUSAN WALVIUS
Co-founder
Sheex Inc.
Gifts: Clarisonic for Travel, Beats by Dre Headphones, Bang & Olufsen wireless speakers and new Sheex Gel Foam Mattress topper, available at Bed Bath & Beyond in spring 2012.
DVD: “The Help.”
CD: New Rihanna CD.



ANDREW KLINE
Founder and managing director
Park Lane
I know that I’m getting older because I asked my wife to just get me dress socks for Christmas. Park Lane will be giving iPads and magnums of JKL wine out to clients and friends.





KRISTINA O'CONNELL
VP of marketing
Korrio

The Kindle Touch (above) and Jawbone Jambox (below) are on lists this year.

I am giving the Kindle Touch to a couple people, including my husband, but I have to admit they took a long time to purchase because I wanted to add a few favorite books to each, and I love losing myself in bookstores, even if they are online. Two books I added to these gifts were “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” by Garth Stein, and “Steve Jobs,” by Walter Isaacson (a contradiction, I know, having that book on a Kindle).
Obviously I am an Apple fan and just recently got a new iPhone 4S and an iPad 2, so I am not asking my family for any gifts, though I am hoping for some wonderful handmade Christmas gifts from my kids. That said, Santa may be bringing our family the Wii game “WipeOut,” and I do look forward to some friendly competition in our house on Christmas Day.

JERRY JACOBS JR.
Principal
Delaware North Cos.
What I’ll be giving: I love the Jambox, the wireless speaker from Jawbone. It has incredible sound for its size, which makes it great for the road. It will make a perfect gift for a few people I know.
What I’d like to receive: I’m an avid reader, and “Matterhorn,” by Karl Marlantes, is on my list. For music, I’d love to receive the “Alligator Christmas Collection” or anything by Van Morrison or Al Green. For skiing, I’m interested in the Suunto Core Altimeter Watch from Backcountry.com.

LORIE MCCARTHY
SVP/general sales manager
Turner Sports Ad Sales
I already received my gift this year — the NBA season tips off Christmas Day on TNT! I am also looking forward to spending a week together with my family skiing this holiday season.