With Kobe Bryant as the creator of the Wizenard Series, you had to believe that a Kobe shoe would follow, in this case the Nike Kobe 4 Protro. Initially appearing as a player exclusive for DeMar DeRozan, this wizardry can also be yours for the giving come December 1.

Just watch that lump-of-coal gift of a book amazingly be read the next day.

So my first recommendation is a book. Yes, a book, but one inspired by the mind of former NBA-er Kobe Bryant. The book is the first installment of The Wizenard Series, called Training Camp. It’s surprisingly good albeit a little repetitive towards the end. But still, I’m waiting to read more about the West Bottom Badgers and Coach Rolabi. What’s next for Rain, Twig, Cash, Lab, and Peno? That’ll have to wait for book two, but first, gift Training Camp and the Wizenard world to a basketball fan.

Yes, this is one of the few days that Costco closes its doors. Here are the other days Costco is closed:

1. New Year’s Day
2. Easter
3. Memorial Day
4. Independence Day
5. Labor Day
6. Thanksgiving
7. Christmas

Not super obvious but you get just enough of a sense to know who the socks match up with. My personal favorite is this one.

Yup, that circle on the socks is none other than The Count’s monocle, and both you and I know where you learned what a monocle was back in the day.

Get these socks from Bombas for a Sesame Street fan. Available for men, women, youth, and toddlers!

In years past, purchases with Amazon Prime shipping to Hawaii arrived in 2-3 days, really unheard of compared to the typical 5-7 days of free shipping. But this year, I was lucky to get my Amazon deliveries on time. One order was literally destroyed with only the box label delivered. Yup, just the box label, no actual contents of the box.

Like I said, I had thought a UPS delivery was stolen since it was reported as delivered. I couldn’t find the said-delivered package so reported a lost package and started a claim over the Christmas weekend. Nothing came of it during the weekend and by the time I received a response, the package showed up even though the reported delivery date was five days prior.

I was supposed to have received another Amazon order on Wednesday by 8pm (via USPS by the way). At 8:11pm, I checked the delivery status and saw this.

How was your shipping experiences this holiday season?

Remember my order mixup with Strong Like Bull magnets? With great customer service, the problem has been resolved and my bonus order is here.

A DreamHost convention without swag is unheard of. DreamHost giving away their conference swag is welcomed.

Yes, the simultaneous timing of all these arrivals made me wonder, then came the Klout McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte #momentsofwonder promotion. Tasty!

But legally, I must say:

I was given a free product or sample because I’m a Klout influencer. I am under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

But I will quickly reiterate – tasty!

Since Christmas is approaching, it’s time to start up the Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide for 2013. Keep an eye on this Pinterest board for some holiday suggestions.