Awesome Gifts for Couch Potatoes and TV Lovers

The term couch potato used to conjure images of slovenly, middle-aged dads with an unkempt appearance and vacant eyes. Thanks to much-improved content and a multitude of ways to get a TV fix, the average couch potato is much more likely to be the person you live with, work with, or see in the mirror. Given the staggering amount of time Americans spend watching TV these days, chances are you have a fairly serious binge-watcher in your life. too. Here are gifts ideas for them — yep, even for couch potato dads — that might get them to tear their eyes away from the screen long enough to say "thank you."

Prices and availability are subject to change.

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$7 from Amazon
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Who doesn't need a mug to remind everyone just what the priorities are? All eight seasons of "Game of Thrones" first, then exercise. Besides, you're gonna need some coffee to get through all that.

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$7 to $8 from Amazon
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Coffee schmoffee. Bring on the beer! But, no, really, non-TV watcher. Bring it. These socks command it. 

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$17 from Amazon
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Who wants to walk away from the big game to grab another beer? No one. This sleeve holds six cans, has a much less bulky design than most coolers, and will keep your favorite couch potato from yelling, "Can anyone bring me a beer?"

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$17 from Amazon
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Speaking of beer, once dad really settles in for a session in front of the screen, he'll need to stay warm. So here's a cozy, beer-themed blanket you can throw over him. Not a Budweiser fan? No worries, it comes in Modelo and Natty Light versions for the same price.

$13 from Personal Creations
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Devoted TV watchers need sustenance. Or, more aptly, want it, especially if a multiseason viewing of "Top Chef" or "The Great British Baking Show" is what's onscreen. Fill this bucket, which can be personalized with a 15-character message, with snacks such as nuts, crackers, and popcorn. 

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$16 from Amazon
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Every man needs a T-shirt that says, "I'll be in front of the TV today if you need me." Behold this comfy, 100% cotton tee available in five colors and in versions for women and kids, as well.

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$20 from Pinch Provisions
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This 18-piece kit contains a snack clip, comfy socks, face- and hand-cleansing towelettes, sporks, and — somewhat disconcertingly — a stain remover and breath drops (guess slovenly is still a thing, after all). The truly committed, however, will also appreciate the sofa yoga guide and a two-sided coin to help decide: "one more" or "go to bed."

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$10 from Amazon
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Manicures and pedicures are actually an excellent use of multitasking time while bingeing certain shows, especially ones you really watch only for the final reveal (what's up, HGTV!). This six-piece kit lets you attend to your digits, and keeps everything in a tube branded in a design reminiscent of the Netflix logo. Clever.

$15 to $20 from Uncommon Goods
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These days, no one just watches TV. We check our Instagram, surf sites with insight into our favorite shows, and — as mentioned — groom ourselves. So we need a little something in which to store our phones, tablets, and other assorted items. This gray felt pouch, available in regular and large sizes, is just the thing, and stylish as well. (Perhaps ironically so, given that the person using it is probably swathed in an unwashed pair of sweatpants.)

$15 from Etsy
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Is your marathon TV watcher bingeing a show that makes them feel, oh, a bit sad or homicidal? ("Handmaid's Tale," we're looking at you.) You can buy them this spoon and still have money to spare for a gallon of comforting ice cream. 

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$10 from Wick and Fable
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Not everyone binges shows — many of us marathon movie franchises, and "Harry Potter" is, of course, one of the most-watched of all time. Here's a Hogwarts candle that will not only appeal to the Potterhead in your life, but sweeten their air (which might be a good thing if they're on No. 8 in a no-breaks binge sesh). Wick and Fable has scents available for many other shows and movies, too.

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$9 from Etsy
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For the TV fan who also loves to accessorize, there's this adorable gift depicting an anthropomorphized vintage TV that's just happy you're spending so much time with it.

$20 from Amazon
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Sometimes you have to say goodbye to highbrow 21st century fare and kick it old school with one of the funniest ladies of all time. This set features 16 of the greatest episodes of "I Love Lucy." Customers complaint of one downside: no "play all" function.

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$599 from Amazon
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Okay, it's far from under $20, but some things in life are worth the splurge. For the ultimate lazy couch potato — the one who can't even be bothered to sit up — this is perfect. The headset can be used to watch lots of streaming content, including sports. And just think about how funny your dad will look cheering his team with this contraption on. Worth the price? We think so.

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$26 from Amazon
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Give your favorite dedicated TV watcher an otherworldly glow or a romantic radiance with this LED light kit, which includes 120 light settings and other features, a remote control, and app control.

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$20 from Uncommon Goods
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We all have those people in our lives: When they're not actually watching TV, they like to talk about all the shows and movies everyone else should be watching. Channel all that condescending superiority into this game, and make sure you're on their team.

$15 from Crate and Barrel
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If you've got a cinema buff you're shopping for, this scratch-off poster of 100 classics will give them a challenge they'll be happy to accept. 

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$14 from Amazon
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For the documentary enthusiast in your life comes this book — inspired by the king of docs — "stuffed full of fun, subtly educational activities."

$20 from Firebox
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Know someone who's a mega-fan of one of the most-watched TV shows of all time? We're guessing they'll love this "Friends"-inspired frame.

$30 from Amazon
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Few gadgets put as much content at your fingertips as this one. Even if they already subscribe to Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming services, they'll find new shows, documentaries, and movies to explore via this piece of tech.

$5 from Etsy
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Even the most dedicated Central Perk-ophile has to bathe now and then. This set of four 'Friends'-themed bath bombs will make tearing themselves away from Monica, Joey, and the others to spiff up just a bit easier.

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$60 from Calm Down Caren
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For a show that ended more than 25 years ago, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia still reign supreme in pop culture, and this set of four candles is one of the more unique GG-themed gifts we've seen out there.

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$12.50 from Amazon
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After months of staying home more often than not, many of us might be coming up empty on new shows to watch. This book by two TV critics is a great way to give suggestions your recipient might not have thought of yet.

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$15 from Amazon
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These might make more of a gag gift, but we're betting they'll at least try using them. Through a periscope design, these let your TV watcher lie flat on his or her back in bed and still take in their shows. (Bonus: They can also be used for reading.)

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$18 from Amazon
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If you know someone eager to dig into the real-life history behind "The Crown" (it is fictionalized a bit, people), consider one of the show's companion books. In addition to expanding on the story behind seasons 2 and 3, this second installment also features archival photographs. Volume 1 is available, too.

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$35 from Barnes and Noble
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Fans of the "Golden Girls" might be surprised to know that the show was originally going to be called "Miami Nice." Or that Bea Arthur had to be persuaded to join the cast. Or that, for one episode, the girls had a gay housekeeper. Here's an in-depth look at how "Golden Girls" came to be a cultural touchstone with this loving history, which includes interviews with Arthur and Rue McClanahan, plus tributes to the girls from Harvey Fierstein, Lance Bass, and other celebs.

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$16 from Amazon
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Fill this silicone popper with packages of microwave popcorn, boxes of their favorite candy, and finish it off with a couple cans of their favorite beverage to wash it all down. As a bonus, add a gift card to their favorite movie streaming service.

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$9 from Amazon
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Dude, everyone loves movie popcorn! These containers would make a great base for a movie gift basket that can be filled with all the goodies a couch potato could ask for. Set of four.

$99 from Criterion Channel
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Since 1984, the Criterion Collection has been preserving, restoring, and promoting the best of world cinema, from German silent-era classics to modern Hollywood masterpieces, to say nothing of works by leading filmmakers from Iran, Japan, Russia, India, and beyond. For folks who love subtitles, a subscription is a must.

$25 from Amazon
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This anti-slip armrest organizer comes in a bunch of colors and has plenty of pockets and other spaces to put stuff such as remotes, phones, magazines, glasses, etc.

$25 from Amazon
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Plenty of TV watching these days doesn't actually take place in front of a TV. We've got laptops, iPads, and other devices that we can binge shows on. This cute little cushion stand will support a portable device while you watch, plus it's got a side pocket to stash a phone in.

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