Hey there! It’s that time of year when the air is thick with anxiety and our empty pockets get even emptier. In an effort to ease some of the former, this week I bring you a few gift suggestions for the cool, hard-to-shop for folks in your life (including yourself).
Also: On Sunday, Nov. 19, I’m hosting a Zoom for paid Substack and Patreon supporters at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. We’ll spend about an hour chatting, I’ll read a couple new stories/essays and I’m happy to answer any questions about writing or whatever else. Everyone who becomes a paid subscriber by Nov. 17 (that’s today!) is invited. I’ll share the link Nov. 18.
OK, back to it — I’m not paid to endorse any of these things (sadly), I just really like them.
WHIT’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023, PART 1—
True West by Robert Greenfield — Hold on, a new Sam Shepard bio came out this year and I didn’t know about it? Get this for the person in your life who desperately wants to get away but feels completely stuck and oh man time flies so quickly how is my kid so tall and my hair so thin and gray and we used to be best friends but haven’t spoken in years so yes, I do appreciate that you brought me this book along with some homemade apple muffins.
A subscription to Creem magazine — Rock isn’t dead, it’s just not so active on social media and prefers to live a private life where its every move isn’t tracked by Instagram. But yes, Creem is back with great writing and stories for The Olds — which, incidentally, is now you. Subscription packages include perks like T-shirts and online-only content, but the best part is getting a real-deal magazine in the mailbox, if you still have one of those.
Re-Ment miniature boxes — Tiny things are my weakness, and this Japanese company has taken piles of my money over the years because, given the choice, I’d rather have a teeny-tiny cup of fake coffee than the real stuff. You can buy the boxes on several sites including this one, and don’t be disappointed if the blind box gives you the one thing you didn’t want, because that’s how life goes 98% of the time. (Ooh, a tiny massage chair!)
Marcel the Shell — If you give this little guy to someone and they don’t let out a delighted sigh, CUT THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE.
Merriam-Webster’s Visual Dictionary — I found a used copy of this when my daughter was around 3, and it has basically been her favorite book for her entire life. It tells you everything about everything from human bones to types of hats, and while at some point it may prompt a frank conversation about human anatomy, well, it had to happen sometime. (I also adore this book, and your 99-year-old angry grandpa probably would, too.)
Telestrations — I love games, but I don’t love sitting around on a Saturday night while my friend Larry spends like 55 minutes explaining a complicated strategy involving vast galaxies and four-armed wizards and trading corn for superpowers or what have you. That’s why I love Telestrations — it’s simple, funny, great for all ages and you can be exhausted and inebriated and still win.
Leuchtterm1917 notebooks — I used to be a Moleskine person, but this year I discovered the Leuchtterm1917, and we’re lovers for life. These suckers are really well-made and come in a bunch of sizes/colors/varieties (blank, lined, bullet), but here’s the clincher: They have page numbers and a customizable table of contents! If you get it, I also recommend you spring for the $5 pen loop.
The Steve Keene Art Book — You may recognize Steve Keene’s work from album covers, posters or that rad painting on your wall you stole from your ex. It looks like the signed editions are sold out, but the book is still super-cool, and once Steve’s life settles down a bit, you can buy an affordable original painting from him (or, as he suggests, just get one off eBay).
Dusen Dusen polka-dot slippers — The other day I saw these slippers were on sale and thought my moment had finally arrived, but of course they were sold out in my size, so now I’m going to pass along that joy to you (as long as you don’t wear a women’s 9). I love this company’s colorful towels and robes and things, although the price point is a little higher than my humble freelancer budget often allows.
Nostalgia Hot Dog Roller — At the height of the pandemic when I was losing my mind and sick of Zoom school and wondering if I’d ever set foot in a theater or a bar again, I purchased this hot dog roller from the internet. It has brought me so much joy that it became my go-to gift. Who doesn’t love to roll some dogs on a Wednesday night? As a bonus, it also warms your buns, and that’s a sentence I don’t get to type nearly enough.
More gift ideas coming next week — have a great weekend, and thanks for reading!
ho ho xo
whit
Ooh I am definitely going to get the visual dictionary for my nephew! Thanks for the rec!
I love these gift ideas! I never knew i needed a hot dog roller or a marcel figurine, but i do now. Im so psyched to hear about this new sam shepard book. Thanks Whitney! 🌅🌟