I know my newsletter is usually monthly and you just got October’s a few days ago, but it’s my birthday month so I have granted myself one extra slot in your inbox.
With the holidays just around the corner, I compiled a set of gift ideas (let’s be real, mostly books) for those of you looking for inspiration. I hope it’s of use to you! If you don’t already have a favorite go-to indie store, might I recommend WORD (where I work) or Bookshop (where I make a tiny commission of each sale)? Also, you probably have heard this by now, but supply chains are currently quite wonky and there is actually a shortage on paper (wild, I know) so printing is not going particularly smoothly at the moment. That said, get gift orders in early and please be kind to the retail workers! Now, without further ado…
Book Gift Ideas
For the activist:
The Purpose of Power by Alicia Garza
Prison By Any Other Name by Maya Schenwar and Victoria Law
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
Impact by Tammy Tibbetts & Christian Brandt
For the nature-lover:
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
The Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible by Paul Sterry, Christopher Perrins, and Sonya Patel EllisFor the deep-divers and culturally attuned:
Culture Warlords by Talia Lavin
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
This Changes Everything by Naomi KleinFor the romantic:
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Head Over Heels by Hannah OrensteinFor the one who loves a good immersive story:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine EvaristoFor the one who loves to learn:
The Address Book by Deirdre Mask
How the Post Office Created America by Winifred Gallagher
Winners Take All by Anand GiridharadasFor science fiction folks:
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Exhalation by Ted ChiangFor the history nerds:
A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
The Last Million by David NasawFor the thrill-seeker:
When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
Don’t Look For Me by Wendy WalkerFor the one focused on self-improvement:
Burnout by Amelia & Emily Nagoski
This Book Will Make You Kinder by Henry James Garrett
How to Do Nothing by Jenny OdellFor the one who is plugged into pop culture:
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Shit Actually by Lindy West
Over the Top by Jonathan Van NessFor the home cook:
Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten
East by Meera Sodha
Killing It by Camas Davis
The Book on Pie by Erin McDowellFor the music buff:
How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy
She Come By It Natural by Sarah SmarshFor the total bookworm:
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
If you have a tricky recipient you’d like suggestions for, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I love coming up with recommendations.
Other Gift Ideas
A gauze shawl from my favorite ethical clothing maker, Conscious Clothing
A gorgeous piece of pottery from Apricity Ceramics or r.wood studio, both women-owned small businesses
Pretty much anything from Hoppe Shoppe, a home goods store run by one of the most aesthetically-gifted people I know
A print from one of my favorite poets / artists, Lori Hetteen
A Bound to Brew coffee & book subscription box, bringing you first edition books and local coffee while supporting The Book Foundation
Pajamas or lounge pants from Sudara, working to keep women out of sex slavery
Candles from Prosperity Candle, handpoured in the U.S. by resettled refugees
A custom tear-away daily calendar from Social Print Studio
A dignify blanket that helps keep Bangladeshi women in safe living situations
A beautiful, ethical, sustainable dress from Zuri (I have two and I love them)
A personal cocktail kit from Cocktail Courier
A fantastic beanie or brimmed hat from Easy Living Hats
One of these hand-carved Santa ornaments made by my grandfather and painted by my mom and great aunt
An adorable laminated bookmark from Lauren Naylor Design Co.
A awesome puzzle from Galison
I hope this helps kick off your gift-giving for the season! I sincerely love picking out presents for other people, so if you need more ideas, I’m at your service.
With love & mulled cider,
Holly