Gift Guide!
From Abortion Funds, to Supporting Small Businesses, to Music Experiences.
As a kid, I loved sifting through the Macy’s, Avon, and toy catalogs that started piling up on my grandmother’s side table in late October. I’d carefully circle what I wanted, what I thought my mom, cousins, and aunts wanted, and folded the corner of each page, so my grandma could call the company and place the orders. I wasn’t writing a list to Santa: I was unintentionally creating a gift guide!
This holiday season, Substack has shared its plethora of amazing gift guides. Some include sweaters you can buy to match your dog, gigantic white purses to lose your shit in, and $90 candles (now that I’m looking back to fact check, I can’t find this one- but I swear I saw it!). There’s even one about why we love to hate gift guides! I saw many lovely things but, ultimately, found them to be rather impractical for me and my friends living hand to mouth, who can’t afford to just buy, buy, BUY!!!
I’m often worried I won’t be able to give enough to show how much I care about my people. Familiar? Yes. Annoying? Yes. Tired of this shit? Yes. Here’s how I dance with these kinds of fears. I ask myself: Who would I love to give something to? Once I know who I’m thinking about, I ask: What would I love to give them?
The bottom line is: I can’t give everyone everything and THAT IS OKAY! I can give a hug, a handwritten letter (or text!), have delicious one-on-one time with no phones, or cook dinner together.
I also believe in putting my money where my mouth is. That’s how I developed my Gift Guide. It’s for folks like me who love gift guides, giving generously no matter what they’ve got, and supporting small businesses. I hope you find something to give to someone you love!
Notes:
Indigenous Women Rising is committed to honoring Native & Indigenous People’s inherent right to equitable and culturally safe health options through accessible health education, resources and advocacy. Support them through direct donation, or buy a shirt for your loved ones so they can rep what they stand for. You can also give the gift of buying the menstrual products they distribute.
Little Relics, one of my favorite and most trusted stores, is having a 50% off sale on everything when you go in person in Sacramento, CA. Custom Jewelry, Repair & Local Craftsmanship
This is my first book! Sheet music is included so you can play along to your little ones on piano or guitar. Or download the recorded version and sing along.
Every Anna Simpson Sound experience is crafted with care to guide you on your path to self-discovery and personal growth. The sounds stimulate the alpha and theta waves of the brain, which encourage deep, meditative, and peaceful states that are highly conducive to healing.
Gaia events are truly one-of-a-kind. What I love most about them is that the separation between performer and audience dissolves into collective music-making. Something magical is bound to happen whenever I go!
Jane Home Studio is a one-stop shop. I can’t decide which I love more: the candles, the bingo sheets, the cute sweatshirts, or the ornaments. Whatever you choose, bring it all home with the gift wrap! Everything is made by a Brooklyn-based designer I admire.
My friend Julia wrote this incredible book, which, in the words of her wife Meg, is “... a beautiful tribute that aims to make grief accessible and understandable for young children.”
Jane Home.
Whatever you choose to give, know they’ll love it because they love you. And hey, you made it to the bottom of this post! Here’s some bonus content! YAY!
Maybe my favorite song I’ve ever written? Co-written by my sister, Kat. Recorded, and produced by my buddy Chad. Please enjoy Christmas Narwhal.
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My covers of I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, White Christmas, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The last three were recorded 10 years ago. What the?!
If this time of year is presenting more challenges than you can manage, I’m here for you. I have some hidden coaching hours to give. Message me to set something up!
With love,
Emma