Naomi's Holiday Gift Guide, 2010

Whatever your cause for giving this month, consider this a list of my favorite things, all highly recommended to give your loved ones--or your self.

For the reader on your list:

• Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon. Sexy, Scottish 18th century hero and a British time-traveling heroine. A truly self-indulgent read, deliciously sensual (and probably not appropriate for young readers). Available at Powell's for $5.50 (as of this writing), or from Half.com for even less (75 cents as of this writing), at your library for free--or, of course, I recommend you try your local independent bookseller.
• Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell. As compelling as any of his works, Gladwell's narrative style make his brilliant deductions about the way social and economic systems--or in this case, successes--work eminently readable. I borrowed a copy from the Blue Hill Public Library and couldn't put it down. You could buy one for somewhere between $9.99-$16.99.
• BUST magazine.Feminism, fashion, music, books, hand-made stuff, travel, sex, parenting. It's the best thing since home-made bread baked by your best tattooed vegan friend wearing a vintage apron and thrifted shoes. It's fun to be smart. Every year, I give a subscription to one rad friend. 6 issues, $19.95.
• VegNews magazine. A smart, gorgeous vegetarian magazine with a strong leaning toward veganism, I recommend it, even if you're not a vegetarian or a vegan. Those interested in sustainability, animal rights, environmental issues, healthy eating, travel, fashion, cooking, or kindness should give it a try. It's got a classy, accessible feel and is carefully crafted. One-year subscription for $20.

For mid-coast or downeast Mainers:

• The Ellsworth American. This award-winning weekly paper is intelligent, responsible, and chock full of useful news and information. I especially like to read mine over brunch at Chase's Daily in Belfast. $39 for Hancock County residents. 
For locals, I also recommend gift certificates at all of the following places:
• Chase's Daily restaurant in Belfast, (207) 338-0555
• The Colonial Theatre, Belfast, ME. Special deals on sheets of tickets in December.
• The Alamo Theatre, Bucksport, ME. Call or drop by for gift certificate options.
• Bookstacks, independent bookseller, Main Street, Bucksport, ME.
• Bangkok Thai in Ellsworth, ME

Notions, Lotions, and Accessories:

• Handbags from Susan Nichole. (Coupon code VEGNEWS will save you 15%). I have the Leah in black and I *love* it. As of this writing, it's on sale for $68. Made from 100% vegan, cruelty-free and recyclable materials. All Susan Nichole bags are animal- and earth-friendly.
• Socks from Sock Dreams. Free shipping is always available from this Portland, Oregon-based sock (and other accessory) outfit. This self-described bunch of  unique and quirky individuals "value diversity as much as [they] value comfy socks and great customer service." I have had hit or miss luck with the fit of their products, but the things I love, I really love. And the customer service is great. You can shop by categories that are near and dear to my heart, as well: plus-sized, Made in the USA, and eco-friendly, for starters.
• Anything from Lavera or Alba. All natural, cruelty-free. My favorites are the Wild Rose Cleansing Milk ($19, Lavera) and the Hawaiian cocoa butter hand & body lotion (Alba, $9.95 for 7oz).
• Wooden Eyeglasses Rest, 10,000 Villages ($18). Fairly-traded, handcrafted goodness. Peter and I nearly bought this on a recent trip to 10,000 Villages in Northampton and we don't even wear glasses! We also very nearly bought this Cat Gourd ornament ($10), as well.
• We did buy these Bright Sky Star ornaments ($8), as a thank you gift for a friend. And these Evening Out earrings ($14), which I absolutely LOVE. I also own this Sunburst Ornament ($10--on sale now for $2.50).



Image courtesy 10,000 Villages.

• Metallic Ceramic necklace, from Kenya ($38), also via 10,000 Villages. Fell in love with this, too, and very nearly bought it, but I bought a necklace I loved even more, instead. (It's not currently listed in the online catalog.)

Everything at 10,000 Villages is hand-made and fair-trade.

More hand-made

I recommend ShopClementine, Lotuspad, and Pieces of a Girl. I own jewelery from all three. Among our favorites in each current catalog:

• Fibonacci sequence necklace, Lotuspad ($32)
• Victoire Brass Drop Necklace, ShopClementine ( $29)



Image courtesy of Mary Ann Farley

• Mandala Glimpse pendant, Pieces of a Girl ($104)

Art

• Commissioned pet portraits from my favorite artist, Mary Ann Farley. Send her a jpeg of your precious pet and she'll immortalize him or her ($65).
• Handmade clothing for kids from Benjamin Ballerina in Colorado. $55 and up
• Cards or poster-sized prints ($3-$20). Rumor has it Martha Stewart is a fan. I know I am!
• Art by Donna Estabrooks, Western Mass. "Art to heal, transform, and inspire."

Enjoy!