I thought I’d start this gift guide with some more of my “favorite things,” à la Oprah (you can scream if you want to). There’s nothing better than giving what you already know and love, right?

Clockwise from top left: Plants of Economic Importance Poster, Tobacco — I have one of these German Scientific Educational charts in the domestic cat print hung in my kitchen (love!), but I’m quite entranced by their new “history of industry” plant designs. Rick’s Picks Cocktail Pack — Make a kick ass spread with your stinkiest cheese and these delectable pickled treats. Bulk Mary Janes — I am a sucker for old timey penny candy, especially Mary Janes. Satisfy a friend’s nostalgia and sweet tooth at the same time. Rocks and Minerals: A Guide to Familiar Minerals, Gems, Ores and Rocks — Finding vintage and used copies of this awesome mineral and gem guide just got easy with Amazon. (Make sure to pick up a 10-pack of geodes to crack while you’re at it, geologist you!) Taxidermy Piranha; Wigfield: The Can-Do Town That Just May Not — This book is absurdity. On crack. I highly recommend it for anyone…well, anyone who reads this blog. As the review reads, “Social pariahs, disgraced journalists, brooding malcontented sociopaths, and anyone who enjoys dark, twisted, and profoundly funny writing will find a home in Wigfield.” And I’ve heard the audiobook is even better. NARS Limited Edition Vintage Nail Polish in Zizi, King Kong and Mash — Because metallic is purty. Minnetonka Kilty Suede Moccasins in Tan Suede — I wear my mine around the house as a substitute for slippers, as well as for errands. Super cute. Subscription to The Believer — Give the gift of clever literary articles and musings for a whole year. Set of Six Rustic Bell Ornaments — These could be festive holiday ornaments, but I’d hang them around the house as miniature wind chimes. The jute cord is a nice touch.

More gift guides to come!

Composing gift guides is a lot harder than you’d think (though I do love spending inordinate amounts of time on the internet). To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t say that I’m a great gift-giver; I usually just try to give something that I have enjoyed and appreciated myself, as opposed to going out on a limb and guessing that my sister wants a George Foreman grill or an iPad or some other random gadget. (I’m so perplexed by the holidays being all about big ticket electronics as gifts. The amount spent does not equal how much you love someone, and it never will. Sorry!) As such, in the spirit of this blog and the types of things I’d normally post about as being cool or something I’d like for myself — well, that mentality has now been channelled into gift ideas that may or may not include taxidermy, artwork and maybe even baby hats. I hope you enjoy!

From top left: Uncle Milton Moon in My Room — Because toys make the best gifts for everyone, and the novelty of the moon never wears off. Test Tube Vase by Pigeon Toe Ceramics; Pendleton Silver Bark Blanket — Perfect for snuggling and looks pretty as a picture on a bed. 5 Year Diary — I’m a lazy diarist, so having the ability to start and stop wherever I’d like, while maintaining a five year timeline, is perfect for me. I love personal reflection! Diptyque Baies Noir Candle — If I had the money, I’d bathe in the candle wax. Seriously, these are the best smelling candles I’ve ever come across, and I’m a candle snob, so, there’s that. Bolinas Reflection Print by Windy Lane Studio — Some are too timid to guess another’s taste when it comes to art. I say, go with your gut and stick to the classics. Smoking Mittens — If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Shelter by Lloyd Kahn — From yurts to castles to holes in the ground, the history of shelter is laid out in this magnificent book. I can’t recommend it enough. Charm Earrings in “Dead Kennedys Phase” by Giles and Brother — I hope I don’t even have to explain this one. Just shove that pin through your ear and jam.

Happy shopping! More gift guides to come.