Tsh’s Holiday Gift Guide
I like to prioritize local, simple, and thoughtful with my gift-giving. Small businesses are forever competing with the giants that rhyme with Flamazon and Schmal-mart, but they’ll probably feel it even more this year with current inflation. When we shop from our neighborhood businesses, we’re deliberately telling our community what matters to us — it’s up to us, as always, to “vote” with our dollars.
And when we do buy online, let’s shop smaller, simpler, and less. Here, I’ve curated ideas that make lovely gifts and support good businesses and makers.
Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!
p.s. — You’re smart and know how this works: some of the links on this page are affiliate links — this means at no extra cost to you, purchasing through my specific links will help support the work I do. Thanks in advance!
Books 📚
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A multi-authored essay that encourages ALL women to cultivate an intellectual life, no matter our stage. (I wrote one of the chapters.)
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A six-volume collection for all Middle-earth lovers, these are beautifully-bound books full of full-color illustrations: an atlas, encyclopedia, & more.
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My quirky son loves the first volume of this quirky book, which I often also give as a graduation gift. A great gift for teens!
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Can reading make us better people? I think so. This book explores that premise, unpacking the idea with must-read classics.
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Perfect for the beginner cook (college students? newlyweds? teens?), the one-and-only Mark Bittman shares the absolute basics on how to cook.
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13 more stories from 1932-2021 & set in beloved Port William, this collection is for your Hannah Coulter fan. It’s on my own wish list this year.
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A beloved book that’s updated with modern inventions, it’s a great book for kids through adults full of fantastic illustrations.
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For the lover of classics in your life, this two-volume collection is beautifully illustrated by none other than Norman Rockwell.
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I have a short list of must-read children’s authors, and James Herriot is one because adults enjoy reading these aloud just as much. Delightful stories!
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A tongue-in-cheek little book for the murder mystery lover in your life — pair this with an Agatha Christie puzzle.
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On my own wish list this year, a treatise about what we’ve learned about the false promises of a digital utopia, especially post-pandemic. But with hope!
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Quite possibly the most beautiful Bible I’ve ever read through, full of timeless art, this is the first volume in what will be a family heirloom.
For even more ideas, here are 60+ books that I think make lovely gifts. Also, here are my go-to reading recommendations. 🎁
My Own Books
I’ve also written several books, and I think they’d look lovely under your tree.
Experiences 🎒
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It’s a big gift, but I can’t think of a more memorable gift than a pilgrimage… join me & my family next summer as we explore Ireland.
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My self-paced audio workshop is an encouraging, motivating gift to give, especially for those entering a new season. Pair with a good journal.
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Kids these days, they sure like boba. Give the teen on a budget a boba-making kit so she can make her favorite drink at home. (Tate got this last year.)
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For the person who doesn’t seem to need anything and has already done so much, give them the gift of letting them write their own life experiences.
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As an admitted coffee snob, I love trying new-to-me beans and roasts. I bet the caffeine addict on your list does, too. Pair it with a quality mug.
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Help your bourgeoning mixologist break out beyond gin & tonics with a class from one of Brookly’s best bartenders. Simple syrups included!
Come With Me on Pilgrimage
There’s little I love more than exploring sacred places and holding spaces for meaningful conversations there. Consider gifting someone the trip of a lifetime — join me, along with my family, in Ireland next summer 2023. It’s a gorgeous, delightful slice of the world and we’d love you to join us!
Home 🏡
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For that person who really, really likes their pet and also has an absurd sense of humor. This custom portrait doubles as art. Weird art!
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Got a book lover on your list? Let’s face it: if you’re here, you do. Get them a personalized stamp for their personal library — it’s on my own wish list.
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Speaking of bookworms, pair the book stamp with a candle that speaks to their nerdy heart. ...Or, get one with another funny label. They smell great!
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We have a concrete tabletop fire pit and they're really fun for both s'mores and ambiance. It uses isopropyl alcohol! Easy peasy.
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Have a nerd on your list? Of course you do. Get them a national park print of their favorite fictional place — there's plenty.
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For the person who doesn't "need" anything, customized photo magnets declutters their fridge while still showcasing their favorite things.
Create Your Rule of Life
A Rule of Life is simply “a commitment to live your life in a particular way.” My four-part, self-paced audio workshop invites you (or someone on your gift list) to create your own unique Rule to pinpoint the core values that’ll help you say yes or no to the right things.
Toys & Games 🎯
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This is a beautiful handcrafted chess set that's lovely for both kids and adults who love chess. Comes with wood conditioner!
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A simple way to not default to screens to keep a kid occupied, there are many versions of these open-ended wooden activity coins.
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Build and maintain food webs in diverse biomes around the world. Created by a biology teacher, learn about ecosystems while playing a game!
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These simple wooden slingshots plus the 10 wool felt balls are perfect for any high energy kid (or adult). Good stocking stuffer!
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Our kids played with simple wooden blocks for years and for hours at a time — endless open-ended play for all ages. An heirloom classic toy!
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Our family got this simple outdoor game a while back and it's one of our favorites! Super simple to understand but challenging to play — legit fun.
For more gift ideas from small businesses, here’s my full gift guide collection on Etsy, full of wearables, art, home goods, toys, accessories, and much more. Shop local + small! 🎁
Podcast Merch!
Love A Drink With a Friend? Know someone who does? Show your love with t-shirts of all sizes, hoodies, mugs, stickers, and more.
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
― Hamilton Wright Mabie
Enjoy a simple, sacred Advent.
The four weeks leading up to Christmas Day comprise the historic liturgical season known as Advent. If you’re looking for a simple but meaningful guide — or if you’ve never done a darn thing for the season — you might like my book, Shadow & Light.