by Dana
As we're counting down to 2016, there's a lot of holidays left to celebrate and still a bunch of shopping to do, but no fear! I'm here to help out! I'm not great at shopping, so what I do to make the process easier for me is to buy from artists, writers, and organizations I know and love. There's probably a book event or art fair near you, so chances are, you can also also get your gift personalized.
Etsy is a super place to start—there's a whole world of gifts to suit every fandom. Or how about greeting cards and holiday cards or prints? I'm in love with these by Roxanne Patruznick.
I also love going to art or science museums , and they have some of the best gift shops ever. Or if you're feeling flush and looking for some stunning glass art, check out the work by Lyla Nelson. (Except you can't have this one; it's mine.)
Check out this fabulous Raith Rovers football shirt from Val McDermid! I won it, emerging victorious from a hard-fought auction at Murder and Mayhem in Milwaukee (part of which went to support Erin's Cardiac Crew). That auction's over, but don't despair! There is another auction still going on, and you can get signed books or character names for your mystery-reading friend. But hurry—there's only a day or two left!
There's auctions and do-gooding in the SF/F world, too! How about making a donation to WorldBuilders, and getting into a drawing for cool prizes? There's some items left on the auction, too. Or you could donate directly to Heifer International (or the cause of your recipient's choice—what is better than saying “hey, have a great holiday—I'm helping make the world a better place for you!”?
Or how about a subscription to a journal or literary mag? Die-hard Sherlockians might dig a year's worth of the Baker Street Journal. Got a hardbitten someone in your life who's looking for the coolest noir? Then check out Thuglit. And for anyone who's into everything, from traditional mysteries to comic books to movies, you can't go wrong with Crimespree Magazine.
Then there's a registration to a readers convention, like Malice Domestic and Bouchercon. There are regional events, like Murder and Mayhem in Milwaukee, or Boskone, for SF/F readers. (And here's a hint—if you go, you can get books or art—signed--for NEXT year!)
And well, there's always books (or comic books—some of the best writing today is in comics). A lot of best-of lists are coming out now, so those are excellent resources. Great suggests can be found in blogs, too, like Dru's Book Musings and BOLO—or, even, ahem, you could check out the latest from the Femmes Fatales own authors!
Happy Holidays!
Terrific ideas, Dana, and much appreciated. Love that art glass vase.
Posted by: Elaine Viets | December 14, 2015 at 05:13 PM
Thanks, Elaine! That vase was my birthday present to myself this year. :)
Posted by: Dana | December 15, 2015 at 07:04 AM