I am not someone who dreams for the holiday season and counts down to it but as the weather went from 60° last week to a high of 40s and lows in the 30s this past weekend, I walked around and thought that I wouldn’t mind a Christmas candle smell in the air and coming home to a wreath on my door. Which means it’s also that time of year when I start buying presents for some of my favorite people, myself included! (It also helps that I have a December birthday.) I’ve put together this little holiday gift guide in case you need help or are looking for inspiration on what to get the people you care about this holiday season.

THE 256 PROJECT HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE – FOR ADULTS

Clockwise from top left:

1. Aretha Franklin’s “Aretha Now” album – There are some leisurely mornings that I wake up and the sun is shining and all I want to do is blast music and sing and dance to it when I’m making my breakfast and waiting for that cup of coffee to finish brewing. Ever since Daniel bought me a record player several years ago, we have slowly been building a record collection. And I mean, slowly! Well, that stops this holiday season as I have my eye on some vinly to purchase for him and he knows which musicians are at the top of my list. For the music lovers in your life, especially those building record collections, I highly suggest buying them an album or two. Need help deciding what kinds of vinyl to buy? A friend once told me he only buys music that would have originally been released on vinyl. Aretha Franklin’s passing this year reminded me that I need more of her voice in my life and “Aretha Now” is at the top of my list.
2. OMY Black Cosmic Giant Poster – A few friends and I go on a vacation together for a few days almost every year. There are kids involved and I wanted to get the kids an activity that would be fun for them and also occupy their time away from the adults (Ha! I’m sooooo great with kids!). I found this coloring poster of Keith Haring artwork (I’m a fan of his work) so I brought that as well as a big box of new Crayola crayons and… then the adults basically did almost the entire poster ourselves. I forgot how much fun coloring can be and how much I love the smell and look of brand new crayons! In the spirit of the adult who’s just a big kid inside (I feel ya), OMY has giant coloring posters meant to be colored in and I have my eye on this “Black Cosmic” one.
3. Bob Marley and the Wailer’s “Exodus” album – I have long been a fan of Bob Marley’s and the sounds of his voice and music have never failed to calm me down. Do you have someone in your life who could use or who would appreciate this kind of vibe at home? Bob Marley and the Wailers to the rescue! See also Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh (a former Wailer who went on to solo stardom).
4. Amongst the Liberal Elite – For those people in your life who have been on the “resist” side of politics the past couple of years, then this book is for them. Written by my friend Elly Lonon, this humorous graphic novel tells the tale of a…precious…couple getting woke. It’s super funny and features beautiful illustrations by Joan Reilly.

THE 256 PROJECT HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE – FOR THE HOME

From left to right:

1. Industry West Brass Bookends – Okay, okay, okay, I like brass and I don’t care who knows it. I love these bookends by Industry West because they are really pretty little sculptures that don’t have to be a whole lot of much to make a statement and solve a purpose. (No longer available.)
2. Global Views Crosshatch Decanters – Okay, okay, okay, I like gold and I don’t care who knows it. These decanters, found at Walter E. Smithe (no longer available), would make such beautiful gifts. This design also is available in other barware, including cocktail classes, and I want to scoop up all of them.

THE 256 PROJECT HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE – FOR PETS

From left to right:

1. The Wolf Nest Dog Bed (no longer available) – I know this category is for pets generally, but it’s really for dogs because, if you follow me on Instagram or know me, then you know just how much I love my dog. Every year I think I’ll finally get her something nice to put under the tree at Christmas. We usually just get her a combination of treats and chew toys for her stocking (yes, she has her own stocking!) and for under the tree. But maybe this year is the year that I finally replace her old, beat up dog bed with one of these from The Wolf Nest. I like the simplicity of the design, the colors available, and how it looks like a nice floor pillow that anyone could have in their home and not something specifically for pets.
2. Highland Design Company Elevated Dog Feeder – Something my dog needs? Check. Something pretty? Check. Supports craftsmanship? Check. I have had this item favorited for years on Etsy. I mean, it’s a Mid-Century Modern design for a dog that would look great anywhere in the house. It just gets me.

THE 256 PROJECT HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE – FOR KIDS

From left to right:

1. Taluli Studio Kids Harem Pants – When harem pants came into style 10 years ago, I was all about it. Then they started being made for kids and I thought it was the cutest thing, especially because kids’ fashion has evolved so much in the past decade and for the better, in my opinion. The fact that harem pants are still around and kids of all ages can still look cute and stylish in them make me very happy. So, of course, on my gift guide list are these unisex harem pants from Etsy store Taluli Studio that come in a variety of colors and sizes for kids of all ages.
2. She Persisted and Baby Feminists – Along the lines of Amongst the Liberal Elite (in the “For Adults” section of this gift guide) are these two books for babies and kids. Can’t start early enough, in my opinion, teaching kids about equality and fighting for justice for themselves and for others. She Persisted is written by none other than Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Baby Feminists is written by Libby Babbott-Klein with illustrations by Jessica Walker. There are so many young boys and girls in my life to whom I’d love to gift these books.
3. Subtle Simplicity Coloring Characters – So I guess coloring is a theme of this gift guide! These washable coloring characters by Etsy shop Subtle Simplicity look like great stocking stuffers or gifts to bring to any holiday party where you know kids will be and will need to be entertained.

So there you have it, The 256 Project 2018 Holiday Gift Guide. Any gifts you have in mind for yourself or others? If so, please share below as I bet that we could all use a few more ideas!