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It’s That Time of Year

Posted by: Ashley Baylor
Posted: December 10, 2015
Categories: Uncategorized

holidayShoppingHat_700px

… when I have no idea what to get anyone for Christmas, and it’s crunch time. Ya feel me?

I’ve spent years last-minute buying my older brother (the gift-buying-pro, mind you) tiny nostalgic items like anything Star Wars or Nintendo, old 90s candies we used to buy for a dime (no, I’m not that old, just from a small town), and he would kindly pretend to like them.

ashleyBaylor_320I no longer want to be “that sister.” This year, I gotta step up my game! Since he likes nostalgia, and he’s a geek, I’ve decided to buy him a Funko Pop for his desk.

He will probably hate this, too, but at least he can resell it on eBay in two months for 5x its original price, then buy himself something nice. This, I have a feeling, he will appreciate more than the thought behind it.

This is not a blog about my shopping list, though. It’s about you and your holiday shopping list, and ways to make it better and more unique than last year!

Before we begin, did you hear about Hipster Santa? Just checking. (You’re welcome.)

Local:

Screen Shot 2015-12-10 at 9.55.26 AMGuys, this is NOT a stock photo! My friend really got this tattoo, this week. She’s seriously a local-minded, small business supporter! I’m not suggesting you take it this far; however, I am suggesting you check out these things if you haven’t already:

Tonight: Okay, if you’re so busy shopping that you don’t have time to read this blog, at least read this/go here — TONIGHT! The Yelp Totally Bazaar event showcases tons of local artisans! (Tonight = 12.10.15)

Giving within the Community: Exodus Refugee’s Gift Catalog is a great resource if you’re looking for a means to help someone in need. Also, let’s not leave out those who celebrate Hanukkah. If you’d like to keep things local, consider giving to the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis in lieu of a gift this season.

Artists: Supporting local artists is always fun and a great gift idea! Indy artists Justin Vining, Jonathan McAfee, and Ashley Kinner are three of my personal favorites, but Harrison Center for the Arts is a great way to connect with and purchase local artists’ work. Indy Reads Books is also a great resource for viewing/buying local art. They showcase a new artist each month (as well as also having two signed John Green books for sale right now, just sayin’).

Shops: I could list my faves (Homespun, Silver in the City, Luna Music, the newly relocated Outpost Indy, Izzy and Es, and James Dant just to name a few) but let’s not re-invent the wheel. Visit Indy has already compiled an amazing 25 Only-In-Indy Gifts list that you need to, HAVE TO, check out!

It’s the Thought that Counts (so let’s be sure to really think about it, shall we?):

I find myself relying on this excuse mostly when I’m buying for my parents/grandparents or new friends. I really want to get them something special. But it can be tricky. Here are a few universal ideas that can turn any good, thoughtful gift into the BEST gift:

Photos: Parental figures in our lives love pictures, so let’s encourage the taking down of our embarrassing senior photos with a photo gift or two from: Artifact Uprising or Parabo Press. What I like most about these sites is that one of them is always running a Free 25 Print sale! (*Shipping not included) Right now, Parabo Press’s code is: SQGR5
My favorite gift items are calendars and soft cover photobooks (and gift cards for the Instagram obsessed family members, *cough* me *cough.*)

Give: For the person who really does have everything, (or more specifically, the woman), and sincerely does not want anything, you could always show them how much you care while simultaneously caring for someone/something else. Here are a few of my favorite non-profits (some of which also offer some pretty classy gift items): Charity Water, The Giving Keys, Krochet Kids.

Yeah, but…
Still not feeling the suggestions? What about giving the gift of experience! How about tapping into what we do best: Facebook Stalking. Does your new friend like yoga? What’s their favorite local coffee shop? Buy them a couple sessions or gift card and invite them to join you! You could also consider giving the loving gift of an I-O-U IndyHub Passport for 2016-2017!

I’ve Got Your Back:

What to buy someone who may/may not be your boyfriend/girlfriend:
Have no fear, I didn’t come up with this list, but I do totally approve and highly suggest the last idea: buying him/her tickets to a concert, play, or exhibition. Not only is it an awkward-free, solid idea, it doubles as the perfect gift for yourself should this ‘relationship’ turn out to not really be a relationship at all, or is over before you’ve even exchanged gifts.

What to bring to that holiday party that you may/may not be all that excited about:
A snazzy twist on a classic drink or baked good from one of these amazing blogs: Sugar and Cloth, A Beautiful Mess. You’ll have fun trying something new, plus it’ll be a conversation starter once you’re there! (They’re also packed with gift ideas, DIY projects, and holiday giveaways!)

White Elephant/Secret Santa: I’m just gonna go ahead and quote Brit + Co who said it perfectly: “I got 99 problems but a creative white elephant gift / secret santa present ain’t one.” Just take a look at their list and this one (especially if you were having a hard time finding that 50 Shades of Grey Cookbook).

I wish you good luck and tidings of great joy and stuff, and oh, you should click this one last, ridiculously worth it link. Happy shopping!

Screen Shot 2015-12-10 at 9.55.58 AMPhoto credits to Cate Pickens and Heather Schrock.

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