I was thinking about what it might look like to relaunch ye old blog of mine the other day, and for the first time in over a year I got really excited about it. Maybe it’s because algorithms on social media are making it harder to make sure you receive the encouragement I share. Maybe it’s because I’m becoming drawn back to an arena of communications where quality is more important than quantity. Or maybe it’s because I don’t have 10,000 followers on Instagram so I can’t share links in my stories.
Whatever the reason, it feels good to be back, and to kick things off with this year’s gift guide. I’ve done these for a long time – which usually means I get constant spam mail from companies trying to convince me to change my links to their products (note: that never works. Knock it off, guys). But it’s just too fun for me to check out your gift guides and find things I might never have considered, and it’s a great way for me to share some of my favorites with you.
By the way – and probably a spicy take – the new format of “pay me to include your product in my gift guide” makes my heart hurt. Good for business? Probably. An authentic representation of things you truly love? Eh. Questionable. Have I done it? One time – and only because it was for an organization that I adore and support financially anyway and it didn’t cost me thousands of dollars and my first born child.
So, without further ado, fancy formatting, and probably with no affiliate links because it’s early and I’m feeling too lazy to jump THAT far back into blogging – here is my 2019 gift guide.
2019 Gift Guide
Membership Gifts
Have someone on your list who has a writing dream you believe in? Why not support them with a subscription to a membership group that would help them take their next step? Here are some of the ones I love:
She Works His Way
Hopewriters
Write that Book
Gifts for Book Lovers
Parnassus Books 3-Month Subscription
Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club Subscription
Reading Journal & Planner
Gifts for the Home
Twindles Handmade Candles
Middle Spring Soap Co. Handmade Vegan Soap
Subscription to An Inside Crush
Gifts to Encourage Rest
Cultivate What Matters “Write the Word” Journal
Oversize Faux-Fur Heated Blanket
Alarm Clock (so you can keep your phone far away from your bed)
There is something really beautiful about keeping the holidays simple and profound. Make it about the relationships, honoring the community God has given you, and investing in people – not with your finances, but your presence. This Christmas, let someone know that you see their gifts, you value them, and that you’re cheering for them.
