12 Gift Ideas for Gays, Queers, and Sensitive Types
12 Gift Ideas for Gays, Queers, and Sensitive Types
'tis the damn season for art books, gold jewelry, and emo-ass card games!
Babes,
So much to consume, so little time to talk about it. Because I simply *have* to fulfill my societal duty as a Taurus with some gift recommendations (the true meaning of Christmas) I’m going to consolidate this week’s media digest to the hottest takes I have, and the rest you can catch on Like a Virgin.
House of Gucci was a gorgeously staged, and often well-acted, episode of a historical crime thriller podcast. One that focused on most of the boring parts instead of the heart of the true story (Lady Gaga, an anti-hero who falls in love and becomes engulfed in power, greed, and obsession). It also didn’t earn its Lord of the Rings length, but I most certainly would have watched 2 hours and 38 minutes of Gaga and Adam Driver having sex.
Gossip Girl will maintain my interest only if it continues to be Riverdale-passing but I am having a hard time foraging through on a show that encourages, if not champions, demon twink energy.
The Great British Baking Show (no spoilers) had the tightest race in the history of GBBO finales, and I say that as someone who’s watched every single episode. I would have been happy with any winner, but the person who did win, though not my personal favorite, still made me cry. That focaccia though! My heart rate has not been that high in weeks.
The Janet Jackson Doc has a terrible title, but I’m glad the NYT heard my call for a meditation on what happened to her. I would have liked to watch something about the breadth of her career instead of this singular incident at the Superbowl that just reignites the rage machine, but I thought it was way more engaging and better reported than the Britney doc they put out earlier this year.
Selling Sunset has lost its edge now that Christine is way too aware of the cameras. Look, I love when she is mean and messy! But she cheats out to the audience in a way that continually diffuses my interest. Pouring one out for Vanessa, a beacon for the sole Latina in a workplace environment — though a shame she so quickly became Christine’s lackey. Also sad about Child Protective Services (babysitter cops) folding into Amanza’s drama, especially when there is camera footage of Christine basically suffocating her baby with hair extensions.
Anyway! It’s Christmas, and my friends will let you know that though I am a judgemental and self-involved try-hard, I am also an extremely good gift-giver. So here are some *genuinely good* *very gay* holiday gifts based on my particular taste. Enjoy!
Xx Fran
p.s. Would love to feature more queer-owned businesses! Please tweet/story me your recs and I’ll round some up in the next one!
p.p.s. Don’t forget you can always share the GIFT of a paid subscription to this newsletter that continues to support and patron my work. <3
some gift ideas that brought me joy this week
1. Not a gift, but I must start off by evangelizing Rakuten, a rebate/cash-back service that makes money off referral links and sends you literal *free money* for your purchases. Thank you Adam for sending to this born-and-raised deal hunter, slash, use my referral link and we both get $40 lmao.
2. This Fenty contour has one-upped my makeup game after coming highly recommended through my insufferable experimental makeup phase. It’s very forgiving and errs on the subtle side, but you can also rock something a little more Maleficent as seen in the above photo.
3. This adjustable “anal” ring is one of my favorite jewelry purchases and a great “omg” kind of gift for your friend who loves stupid things as much as you do. In addition to being a lol-worthy moment, it is actually very chic. (There’s another that says “cunt” if that fits your fancy.)
4. Art books, imo, can be a bit of a cop-out gift, but the Ren Hang book is a gorgeous, posthumous compilation of the photographer’s work and he remains one of my favorite artists of our generation. I’ve given this book as a gift before, but didn’t know how bad I wanted it until Fati gave it to me as a gift this month.
5. I also love these evil eye earrings by my friend Sera — a protective charm for all your queer kindred.
6. But if you’re looking for more understated jewelry, y’all know I love Laura Lombardi, esp this cable chain I’ve been eyeing. I’m also into the Adele earrings.
7. I think skincare can be a bit of an underwhelming gift (unless it’s a stocking stuffer), but Tata’s illuminating moisturizer is a fancy go-to when I don’t feel like doing my makeup. The effect will leave you so glowy, one time a bartender asked me what highlighter I was wearing! It also has a price point that says “I love you” and is on sale rn.
8. I am anti-gift card, but a Goldbelly subscription (not to be confused with the scammy probiotics Goodbelly) could be an exception. The well-curated nationwide food delivery service takes cult-following foods and makes them available everywhere. Have a friend that loves Chicago-style pizza? Misses New York bagels? Craves a Southern coconut cake? Find your bestie’s favorite food and slide a pic of it into the card — or stunt on them and just wrap an icebox filled with Boston oysters.
9. I’m new to the curly hair journey, but from what I know, silk pillowcases are an essential to curly girls (and a luxury to everyone else). I have one, but another set is on my own naughty girl list this year. Parachute has some good ones, but if you go another route, all I advocate for is 100% silk or bust.
10. You may think to yourself, ma’am this is just a green tank top, but this queer-owned brand really surprised me with the quality and shape of this ribbed shirt that comes in a few different colors. I love throwing it on top of something high-waisted and honestly wish I had multiple.
11. What are Esther Perel stans called? Perelnators? Esther’s Army? Well, regardless, I am one. The buzzy relationship expert has this card game based on the questions she often asks in her relationship therapy sessions, but the game can be played among friends too if you vibe with a group that likes to get deep, intimate, or over-sharey (queer people).
12. A robe is an exquisite gift for anyone, but this one made of sweatshirt material is the ultimate “I never knew I needed this” find.
this week’s action
One of my favorite illustrators launched a fundraiser that would extend her community-driven initiative to provide social/emotional learning-based art classes and art kits to kids all around the country. As someone who used to teach creative classes in under-resourced areas of Chicago, I can assure you that artwork is essential work, period. Let’s boost the imagination of generations to come!