December Already?

Welcome to the busy season!  This weekend marks the start of my epic holiday baking.  Between now and Christmas, I will be tackling  Marjorie's molasses cookies, pumpkin bread, blueberry muffins, cathedral cookies, all manner of brownies, lemon meringue pie, and apple pie.

Lately though, my attention has been less on baking and more on holiday shopping.  While I vastly prefer symbolic gifts and gifts of experiences (think a nice bar of chocolate from a good friend who knows my sweet tooth and reminds me of an evening on a summer downtown stoop, watching the people walk by--or the gift of a language class), there are also some fantastic, tangible ideas out there.

So in true Oprah style, here is a list of Shonna's favorite things to give or receive this holiday season.

From WineRacks.com, a set of recycled wine bottles, turned into tumblers.  Seriously, tumblers made from old wine bottles.  I LOVE this.  $22.50.

Do you know about Demeter Fragrance Library?  If not, you should.  Every fragrance you can think of, from Christmas in New York to Redhead in Bed, starting at just $6.  My husband's favorite is Whiskey Tobacco, and it is yum-yum-yummy!

As much as I loathe Amazon's predatory, sleazy business practices and strongly encourage you to always, always try for a local alternative, they have the best price and photos for this Melissa and Doug easel.  My niece is receiving it from me at Christmas, and I am so excited!  It's wooden, sturdy, and terrific for all manner of art projects.  $50.64.

Atelier Cologne, specifically Orange Sanguine. This feels like a splurge, but a little goes a very long way.  It's citrusy, but not overwhelmingly so. $50.

Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion. $15.  I have been wearing this lotion for years, ever since I sort of outgrew the Victoria's Secret pear lotion that I wore for years before that.  It's got a light apricot-almond scent, and there is a slight shimmer to the product.  It's all natural with no bad stuff or bad packaging, too.  People often ask about my skin, and all I can do is credit the Mario Badescu skin products I use.  I love them.  If you answer their skin survey questions, they will send you a bag of free samples.  Do it, it's fun!

Immersion Blenders from Cuisinart!  In rainbow colors for $29.95 at Sur La Table. 

Wool Blend Pea Coat from Land's End.  My husband's new favorite piece of clothing.  Add the special 40% off any single item, and this warm winter coat is now just $66.

For the book lover?  Any one of the seven selections from Maine Women Write. What is Maine Women Write?  It's a collective of authors joining forces to promote our books.  Since there is strength in numbers, we are battling the hazards of the mid-list together.  

To include, ahem, Show Me Good Land.  If you'd like, I will send you a signed book plate for the cost of postage. Just let me know!

Love chocolate?  Want something a little bit different?  Chuao Chocolatier blends chocolate, chili, sea salt, and Pop Rocks for an unusually pleasant sensation.  $18.

Shelbylyn and Rob Subia of Port City Photography in Portland took this author photo that I am absolutely, positively in love with.  For real, I am the least photogenic person in the universe, but after 168-some patient takes (and hilarious outtakes), and there was magic.  Book them for your family portraits, author photos, engagement and wedding, team sports--any time you need a photographer team that is fun, relaxed, and professional. 

And finally, one of my favorite local shops, Abacus Gallery.  They offer gift ideas for every personality, from Cordy Roy pig ($26) 

to earrings, note cards, art, furniture, sculpture, and all manner of fun stuff.  Now, with online shopping!  


So, these are some of my favorite gift ideas this holiday season. What are yours?

Challenge:  Write a list of your manuscript characters. What would they like to give or receive for a gift?