With the holiday upon us, it is easy to feel the avalanche of virtual advertisements and decideophobia. Not to mention this year, in-person shopping has become more than difficult than ever. Thus, we are here to suggest some last-minute gift ideas for your art-lover friends and families.
Needless to say, 2020 has been a hectic year. We’ve witnessed the shut-down of some of our favourite local stores and our country at-large. Independent artists are struggling as galleries close, exhibitions keep getting canceled. The entertainment industry, at the same time, is also struggling to stay afloat. With these 7 little ideas, you are not only sending love to your giftees, but also supporting local artists!
1. A Personalized Poem
Through the Poetry Society of New York, you are able to commission a personalized poem from one of the PSNY’s poets! Just share a few details about the person to whom you want to gift the poem, your relationship to them, some of your favourite memories, etc., and in less than a week, the poem will arrive in your friend’s mailbox!
2. The Poem Tote
In this New Yorker article, you are reminded of the golden rules on how to style your tote bag. The first and foremost thing: remember, totes are a great way to express yourself! That being said… Why not carry a poem tote that screams, Poems! ?
3. A Personalized Poetry Reading
On Poet Stream, you can connect to an international network of creators and receive from them a personalized reading. Surprise your beloved with a one-on-one zoom video with their favourite poets, or… tarot readers, pole dancers, guitar soloists, and 21 century witches!
4. Lady Poet T-shirt
If you are thinking of gifts for a poetry lover, then this series of lady poet T-shirts is your go-to gift. Featuring images of female poets including Anna Akhamatova, Lucille Clifton, Sylvia Plath, Audre Lorde, Adrienne Rich, Anne Sexton, etc., the Lady Poet Unisex T-shirt is also a part of the PSNY's Ideal Object series, a collab between PSNY's design team and a poet/artist who sought to manifest their vision of that object's formal ideal. You are also gifting the artists by purchasing, since 20% of each sale will be used to support the artist!
5. The Perfect Circle Pillow
Who wouldn't like something with poetry, art, and comfort all at the same time? The design of The Perfect Circle Pillow is inspired by the objects, activities, & places that brought us comfort during the pandemic. We promise it will create a more profound sense of comfort than your average pillow!
6. Milk Press Zine
A little zine is always a good idea. At Milk Press, there is a limited edition zine featuring works spontaneously created by the artists and poets who were at the 9th annual New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island in 2019. This includes Chen Chen, Donna Masini, Armoni Boone, Tina Wang, Isabel Theselius, Sarahann Swain, Kate Belew, Heather Delaney, Larissa Hauck, Gregg Emery, and Nebula + Velvet Queen, etc. It will bring you and your friends back to the days where we could still hear live poetry in a split second.
7. PSNY Membership
If your friend/ lover/ family is a poetry lover who wants unique, one-of-a-kind experiences, why not gift them an annual membership at the Poetry Society of New York? The membership benefits include discounted tickets to the amazing Poetry Brothel performances, VIP admission to next year’s New York Poetry Festival, discounts for all merchandises, and so much more! Most importantly, they might just find their perfect poetry community.