Next week is my birthday and as I edge closer to my 40's I count among my achievements building a community of artists as my friends. You can find tons of gift guides out there where the writer receives payment for listing "best-of" links, but this list will gain me nothing but a high-five the next time I visit a good buddy. I saw many of these projects in their early stages (some in my very own home) and am delighted to show them to you now for the 2016 holiday season.
For the children...
From the unique mind of architect and artist Brad Gehrig comes this book for all ages who love to color and delight in the weird.
Brad Gehrig has the charming habit of adding a doodle to his daughter Wren's onsie's every morning and you can have one for your own little cuddle bug. My daughter has one titled "Cuddle Bug" and for X-mas she is getting "Poop Monster". Check all his designs out for adults and small humans at Brad's Zazzle shop.
This is my go-to baby shower gift. Melissa Neiman has created a shop filled to the brim with books and clothing for the book lover who wants to share their love of reading great books with the children in their lives. Find her work in the Little Literary shop.
In this case I only know the illustrator, Jessica Dupree. But, I love her work and am looking forward to enjoying this one with my own kiddos.
For the teens...
Author CK Dawn has created an exciting new world in her Netherwalker series where her young heroines serve as modern knights of the Round Table battling monsters in an world-spanning adventure tale. Excellent holiday reading. Well-reviewed and award winning as you can see by checking her work out on Amazon.
I can't believe this is already on it's fourth edition. I happen to have a first edition copy of this great board game by Tory Neiman. This may or may not be because he was a groomsman in my wedding. There is also an expansion pack available. This is a holiday favorite at our house.
For the adults...
If you have a discerning Podcast lover in your life this is THE gift. My friend Andrea Rogalski is a sculptor, seamstress, and all-around artist who knocked it out of the park with this activity book in tribute to the Earwolf podcast dynasty. 36 pages of origami, mad libs, coloring pages, and more! Mark the demise of Comedy Bang Bang and/or your secret crush on Jason Mantzoukas with this holiday treat.
For any person who is not a shrinking violet may I suggest any art by Michael Ellis. He is a fine artist by training and the creator of the syndicated comic Cletus the Defeatist.
Apologies to any friends who I didn't remember to put on the list. I tried to stick to folks who have new-ish stuff out this year. Send me an email if you are working on a new project and I will add you to 2017!