Something that resembles another gift guide
Pt. 2 // more one-of-a-kind finds for the special people in your life + unearthing a small ounce of confidence for 2023
Happy Monday, friends! I hope this newsletter finds you thriving, with some ounce of sanity and chillness left in a month that seems to go by overwhelmingly fast, bulldozing even the most emotionally stable extroverts on its journey to leave us all exhausted and dazed for the worst month of the year, January.
I am currently writing this with a left arm that weighs approximately 12,000 pounds and legs that feel like they ran the New York City Marathon without even one teeny tiny stretch, the result of a heavily mixed cocktail of the second Moderna booster topped off with a flu shot floater. Having just recovered from my first cold in almost three years, on top of continued long Covid fatigue ass kicking, I am reminded about how much we’ve all collectively been through these last few years - because what is December if not a time where it’s completely natural to sink into a deep existential crevice about how quickly time flies and how fragile we humans are on this giant rock hurdling through space. Along with this, I’ve been pondering this personal corner of the internet, born out of my pandemic slump, and the coinciding weightless creative joy meets paralyzing self-conscious panic I have felt in “putting myself out there.” Turns out, all those inspirational quotes about “going for it” are, in fact, correct and it’s true that no matter how nice and great and fantastic you might be, someone is always going to either not like you or will unsubscribe to your wildly awesome newsletter. It’s fine, I’m fine.
In the spirit of “going for it” and countless people telling me to “get over myself”, I have decided to expand Junior Year into something that feels more like a fullish time gig (or something- we’re going with the “fake it until you make it” approach.) Introducing, Club Junior Year on ye olde Instagram.
Give it a follow if your heart so desires! I’m hoping to create a lil community both here on Substack and Instagram/Pinterest filled with folks looking to give old things new life, find festively unique creative inspiration, talk tv/movies/music/books, dive into weekly discussion topics and to connect on a deeper level than the dreaded “❤️” as a “reply” in the DMs. I haven’t fully fleshed out the future of it all, but I’m hoping to launch a quarterly digital magazine filled with cool people doing cool things, some limited drops of vintage goodies I’ve sourced, and maybe even some in-person dinner parties for connecting with new people as an adult because that shit is hard and dinner parties are really fun and I would throw them more often if I had more motivation. The possibilities feel endless and I’m excited to go through the emotional twirly whirly rollercoaster of presenting myself as a creative to you all. Please hold my hand and tell me you love me.
And while I know it’s somehow already the second full week of December and somehow it’s already almost too late for ordering gifts, I am still here to give you lots of fun, unique ideas because here at Junior Year it’s all about the thought and less about making sure it’s delivered by Hanukkah or Christmas, y’know? So if you’re sitting at work panicked about a unique, thoughtful gift to give your best pal, I’m here to help!
I did a series of Instagram stories a few weeks ago highlighting fun things on Etsy and who and how I would gift them and it was a hit so that’s what I have to offer you today! (Also gender is a construct 🙃 so this will be situational and not gender focused.) Without further ado:
For the one who just got into cooking: This super rad cookbook from 1969 that has incredible illustrations and probably some very funky recipes. I would pair it with some festive salt and pepper shakers and a luxury cooking item - like Fishwife’s tinned tuna or some Graza olive oil.
For the one who just moved into their first solo apartment: A vintage set of art books for their coffee table or a handful of vintage Playboys for the perfect bathroom reading material.
For the one with all the White Lotus conspiracy theories: A selection of Agatha Christie mystery novels (It would be so fun to do a book club where you read every single one of her novels - for hating true crime I loved these books as a kid.) Bonus points for wrapping it in this opening credit worthy vintage handkerchief.
For the one who loves to host: A vintage hosting book filled with what I’m sure is a decent amount of cringey but amusing advice and lots of fantastic illustrations. Pair it with a fun wine or maybe even a wine club subscription, if you like, really love them a lot or something.
For the one who loves to toke: I cannot get over this 1930’s cigarette case. The peach celluloid! The gemstone ring detail! It’s perfect for living on your bedside table or on display in your living room. If you really love them, fill it with pre-rolled joints or pair it with a cool vintage ashtray and festive rolling papers.
For the one who loves to bartend: There are so many super old, super kooky bartender books on Etsy and eBay. This one is super old and would look amazing on a bar cart. Pair it with some retro cocktail glasses and luxury cherries or olives.
For the one shopping for a little: These little observer books are so colorful with the best illustrations for a curious kid. They seem to have only been published in the UK so most of the options to buy are overseas - but dang, they would look so awesome in a kids room. Pair it with a retro themed toy like this bowling set with the most amazing box.
***vintage note: most toys (and honestly a good deal of other things) if dated pre-1980 are likely to have traces of lead paint. You can buy at home testing kits if you really want to collect something in particular, but honestly I would probably buy this for the awesome box and repurpose it with a new, modern bowling set/DIY it to look similar!***
For the one who just moved to a new city: Consider a vintage city guide for the place they moved to or a collectible vintage state souvenir handkerchief. Bonus points if you put it in a cool frame as a keepsake for them.
I hope this little guide is helpful for those looking to give meaningful gifts that make core memories with friends and loved ones for years to come. I think it’s also important to acknowledge that this time of year can generally be the true meaning of weird, filled with moments of quiet but palpable tensions, crippling, tearful loneliness and a yearning for a sense of belonging. If you’re feeling any of those things, you’re very much not alone. The internet is a vast, Dyson-powerful vacuum that will lead you to believe a lot of things about what the holidays are supposed to look like, but I assure you, everyone is a little bit of a fucked up mess, even if it’s hidden behind filters and flashy parties and bright, shiny red-lipsticked smiles. If you’re looking for a sign to check in on a friend or family member you’ve lost touch with, this is it! Sometimes the best gift is telling someone you’re thinking of them✨
And on that sappy but truthful note, until next time!
xo,
G
Love the idea for friend that moved to a new city, keeping that one bookmarked!!
Existential crevice would be a GREAT band name