Black Friday
I’m still in shock that it’s already holiday season at the mall. And it’s not like holiday season just started, it’s been going strong for several weeks already. It made me a little sad that the transition went straight from scary ghosts and pumpkins to holiday present craziness. What happened to the holiday in the middle where we give thanks for the things we already have?
So, IF you decide that you need to buy things this coming Friday, I figured I’d send out a couple of suggestions to assuage your consumer guilt. If you’re going to buy things, at least figure out how to buy things that support good causes and good people. Here some suggestions for rocking Asian American gifts this holiday season.
Another Calendar?
Tired of giving that same Dilbert or Anne Geddes calendar? Try something with a little more bite, like Lela Lee’s Angry Little Girls 2008 Calendar. People always crack up when see my 2007 calendar hanging in my office. (hint hint)
Something Sustainable
I know that I have been trying to evaluate how my actions impact the earth. Disposable plasticware is such a waste, but I’m never organized enough to bring in my own. This resusable bamboo utensil set is the perfect solution, eco-friendly and produced by WEAVE, an organization which helps to provide opportunities for leadership and empowerment for women and children from Burma.
Something Sustainable and Angry
And, if you want to be eco-friendly and angry at the same time, this bag, again from Angry Little Girls, just cracks me up. (hint hint)
Underwear
If you feel the need to give underwear, try blacklava’s “I Will Not Love You Long Time” briefs (only for girls, unfortunately). I tried, but I couldn’t find any Asian American owned sock businesses.
For Kids
Got kids on your shopping list?
- Try a book from Lee and Low books, an independent children’s book publisher focusing on multicultural stories, such as “Baseball Saved Us.”
- I’m a HUGE fan of Grace Lin’s books, like “Dim Sum for Everyone!“
- For a first lesson in community activism, try Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel, another personal favorite. This book is written in both English and Tagolog!
Gifts that keep on giving
Personally, come March, it’s nice to get a gift that keeps on giving. Like a magazine subscription to Hyphen Magazine, the gift of music, or the gift of time spent with whatever local community organizations you feel connected to. (hint hint) =)
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