Holigay Gift Guide: Goblin Mode

Some of us never left “goblin mode” behind in 2022, when it arose via a doctored headline featuring the appropriately bisexual Julia Fox. Goblin mode, at its heart, is about shirking societal expectations and disobeying authority. The goblin is not straight, does not dream of labor, and likes what they like without apology. Sometimes this looks like wrapping themselves in a burrito of blankets and sleeping all day, and sometimes it looks like thoughtfully caring for their space and filling it with crafts. And listen, I’m not going to stereotype myself and other queers by saying that we’re goblins. But we’re often kinda goblins. We have executive dysfunction and seasonal depression! We need to decompress! We don’t necessarily WANT to socialize! But we love you. We do.

So, below, we have gifts for those in your life going goblin mode this season or all seasons, presents for the filthy gremlins you picked up on your quest, and offerings for the absolute trolls who are near and dear to your heart.

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Goblin Gifts Under $30

First of all, I have it on good authority that part of going goblin mode can involve this thing called Squishmallows. There is an endless array of these little guys, each with their own story. Your dear goblin may enjoy this mushroom in a scarf, just as a thought! And what is a gremlin, a goblin, a troll if they aren’t causing chaos? They may reject labels, but I think they’ll make an exception for the Autostraddle Gay Chaos socks. Plus, it’s accurate! Speaking of gay chaos, your goblin is either a) consistently dehydrated or b) something known as a Beverage Goblin, or one who drinks at least three different beverages (one for caffeination, one for hydration, one for fun) at once! If you’re lucky enough to get some one-on-one time with the goblin, then there is nothing that communicates the feelings of coziness and moistness simultaneously like this lightly competitive yet soothing game where you collect mushrooms in the forest and cook them in a cast iron pan to earn points.

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Goblin Gifts $31-$50

We started to get into this with the squishmallows, but a goblin is aggressive about their coziness, fiercely protective of their lair, and maybe even in need of some sensory aids. You could get them a weighted blanket, literally be a hero. Or what about a bed tray? If you want to be extra cute, you could turn the bed tray into a whole gift situation by adding some of their favorite snacks, maybe the tumbler, too. Finally, they’re not always reading or watching while cozy. Often, you’ll find a goblin crafting or taking up a new hobby here and there until they’ve accrued a whole library of hobby supplies. So, why not a self-contained project? This kit contains everything a goblin needs to crochet cacti friends. They get an activity…and then some pretty cute decor!

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Goblin Gifts $50+

If you want them to up their game in the bedroom, you can gift your goblin who’s already rotting in bed a reading pillow! Also great for gaming, crocheting, scheming comfortably. And if you thought that first sentence there was going to be sexual, why not get a vibrator that looks like a cute lil monster…for your cute lil monster? Lastly, a goblin is a deep, emotional being at times, too. Like ogres and onions, they have layers. And did you, my friend with excellent taste, know that you can sign someone up to receive a new book of poetry every month from Bluestockings Collective? Because you can! And just because you can, means that maybe you should.

Holigay Gift Guide: What To Buy the Muscle Masc in Your Life

Famously, I got into weightlifting last year for one very simple reason and then it became my whole personality. What I’ve learned over the last 15 months is that while weightlifting and powerlifting are simple sports, since you’re basically just picking stuff up and putting it back down, the gear you need to perform your best in the gym becomes more important (and expensive!) as your journey progresses. If you want to keep adding weight to the bar, you have to set yourself up for success and some of that success comes from choosing the items for your body that will give you the correct amount of support (and leverage) to keep doing that.

I will say, though, as someone who didn’t go all in all at once, the weightlifter in your life doesn’t need everything right away. I’m pragmatic, so mostly I think it’s good to do a thing for a while and see how much you like it before fully committing. When I was thinking about writing this gift guide for other lifters, I realized it would be beneficial to reflect that here  — you’ll see it’s broken down in different stages, so you can judge where the lifter in your life currently is. In addition to that, I’m including some tighter budget items and more size-inclusive options as well, because I don’t think anyone should be kept from being their best self in the gym just because of finances or lack of available larger sizes.

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For When They’re Just Getting Into It

When I first started training, I had a beat up old cloth backpack, a pair of Reebok running shoes, and some loose-fitting clothes that I didn’t mind using for the gym. Obviously, at that point, I didn’t realize how important training would become to me but if I could go back in time, I’d give myself this stuff regardless.

A good gym bag that doesn’t cost over $100 is hard to find, and the lifter in your life — no matter what their level is — doesn’t need a bag that costs over $100. The Adidas Defender is perfect: It has a large main compartment, a lot of pockets (including two options for where to store shoes), and it’s waterproof. As far as activewear goes, I’m really into the shorts and pants RASKOL puts out. Their classic bodybuilding shorts, performance shorts, and “dump covers” come in a variety of colors and styles, and recently, they came out with a line of denim-like pants and jorts you can work out in. Mostly though, I train in these Hane’s bike shorts because they’re inexpensive and they stay tight-ish on my body. It’s essential to have a good, flat shoe when you’re performing heavy lifts, so that’s where barefoot shoes really come in handy. Many brands of barefoot shoes are over $150 for some reason, but not Xero Prios. They come in under $100, and they’re perfect. Even my strength coach got on the Prio train after I showed up to the gym with them.

The last thing I’d suggest is to get the lifter in your life started on some important strength-building supplements. With weightlifting, your diet is just as important as your training so it’s important for the lifter in your life to up their protein intake. BodyTech is Vitamin Shoppe’s home brand and personally, I love their whey protein isolate because it’s relatively cheap, often on sale, and tastes good. If I want to splurge, I’ll usually go for something from Ghost’s line of whey proteins. My favorite is the Nutter Butter, but the Cinnabon is great, too. And since you’re already at the supplement store anyways, you should pick up a 100-day supply of Creatine Monohydrate for them. It’ll aid in muscle growth and performance and help their muscles recover after stress.

Now That They’ve Been in It for a Minute

I don’t usually train with headphones anymore because my strength gym is small enough that we can control the music playing when we want to but I know not everyone has that precious luxury. I’ve been eyeing these Soundcore Space One Headphones for a while after I saw a couple of other lifters recommend them due to their quality and durability, and they’re most definitely on my list this year for that reason.

Now that I’m getting into extremely heavy lifts in my training, I’m understanding the importance of using equipment that helps keep your body more stable and less likely to fold under the pressure of that heavy lift. Not only that, but we also can’t predict the stability of our joints until we really put them to the test through strength training (and other kinds of sports, I assume). Two things I’d highly recommend getting for the lifter in your life once they’ve decided lifting is truly for them are a powerlifting belt and some wrist wraps. Powerlifting belts help lifters brace their core for heavy lifts, helps reduce the impact on their lower back, and prevents lifters from hyperextending their back while lifting so eventually. It becomes essential. With the powerlifting belt, you have a few different options but mostly it comes down to buckle type. Personally, I prefer the old school weightlifting look of regular buckled belts, and this Pioneer belt has the added bonus of having off-set holes that make it easier to get the perfect fit. However, I know a lot of people prefer lever belts because they can just quickly pop them open when they’re done lifting, and the SBD lever belts are the gold standard because they’re made well and come in extended sizes. Wrist wraps are similarly stabilizing, but specifically for your wrists. Wrists are complex joints and a lot can go wrong with them in a lift before lifters even fully realize it Titan THP Wrist Wraps are the first ones I bought, and I’m going to keep using them for as long as I possibly can.

A good pair of deadlift socks is not as much of a necessity when it comes to performing better, but they might save the lifter in your life some shin pain. A lot of times, our shins get a little beat up from deadlifting, especially if they’re pulling their deadlifts in a particular way or if their gym has older equipment with rougher grooves in the bars. A7 deadlift socks come in a lot of different colors and styles, they’re not too costly, and they’re suitable for competition so they can be used in the gym and on the platform.

Oh, Now They’re Really Cookin’

As the lifter in your life gets more serious about weightlifting and powerlifting, they’re probably often going to be thinking about two things: safely adding as much weight to the bar as possible and training for competition.

If they’ve already most or all of the stuff in the previous section, and it seems like they can’t possibly need or want more stuff, you’re wrong. There are other things they need and want and most likely covet from time to time. Squatting is the most technical lift in powerlifting, and it can also be the hardest to perfect and to overload. (Trust me, I know from personal experience.) Barbell squats demand a lot of the body, and by now, you’ve probably heard the lifter in your life complain a few times about day-after muscle soreness as a result of squatting. So, why not help them do it a little easier and safer? Compression knee sleeves are a good place to start helping because knee sleeves help blood flow to the knee while also keeping it warm, stable, and aligned as lifters squat. That stability can go a long way in terms of preventing injury and improving lifters’ squats overall. There are many options for compression knee sleeves, especially now as weightlifting and powerlifting are gaining some popularity, but I think keeping it simple is best. The Gym Reapers 7 millimeter knee sleeves are simple but also kind of badass because of the design, and compared to a lot of others, they’re super affordable. Personally, I have my sights set on the Iron Rebel performance knee sleeves this year because they have extended sizes and will fit me better than any others.

Speaking of Iron Rebel, if the lifter in your life has been throwing around the idea of competing at a powerlifting meet, I highly recommend their All-Star Unisex Singlet. Not only do they come in extended sizes, but they’re also high quality, not too expensive, and have the perfect inseam length. I just competed in my first meet using this singlet, and believe me, I was happy I went with it. And now that the lifter in your life is really serious, they’re likely going to need some squat shoes, especially if they have any ankle mobility issues (which many of us do!). Squat shoes help make squats more efficient by allowing for even weight distribution throughout the whole foot. Squat shoes can be extremely expensive, sometimes costing upwards of $300, which seems too exorbitant to me. Adidas kind of fills the gap for budget squat shoes by offering two models — the Powerlift 5 and the Adipower 3 — at different price points to fit your financial needs.

Lastly, listen, the lifter in your life is probably going to eventually want some of their own smelling salts. Smelling salts aren’t my favorite thing, but I have witnessed how much they help other lifters get hyped and focused for completing big, max effort lifts. I see Ward Smelling Salts being thrown around a lot as the vanguard for good smelling salts, so I would say start there. They’d make a great stocking stuffer.

Some Extra Stuff They Might Want or Need

If you’re noticing the lifter in your life getting more and more serious about their training as the weeks go by, you might also see that commitment leaking into their wardrobe. I don’t have a ton of lifting-themed shirts, but most of the ones I do have come from Kinda Fit, Kinda Fat. I just love the concept of the brand: That lifting and fitness are for anyone, at any size. Also, they come up with some clever graphic t-shirt concepts that I think are fun to wear.

I realize I didn’t talk about it much overall in this guide, but readiness and recovery are critical parts of weightlifting and powerlifting. Luckily, there is one compact tool that can help the lifter in your life accomplish both: A foam roller. Foam rollers can be used before a workout during a warm up to help loosen your muscles and increase the circulation in their body, which could lead to better results throughout their training that day overall. Usually, I use this OPTP Black Axis Firm Foam Roller at home after training to help prevent myofascial adhesions from forming around new muscle growth and to help prevent soreness the following day.

One thing I didn’t know before I decided to sign up for a powerlifting meet with my good friend a few months ago was that you need to be a member of a powerlifting association in order to compete. There are two big powerlifting associations in the U.S. — United States Powerlifting Association and U.S.A. Powerlifting — and most meets (there are tons of meets per year) are hosted and overseen by them. Membership in an association is almost $100 for the year, so it might be a nice gift for the lifter in your life if they’ve been thinking about competing. Before you give this gift, however, just be aware of some issues with participating in powerlifting competitions and in being part of powerlifting organizations. Like most competitive sports, powerlifting is segregated by gender classes in addition to weight and age classes. The USAPL explicitly bans trans lifters from competing in the competitions they moderate, and the USPA allows trans lifters to compete in the non-drug tested division of their competitions. I agree that this is wrong and should be changed (and I have expressed my discomfort with that aspect of competing in a piece I wrote about training for competition), but I’m including it here in case the lifter in your life has expressed some desire to compete. If they have, these are currently the only options available for local, state, and national competition. And even with that, there will always be limitations in regards to which competitions are available in your area or not.

This last one is a different kind of recommendation than the others, but I think it deserves a spot on the list regardless. I know a lot of lifters, from absolute novices to professionals, would agree when I say that a good strength coach is an essential part of progressing in a weightlifting or powerlifting journey. Simply put, strength coaches have the knowledge, skills, and technical know-how to help the lifter in your life crush and surpass their goals while also helping them avoid injury as much as possible and learn how to perfect their lifts. Some sessions with a strength coach in your area might be worth looking into if the lifter in your life has been feeling like they need a little guidance. I’d suggest finding someone by contacting strength gyms and “barbell gyms” in your area to see who’s available for this kind of coaching and to see if they offer any packages you pay for in advance.

A Holiday Gift Guide For Your Favorite Gaylor

In 2018, my life was forever changed when I was introduced to the idea that my beloved Taylor Swift was secretly queer. I spent that night going down the rabbit hole (iykyk) and learning everything I could on Gaylor theory. From that night on, I was a full-fledged Gaylor, but usually in secret. Eventually, I found out that several of my friends were also Gaylors. We spent a lot of the early days of the pandemic doing Gaylor Zooms where we’d share our favorite theories and interpretations. We still have a Gaylor group chat.

Since the release of folklore, more people have jumped on the Gaylor train. People have certainly become more vocal about their beliefs — whether or not that’s a good thing is debatable. But the influx in Gaylors means that there is more themed merch out there for us to hide in plain sight, like Karlie Kloss at the Eras Tour. Whether you’re a general Gaylor, a Swiftgron shipper (hello my people) or a Kaylor, there’s something for you here.

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Gaylor’s Version T-Shirt ($25)

I love this clever play on the re-recordings. You can get it in two different shirt styles and a bevy of colors and sizes.

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I Want Her Midnights Embroidered Sweatshirt – Navy ($52)

One of the best lyrics changes in Gaylor lore. The shirt does come in other colors, but given the subject matter, navy just feels right.

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Gaylor Badge – Taylor Swift – Black Background Sticker ($3+)

Stick this sticker anywhere and let people know you’re a scholar.

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Groovy Gaylor Skinny Tumbler ($35)

I absolutely love the design of this artwork, and the fact that it’s Taylor and Fletcher? Obsessed.

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Lavender Haze (Lover Lyric) T-Shirt – Berry ($34)

This linework art and the simplistic style of the lyric just scream sapphic.

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Tay and Karlie Magnet ($8)

This is for the Kaylors out there. The art does come in things other than a magnet, but something about this image screams refrigerator, maybe with some sapphic refrigerator poetry to boot.

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Vigilante Shit (Dressing for Revenge) Flowy Racerback Tank ($38)

This image has been burned into my eyelids since the first time I saw an Eras Tour photo.

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Gaylor Fan Club Mug ($20)

Perfect for sipping your piping hot tea while scrolling the latest Gaylor theories on social media.

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Taylor Swift “Gaylor” Friendship Bracelet Sweatshirt ($25+)

As someone who made a Gaylor friendship bracelet, I love this sweatshirt.

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From a gay perspective Sticker ($3+)

Don’t we all listen to Taylor Swift from a gay perspective? This makes me miss having an iPod for some reason.

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Blank Space Shirt ($40+)

“Blank Space” lyrics or a description of wlw relationships? Your choice.

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Swiftie Pride Camping Mug ($22)

I’m actually a “sleepy eyed gay,” but that’s not the lyric, so.

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1989 T-shirt ($40+)

Are we out of the woods yet? This subtle shirt begs the question.

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Gaylor Shirt, Friend of Dorothea, Is She? ($35)

I absolutely love a queer history recall, and the combination here is a masterpiece.

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So Scarlet It Was Maroon Lyric Art Sticker ($3+)

This sticker is an artful representation of one of my top 10 Gaylor songs.

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Swiftgron Wonderland Classic T-Shirt ($24)

This image is iconic for us Swiftgron shippers, and I love the way they incorporated the lyrics to a song that is absolutely about Dianna Agron and not Harry Styles.

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Bisexual Wig (You Need To Calm Down) Tough iPhone Case ($30)

If you want to be subtle and loud at the same time, this is the phone case for you. You can get one for any iPhone from an 11 to a 14.

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Lavender Haze Sticker ($3+)

Again, love a sapphic history recall combined with a Tay Tay lyric.

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Dancing With Our Hands Tied Crewneck Sweatshirt ($38+)

Nine years ago, Taylor and Karlie attended a 1975 concert. The rest is history.

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Betty Taylor Swift Book Print – Digital Download ($5)

Taylor Swift has inspired many sapphic stories, and I love the idea of the lyrics as a chapter for a book.

Holigay Gift Guide: Upgrading Your Home Bar

My home bar could use some love. None of my glassware matches, which I’d love to claim is a fun, kitschy aesthetic choice but is really something that happened unintentionally as individual glasses broke and left their siblings behind. Sad, but true. Now, though, because it’s the holiday season, my home bar is getting way more attention than it gets all year — and I’m scrambling! Chances are, your home bar is also getting a lot of attention. Whether you’re hosting or going to an event, beverages are at the forefront of many minds this time of year. Here are some ways you can amp up your home bar game in time for the holiday season!

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Invest In Glassware

Glassware is one of the best (and easiest) ways to upgrade your cocktail game. I learned the hard way that a martini sipped out of a repurposed yogurt jar does not taste the same as the exact same martini sipped out of an actual martini glass! I don’t know what alchemy (science?) is behind this difference, but I do know it’s worth it to invest in glassware.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the martini glass linked above since I saw it in one of those pantry stores. The glass olive is surprisingly realistic and would look SO cute nestled amongst a duo of Castelvetranos, but honestly, much cheaper martini glasses exist and will probably serve you just as well. If you’re prone to spills (no shame!), or if you’d just rather drink a daiquiri, coupes are a wiser choice. If you’re looking for a general purpose wine glass, I think tiny cups are a much prettier alternative to many of the “universal” wine glasses I’ve seen. Sure, they’re stemless, but the ones above are whisper-thin and somehow also dishwasher-safe. Also, they’re $2 each!

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Try Some Non-Alcoholic/Low ABV Options

Whether you’re a drinker or not, I think it’s important to have nonalcoholic choices included in your home bar — especially if you’re hosting parties! Not everyone drinks, and it’s nice to have more than just soda on offer for folks abstaining. NA spirits are one way to bring the same level of thoughtfulness that we bring to craft cocktails into the mocktail space, as are NA aperitifs. Even for drinkers, both can be subbed into traditional cocktail recipes for a lower-ABV alt. If you’re leaning into the mocktail space, both craft soda and alcohol-free bitters are worthwhile investments (some bitters have alcohol in them!). If you’re more of a beer drinker, there are some surprisingly good nonalcoholic beers. I was halfway through a bottle of Heineken 0.0 at a party before I realized it was the nonalcoholic version!

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Garnish Everything

A cocktail (or mocktail, for that matter) isn’t complete without a garnish! You probably already have a peeler for citrus peels, but if it’s dull, it might be time to get a Y peeler instead. They’re not significantly more expensive than traditional peelers, but they’re way easier to handle. Plus, they can help you get a less pithy peel. Fancy salt is a great way to change up the ordinary — consider black salt for your next margarita! Dried citrus slices are a fun cocktail topper, and you can even make them yourself. Maybe something to consider if you get your hands on a blood orange! Reusable cocktail picks are another way to add some personality to a beverage (for a splurge, maybe this zodiac-inspired set), as are glass straws.

85 LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses and Queer Shops To Support This Holiday Season!

If you’re looking for LGBTQ-owned stores to put your hard-earned money where your gay mouth is, boy do we have the thing for you! This list highlights just some of the many stores produced by lesbian, queer and bisexual women and trans people of all genders, as that is the target audience of our website. I originally wrote this post in 2016 and updated it for 2023…  there are a billion new queer-owned stores out there now, so this is by no means all-encompassing — but it’s a start!

Criteria for inclusion:

• Store must have a website/storefront independent of etsy/society6/etc. (We have many other guides that are focused on etsy sellers!)
• Store must be an independent entity, rather than merchandise for a specific musician or celebrity or magazine. (Except for our own obviously)
• Store must offer products you can order online and have delivered to your home for you to hold in your hands.
• The store must be active — as in, appears to be mostly or recently stocked, has social media accounts that have been active within the past year, etc.

If your business is on this list and you’d like to inquire about advertising, hit up em [at] forthem [dot] com. If you wanna join our A+ marketplace and offer discounts to our members, hit up nico [at] forthem [dot] com. We offer discounted rates to queer-owned businesses!

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The Autostraddle Store

The merchandise wing of the best website in the history of the internet features apparel, enamel pins and other cool shit featuring illustrations and designs from independent queer artists. All profits come right back here to fund the words we write and the things we do.

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All She Wrote Books

Somerville, MA

All She Wrote is “an intersectional, inclusive feminist and queer bookstore that supports, celebrates, and amplifies underrepresented voices through our thoughtfully curated selection of books spanning across all genres.”

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Ash & Chess

Richmond, VA

Ash & Chess is a joyful, eye-popping stationary shop run by a queer and trans couple in Richmond, VA. They “create greeting cards and art prints that are bold, retro color palettes and they often use their artwork to make a political statement and to uplift the queer community.” You can also buy patches, t-shirts, candles and more!

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Automic Jewelry

Automic makes “radically wearable” jewelry for people of all genders and bodies. They hire size-inclusive, non-cis and non-white models and don’t photoshop a thing. All pieces are made from reclaimed gold and put in recyclable packaging.

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Babeland

New York, NY & Seattle, WA

A+ members get $25 off orders of $125+

In  1993, sex-positive lesbian feminists Claire Cavanah and Rachel Venning, disappointed by the lack of female-friendly sex shops in Seattle, decided to launch their own. They succeeded! With locations in Seattle and New York; Babeland’s selection of sex toys and educational resources remains an industry standard. And we get a 20% commission on every Babeland sale made through our affiliate links!

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barb

This “community of non-conformists, game changers, and everyday heroes changing the face of hair and beauty” sells products for short hair of all textures and apparel to go along with it.

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Bella Books

The “premiere publisher of vibrant and irresistible fiction for and about lesbians” offers over 5,000 lesbian books and e-books in their online store, making it the largest website for lesbian readers. Founded in 1999 with the help of Naiad Press owners Barbara Grier and Donna McBride, Linda Hill has been the president of Bella Books since 2005.

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Black Market Vintage

Brooklyn, NY

This “curated love story” of a shop (the brick-and-mortar is in Bedford-Stuyvesant) grows out of a commitment from the queer couple who owns it (Kiyanna Stewart & Jannah Handy) to “build a collection that mirrors multifarious Black cultural expression, rooted in our love for Black people, Black culture and our own lived experiences.” As cultural historians, their store is stocked with vintage posters, literature, clothing, art, houseware/decor, furniture and other delightful ephemera.

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Black Queer Magic

VBM, LMSW is a self-taught jeweler who offers “handmade jewelry and workshop facilitations to aid in the adornment and reclamation of Black LGBTQ bodies” through BQMNY LLC. They work in a variety of materials, including custom-made crystal jewelry.

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Bluestockings Cooperative

New York, NY

Bluestockings is New York’s only queer, trans and sex worker run bookstore. The bookstore is organized with categories that make sense to us all: “Intro to Intersectional Feminism” “Gender Studies” “State Repression & Resistance.” Its online store is fully stocked with the latest releases in the topics nearest & dearest to your heart as well as with stationary, notebooks, tarot decks and more.

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Bold Strokes Books

Since 2004, Bold Strokes Books has been devoted to producing a diverse collection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer general and genre fiction. The company is run by Len Barot with Senior Editor Sandy Lowe. Len is perhaps better known by her pen name, Radclyffe, with which she has published some of the most beloved titles in lesbian romance.

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Both & Apparel

A+ Members get 10% off

Finnegan Shepard, the trans founder of Both&, works in conversation with their community to ethically and sustainably produce evidence-based designs that exist outside of the traditional binary fit and sizing system, with small-batch, research-informed capsule drops that are accessible to all humans including transmasculine or gnc-identified people.

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Bowtie Behavior

Robbie Williams founded Bowtie Behavior in 2014 when unable to find bowties for her friend’s bridal shower that were both affordable and fit with her personal style. She made her own, got a lot of positive feedback, and thus Bowtie Behavior was born, with an “intent to create pieces that are bold and flavorful.”

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Brownie Points

Founder Rinny Perkins is known for their 70s-inspired collages and zines, and their shop celebrates showing up as your true self and staying honest about dating, sexuality and mental health. They aim for sustainability in all of their products and packaging.

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Brujita Skincare

This Latina LA-based brand “celebrates the misfits that the natural beauty market left behind.” It sources most of its ingredients from Mexico City, making sustainable, organic and unrefined masks, cleansers, hand care, healing balms, lip balms and more. You can take the Brujitas Skin Quiz to find out what products are best for you.

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Carmen Liu Lingerie

Intimates by and for trans folks and non-binary people like bras, bralettes, panties, tucking/flattening underwear. Carmen Liu Kids offers briefs, journals, workbooks and tees for trans girls and non-binary children with the aim of providing “children with the stepping stones to finding themselves, in a supportive, validating experience.”

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Charis Books and More

Decatur, GA

Located in Decatur, Georgia, the South’s oldest independent feminist bookstore has been “celebrating radical and independent voices in the heart of the south since 1974!” You can support Charis with personalized Charis merch, too: hoodies, tees, mugs and totes.

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Chromat

Chromat is high fashion lingerie with a tomboy femme twist and has attracted fans such as Beyonce! Becca McCharen-Tran, the experimental brand’s designer, is queer, and the online store has sportswear and swimwear, too. This past fall, they collaborated with Tourmaline for a “lifesaving” swimwear show.

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 Coco & Breezy

Corianna and Brianna are twin sisters who grew up in Minnesota and always had a passion for fashion. Together they founded Coco & Breezy, a “cutting edge eyewear brand based in New York City that aims to reach new fashion heights and introduce fashion connoisseurs all over the world to their unique sense of style and original accessories.” Prince, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and and Rihanna are fans, and their online interface enables you to try on their frames virtually.

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Collarbone Jewelry

A+ members get 15% off purchases of $75 or more

Cat Luck uses brass, bronze, base metals, raw stones and whimsical charms to handcraft a fashion jewelry collection that speaks to all walks of life. CAT LUCK brings together forged, minimalist, geometric, and personal pieces for humans of all gender expressions.

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Common Dear

Oklahoma City, OK

This bright, energetic online and IRL retail space is curated with women-owned, 2SLGBTQIA+-owned and BIPOC-owned brands that care about empowerment and making the world a better, more equal place for everyone. They stock the most delightful sweaters I have ever seen and assorted apparel, home goods, candles, accessories and so much more!

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Common Heir

Common Heir is a QWOC-owned clean beauty company for people looking to cultivate beauty in the world and transform traditions with clean, plastic-free, high-performance skincare. They sell serums, a facial sculptor and candles.

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Culture Flock

Springfield, MN

Since 2013, the Culture Flock founders have been “designing and creating colorful and inclusive apparel, goods, and accessories for friends of every shape, size, color, gender, and orientation.” With a brick-and-mortar store in Missouri, their online store has collections focused on homebodies, activists, zodiac lovers, star-gazers and artists.

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Dapper Boi

Dapper Boi got its start with a kickstarter to begin manufacturing slim-straight, androgynous jeans. Founded by Vicky and Charisse Pasche, “partners in business / crime / life,” Dapper Boi wants to “create an androgynous clothing line that is fashionable, functional, affordable and accessible to all.” They sell pants, button-ups, hats, socks, jackets and everything you could imagine putting on your body!

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Doll Parts Collective

Seattle, WA

Located in Seattle and launched during the pandemic, Doll Parts is “all about color, unique design, original pairings, and working with existing materials.” They offer “vintage clothing and housewares, handmade goods, and other sustainably sourced products.”

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Dom + Bomb

Spokane, WA

This Black-woman and queer-woman owned size-inclusive fashion brand is “fighting fatphobia and the gender binary through fashion” with shirts, hats and accessories. They also offer tailoring and personal styling by appointment.

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Domestic Domestic

Little Rock, AK

“We bring to you fine products with attention to quality, function and design,” boasts the website for Heather Smith’s Arkansas-based boutique. “Nothing is added without reason. The objects we curate tell a story and have a history. They’re potential heirlooms, unique in type, simply determined to be the best damn stuff on the market.”

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Early to Bed

Chicago, IL

Founded by Searah Deysach in Chicago over 20 years ago, Early2Bed was intended to be a sex toy shop that felt “friendly, educational and fun.”

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Equal Love

Puerto Rico based company Equal Love is “a genderless line of natural products with purpose” for “people who want high quality personal care and home products that allow any person to have a healthy and confident lifestyle.” Their exclusive essential oil blend is used across a line of personal care products.

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Equator Coffees & Teas

Bay Area, CA

The first-ever LGBT owned business to be named a “Small Business of the Year” by the U.S Small Business Association, Equator Coffees & Teas was started 21 years ago as a coffee roastery by life partners Brooke McDonnell and Helen Russell. It now has become “one of the few fully integrated coffee companies in the U.S.”

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Fempower Beauty

This lesbian-owned ethical beauty company specializes in lipstick and aims to “heal the harms of the beauty industry with luxury products that affirm and uplift.” Their products connect beauty with mental health and positive affirmations, and they also sell accessories and bags.

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Find Yr/Self Boxes

Focusing in mental health-focused self-care boxes, this queer-owned company supports the universal need of good mental health with curated packages for situations including depression, post-partum and being desperately in need of sleep!

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Flavt Streetwear

FLAVNT Streetwear is an independent clothing brand based in Austin, Texas created with “the goal of creating clothes that promote confidence and pride.” They sell binders, stickers and sweats and run fundraisers for organizations like Black Lives Matter as well as individual trans people who need money for surgery.

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For Them

Founded by queer non-binary actor / producer / entrepreneur Kylo Freeman, For Them is a business pretty close to our hearts because they literally own us now but we liked them before that obviously! An honoree in the Fast Company 2022 Innovation by Design Awards, For Them binders were created to compress without sacrificing the wearer’s health or comfort. Their binders have a weightless feel with a rotatable neckline, a bounty of color options and a unique customization survey that ensures customers get the right binder for their body. The Binder MAX, debuted this year, offers more compression. You can also get a  For Them gift card that’ll enable your loved one to do the survey to get their ideal binder!

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Freck Beauty

On her super hip and playful vegan + cruelty-free line of products, inspired by founder Remi’s unique vision and diverse East LA neighborhood: “Freck stands for those who care about ingredients, respect the process and seek self-expression without rules. This community born from a single offbeat idea for a freckle cosmetic has flourished into a movement of trailblazers and rule-breakers who thrive on individualism and always find the courage to experiment.”

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Galaxy Brain Designs

Galaxy Brain Design is a queer-, woman-owned small business selling art, gifts, + home goods for folks that love a wikipedia deep dive, boozy brunch, or therapeutic breakthrough! They primarily make about queerness, mental health, and “what it means to be a good person in a broken society.” Major motifs include plants, space, and other natural elements,

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Girls Will Be Boys

A+ Members get 30% off

GWBB Girls Will Be Boys is active loungewear inspired by today’s modern tomboy. They focus on making high quality apparel that boldly fits all shapes and sizes.

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Good Light

Developed by David Yi, Good Light is a “personal care brand that believes in beauty beyond the binary” with “efficacious, yet gentle personal care products” including pimple patches, water cleansers with clean, dreamy style.

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Good Vibrations

multiple locations in California & Massachusetts

A+ Members get $25 off orders $125+ 

Since the first store opened in San Francisco in 1977, Good Vibrations has been providing “high-quality products, education, and information that promotes sexual health, pleasure and empowerment.” They were one of a handful of pioneers building a sex toy store that wasn’t hiding — clean, well-lit, sex-positive and easy to browse. Now Good Vibrations has eight stores, a wholesale private label and an innovative online store. Plus, they give Autostraddle 20% back on every purchase you make!

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Haute Butch

Selling “fierce dapper stud style” and “tomboy-style clothes,” Haute Butch features suits, vests, watches, belts, footwear, briefs and so much more at their online store. Karen Roberts, a U.S. Navy veteran, opened her store in April 2012 with a focus on becoming “a clothing, footwear and lifestyle destination for butch women, studs, bois and trans men who prefer ‘menswear’ inspired finishes.”

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Hella Thrifty

Avid thrift shopper and 80s/90s fashion blogger Dannie Cherie started Hella Thrifty to exchange and share unique thrift finds — but now the company has its own 80s/90s inspired original collections including tees, jackets and hats!

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Hey Mavens!

Hey Mavens sells lingerie in seizes from XXS to 10X that celebrate individual expression and diversity with products in bold colors and unique prints.

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Hinterland Empire

Portland, OR & Occidental, CA

“Seeing a gaping hole in the world of clothing for adventurous, badass human beings, we created Hinterland,” said lesbian couple Jolene and Trinia, who set out initially “to design empowering, irreverent imagery and print that onto American-made clothing.” Now Hinterlands is equally devoted to making and selling really great coffee and related accessories.

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House of Intuition

Los Angeles, CA

Lesbian couple Marlene Vargas and Alex Naranjo opened their first HOI in 2010, selling crystals and candles. Now, they’ve got six locations selling magic candles, beauty products and all the crystals a queer could ever dream of — and for the holidays, sign-specific and purpose-specific gift boxes will fit right under your tree.

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Humboldt House

Chicago, IL

This feminist store with a kickass team in Chicago features “a carefully-curated selection of locally found furniture and goods, as well as the work of local jewelry designers, ceramic artists, and apothecary makers” with an eye on self-care and daily rituals.

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Humankind Swimwear

Founded by lesbian entrepreneur Haily Marzullo, this company aims to make quality gender-neutral swimsuits and athletic gear for a variety of bodies and sizes.

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Jen Zeano Designs

Wife-and-wife team Jen and Vero started Jen Zeano Designs in 2014, the same year they got married, launching the store with a Pink Latina Power Tee. The brand celebrates Latina community & culture through tees, sweats, accessories, bags, stationary, drinkware and kids stuff with collections including Feel Your Feelings, Artesana Costias Curiosas, Latina to Latina, Growing Through It and Latina Power.

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Kards Unlimited

Pittsburgh, PA

Established in 1968, this Pittsburgh novelty shop has been passed on from the married couple who founded it to their daughter and then to an employee of 15 years. Cards, pins, coloring books, stickers, socks, mugs, games, books, cards, puzzles!!!

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Kirrin Finch

Kirrin Finch, started by Brooklyn-based lesbian couple Kelly and Laura Moffat, sells kickass menswear-inspired shirts, oxfords and bow-ties using sustainable fabrics and practices.

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Lockwood Shop

Brooklyn, NY

Starting out with one shop in Astoria in 2013, Lockwood now has five stores in NYC and a bustling online shop, filled with “unique decor, stationery, clothing, kid’s gifts, and affordable lifestyle goods, focusing on local makers and up-and-coming brands.” This includes the cutest slippers ever, Mr. Mets prayer candles, face masks, Legally Blonde coloring books, Latkes & Lights candles, pizza rat felt christmas tree ornament,  touchscreen gloves, a Reductress Play the Patriarchy game, I MEAN the list goes on. You can even make a custom gift box for your beloved. Their store is SO CUTE I could not pick a photo to use.

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Loyalty Bookstores

Washington DC

Founded by Black Queer bookseller Hannah Oliver Depp, Loyalty Bookstores in Silver Spring and Washington DC aim to “be the mid-Atlantic’s neighborhood spot for wonderful books and unique stationary, gifts and programming” and center Black, PoC and queer voices.

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Las Ofrendas

Las Ofrendas is a social enterprise featuring handmade accessories, apparel, games stationary and home goods designed or curated by their founder, tk tunchez, highlighting Latinx, BIPOC and queer art.

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Lucky Skivvies

A+ Members get 10% off

Luky Skivvies is a gender neutral boxer brief and loungewear brand created for all bodies, with sizes ranging from small to 3XL.

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Makoma the Brand

Makoma the Brand aims to “create one-of-a-kind, contemporary designs using a combination of African prints and classic silhouettes.” Everything is ethically made and was founded by Judith, who is also the co-owner of Brooklyn-based hair salon / barber shop Chokmah Hair Lab.

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Mestiza

Chicago, IL

Established in Chicago in 2004 by artists/entrepreneurs Lorena and Sugeiri, Mestiza offers ” unique selection of jewelry, clothing, accessories, housewares, stationery, and handmade local artisan goods” and a “selection of unique Latinx products that celebrate their traditions and culture.” This Millennial Lotería: El Puzzle is a must-have!

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Mi Vida

Los Angeles, CA

Noelle Reyes founded her LA-based store in 2008 “with the purpose of providing the surrounding the surrounding community a shopping experience that compliments their lifestyle, incorporating cultural elements into fashion and functional art.” They sell shirts, pins, hats, jewelry, incense, oils and so much more!

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Minna Goods

Minna is a textile brand that sells blankets, textiles, rugs, wall hangings and more while striving to “bridge the gap between ethically made goods and contemporary design.” Sara Berks launched her company in 2013, when she got tired of doing graphic design and wanted to start making things with her own two hands.

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Minus Moonshine

Brooklyn, NY

This “magical land of beverages and potions” are made for adults who want to participate in alcoholic-esque revelry, but without the alcohol itself! With a brick & mortar shop in Brooklyn, this trans-owned store sells non-alcoholic beers, spirits, wines, seltzers and mixers.

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Mud Witch

Queer Japanese/Mexican Artist Viviana Matsuda’s pottery studio makes unique, hand-thrown, brightly-colored ceramics: candle holders, mugs, vases, planters and bowls. You should follow her on instagram because every one of her products sparks immediate joy!

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Muka

This small Hamilton, Ontario-based company consists of four artists and life-long friends with big dreams who founded MUKA in 2018 to “build a more inclusive and creative future in fashion for people of intersectional identities,” selling pins, stickers, t-shirts and other accessories.

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Nicole Zizi

The NICOLE ZÏZI STUDIO™ is a brand with a new perspective on streetwear with a focus on eco-conscious, sustainable, innovative and gender-free premium streetwear. All the garments are hand-made garments with ethically produced fabrics.

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Nik Kacy Footwear

Los Angeles, CA

Nik Kacy couldn’t find “masculine-of-center” shoes in their size and that’s what inspired them to launch their own line of luxury footwear for people of all gender identities. They also sell harnesses and holsters.

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Noto Botanics

Los Angeles, CA

Gloria Noto’s eponymous line of serums, oils, cleansers, mists, moisturizers, creams and lip + cheek sticks are designed for all genders and skin types. Everything is vegan, cruelty free and eco-friendly. “Learning what ingredients were clean and beneficial for multiuse, multi-gendered folx is what makes Noto stand out,” Noto told The Cut.

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Octopied Mind Inc.

Established in 2018 and queer, woman and indigenous-owned; founders Jill and Sarah want every piece they produce to be a conversation starter, meticulously crafted with purpose and passion. Their fun totes, blankets, hats, mugs and stickers are perfect for weirdos who experience emotions like being Dead Inside and having Sunday Scaries.

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One DNA Apparel

Ypsilanti, MI

Headquartered in my beloved Ypsilanti, Michigan, this Black and queer-owned business sells gender-neutral apparel. Their super-wearable and very cozy premium tees and sweats are made from organic and recycled fabrics.

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Pa’lante Para

This “clothing brand created by a queer Latina who gets it” aims to “make space for affordable, trendy and forward thinking para options for Latinx and multicultural-based sororities.” Their Para Everyone designs are “made for everyone to rock, regardless of affiliation.”

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Pals Socks

The Pals Socks story begins in 2007, when then-girlfriends Hannah Lavon and Ashley Connors started “Hooray Hoopla,” a gift shop that specialized in “kitschy-cool paper products” and got popular selling mismatched animal mittens. The “Vs. Stuff” line put Predators and Prey on a set of hands and let them duke it out. Thus, Pals Socks were born, and the mismatched animal buddies have been a hit. Now they collaborate with artists and are always releasing new fun things for the feet!

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Portrai.Me

Portrai Me is “a visual art project that creates ‘portraits’ of people’s personalities through the various motifs in their lives.” They aim to produce one-of-a-kind artworks at accessible price-points, starting at just $59 each.

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Peau De Loup

Lifelong tomboys Adelle Renaud and Erin McLeod founded Peau De Loup in Vancouver and set out to “redefine feminine etiquette in womenswear by creating functional, well-made, timeless apparel.” You can get their super-cool ethically-sourced-and-produced signature button-ups (so much plaid, y’all!) and accessories online.

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The Phluid Project

Launched in March 2018, the Phluid Project aims to “amplify the rising voice of today’s youth, which rejects binary gender norms, and favors an inclusive world that allows individuals to wear what makes them feel good — that is, what best reflects who they really are inside.

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PlayOut

Abby Sugar and Sylvie Lardex launched PlayOut in 2011, offering two styles of underwear — boxer-briefs (the ‘boyshort’) and the trunk cut — for all genders. Now they sell tunics, pants, skirts, crop tops and all sorts of “gender-free apparel.”

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A Rainbow In Your Cloud

Black autistic visual artist Amina Mucciolo’s shop exudes rainbow bubblegum poppy excitement with affirming tees, masks, hoodies and iPhone cases.

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re-inc

Founded by legendary women’s soccer players Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, Meghan Klingenberg, and Christen Press “with the mission of inspiring us all to boldly reimagine the status quo,” re-inc’s shop sells t-shirts, scarves, hats, mugs, hats, tumblrs and more, emblazoned with their logos and inspiring messages.

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Reparations Club

Los Angeles, CA

Reparations Club is a bookshop and creative space “curated by Blackness” in Los Angeles. The Black-owned and women-owned business curates an incredible list of books as well as selling vinyl and gifts like puzzles, games, honey, sage sticks and tarot decks.

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A Room of One’s Own

Madison, WI

This Madison-based bookstore, named after the Virginia Woolf essay, has been a thriving space for the local feminist community since 1975. It offers a variety of books and gifts, with plenty of women’s studies and LGBT fiction.

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Sabor a Libertad

Sabor a Libertad is the project of a graphic artist in San Juan, Puerto Rico, aiming to make clothes that represent them and other QTPOC Puerto Ricans. They sell a ton of cute original graphic tees in bright, fun colors in both Spanish and English like Aro Pride, Straight Was the Phase, La Futura Es Inclusiva and They Kiss Them.

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Sapphire Books Publishing

Founded by Christine Svedsen in 2010, Sapphire Books is dedicated to promoting and publishing “stories that accurately and respectfully reflect the diverse lives of the lesbian community.”

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Show & Tell Oakland

Oakland, CA

This concept shop, gallery and gathering space in downtown Oakland specializes in sustainable and socially responsible apparel, accessories and gift items. Alyah Baker started her store to share products she couldn’t find in big box retailers, things that “reflected [her] love for BIPOC and LGBTQIA community.” In their store and online they sell t-shirts, body salves & cremes, jewelry, candles, prints and yoga mats from a diverse group of makers.

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Smitten Kitten

Minneapolis, MN

Smitten Kitten opened in 2003 in Minneapolis, MN, hoping to bring “quality, body-friendly sex toys” to a store they’d enjoy shopping in themselves. Smitten Kitten is always on the city’s “Best Of” lists and promotes a sex-positive environment and a curated inventory of non-toxic, ethically produced and marketed products. Not just sex toys, though — they’ve got cute buttons, greeting cards, bandanas and so much more.

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Souk Bohemian

Atlanta, GA

Artists Morgan Ashley Bryant and Vanessa Coore Vernon partner with local and global artisans to bring aspirational ready-to-wear pieces, home goods, small-batch jewelry, and handmade accessories with minimal palettes and global aesthetics.

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South Street Art Market

Philadelphia, PA

The queer-women-owned South Street Art Market sports goods from 130+ indie artists in their store and online. From kitschy nostalgia to nerdy indulgences to the dark arts, their store includes Sick Sad 90s Pin Packs, Mystery Zine Bundles, Dolly Parton earrings, Unicorn Sculptures, Back to the Future Light Switch Plates and so so much more!

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Stealth Bros & Company

This luxury medical storage company creates Dopp kit supplies for travel and at-home personal storage for medical/personal necessities for the transgender, diabetic, TTC and other persona/medical communities in an attempt to revolutionize the way we see and feel about sharps disposal.

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Stuzo Clothing

This queer-owned, women-owned, Black-owned and Latin-owned gender-free brand is “designed to invoke thought and emotion.” DapperQ described them as “a line of androgynous, athleisure, and Cali-casual-cool style.” They sell t-shirts, candles, hats and other gender-free apparel “designed to invoke thought and emotion.” Celebrities like Lena Waithe and Jada Pinkett Smith have been spotted in Stuzo attire.

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Style is Freedom

This “Tomboi Lifestlye Brand” from designer Toni Branson sells snapbacks, beanies, sweatshirts, tees, wallets, slides and more. they collaborate with artists and have so much fun stuff this season, like a Wakanda Tomboi tee and the “Elephant in the room” collection.

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Tanaïs 

Tanaïs, author and prefumer and the host of perfume podcast MALA, promises “infinite beauty” with her recently-launched brand that ” imagines fragrance, beauty and jewelry as expressions of ritual, adornment and ancestors.”

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TomboyX

Founded by lesbian couple Fran and Naomi, Tomboy X sells underwear, bras, joggers, t-shirts, muscle tees, swimwear and so much more with a focus on “empowering our LGBTQ+ community year-round.”

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Under the Umbrella Bookstore

Salt Lake City, UT

Under the Umbrella Bookstore is a bookstore and a safe space for queer people of all ages in the Salt Lake City community, selling books across all genres as well as candles, teas, stickers, pins, tote bags, bookmarks, mugs, and jewelry by small queer-owned businesses and artists.

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Unicorn Feed Supply

Ypsilanti, MI

The queer woman who opened Unicorn Feed Supply in 2018 wanted an entire store that brought her as much joy as her childhood sticker collection (relate-able), Unicorn Feed Supply is queer as fuck: terrariums, fairy gardens, magical stuff, sparkly things, stuffed animals, novelty socks, knick-knacks, enamel pins, work from local artisans and fun stuff for Pride.

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Violet Valley Bookstore

Water Valley, MS

Mississippi’s “Only Queer Feminist Trans inclusive Bookstore” was founded by Jaime Harker, who found while working on her book The Lesbian South that there was a huge community of Southern queers who were “surprised and delighted to find that they were part of a long tradition of activists and writers.” She was inspired to start Violet Valley in 2017, aiming to “make feminist, queer, and multicultural books available to the Water Valley community, the state of Mississippi, and the South.”

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We’Moon

The We’Moon: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn astrological and lunar calendar datebook was founded in 1981 and is published in Oregon by Mother Tongue Ink. You can get the datebook and wall calendar in their online shop as well as other related products.

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West Side Kids

New York, NY

Since 1981, lesbian couple Alice and Jenny Bergman have been running this neighborhood favorite toy shop with a selection that emphasizes diversity, education, and ethically-made products for curious kiddos.

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Wet For Her

Proudly selling sex toys designed by women for women, Wet For Her not only sells dildos, massage oils and harnesses, but also “finger extenders” for purposes which are probably obvious to you.

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Wildfang

Portland, OR + Los Angeles, CA

These self-described “modern-day, female Robin Hoods raiding men’s closets and maniacally dispensing blazers, cardigans, wingtips and bowlers” launched their dapper-tomboy brand in early 2013. Their Wild Feminist tees became viral sensations, their smart suiting is beloved in the queer community and their jumpsuits have taken our televisions by storm.

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Wiselands

With Midwestern roots refined in Northern California, this queer & employee-owned company creates sustainable skincare using green chemistry and concentrated, renewable ingredients.

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Wolfe Video

This legend in lesbian movie culture was launched in 1985 by Kathy Wolfe and it is the largest exclusive distributor of LGBT films. They began as a mail order outlet distributing a Lily Tomlin film and are now an active distributor and releaser of pretty much every film with a lesbian in it, ever! Plus they’re just good people.

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Woxers

This QWOC-owned apparel company designed a boxer-brief tailored to women and focused on comfort, health and sustainability. They sell bralettes as well as boxer-briefs in different lengths in a variety of colors and patterns.

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Volition Beauty

Founders Brandy Hoffman (the queer one!) and Patricia Santos met working at a different skincare company and joined forces to create the now enormously successful Volition Beauty, featuring clean skincare products inspired by crowdsourced ideas, voted on by fans. And they have a lot of fans! You can also find Volition products at Sephora.

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And Finally: More Queer and LGBTQ+-Owned Bookstores To Support

There are so many bookstores owned by LGBTQ women and other trans people that I couldn’t possibly give them all blurbs. Here are some of the many I missed (I chose here only stores that have independent storefronts you can shop online)

• All She Wrote (Sommerville, MA)
• Astoria Bookshop (Astoria, NY)
• Big Blue Marble Books (Philadelphia, PA)
• Black Garnet Books (Twin Cities, Minnesota) (black owned)
• BookWoman (Austin,TX)
• Broadway Books (Portland, OR)
• Burdock Book Collective (Birmingham, Alabama)
• Dog Eared Books (San Francisco)
• Firestorm Books & Coffee (Asheville, NC)
• Foggy Pine Books (Boone, NC)
• The Irreverent Bookworm (Minneapolis, MN)
• Montana Book Company (Helena, MT)
• Omnivore Books (San Francisco, CA)
• The Ripped Bodice (Los Angeles, CA)
• Red Emmas (Baltimore, MD)
• Reparations Club (Los Angeles,CA)
• Rofhiwa Books & Cafe (Durham, NC)
• Tombolo Books (St. Petersburg, FL)
• Tubby & Coos (New Orleans)
• Women & Children First (Chicago, IL)
• Womencrafts (Provincetown)

Holigay Gift Guide: Dark Christmas Aesthetic Edition

Do you want to do something REALLY nice for the witchy and/or romantic Goth and/or person who keeps sending you “Dark Christmas Aesthetic” TikToks in your life? Because while, sure, I can’t argue that many people would love to have another Tarot deck to add to their collection, an unexpected delight can be found in just the right piece of decor. Whether your friend/lover/family member is in their twenties or in their sixties, receiving a gift that can up the ambience of their lived environment on whatever scale or along whatever sensory lines, something that can heighten the sense of seasonality and drama, is sure to delight. Let’s help everyone live deliciously, yeah?

I’ve arranged gifts by budget, so that you can just scroll around for what suits your needs!

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Gifts Under $25

Here, we’re hitting three basics. Is your gift recipient someone who is into candles, into scents? I highly recommend Tasseomancer candles, and though I’ve never had the chance to smell their Wassail scent, it seems pitch perfect for setting the scene for the holiday. On the cuter end of the spectrum is a print of the prettiest Yule monster, Mari Lwyd. The pixel art style of the print makes me think of Stardew Valley…but if a magical horse skeleton came to your door in the middle of the night to challenge you to a singing duel! Finally, what is a Yule-esque/Dark Christmas celebration without a little Krampus? Except…we all know someone who LOVES cats. So what about this ornament that combines a vintage style, the season’s favorite flogger AND CATS?

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Gifts $26-$50

Under $50 but over $25 is a broad category. We have a candle for those who want their place to constantly smell like they’ve just cracked open the grimoire. Then, we’ve got a sapphic as heck witchy print that is not very Yule-esque, but which will look good all year. Throw some sparkling lights around it when the season hits, if you must!

Now, as for bells, did you know hanging bells on your door is supposed to deter evil and negativity from entering the home? But did you also know that sleigh bells sound gorgeous? Like actual sleigh bells. I have been to this store and jangled these bells and they sound magical. Those ones for kids you see around the holidays have nothing on what actual sleigh bells apparently sound like? Wild to me to learn! Then, we’ve got some much-safer-than-actual LED candles that your gift recipient can clip around their apartment or to a tree to create an old-school feeling. Then, there’s nothing that says cozy for a lot of folks like a puzzle! This one with some mysterious witches in this red, black and white winter scene would definitely cultivate a sense of mystery while slowly coming together on your table.

FINALLY, listen. A black serving board for the charcuterie babe who is going to arrange dark fruits like pomegranate seeds and grapes on it to present a lush, witchy little spread, not just this time of year but all the time? Ideal. Probably.

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Gifts $60+

Listen, You and Krampus are in Cahoots, so maybe you want to spend a little extra…

If your darling is going to make their own Mary Lwyd, she’ll be needing a horse skull. It’s just the facts! Or you could get a tealight holder that evokes the forest your loved one longs to live in, in a lone cabin, that the children are afraid of…OR, maybe you want to get back to what is supposedly the origin of Santa Claus’s red and white suit — his association with the amanita mushroom. These are the (psychedelic BUT POISONOUS OKAY DO NOT EAT THESE) fairytale-looking mushrooms that are red with white spots. Whatever you choose, these gifts won’t look out of place year-round because you’re thoughtful is what you are.

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Bonus: Stationary and Wrapping

Want to wrap a gift in upsettingly nice paper for $5 or send it along with a Krampus card that says NAUGHTY on it? We’ve got you. Need to gussy up a message or a package? How about these Yule bullet journaling stickers? Save the rest for your actual journal!

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WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST YULE!

Holigay Gift Guide: Your Gay Parent Friends Are Exhausted, Send Help!

I’ve been a mom for so long, I barely remember not being a mom. As a group of people, parents, especially moms, are notoriously shit at receiving gifts. Whenever people ask me what I want for Christmas, I’m legit stumped. I rarely think about the things I need because I’m always concerned about what everyone else needs. Usually, I tell people to get me a gift card for Starbucks or Target — those are two of the places I go the most often and where I spend most of my money anyway. You can never go wrong with a gift card to their favorite place.

Buying a gift for a parent is tough because the thing most of us want is sleep or rest. If you have the means, taking your friend’s kids for a few hours so they can get some quiet time to read a book with a cup of their favorite beverage would be the best gift ever. Or arrange for you two to have some friend time, but the key is making sure childcare is already sorted, because they will absolutely never be able to get that shit together on their own. But if you want to buy them a gift that you can order or pick up, these are the gifts most tired parents would love.

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Comfort is Key

I love being cozy, especially now that it’s wintertime. A sherpa lined throw blanket is great for the couch where your parent friend finds herself fighting to stay up and watch one more episode of whatever show they’re trying to binge. Cozy often means fluffy slippers (my partner and my son both have a pair of these and love them!) or fleece pjs. But it could also be strapping on the ol’ heating pad while you watch TV because your muscles are aching. I also love cozy scents, and this cinnamon vanilla candle smells like a snickerdoodle.

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Self-Care

I am absolute crap at self-care. I don’t mean things like showering or making sure I drink water (I’m extra terrible at that), but doing things for myself and my body that make it feel better. A depuffing facial roller is good for early mornings when you slept like crap because your kid had you up all night with a tummy ache. Rosebud Salve is my go-to for anything from dry lips to rubbing on a raw nose because I’ve been blowing it too much. I’ve recently started doing foot masks because summer does a number on my feet. The body cream is thick and smells so good. And everyone deserves a massager, especially with heat. Good for those days when you “slept funny” and can’t turn your head anymore.

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Everyday Essentials

Every parent loves convenience. Whether that be the ease of cooking in a slow cooker (this one travels since it’s the holiday season) or an air fryer that does everything, they want it. I have a hydration issue, but drinking water out of a double wall bottle makes it more bearable. Caffeine is a must for any tired mom, some prefer an espresso based drink, and some prefer tea. We also have a habit of letting our hot drinks get cold, which is less likely in a cute pink insulated cup with metal straws.

Holigay Gift Guide: What Each Adult Yellowjacket Probably Wants

Season two of Yellowjackets may have ended a while ago, but if you think I’ve gone a single day without thinking about my favorite cannibals (should I rank fictional cannibals by lesbianism btw), then you’d be sorely wrong! This is my Roman Empire!!!! So here we are with a Yellowjackets gift guide.

I thought it might be fun to put together a little list of what I imagine each of the adult main Yellowjackets might wish for this holiday season. Perhaps it’s one of your goals to channel Adult Tai. Or perhaps you, like Adult Van, can’t let go of the 90s. But in a fun and nostalgic and not so tragic way. Or maybe you fancy yourself an Adult Shauna. Just a bored, hot, unpredictable, slightly scary suburban mom with a knack for knife skills. Relatable! Here’s what the Yellowjackets are surely wishing for this holiday season.

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Taissa’s Gift Guide

Taissa obviously wants a trench to add to her extensive collection. The woman simply wears the hell out of a trench. If she’s going to spend her evening sleep walking and potentially eating dirt, then a nighttime lip mask seems appropriate. A nice leather tote seems like the ideal place to store a bevy of secrets. And perhaps sleep gummies could be a way to gently bring up to her that you think her sleeping issues should be more directly addressed. 🚨By NO means should you encourage her dog ownership by purchasing any pet-related gifts.🚨  For more Taissa shopping ideas, check out the Taissa Style Guide.

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Van’s Gift Guide

Van would have had a chance to see and lesbian-imprint onto The Mighty Ducks before losing her innocence by being stranded in the wilderness, and I think that’s nice. Listen, she probably already owns The Watermelon Woman on DVD, but what about the Criterion Collection edition that includes a special interview with Cheryl Dunye? Well, better sneak into her personal vault of physical media to look just in case she does indeed already own it. Retro movie magnets would make a cute stocking stuffer for queer cinephiles. And so would this But I’m a Cheerleader tarot card sticker!

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Shauna’s Gift Guide

Can’t explain it, but Shauna seems like a monogram girly. I’m sure her knives could use an upgrade, and I’d love for her to get back to her journaling roots! I know there’s no book club, but wouldn’t a personalized wine bag be such a cute thing to roll up to book club with? And finally, I feel like Adult Shauna is always rocking the hell out of a nice flannel.

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Nat’s Gift Guide

Yes we are living in denial here!!!!!!!!!!

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Misty’s Gift Guide

1. I’d Help You Bury the Body Bracelet ($11)
2. Music of the Night Candle ($19)
3. Welcome Mat ($45+)
4. Parrot Felted Ornament ($29)

I mean, this does seem like Misty’s idea of a friendship bracelet! But also, let’s remember that above all else, she’s a musical theater freak. And, of course, she has to rep her love for Caligula. I’m also now realizing it would be very fun to do a Yellowjackets themed mini Christmas tree…

Holigay Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers for Skincare Enthusiasts

Skincare gifts are all about striking a balance! You want to make sure that your giftee will actually use what you’re giving them, but you also don’t want to give them something boring (the same cleanser that they’ve used for seven years is practical, but not exciting). If you’re in the market for a skincare gift, look no further — I’ve compiled a list of gifts that any skincare enthusiast would be delighted to receive!

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Gifts Under $25

For a gift that comes in under $25, you can’t beat an essence! The CosRX snail mucin essence is beloved for its hydrating capabilities (snail mucin is a powerhouse) but it’s not vegan, so if your intended gift recipient is a vegan, perhaps the Tower 28 facial mist instead. You can never have too many lip balms (you’re bound to lose at least one!), and the Summer Fridays lip balms come in a bunch of colors and are also vegan! If you’ll grant me some wiggle room on the $25 rule, the Mara Sea Silk Lip Balm ($26) comes in fewer colors but cuter packaging.

Cryo globes could be a fun way to recreate the spa experience at home! Chill them in the fridge and reuse indefinitely. Plus, if you’ve got a metal spoon in the freezer for depuffing your undereyes, this could be your chance to return that spoon to its place in your cutlery drawer. If you know your giftee has a favorite product, a mini version is a great travel-friendly (and budget-friendly) present. If you need some inspiration, the Kiehl’s moisturizer linked above is deeply hydrating, and a little goes a long way, so the mini lasts a lot longer than you’d think!

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Gifts $25 – $75

I know pimple-related presents are controversial, and honestly, probably inappropriate 99% of the time so maybe this is more a gift for you than anyone else! BUT if you have someone in your life who wears the Starface hydro-stars like they’re jewelry, they might be comfortable with (and perhaps even thrilled by!) getting the Violette FR Invisible Bandage from you. Like a pimple patch, the Invisible Bandage acts as a barrier, but because it goes on as a liquid, it doesn’t have the sharp edges that a pimple patch typically does, making it easier to hide under makeup!

If you’d rather give your giftee something more universally appropriate, consider “nice” sunscreen. The skincare enthusiast in your life might already have a brand they adore, but if they don’t, both Supergoop and Shiseido bring a lot to the sunscreen table. If you’ve ever tried to reenact the Princess Diaries makeover scene by resting cucumber slices on your eyes, under-eye patches still give you that cooling effect while also letting you see (important). You can also buy them individually wrapped – toss them in the fridge so they stay cold!

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Gifts $75+

If your giftee is a Libra (or really, if they’re just into nice things), they might like a splurge-y moisturizer. Think La Mer, Dr. Barbara Sturm, or for something slightly “cheaper”, the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. It’s $180 per ounce, but it’s supposed to be fantastic.

If you’d rather give your giftee something that’ll last a lot longer than a single ounce of moisturizer, skincare devices are another great option. You could give them a red light therapy mask to ward off robbers at the door, a microcurrent facial toning device to zap away wrinkles, or something that does it all!

Autostraddle + For Them’s Ultimate Team Holigay Gift Guide 2023!

It’s that special, sparkly time of year when Autostraddle writers and editors share what we’re all wishing for during the holigay season. This year, our friends at For Them are joining in on the fun, too, so this ultimate team gift guide is even more ultimate than usual! Between all of us, we represent a wide range of identities, interests, hobbies, and obsessions, so there’s quite the range on this list! Use this list for inspiration for yourself or others, and stay tuned for upcoming specific lists to fit all kinds of gay gift-giving! 🎁

Holigay Gift Guide: For Grown-Up Kids in Their Thirties and Forties

One of the best things about being a grown-up is that you can spend your money on things that would have made you so happy as a kid. I feel like this is especially true for queer and trans people who sometimes didn’t have excellent childhoods and could really use a chance to nurture their inner child with some rebuilt memories. At least that’s what I tell myself when I spend all weekend watching cartoons! I’m 43 years old and I love to play! I love to play video games, board games, table top roleplaying games with my friends. I love to decorate my spaces with superheroes and animated queer characters in love. If you or someone you know is a kid at heart too, this gift guide is for you!

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Video Gamers

There’s truly no limit to the cool things you can get a person who loves to play video games, from stickers to consoles, a few bucks to hundreds of dollars. This is just a sampling of the smorgasbord. If you’re looking to buy any kind of console, get yourself on a waiting list or go ahead and buy it as soon as you can. Oh, and Stray was the favorite new game of the year for every queer I know.

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Table Top Gamers

Dungeons & Dragons has never been more popular, and neither have the other TTRPGs it’s inspired. Here we’ve got some classic gear for the D&D buddy in your life and a handful of other stories that are nearly universally beloved amongst queer nerds.

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Superhero Stans

I, for one, am never going to outgrow superheroes. All of the above are queer, except Ms. Marvel (for now!), and that includes canonically bisexual Wonder Woman and don’t you forget it.

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Queer Cartoonies

I say it all the time, but I really believe there’s no better LGBTQ+ representation on TV right now than on cartoons. Nearly everyone was queer on Steven Universe! And that’s the case for The Owl House too! Beckett even got a girlfriend on Star Trek: Lower Decks this season. One thing I’m thinking about this holigay season, that I haven’t for the past several years, is physical media. We’ve now witnessed how easy it is for promised projects and beloved properties to just disappear. If you can hold it in your hands, that won’t happen!

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Retro Toys

If there’s an 80s or 90s grown-up kid in your life, there’s a 100% chance they’ll be DELIGHTED with any of these toys.

Holigay Gift Guide: For That Friend Who’s Somehow ALWAYS Rewatching “Golden Girls”

One of my ultimate comfort shows is The Golden Girls. Some of that is the nostalgia of childhood; if you’re a Gen-Xer or Millennial, you remember tuning in to NBC on a Saturday night to watch the show, probably with your grandmother (grandmas really loved that show).

But the thing about The Golden Girls is that 37 years after it first premiered, it’s still a relevant show. They tackled things on that show many shows hadn’t before: ageism, AIDS, chronic illness, and addiction. And they did it in a way that was approachable and funny. It remains one of the few shows where every actress won an Emmy for their portrayal of their character. Forget which character on Sex and the City you are, I want to know which Golden Girl you are.

Chances are, you have someone in your life who still loves Golden Girls, even though they stopped airing new episodes 30 years ago. They’ve never been off the air, and you can find them on Hulu right now. For your favorite Golden Girls lover (or yourself), I’ve rounded up some of the many gifts you can buy.

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Wear Your Love

I love a good t-shirt. And Golden Girls clothes always start a conversation. There are so many fun and funny GG tees out there in the world that it was incredibly hard to choose. There are also dozens of queer Golden Girls tee shirts out there, but since this is Autostraddle, I had to go with the classic Lebanese joke one. If your Golden Girls fan is less inclined to wear a tee, maybe socks or pajamas are more their speed.

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Drink Up

Who doesn’t love a mug? Or really, any sort of drinking apparatus. You can have Sophia tell you a story about Sicily over your morning coffee. Or sip sangria on the lanai out of a ceramic tiki Dorothy. And who is better to have when it’s wine o’clock? Your four best friends, that’s who. And if your bestie is a true blue Golden Girls fan, you can get them a reusable cold cup thanking them for being a friend.

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Richmond Street Home Decor

If there’s one thing you can say about the Golden Girls, it’s that their house on Richmond Street was impeccably decorated. (If you ask Blanche, she would tell you that she had hired Nancy Reagan’s decorator.) Have you ever seen so much wicker furniture in your life? Wicker aside, you can’t go wrong with getting any of these cute GG accessories in your home.

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Saturday Night Fun & Games

Back when the show was on the air, Saturday night was a night you stayed in and watched TV. If you know a GG fan who still loves to stay in on a Saturday night, there are plenty of Golden Girls games to keep them occupied. And if you have a toy collector in your midst, you can’t go wrong with getting them one of the many Golden Girls Funko Pop figures.

Holigay Gift Guide: 10 Rare Lesbian Movies To Buy for the Queer Cinephile Who Has Seen Everything

My DVD collection is older than my closest friendships. As a kid, DVDs and then Blu-Rays were pretty much all I ever asked to receive as gifts. Birthdays, Hannukahs, whenever my mom was in a good mood and we were at Target — from big chains to artsy video stores, I’ve spent decades seeking out the cinema I wanted to see most.

In the age of streaming, it may seem like physical media is the way of the past. But streaming options are very limited, and while some gaps can be filled if you’re crafty enough, a lot of online bootlegs are low quality or not available at all.

Scroll through the all time lesbian movie list and you’ll quickly realize that many of the films are labeled “unavailable.” That’s where this gift guide is here to help. Unavailable means unavailable to stream — not necessarily unavailable completely. So whether you’re getting yourself a holiday present or searching for that special cinephile in your life here are ten DVDs or Blu-Rays to add to your list.

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10. House of Psychotic Women Rarities Collection (Blu-Ray)

Jane Arden’s unique masterpiece The Other Side of the Underneath was recently named by Kayla and I to have the scariest queer movie moment of all time. While the film is still streaming on Shudder, the extended workprint version is only available in this box set. And considering the limits of streaming deals, I’d never trust any movie only available on one site to be online for more than a few months. Not only do you get Arden’s film and its extended cut in this box — you also get several other works highlighted in Kier-La Janisse’s seminal book. This is a must have for any queer horror lover and all psychotic women.

9. Make a Wish (2002)

Speaking of horror, there are only three copies of Sharon Ferranti’s lesbian slasher left on Amazon. I’m pretty sure Kayla bought the fifth and I bought the fourth. Generally, I do not support Amazon dot com but I made an exception for this because a slasher movie about a lesbian gathering her exes for a camping trip could not be missed. Initially released by Wolfe Video, this disc comes with a commentary track featuring Ferranti. It’s a fun, low-budget romp that twenty years later has found no equals in the mainstream. Read Kayla’s full piece about it!

UPDATE: No need to shop on Amazon! This is back on the Wolfe Video website!

8. Therese and Isabelle (1968)

Violette Leduc’s lesbian schoolgirl literary classic has finally received a new release in print. But the movie adaptation it inspired is still hard to find. Some have criticized exploitation director Radley Metzger’s take on the work, but I’d argue it’s still a worthwhile watch even if it lacks Leduc’s perspective. There is plenty of room in the canon of lesbian cinema for sleazy art and I wouldn’t even be so quick to write this off as just sleaze. There is still a poetry to it — even in the sex scenes. Especially when placed in the context of the 1960s, this film earns its place in the canon while still holding pleasures for an adventurous modern viewer.

7. Girl with Hyacinths (1950)

Early lesbian cinema may have been marred by tragic death, but this very early Swedish classic does it with a unique twist. The entire film centers around an investigation into a queer woman’s suicide and while this may seem dour, the knowledge from the beginning saves the usual cruel shock. Instead it allows for a film that really explores this woman as a human being and reveals a far more complicated life than most on-screen lesbian suicides that seem to exist just to satisfy the morals of the time. Ingmar Bergman himself considered this a masterpiece and I agree!

6. The Daughters of Fire (2018)

Many of the films on this list were lost to time, but even our contemporary art is still kept from us. I saw this artful, feminist, queer, trans exploration of sex and pornography at Outfest in 2019 but except for a brief run on MUBI, it never got a formal release. A lot of queer films I see at festivals don’t get the releases they deserve, but most end up streaming somewhere in a few years. Not this one! I’m sure it’s graphic sexuality is part of the reason, its commitment to showing a sexuality that’s entirely queer and inclusive to a wide variety of bodies is likely another. Luckily there’s a region free DVD out there you can track down or order!

5. Memento Mori (1999)

One more for the horror gays! This masterpiece entry of the Whispering Corridors series is actually worth watching for gays who love ghosts and gays who don’t. It’s less straightforward horror and more a meditation on grief, first love, and those first steps out of the closet. It’s a beautiful film and a personal fave of mine. It’s like a supernatural, less campy version of Lost and Delirious! So if all this sounds appealing to you — or the cinephile in your life — this one is more than worth tracking down on eBay. Also I wrote an essay about it a few years back if you need more convincing.

4. Set Me Free (1999)

While we’re on the topic of Lost and Delirious, did you know its director Léa Pool is a lesbian who has a whole filmography of lesbian storytelling? And while this Quebecois icon may have lost you with her heavy-handed English language debut, her actual debut is a coming-of-age queer classic. Following a teen girl with a challenging home life, a crush on the same girl as her brother, another crush on her teacher, and yet another crush on French actress Anna Karina, Pool’s understated tale reveals itself to be the origin story of a queer filmmaker. It’s a beautiful film that used to be on the Criterion Channel but now is nowhere to be found — except on OOP DVDs!

3. Entre Nous (1983) (Blu-Ray)

This list mostly consists of rare, used DVDs but this is the exception. Diane Kurys’ French lesbian classic was recently restored and is finally getting a proper release from Cohen Media. Starring Isabelle Huppert and Miou-Miou, this tale of two unhappily married women during WWII who find love with one another is as austere as that premise suggests. You’re either into that kind of lesbian period piece or you’re not — if you are then this is the release of the season. Cheap DVDs will do if that’s all we can get, but proper releases like this one should always be the goal — and expectation! — for our cinema.

2. Manji (1964)

Evidence that if you live in a major city, or any city with a good video store, you can sometimes find the best movies offline. I got my copy of this twisted Japanese classic by rummaging through the LGBTQ section at Amoeba Music in Hollywood! It’s noteworthy because any explicitly queer movie from 1964 would be noteworthy but it’s also really good! It makes the American erotic thrillers of the 80s and 90s feel like innocent bores with its shocking psychosexual turns. I also wrote an essay about this one if you want to read more

1. Show Me Love (Fucking Åmål) (1999)

Ah the holy grail of lesbian movies. I don’t know why this popular Swedish movie from popular Swedish director Lukas Moodyson is still largely unavailable. Maybe it’s due to rights issues for the soundtrack. I do believe we will see a proper release of this film at some point, but that could take years! So if your purse is deep or your wallet is fat you can get a copy for seventy dollars. Equal parts sweet and sour, there’s a reason why just about everyone who saw this film two decades ago or has managed to find it since feels so warmly about it. Just don’t be tempted by the cheaper options on Amazon because those either don’t have English subtitles or are region coded for somewhere else. Unless, of course, you live in a country other than the US or Canada or speak Swedish, in which case lucky you!

UPDATE: Incredible news! Show Me Love will be included in a limited edition Blu-Ray box set of Lukas Moodysson films coming soon from Arrow.

Holigay Gift Guide: For Fitness Fiends

Do you have a friend or loved one really into movement? Maybe they keep asking if y’all can go on a hike, or take a hot yoga class together (which none of my friends have taken me up on yet but I keep telling myself it’s only a matter of time!!). Or perhaps you are the one really into movement.

In either case, this gift guide is the one for you! It’s full of present ideas for fitness lovers. And if you’d rather not go on a 6 a.m. hike with your outdoorsy friend, or accompany your dedicated yogi partner to their vinyasa class, consider buying them something from this guide. They’re sure to appreciate it (almost) as much as your company.

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Recovery Tools

I’m starting out this gift guide with recovery tools because honestly, rest days are critical! Taking the time to reset and rebuild after an intense workout is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Give someone else that gift by investing in their rest days, maybe with a massage gun! The small one above is great for travel, or for just stashing in your gym bag for some immediate post-workout relief. You can even go fancier: this (bigger, and more expensive) massage gun is Bluetooth-enabled and has attachments you can swap out depending on the type of self-massage you want. Apparently you can use massage guns pre-workout too, to activate your muscles which is news to me and I will be trying it!

If you’d rather go more analog, a set of massage balls could be a nice alternative! You can use them against a wall to get targeted pressure into specific areas, not unlike a massage gun. If massages aren’t your (or your giftees) thing, consider an acupressure mat! You can find one that works with your lifestyle: this one has memory foam, and this one is made with coconut fiber and organic cotton.

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Home Workout Equipment

Yes, gyms and fitness studios are open again but there is something to be said for working out from the comfort of your own home! For one thing, it’s more COVID-safe, and also, no one can judge you for making weird faces on your last few reps. If your yoga mat is on its last legs and maybe losing some of that initial sticky grip, maybe it’s time for an upgrade! If you or your giftee are new to the practice, this mat is aimed at beginners. If you’re a seasoned yogi, and you want something extra grippy, this mat could be a good fit.

You can absolutely do reformer-style Pilates at home, and sliding discs are the way to do it. Just find a flat surface, pop your feet onto the sliding discs, and follow a YouTube video — or just do your favorite reformer moves! Split squat drag, anyone? If you’re shopping for someone who’s low on space but wants to lift, adjustable dumbbells are a great gift. They’re definitely on the pricier side, but when you add up the cost of all the dumbbells that you would have had to purchase, it’s a bit of an easier sell. Resistance bands are another great gift for folks low on space but who still want to strength train. This set includes a pack of three, and is great for travel!

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Activewear

Activewear is part of the whole fitness experience! Your giftee is sure to appreciate activewear, especially something sweat-wicking like this crop top / sports bra situation. If you’re looking for something with compression, try the tank bra linked above. It’s a great sports bra, but even in a non-workout situation, it doubles as a seriously effective compression top. If your giftee is a runner, perhaps they want shorts — maybe this water-repellent pair? Leggings are also a great option. For shorter giftees, finding an inseam around 25″ or below is important. This pair is a classic for a reason. If you’re looking for a wider size range, this pair goes up to a 6XL.

I know socks are a bit of an unconventional gift, but hear me out — socks get lost all the time. The six-pack of workout socks that you purchased at Costco several years ago is really more like three and a half pairs at this point. I personally would love a nice pair of socks as a gift, like this low-show breathable sock (they’re definitely on the splurgier side when it comes to socks).

Holigay Gift Guide: For High Maintenance Femmes Who Are Deep in Beautytok

As a self proclaimed and proud High Maintenance Femme, the holigay season provides a thrilling opportunity: the chance to get the products you’ve been longing for without hurting your bank account. I have come to accept the fact that my makeup obsession is simply no one’s problem but my own, but you better believe there is nothing more exciting than when someone purchases me an eyeshadow palette I’ve been coveting! Perhaps there is a friend or partner in your life who you would like to treat? Look no further, for here you shall find skincare, fun makeup, and handy accessories to please even the brattiest femmes among us!

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Skincare

The most important part of any good make up girlie’s bag: the skincare! After all, we cannot put make up on a face that has not been properly prepped! Nor can we forget to take it off after a long day of looking incredible! This La Roche-Posay cleanser is my current fave — it’s hydrating and feels so nice on my skin. It has never once given me that horrible stripped dry feeling some cleansers do. It also does a decent job removing make up, but for things like extremely pigmented eyeliners and mascara, I swear by this cleansing balm. No more waking up with smeared mascara on my eyelids! I have tried many a chemical exfoliant in my life, and no one has treated me better than Miss Paula and her BHA. Plus, it does an incredible job keeping ingrown hairs at bay. After all that, slathering on this CosRX Snail All in One cream feels like a heavenly treat, and it’s lightweight enough to wear underneath foundation. We all know that SPF is the way to go, I love this one because it does not leave a trace of that dreaded white cast on my gorgina brown skin. When it comes to primers, I’ve tried so many high-end versions  and without fail, I come back to this e.l.f one. It is truly the most griping primer out there. My face will not budge if I can help it!

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Make Up

When buying make up as a gift, I think it’s the perfect time to play a little, maybe reach for something new and fun and exciting. Like the Danessa Myrick’s skin blurring powder that all the TikTok girlies love. I already know it will be a staple for me in the summer months, and it makes a great skin tint for the days when you don’t feel like doing a whole face. Speaking of new and fun: magnetic lashes??? Hello, yes! I love the drama of a fake lash, but my word applying glue to my own eyes is not something I am like, craving to do. Also, what pairs better with magnetic lashes than these stunning metallic eye shadows? Just in time for the holiday party season? Don’t mind if I do! Oh, and simply do not sleep on gift sets! What a good way to try out a product without spending every single coin you own! I love Rare Beauty blushes, Lil Miss Selena really did the damn thing with them—gorgeous and so pigmented that they will last a long time. And this YSL mini lipstick set? I’ll say it: chic as hell! And look, I know I said gifts are a good time to branch out and try something fun, but I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t be thrilled to get a fresh foundation. I’ve been a steady and faithful servant of this Lancome one for many years, she’s buildable, has great coverage and never makes me look cakey.

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Accessories

If the femme in your life is anything like me, then she likely has a ton of supplies and tools for her make up lifestyle. But what about these amazing silicone brush covers for traveling? Because let me tell you, nothing stresses me more than throwing my brushes rawdog into a toiletry bag! And while we’re talking about keeping our tools clean, might I suggest this automatic brush cleaning machine you can pair with this liquid brush cleaner? Few things are more important than clean brushes, and I’ll be honest, the simple joy of watching the brush spin itself back to it’s fluffy and dry glory is very thrilling. Oh, and also why not get some reusable cotton pads? These ones come with a bag for washing and a cute little bamboo container for storage? Maybe toss this pretty and practical beauty sponge holder in your cart too? Also in the cute storage category: what about a little vanity organizer for all the lips and foundations and blushes? I can tell you from experience, it is very satisfying to have all the make up in your life displayed so well.

Hi Gay! It’s Time for Autostraddle’s Ultimate Team Holigay Gift Guide 2022

Queer ye, queer ye! It’s that special time of year that really runs the gamut of emotions. As stressful as they are joyful, the holidays — or Holigays, as we like to call them around these parts — sure are wild. Here at Autostraddle, we’re hoping to at least take a little bit of the pressure off and also hopefully inspire some small joys even if this time of year is tough and overwhelming for you. Need help deciding what to get someone on your list? Take a look at the wide range of things we’re personally wishing for! Or even buy yourself a damn gift if you want. We all deserve something a little nice this time of year.

Autostraddle writers, editors, and senior team members have a whole bunch of different interests — from gaming to books to cooking to gardening to traveling to beauty and beyond. But we have one important thing in common when we’re engaging in the things we love: We’re queer as fuck while we’re doing it. So a gift guide doesn’t get much gayer than this one, assembled by a bright and beautiful team of LGBTQ+ cuties. And when you shop using a lot of the links below, you’re also giving the bonus gift of support for queer indie media, as we get small kickbacks from any brands we have affiliate programs with. Double up on your support by contributing to the A+ membership pool so that someone can sign up for A+ this holiday season who otherwise can’t afford to. And don’t forget: If you’re already an A+ member, you get exclusive discounts from brands who are part of the A+ Discount Marketplace, another great place to look for gifts!

Holigay Gift Guide: For the Kitchen Top You Maybe Have a Crush On

Oh, kitchen tops. There’s something so sexy about watching someone cook with confidence. Someone who measures in handfuls and pinches, rather than exact cups and tablespoons. It’s their unbridled confidence when they tell you to come over for dinner, that they’ll cook — and your job is to just sit and watch and look cute, and that if you really must bring something, you can bring over a bottle of wine. Kitchen tops are the type to make sure you’re settled in with a snack while they throw together what they consider a “casual” five course meal without breaking a sweat.

Sometimes people are not good at the things they love to do, but not kitchen tops. They’re good at their craft and they deeply enjoy it. Honestly, the best part of having a crush on a kitchen top is getting to see them in action. Well, that, and eventually being fed.

Shopping for kitchen tops is tough because chances are, their pantry is already well-stocked with the basics. Here’s a list of gifts for your favorite kitchen top that’ll definitely complement what they’ve already got!

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Not-So-Basic Basics

The beauty of basics is that they’re used all the time, which means your crush will eventually need replacements. Also, this means that whenever your crush reaches for your gift (which will be often!) they’ll be reminded of you. If your crush is into grilling, you could try a spice blend, like this tandoori masala or maybe this set of six spices (one of which is hand-picked wild ramps??). Or maybe flaky salt is more their style! Maldon’s always an option, or you could try this hand-harvested sea salt from France. Olive oil is always a great gift (pair it with some crusty bread from a nearby bakery), or you could go the vinegar route! Some unexpected options are this celery vinegar, or this raw champagne vinegar.

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Colorful Bakeware/Drinkware

Here’s the deal. Your crush probably has bakeware that they use and love already, but if they spend a lot of time in the kitchen, chances are some of their things might need replacing. Have they mentioned wanting to bake more bread? A mustard yellow Dutch oven like this one could be the answer, unless they specifically want to bake tiny loaves, in which case the mini cocotte trio above is probably their best bet. You could even give yourself a gift by getting your Kitchen Top a sheet pan, like the ones in this gorgeous green cookie set. They’ll have no choice but to invite you over for a holiday cookie decorating session. If your crush is less of a baker and more of a beverage person, try these beaded glass martini glasses or maybe even this set of colorful ombre coupe glasses!

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A Drink Or Two

Beverages are a great year-round gift IMO!! The non-alcoholic wine scene has significantly improved over the years, and your giftee is sure to appreciate the complexity in the wine proxies above. The holiday scene just calls for something fizzy (though I am of the opinion that sparkling wines are everyday wines and should not be relegated to just the holiday season but I digress!), whether it’s this nonalcoholic sparkling rosé, a Maryland-produced piquette, or a classic Lambrusco. If your giftee is a kombucha person, you could also try finding a few kombuchas at a nearby grocery store and do a tasting! Bitters are a great way to round out an already well-stocked bar cart, especially if you opt for lesser-used options like grapefruit or rhubarb.

Holigay Gift Guide: Gifts for Your Favorite Dapper, Transmasc Queer

I have always loved winter — hot beverages, snow-covered trees, and the sounds of a crackling fireplace make me feel at home. And let’s be honest — dapper, transmasc queers thrive year-round, but in my opinion, we shine brightest in the winter. Wool, tweed, flannel, and cashmere look so, so good on us. A dapper transmasc in a cable-knit sweater and leather boots is a true gift to the universe (you’re welcome). As the holidays approach, you might be wondering what you should get for the dapper boy in your life who (seemingly) has it all together. In honor of all of us dapper, transmasc queers, here’s a gift guide to help you shower your favorite with some extra love.

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Keep Them Stylish Underneath It All

Any dapper queer will tell you that style/freshness starts with the layer closest to the skin. If you know the person well, consider getting them some cute and comfortable briefs from TomboyX — I swear by them. For dapper dudes who love dope socks, a Sock Club membership is the gift that keeps on giving. For just $12 each month (or an annual rate of $132/ year), your favorite dapper queer will get a lovely pair of socks in the mail each month. Fun mail and style? Heck yes! Lastly, even dapper queers wear t-shirts (especially as layers throughout the winter). Trans Guy Supply’s heavyweight, crisp white “SIR” T-shirt is the perfect addition to a dapper queer’s stylish yet comfortable fit collection.

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Wrap ‘Em in Warmth

Winter holidays demand warm and fuzzy gifts. Softness and style go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking to drop some cash on a significant other or close friend, consider the winter overcoat from Kirrin Finch. Their sizing is not as inclusive as I’d hoped (even if I’m sized out), but their coats come in three colors and are available in sizes up to 24. Don’t forget — our heads need love, too! Gobi’s cashmere unisex beanie is soft, affordable, and comes in so many different colors.

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Remind Your Fav to Take Good Care

It might be tempting to want to buy your dapper friend a new moisturizer or fragrance, but I’d err on the side of not (unless you’re sure you know what they like). Your favorite dapper transmasc queer probably already has a very detailed and prescriptive morning and nighttime routine involving the perfect moisturizer, face wash, cologne, and oils. But that doesn’t mean you can’t shower them with other wellness and care-related goodies. For those dapper queers who travel, a new travel manicure set is a great, affordable gift that allows them to keep their cuticles in check while on the road. Speaking of being on the go, you may want to consider new earbuds (like the Beats Fit Pro) if you’re shopping for a dapper queer who’s often commuting, working out, or traveling. They are a great alternative to the AirPods, they come in four different colors, and Apple will even personalize them!

For your dapper homebodies staying in this winter, P.F. Candle makes divinely-scented candles. I especially enjoy the Teakwood and Tobacco (very masc). Their candles come in three different sizes (mini, standard, and large) and a variety of scents. For those who are committed to going out and still looking to fly year-round, a shoe kit is a cool throwback gift. Growing up, I remember watching my dad clean and shine his finest dress shoes on one of these babies. This box smells so good and is just a really dope piece to have in your closet.

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Accentuate Their Drip

Every dapper, transmasc queer is defined by their intense drip. Whether they wear sweats or a three-piece suit, they carry themselves with a flyness that’s hard to miss. For your preppy fresh queers, consider one of the Tweeds, Checks & Plaids ties from Haute Butch. The website says they’re “back-ordered,” but these ties look dapper AF and might be worth the wait!

If you’re looking to drop some coins on someone special, queer-owned Automic has a 14k Butch Bracelet that will remind your favorite dapper transmasc of you whenever they look down at their hands. For a less expensive option, gift your dapper boy a solid watch. Depending on the recipient’s watch habits, this might be a risky move. Some of us wear the same watch every day and never change it. Others are intense watch collectors and only buy the finest stuff. Chances are, if you’re thinking about buying someone a watch, you’ve done your homework on their timepiece habits and preferences. That being said, in a moment where everyone’s got smartwatches, I suggest getting them a throwback timepiece that will be a fun accessory. Sure, they probably have an Apple watch with a calculator, but the Casio tells a better story and adds just a little bit of fun flair to their fit.

For dapper folks looking for accessories to hold your stuff, I recommend Leatherology’s wallet; it looks sharp, comes in various colors, and can be personalized for your favorite person. Needing something bigger? Try Bellroy’s Sling Mini — it fits a ton of stuff and looks good on anyone.

The secret to masterful gift-giving is always doing your homework on the recipient. Of course, I think all of the gifts in this guide are great, but to find the perfect gift for your favorite dapper, transmasc queer, you’ve got to pay attention to what brings them joy, what they enjoy wearing/ doing, and the go-to pieces (and habits) that make them so damn dapper. If you do your homework and use this guide as a jumping-off point, you’ll get your favorite dapper, transmasc queer a gift they will absolutely love.

Holigay Gift Guide: For the Queer Always Talking About Their Fur Babies

When I first started writing for Autostraddle, I had a minute where I wondered: Was I gonna become that writer? The person who’s clearly obsessed with their dog — and pretty much with every pet that comes their way, no matter what shape or size or temperament?

Then I realized: It wasn’t a choice at all. I’m that person! I know every one of Milo’s friends by name, and I usually say “good-bye! I love you!” when each dog leaves the park, even if we’ve only just met five minutes before. One of the ways to my heart is truly through my dog, and I bet you have someone in your life who’s the exact same way. Why not get them something for their furry friends this season?

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Pet-Inspired Artistry

When my sweet dog Cyrus was 12 years old, a cousin of mine commissioned his portrait for Christmas. It was truly the best gift I ever got, made all the more precious when Cyrus passed away a year and a half later. Now it hangs on the wall with his collar and his tag, and I tap it like Ted Lasso’s BELIEVE sign whenever I walk by.

Our pets are full-fledged family members, but the time they spend with us, no matter how long, passes by far too quickly. However old your loved one’s loved one is, a custom portrait’s one of the most special gifts you can give. And if portraits are out of your budget, other types of pet-inspired art are amazing too! We love our animals! You can’t go wrong!

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Toys, Puzzles, and Fun

Milo is a curious one year-old pup who wants to wake up at 6 a.m. and do EVERYTHING, including pull books off the shelf to wake me up. He’s definitely getting a puzzle or a snuffle mat for Christmas! Maybe it will buy me an extra 15 minutes in the morning. Meanwhile, some of my friends with cats swear by the catnip toys they’ve been getting lately. Cat grass is great too, especially for indoor cats! Dog Trainer TikTok just loves to talk about “enrichment,” and you know what? I’m there.

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Practicalities

Having a dog or cat is 100% worth it, but there are a LOT of practicalities that go into it. From cat harnesses and metal litter scoopers (my cat-owning friends were very specific about the metal) to lint rollers and waterproof blankets that can come in handy for a variety of activities around the house, here are a few ways you can help make everyone’s lives easier!

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Clothes for Pets (and their People, Too!)

Listen: Sometimes you just have to be extra, because extra is who you are! If that sounds like somebody you know, their dog just might need the cutest canine rainbow puffer vest around, some bandanas to jazz things up (Milo’s modeling his here!), or a hoodie or flannel with a human-sized version to match. We are who we are! And it’s great!

Holigay Gift Guide: Things To Buy for Yourself Because You Deserve It

Hi reader, it’s me. Your auntie who likes nice things.

It’s the holiday season, and the season is filled with gift guides for your mom, your lover, and your friends. But, dear reader, what about YOU?!

You deserve nice things too, and nice doesn’t automatically mean expensive. Though some of the things in this gift guide will be pricey, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to feel fulfilled. This guide includes clothing items, some fast fashion and some not. I get it, capitalism makes obsessive little buyers out of all of us, but don’t you want to put on a cozy sweater you just bought and drink a peppermint mocha out of a mug made by an artisan? I sure do.

If this sounds like something you want, read ahead. This is a gift guide of nice things for you because you deserve it.

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Beauty

With the exception of the e.l.f. lip stain, I’ve tried or tested all of these products and can vouch for their overall quality. The LYS (love yourself) blush is super pigmented and creamy and stays on all day. Tatcha is luxury skincare so it’s ex-pen-sive, but so worth it. The water creamy is the perfect moisturizer if you like a light, creamy formula that doesn’t dry down sticky and doesn’t cast a white shadow over your face. I once heard that mascara is mascara, and what really makes a difference for your lashes is the shape of the wand. This wand is straight and narrow and gives my lashes such lift and volume.

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Home

Now y’all know I’m a Crate and Barrel Bitch these days, so I really wanted to focus on good stuff for the home section, a couple of luxury items with some affordable ones thrown in. It is indeed soup season so a stock pot is a must, this white one from Le Creuset is perfect for your kitchen. Who doesn’t want gold flatware? Eat like royalty with this set, and low-key Target also has gold flatware if this is a little out of your range. Speaking of Target, this faux ficus is so cute and manageable because it’s fake! Give your living room a pop of color with this plant. To round it out, I included this turntable that comes highly recommended by many people. It comes in three colors so you have options! The moon mugs are only available during drops, so I suggest following Sven Ceramics on Instagram to know when drops happen.

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Clothing

Like I said up top, I wanted a mix of fast fashion and slow fashion, so you can choose which one you want to support. I picked these items because they are super cute and seasonably appropriate. Lots of sweaters, coats, and things to keep your legs warm! Also, all of the items are plus size or carry sizes up to 5X, so even you can buy them no matter your size.

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Accessories

Now let’s run down this last column. I have the Scorpion earrings from Desert and Stone and they are delicate but gorgeous. I also have some Marie June Jewelry and everything they showcase is so cool, especially the drip-style jewelry. I’ve bought and been gifted many things from Sasha Handmade, their fiber art jewelry is so unique and pretty. The vegan leather bags from Samara are made from apple leather and not traditional PVC that some vegan leather products are made of, which is really cool and environmentally friendly. I long to be the kind of woman that can pull of a beret but I’m sure you would look so cute in one! Finally, this YouGoNatural Sleep Bundle looks so luxurious I had to buy one for myself. It comes with a satin lined turban, a silk scrunchy, sleep mask, and pillow case. So decadent right?! Totally worth the price too. It also comes in a champagne color.

I hope you see something in this set that piques your interest. Treat yourself to a little something this holiday season.