‘Tis the season! This week, we’re turning our “Friday Faves” into your much needed humanities gift guide.
Looking for the perfect gift for that favorite Hoosier on your list? No fear! Our team has got your back with a few quirky (and seriously awesome) presents below. Start shopping…
Bronwen Fetters, executive assistant and program associate:
- The Unemployed Philosophers Guild puts out a goldmine of humanities-related gifts, but their Little Thinkers series of dolls is my personal favorite. I have been working on collecting most of the authors, but I still need Jane Austen and Mark Twain if my family is reading this! *hint hint*
- Last Christmas I got my fellow-English-major-brother this classic books coaster set from Out of Print. A great gift for any bookish people in your life!
- Here’s an excellent Hoosier stocking stuffer! Our friends at the Indiana Writers Center just published an anthology of contemporary Indiana writers called Not Like the Rest of Us, featuring more than 60 selections from Indiana writers including John Green, Mari Evans and Dan Wakefield.
George Hanlin, director of grants:
- After conducting a grants workshop in Vincennes this week, I stopped by Grouseland, the home of Indiana Territory governor (and future president) William Henry Harrison. Other than the tour, of course, the highlight was coming across a William Henry Harrison Pez dispenser in the gift shop! This makes a great stocking stuffer for the Hoosier history fan on your shopping list, and you can buy it online via Grouseland’s website. (Looking for fellow Indiana presidents Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Harrison? They come in sets with other presidents. Benjamin Harrison’s is still available via Pez, but the Abraham Lincoln set is sold out—so you’ll have to search for it and probably pay a bit more.)
- I recently learned about the Book Arts Collaborative, a program affiliated with Ball State University that teaches Ball State students and community members about letterpress printing, book binding, and artist’s book design and publishing. The collaborative produces and sells beautiful handbound books and journals, notecards and other printed ephemera at a handful of retail outlets in Muncie and Indianapolis. You can find a list on its website.
Jacqueline Cromleigh, communications and community relations manager:
- We’re all about the swag here at Indiana Humanities. But when this hand-drawn beauty came into our office, I wasn’t able to contain my excitement. Grab this snazzy tee from Yonder Clothing.
- Comfy and adorable? Gift this Indiana Pillow to a dedicated Hoosier.
Leah Nahmias, director of programs:
- Indiana cuff links. I say no more.
Keira Amstutz, president and CEO:
- Give the gift of Hoosier stories. Food for Thought: An Indiana Harvest details a lively cross-section of individuals — from James Beard-nominated chefs to blueberry farmers, bison ranchers to activists working to feed the hungry — all of whom are helping to make this such an extraordinary time in the history of Hoosier cuisine. Purchase online at Amazon.com and local gift shops and bookstores.
Kristen Fuhs Wells, director of communications and development:
- Have a cartography nerd in your family? I highly recommend Mapping Indiana. This beautiful coffee table book is one-of-a-kind.
Any presents you would add? Leave us a note in the comments below.
Posted In: Miscellaneous