LGBTQ holiday gift ideas can be a daunting task in a sea of rainbow mass-production. In my search, however, I’ve come across fantastic merchandise, including small, queer-owned brands, that will definitely delight. We’re starting early this year with the queer holiday gift guide 2019!

Otherwild’s goldmine, from “zero waste” bathing, handmade ceramics and clothing up-cycles, is sprinkled with queer representation. Their “Homo Sweet Homo” doormat ($68) is perfect for the queer nester and their wearables, like pronoun pins ($12) or “Gender is a Drag” kids shirts, are affordable bonuses. 

Latinx-owned Etsy store BiancaDesignsCo is another wonderful resource. The LGBTQ+ Pride Sticker Pack ($10) appeals to queers and allies alike and the Pride Pins ($12) and Keychains ($13) communicates identity, whether it be demisexual, trans, pan, QPOC and more, a small but truly personalized present. 

T-shirts are always a popular pick to show one’s pride. Portland-based dfrntpigeon offers “Everybody” Bodysuits ($36), Hoodies ($40) and Tees ($32) with all-inclusive intention and clean design. Their Transition collection exhibits beautiful esoteric prints honoring life cycles and butterflies for the witchy wearer as well.

Art After Stonewall, 1969-1989 is an incredibly informative and inspiring coffee table book. Its cover is subtle but within the pages are a rich historical context of mixed media that tells the story of how queer culture developed in mainstream media and niche art forms. Protest photography and moving writing connects political and social dots in this collection spanning two tumultuous but revolutionary decades. 

Pansy Ass Ceramics are NSFW but the kitsch art lover will absolutely appreciate the aesthetics. Created by a Toronto-based duo, gay sex and S&M themes make the majority of their porcelian sculptures but any queer will love their Rococo retro styles. They also offer pastel pins galore ($18 and up). 

Last but not least, you can direct donate a gift membership to ACLU, Transcending Barriers, and The Trevor Project in a friend’s name.