Special Edition: Gifts for Everyone

Some of my favorite things, drawn by me and recommended to you—plus a few items on my wishlist.

This was such a fun process, though a bit tricky because, honestly, I like too many things. But I also don’t want to contribute to the overwhelming wave of consumerism that’s everywhere these days. There’s so much “stuff” around already, and sometimes less really is more. So, instead of adding to the clutter, I thought that donating or gifting meaningful things would be a nice way to go this year. Last night I put together a sketchbook page with a few of my favorite items that were in eyesight from where I was sitting, plus some that are on my own wish list to share with you.

1. A Violet Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
Perfect for the artist or writer in your life. And if you include an ink converter then it can be loaded with special, personalized inks (or a waterproof ink like I use).

2. The Locavore Guide to Shopping in NYC by

Caroline Weaver

Because nothing beats shopping local, and Caroline has done all the legwork to help you discover the best spots in the five boroughs. This guide will help you find exactly what you need (and maybe some things you didn’t know you wanted OR that were made locally!).

3. Aesop Resurrection Hand Soap
A favorite I buy on repeat because I love the packaging and the smell. It is a chic accessory for your bathroom or kitchen.

4. Gardenheir Clogs
These clogs aren’t just for gardeners — they’re the perfect all-weather, go-to slip-on shoes for both indoors and outdoors. For a more refined and slimmer look, you can try these.

5. The Perfect Water Bottle
This one is the perfect size, has a simple design, and great functionality. I always have one with me.

6. Draw Your World Palette by Art Toolkit/Greenleaf & Blueberry/Yours Truly
For budding and seasoned artists alike, this paint palette is a wonderful way to bring your sketches to life. When three women artists and business owners join forces, good things happen, and this collaboration is one of them!

7. Robert Frank’s The Americans
A must-have for every coffee table. It’s an inspiring glimpse into American life, captured through Robert Frank’s lens. Here is a great piece about why it’s considered one of the greatest photo collections ever published.

8. A Tiny Handmade Leather-Bound Sketchbook
Just like the one I used for my mini portraits, but even smaller. Perfect for anyone who loves to carry a little piece of creativity with them, wherever they go.

9. A Pair of Small Binoculars
For those times when you want to spot something high up or far away — because sometimes the most beautiful things to draw are in the distance.

10. A Love Charm
Because love, in any language, is always a beautiful sentiment. This one reads ahava, which means “love” in Hebrew.

11. A Lego Tuxedo Cat
For cat lovers (like me) who can’t have a live cat due to allergies. A Lego set is a great way to get loved ones of any age off their devices and into hands-on creativity.

A Few More Books:

Give Me Space But Don’t Go Far by

Haley Weaver

to help you feel not alone in your anxiety, especially around the holidays.

The Calligraphy Book for those who want to elevate their envelope-addressing game (or just impress someone with their beautiful handwriting).

My friends are texting about God of the Woods by Liz Moore, because they all love it. I don’t read enough novels these days, but it is next on my list!

Draw Your Day and Draw Your World especially if you don’t have them already!

What are some of your favorite things? Share with us in the comments—whether it's a special item you love, something on your wishlist, or something you’d like to promote. Are there any charities you’re supporting this holiday season?

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Class Reminder:

Sketch and Paint a Holiday Shopfront

Capture the charm of a cozy, classic holiday shopfront. In this one-hour class, I will guide you through the steps of drawing a festive facade. Drawing from years of experience sketching beloved city shops, I’ll teach you techniques for building structure, adding holiday flair, and infusing personality into each line and brushstroke. Perfect for creating a piece to frame or to turn into holiday cards, this class will leave you with a keepsake to treasure and share.

Watch the recording here.

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Draw Your World paid subscribers, I am going to squeeze in one more meetup before I leave for my travels on the 20th. Stay tuned for an invite in the chat!