Dotty's Gift Guide is Here!

Like people, the best gifts don’t need to fit in a box.

Hello and Happy Holidays!

I’ve been quiet lately (well, not on Instagram) because - honestly – I’m tired. It’s been an incredible year (more on that later) and I’ve been busy getting my next book, LUCKY BREAK ready for publication in July. All good things! I just haven’t had a ton of newsletter-writing energy available. Until now 😉

Anyway, I’ve decided that for the rest of December, I’m taking a break from working on my third novel (more on that later, too!) to focus on enjoying all the seasonal fun. In the spirit of Christmas, it only felt appropriate to create a gift guide that would make Dotty proud.

DOTTY'S GUIDE TO OUT-OF-THE-BOX GIFT-GIVING

For the Nature-Loving Do-Gooder:

• A donation to your local animal sanctuary (I’m partial to my friends at Rancho Compasion and The Sweet Farm)

• Membership to an environmental organization (save the birds, save the world!)

• A colony of worms for composting (and companionship!) or a countertop bin if they’re not the wormy type

• A little house for those squirrels they’re always watching in the backyard - you may want to spring for one of the versions with a solar-powered camera inside!

• A guide to birds (because everyone should know their chickadees from their finches) or a guide to trees if they’re already well-versed in all things avian

• Seeds for a wildflower garden (I suggest the California Poppy). Let chaos bloom!

For the Free Spirit:

• The boldest lipstick you can find - life's too short for neutral colors (I’m a big fan of Thrive Causemetics - all their products are vegan and cruelty-free!)

• A luxurious pashmina - throw it on over a pair of jeans and a simple top and you’re set!

• A set of eyeglasses they can change anytime (we love a boldly hued cat-eye frame)

• A personalized stationery set (nothing beats a handwritten note)

• Tarot cards (for serious or for fun) or an astrological chart and reading

• A globe for planning all of their future adventures

• A subscription to a travel magazine (armchair adventures are still adventures)

• A weekender bag for last-minute getaways

For the Entertainer:

• A fun door knocker (first impressions matter)

• A pretty wine decanter (makes even cheap wine look fancy!) or a unique pitcher (makes even water feel special)

• Vintage martini glasses (because your spirits should be served in a glass with some history)

• A book about The Art of Mixology (learn to make a proper martini) and The Mocktail (just because someone isn’t drinking doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a special concoction)

• Coasters to get the conversation flowing

• Membership to a local theater for nights when they’re in the mood for some drama

For the Person Who Already Has Everything:

• A medicinal herb garden starter kit

• "Joy of Pickling" cookbook - bet they don’t have this on their shelves yet!

• Bee cups for the garden (a spot for your friendly neighborhood bees to get some R&R) or a bee rescue kit for the ones who need a little extra help recharging

• A paint-by-numbers set to help them release their inner artist

• A framed photo of the two of you (memories are priceless!)

• An invitation to your house for dinner (or to their favorite restaurant)

• A new book! Might I suggest Dear Dotty?

When in doubt, take a trip to your local flea market, antique store, or farmer’s market to pick up whatever catches your eye. You can’t go wrong with a one-of-a-kind find, a bounty of fresh herbs, or local jam.

Have you come up with any extra special gift ideas this year? Tell me about them in the comments!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season! Thank you for your support and encouragement over this past year. It has truly meant the world to me.

Love,

Jaclyn