Nostalgia feels like the appropriate vibe when thinking about holiday gifts this year. Nostalgia for simpler times, for happier and sexier times, for times when headlines were less horror show and more same old evening news.

It’s up to us to manifest the values, qualities and energy we want in our world, and what we give to others is a reflection of that. Holiday gift giving, when carefully considered, becomes a soulful act. Give what you would love to receive, think about where it comes from and leave enough time so shopping is FUN!

This year we’ve compiled the Misstropolis Gift Guide with happy reminiscence in mind: playing games, laughing about nothing, chilling out with art, thinking about fairytale creatures and wearing really baggy jeans, just like the old days.

FUN AND GAMES

Remember nights before Netflix? Sitting on the floor playing board games was one of my favorite things to do as a kid. At summer camp we played Spit, Hearts or Rummy whenever we had a free minute. These days I’m crazy about Backgammon, Mahjong and of course those same card games. Game boards make exceptional, life long gifts. Here are the best:

Backgammon boards from Chrisloid

We have one of these set at home, and of all the boards we’ve had over the years it’s by far the best. The case is strong enough to withstand the steps of kids and dogs, the pieces have a satisfying weight and the board surface is smooth but with just enough grit so you can feel the pieces sliding into place.

Attaché case boards are ideal because they can be folded up, stowed, and brought along to a friend’s house. Chrisloid makes three sizes: travel, champion and tournament in lots of gorgeous colors.

Chrisloid Classic Blue Tournament Attaché Backgammon Board

Mahjong Sets from Oh My Mahjong

The game of Mahjong (Mah Jongg, Maahj) was an invention of the Chinese Qing dynasty in the 1600s and introduced to Western countries during the 1920s. But most people in the states now know it from the intense, climactic scene in Crazy Rich Asians. Do not be intimidated — Mahjong is for everyone and the more you play the more obsessed you’ll become. All you need are three friends and someone to show you the ropes, and you’re in it: tiles clicking, bams, cracks and dots lining up, and competitive juices flowing like a mahjong mingle.

Oh My Mahjong sells sets in a myriad of colors, sizes and designs. They also sell separate mats, tiles and accessories like tile shufflers and personal drink tables.

The Shangri-La Starter Kit from Oh My Mahjong

FOR THE HOME

Tabletop Lighters from Edie Parker

“Inspired by mid-century aesthetic, bold color, and a sense of humor. We think that life is serious, so your accessories don't have to be” is our kind of mission statement. Originally famous for their customizable acrylic clutches which became the IYKYK bag on Hollywood red carpets, Edie Parker now specializes in accessories for the high life. Their tabletop lighters take us right back to family parties where jiggling jello molds took center stage and Elton John spun on the record player.

We like claw meat, but take your pick. All styles are now 25% off sitewide.

Jelly Tabletop lighter in Lobster at Edie Parker.

Nathalie Lété Collection at PATCH NYC

Nothing says take me back to my childhood like the work of beloved French artist Nathalie Lété. Her fantastical world of fairytale characters and brightly colored environs have earned her devotees the world over. Everyone — including celebrity fans and senior creatives at brands like Gucci and Olympia Le Tan with whom she has collab’d — are always waiting to see what she will create next.

PATCH NYC, owned by Don Carney and John Ross who are in-demand artists themselves, and located in a quaint courtyard in Boston’s South End, stocks an array of Lété’s scarves, platters, tea towels and books.

Alice in Wonderland Silk Scarf by Nathalie Lété at PATCH NYC.

ART

I recently read a post by @coffee.with.karen suggesting “a dating app but it's just one picture of someone's bookshelves, one of their usual grocery haul, one of their pets, and one their thermostat,” which sounded pretty good except it’s missing the most important thing which is a picture of the art on someone’s walls. Because a person without any art on their walls is clearly some kind of psychopath and should be swiped left immediately. Is a home without art even a home? I think not. I can’t imagine it. The art on someone’s walls can tell you everything about them. So when gifting art gift carefully but enthusiastically and you can’t go wrong.

Soul Studio

Soul Studio, a division of the nonprofit Friendship Circle of Michigan, is a studio art program fostering creative growth in adults with special needs. With a belief that self expression and working with the hands is a form of therapeutic development, Soul Center provides training in painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles and ceramics. Artwork made by Soul Studio artists is exhibited in the Soul Gallery and in curated area exhibitions.

Spend some time browsing the Soul Studio artists’ pages. There’s so much talent to be discovered.

Aislinn Wendrow, detail of “The Window.” Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30”. “Aislinn Wendrow communicates through touch and her mesmerizing artistry, sharing remarkable tales without uttering a word… her acrylic paintings serve as vibrant narratives, speaking volumes about her delightful persona and the boundless joy she finds within the Studio's space.”

The Skateroom

The Skateroom is a beautiful amalgamation, one of the few organizations that makes me think, “I wish I started that.” A socially conscious B Corp, Skateroom invites artists to showcase their work on skate decks, sometimes special commissions, sometimes well-know masterpieces. Many estates of iconic artists have collaborated with The Skateroom, affording collectors who might never be able to afford say, a Basquiat, to have Basquiat in their home. The Skateroom donates a portion of their profits to partner organizations working with at-risk youth.

As you may know, Mickalene Thomas is on a steep rise to the top of the contemporary art market. Her “Din Avec la Main Dans le Miroir et Jupe Rouge” triple deck is super easy to hang and brings a jolt of energy and attitude to any existing collection. But be sure to peruse the full range of artists with your lucky recipient in mind.

Mickalene Thomas,“Din Avec la Main Dans le Miroir et Jupe Rouge” triple skateboard decks at The Skateroom.

The Hulett Collection

Based in midtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, The Hulett Collection is a fine art gallery specializing in photography masters from the 20th century. Check out Joel Bernstein’s in-between moments with rockstars like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Graham Nash; Lisa Candela’s landscapes and cowboys in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and quiet tender moments between souls captured by Robert Brecko Walter. Hulett represents a long list of photographers, including some contemporary practitioners, so be careful not to lose yourself for days, you’ll need your rest for the holidays. All works signed and numbered.

NICE FIT!

State the obvious sweaters from Lingua Franca

Misstropolis loves Lingua Franca for its efforts to “counteract the forces of mass production, mindless consumerism, and the patriarchy. Just kidding (kind of),” and has included their hand-embroidered cashmere sweaters in our Gift Guide before. But this particular sentiment deserves a new nod for 2024. You can get this savage sweater in all kinds of color combinations, but for me the oxblood with white just works.

Use Code: THANKS25 for 25% off this week.

Lingua Franca, "i didn't vote for him" Women's Crewneck in maroon.

B Sides One of a Kind Jeans

How nice that we are living in a time when jeans can fit like sweatpants. B Sides was founded by fashion industry veterans Claire Lampert and Stacy Daily, who collected antique denim as founders of the vintage boutique Where I Was From. The Reworked Slouch Vintage jeans are each unique, crafted from upcycled Levis 501's and 505's, and constructed for a classic low waisted, mid-rise fit.

The Slouch Vintage comes in three washes. B Sides is offering 20% off through Monday.

PERSONAL GROOMING

La Bonne Brosse Hairbrushes

Constellation hairbrush by La Bonne Brosse.

Women were once instructed to brush their hair 100 times before bed. I always imagined the brush in that scenario to have a smooth wooden handle and thick black animal bristles. La Bonne Brosse, the brainchild of the French design firm L'Appartement Parisien is, as far as I can tell, entirely devoted to bringing back this brand of old fashioned hair care. Manufactured by a French Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company), the handles are made of biodegradable cellulose acetate (a hypoallergenic organic resin made of cotton flowers and wood beads). The brush is 100% boar bristles which are ethically sourced from South Asia and chock full of keratin. La Bonne Brosse offers an online diagnostic which helps choose the best brush for your recipient’s particular hair type.

ADORNMENT

The Unlock-It Collection from Akola

Akola Unlock-It bracelets in Hope and Brave

Akola, which means “she works” in a local Ugandan dialect, is a jewelry brand devoted to empowering women in Uganda by providing reliable, long term job opportunities. Each piece is made by Ugandan women and Akola shares some of their stories on their website. As the founders put it: “We are here because of these women. We believe in them, and the power of all who live in the margins.”

The Unlock-it Collection features hinged horn bracelets with bezel-set crystal baguettes in the colors of gemstones, and 14k gold clasps. Each bracelet employs seven women. The Unlock-It styles include: Strong with smoky quartz, Brave with amethyst, Joy with citrine, Glow with emerald, Hope with blue topaz, Grace with rose quartz and Peace with clear quartz.