Okay, a quick confession—I’m terrible at gifting. I occasionally land on the mark, but most of the time my ideas are either wild guesses or something thrown together in a panic, and I often fall back on the classics: recent books, comfy clothes, fancy candy (it is truly astounding how much a small package of boutique gummy bears or dark chocolates can cost).
This year our guide is mostly catered toward supporting literary organizations and businesses, plus one (pun intended) hat I’ve had sitting in my cart and been waffling on since it was released.
Oh yeah, and since we’re in the middle of our member drive, please consider supporting us with the gift that keeps on giving by bundling a Rumpus membership + letters in the mail from authors for only $15 a month or $150 for the year!
-Aram Mrjoian, Editor-in-Chief
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I’ve used a number of PEN America’s reports in my first-year and creative writing courses; so much of the work they’re doing is urgently necessary to help “defend writers, artists, and journalists and protect free expression worldwide.” The organization also provides numerous awards, grants, and fellowships for writers across genres at all stages of their careers.
Donate to The Granum Foundation
The Granum Foundation has a straightforward mission: “to identify and invest in the next generation of pathbreaking writers and artists.” That sounds pretty rad to me. The foundation supports writers through two annual awards that can be used to support a book-length project in progress.
Shop at (or Donate to) a Local Indie Bookstore
Indie bookstores are simply the best! And the busy holiday season is extremely important to their sustainability. I imagine many of us have a community favorite, but a few recommended by Rumpus staff include Pilsen Community Books (Chicago), Firestorm (Asheville), Literati (Ann Arbor), Alienated Majesty Books (Austin), Grand Gesture Books (Portland), and Loyalty Bookstores.
Help Fund The Queer Armenian Library
This free digital library curated by writer and podcaster J.P. Der Boghossian is a vital resource that needs your help covering basic website maintenance and hosting costs.
Sign up for StoryStudio Pub Crawl
For the emerging writer in your life, perhaps consider a pass to StoryStudio’s online, month-long publishing intensive. The month of programming includes classes, panels, and events on publishing, as well as extra opportunities to meet with agents and editors. Full disclosure, this will be my third year as a participating editor in Pub Crawl, but StoryStudio is a wonderful organization with great programming year-round.
With nine chapters across the U.S., 826 has become well-known for their clandestine storefronts and vibrant youth publishing centers. The organization has nearly 2,000 volunteers nationwide and serves approximately 470,000 students ages 6 to 18 each year.
Bonus: The N+1 Track Changes Hat I Can’t Stop Thinking About
I’m sorry, I am a very basic editor at heart and this hat fits my literary bro vibe all too well.
If you’re like me, it’s probably better to start shopping for folks now, before the anxiety and indecision set in. Happy holidays!
