RPR 113: Misfit Gift Guide 2023

5 rad things from indie makers that won't end up regifted

It’s that special time of year! Lungs are virus-filled! Teens are kneeling at the exhausted feet of teachers hoping for some “extra credit opportunities” before semester grades are entered! Rescue poodles are getting into the cookie party compost and having diarrhea for a week that no pumpkin puree can assuage! It’s magical!

Never fear. RPR is here to take at least one holiday task off your to-do list. GIFTS. I see you, capitalist-wary misfit with a bottomless heart who can’t help but get a little misty when someone you love opens a package that you know is just right for their weirdo whims. Read on for cool things from indie makers that will that won’t end up regifted to frenemies.

If I’m your This Mom Needs a Lewk Refresh Friend, please get me this sherpa lined Seattle cowboy jacket from Wood Land Jams ASAP (pics 1 & 6). Thanks in advance! Photo courtesy of Wood Land Jams

1. Custom Tie-Dye, Wood Land Jams, reach out for pricing

I know your Style Icon Friend is hard to shop for, but you can relax this year because Wood Land Jams is about to make you the #1 Top Friend on their ironically re-booted MySpace profile. The shop is a one-Quinn operation based in Seattle, but lucky for the world, shipping anywhere is available. Everything is hand-dyed. From Quinn: “I source high-quality pre-owned clothes, then dye and bleach them into 1-of-1 statement pieces. I developed my own methods of dyeing, and apply them to anything with natural fibers. I lean into the differences between cotton and linen, thick and thin. I dye everything with my two hands - not a machine or an employee. My hands are stained when I’m done. Your piece will never be matched by another.” Check them out on Instagram @woodlandjams for ready-to-wear options, or reach out to co-create something amazing.

Your neighbor with a rock collection would love to hang this Arthur E. Smith photo-micrograph that was featured in Richard Kerr’s book ‘Nature Through Microscope & Camera’ (1909) in her bathroom to scare and fascinate her guests. $37 from The Public Domain Review.

2. Fine Art Prints, The Public Domain Review, $37

Does your brother have a portrait of a “curious cow” from Ikea hanging above his bed? Is there a Polaroid of your BFF in silver eye shadow circa 2002 taped to her fridge? It’s time for new art for your peeps! Head on over to The Public Domain Review’s shop and pick out something singular for everyone on your list while supporting one of my favorite not-for-profit projects dedicated to the exploration of compelling works from the history of art, literature, and ideas. All prints are museum quality Giclée prints on 100% cotton, acid-free, archival paper.

3. Meme’s Best Ghanaian Pepper Sauce, $17.50, 16 ounces

[AUDIO & PHOTOS] The West African Queen of Hillman City

Your Korean auntie is already heaping ginger and Gochujang into noodles and hot pots with magical results, but what she doesn’t know is that she needs Meme’s Best in her toolkit too. This spicy shitto hot sauce is thick and a little smoky. I brought a jar home after my interview with the Queen of Hillman City last month. My family and I finished it in less than a week. If you’re not in Seattle, I highly recommend dropping everything you’re doing and making the trip just to pick up a jar (or a case) from the West African International Market, 5997 Rainier Ave S., Seattle, WA 98118.

4. Spork Tee, Ear Hustle podcast, $20

Showing support for your fave podcast by slapping its logo onto your chest is so 2023. As your stylish public radio friend steps into the new year, give them what they really want: sporks. That’s right, as if Ear Hustle isn’t giving us enough with their always-fascinating and beautifully produced glimpses into prison and post-prison life from the inside, now they’re giving us FASHION. Get your order in quick—this carrot-color-themed tee is limited edition.

Yes, the label says, “slather this on your old face & tired hands” and there’s a portrait of a sassy vintage lesbian on it. 💅

5. Drench Cream, by me for ROCK PAPER RADIO, free (sort of)

If your face is crumbling to dust under the unrelenting blow of central heating, and your fingers are flaking away because you keep washing your hands even though you’re ALREADY SICK, Drench Cream is here for you. I made a big batch of these cute little pots and I have a few left over and I’d love to give them away to the next five paid annual supporters of ROCK PAPER RADIO. Yearly subscriptions are $75.

This stuff is so clean you could probably eat it (please don’t do this). Ingredients: Unrefined shea butter, cold pressed organic coconut oil, organic Argan oil, doTERRA essential oils. Each pot is 3 ounces.

Everything on RPR and The Family Court Report is freely accessible to all, and our paid subscribers help make this possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of our monthly and annual supporters who are already part of our crew! And happy holidays to all! 🧡