gifts for feminist film snobs, hard-to-please pet people, and everyone else! plus a wild boar taco

I thought I'd change it up this month and do a gift guide. Please note: This may read as Laramie's holiday wish list, but it is not intended as such. It's merely a selection of items I happen to think are terrific.

(If you don't see the photos, try clicking "Display images below.")


For anyone and everyone, the Stand With Planned Parenthood Tote Bag ($20) from Power and Light Press. My sister-in-law gave me this tote last year, and I get so many cries of HURRAH!, from people aged 18 to 80. I've never been happier to be a walking advertisement. Bonus: 25% of proceeds go directly to Planned Parenthood.

Pairs well with...


Cold Picnic boob bathmat ($60), the ideal blend of infantile humor and hipster chic. Now available in brown and lilac tones in addition to cream.


For the feminist film snob, GirlsOnTops female filmmaker tees ($26). I'll take one Lynne Ramsay, and one gold glitter Carrie Fisher pls. (Whoops did I say this wasn't a wish list?)

Pairs well with a subscription to The Gentlewoman.


For the hard-to-please pet person, a custom watercolor portrait ($75-100) from Cait Raft. SHADDUP. Lookit that good boy. DM her on instagram, or message her through Etsy.


For the over-40s, IZIPIZI reading glasses ($40), lightweight, Parisian, and guaranteed to be enthusiastically received. They come in five different shapes, and tons of good colors (including rose granite, pictured above).

For the softie/philosopher/dog lover: Sigrid Nunez's The Friend.

For the anguished artist/writer with a short attention span: Sarah Manguso's 300 Arguments.

For the oddball screenwriter: Mary Robison's Why Did I Ever.


For the mystic, a Novena candle ($23) from newly-launched Strange Gent. Smells of Palo Santo mixed with Black Sea Salt and Ash Wednesday, and promises to summon the heavens and ask for redemption, forgiveness, and the chance to commune with the spirits. I'm not at all religious, but somehow that appeals to me this holiday season. There's also a Winona candle (WINONA FOREVER ✌️), which is purported to smell of Juniper, Rosemary, and the parchment of a frenzied love letter.


For all the Angelenos, gift cards for Guerilla Tacos. See how I snuck a taco in there? R and I finally made it to Wes Avila's new(ish) brick + mortar location, and I feel comfortable announcing that these are the best tacos in LA. The mushroom tacos, made with portobellos and melty perfect Oxacan cheese, were garnished with a salad better than most tacos I've eaten, frankly. And the Pocho Taco, featuring ground wild boar, raw tomatillo chile, and aged cheddar in a crunchy shell HOLY SHIT. It's like the classic Taco Bell taco elevated x 1000.

Incidentally, I recently learned that the Taco Bell founder straight-up stole the menu from Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino. Wes is definitely giving them a nod. If you're a fellow taco nerd, you've gotta watch Ugly Delicious episode #2.