'Holithey' shopping: Amazing gifts by transgender or non-binary makers

It's that time of year to show your appreciation for the people around you. Whether it's a token of thanks to your coworkers, a Secret Santa exchange, or relatives you don't often see, there are so many occasions where you might think "I have no idea what to get them!" 

This roundup is here for you.

Have a bookworm on your gift list? This year, you can give them the gift of good representation. The books here feature non-binary and transgender characters or were written by transgender and non-binary authors.

And, there's nothing quite like the gift of art, but that gift can be twofold if you're also supporting non-binary creators as well. Definitely look for artists local to your area too.

For giftees who would rather give than receive, you could always make a donation in their name. As just one example, Gender Creative Kids Canada works to support and affirm children who identify or express their gender "in ways that differ from what others may expect". But feel free to choose an organization that is more local to your area, or an organization that has supported the person you're trying to give to in the past. 

For book lovers

Love Beyond Body, Space and Time brings together representation and great imagination. This anthology centres Indigenous stories with a collection of science fiction and urban fantasy stories featuring LGBT and Two Spirit characters.

Love Beyond Body, Space And Time: An Indigenous LGBT Sci-Fi Anthology, $10, Indigo

Author of Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars, Kai Cheng Thom, returns with her fourth book, I Hope We Choose Love. This series of personal essays and poems addresses the questions that "haunt social movements today."

I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl's Notes From the End of the World, $17.95, Arsenal Pulp

Freshwater is A National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Honoree, A Finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for a Debut Novel, and a New York Times Notable Book. It tells the story of Ada who is said to have been born "with one foot on the other side" as she grows into adulthood. This is the first book from Akawaeke Emezi, an emerging nonbinary author. 

Freshwater, $23.95-$25.64, Indigo

For arts and crafts lovers

Grrrlspells is a Toronto-based queer and non-binary artist that makes pins, prints, and clothing with a spooky occult theme. This pronoun pin can make a great gift — especially if they deal with being misgendered regularly.

They/Them Planchette Enamel Pin, $12, Etsy

Yas Petit Poulet is a Montreal-based artist that will appeal to the science geek. They have a line of Queer Chemistry pins inspired by the periodic table of elements to show pride in different marginalized identities.

Non-Binary Pride Enamel Pin, $10, Yas Petit Poulet

Pree aka Sticky Mangos is another Toronto-based non-binary artist who also identifies as racialized and disabled. They offer one-of-a-kind handmade ceramics if you're looking for something more personalized, or you can support their work by buying Sticky Mangoes tote bags, hats, or magnets.

Umb Vali Koli Ceramic Trinket Tray, $100, prehal.com

Mari Ramsawakh is a freelance writer, podcaster, and storyteller. They have been published on CBC, Xtra, Leafly, Nuance, and other publications, and they were the 2019 winner of the TVO Short Docs contest. Mari also co-hosts and produces the podcast Sick Sad World. More of their work can be found on their website IndivisibleWriting.com.