A R T & C U LT U R E
CHRISTMAS GIFTS WITH A TWIST CONSIDER THESE ART-INSPIRED GIFTS THAT WILL KEEP ON GIVING. BY TRINA RYAN
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hristmas is fast approaching, which means it’s time to get innovative. Decorating, cooking and baking, planning family get-togethers—these typical holiday activities can be gratifying but also anxiety-inducing. Perhaps most stressful of all is thinking of the perfect gifts to give those special people in your life. Sure, gift cards are a safe bet, but everyone appreciates a thoughtful expression of love or gratitude. Material objects offer transitory pleasure, while personalized gifts make a lasting impression, resonating for years or even a lifetime. Flex your creative muscles this holiday season by adding a dash of artistic flair to your gift-giving. Read on for a list of art-inspired gift ideas that will give you and your loved ones something to look forward to in 2023.
A DIGITAL PLAYLIST In the days of yore, when we had such things known as CDs and cassette tapes, we would make personalized playlists and give them as gifts. Welcome to 2022, where CDs and cassettes have become so anachronistic that many cars don’t even have the equipment to play them. But not to worry, because if you still want to gift a playlist you are not out of luck. Apple now offers the option of sharing music via email. Open the latest version of iTunes on one of your Apple devices, select the songs you want to gift, then go to the dropdown arrow next to “Buy.” Click the arrow and select the gift option. After you’ve selected this option, you will be prompted to enter the recipient’s email address. You can then personalize your gift message and send immediately or at a later date.
A CHRISTMAS PHOTO BOOK Creating a photo album is one of the easiest and most personalized gifts you can give someone. Not to mention taking a walk down memory lane is fun and will encourage you to be grateful for the people in your life and the adventures you’ve shared with them. There are no rules and infinite options when it comes to crafting your own photo album. You can buy a plain photo album from the store and dress it up with heartwarming messages, or, if you’re feeling tech savvy, you can make a photo book online at sites like Shutterfly. No matter what you decide, the person receiving it will no doubt be thankful for the time and effort you put into making such a thoughtful gift. 34 ONYX MAGAZINE
ADULT COLORING BOOKS You might be thinking, Aren’t coloring books for kids? Not necessarily! Adult coloring books have been all the rage lately—and for good reason. According to Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, they offer an array of mental health benefits. Think back to when you were a kid, how the simplest activity could keep you occupied for hours. Adult coloring books, often using intricate designs like mandalas, flowers, and geometric patterns, employ the same concept: forcing your mind to focus intently on one thing so that you become fully engaged with what you’re doing. This is what’s known as “mindfulness,” or being present in the moment. Other notable benefits include helping relieve stress and practicing self-acceptance. There’s no right or wrong way to color. You are free to explore, unleash your creativity and imagination. This is especially a great exercise for perfectionists who avoid artistic endeavors lest they fail to meet their own impossibly high standards. Adult coloring books may seem a silly idea at first, but inspiring others to get in touch with their inner child will give them the priceless gifts of peace and joy. And that’s what the holiday season is all about.
