2010 Lesbian Holiday Gift Guide

With Chanukah arriving so early this year, and Christmas just around the corner, I thought it was just about time to put together my 2010 Lesbian Holiday Gift Guide. So if you have been wondering what the heck you were going to get for all those lesbians in your life, no worries, I have lots of new and exciting ideas this year, and I am sure you will find something in the bunch that will be perfect!

Lesbian Books
Books are aways a great gift...and you don't have to worry about anyone's size. Here are a few that I thought might make a great gift.

Best Lesbian Erotica 2011
From Cleis Press
From editor Kathleen Warnock's best-selling series, here is the newest book featuring work from some of the best-known erotic writers as well as the debuts of startling new talent. Best Lesbian Erotica 2011 welcomes back some familiar faces, including Stella Sandberg. Her story, "Manchester, 2000," follows the European adventures of two studs on a long ride. Perennial favorite Betty Blue returns with "The Garden of Earthly Delights," an encounter between a firespirit and a lost boi on the celestial plane. Cheyenne Blue’s "A Story About Sarah" travels to the antipodes, telling the story of a life-long love between a rancher’s daughter and a half-Aboriginal woman.

ASH
by Malinda Lo
Synopsis: In a delicious, genre-bending take on the classic Cinderella tale, Ash is a dreamy, bereft girl who must choose between a seductive, but dangerous fairy, and an alluring, kind huntress. Growing up steeped in fairy tales by her long-dead mother, Ash is treated horribly by her stepfamily after her father dies. On visits to her mother's grave, she meets Sidhean, a fairy she finds herself attracted to, longing to see him more and more. But when Kaisa, a huntress for the King, teaches her how to hunt, Ash discovers feelings she didn't know were possible.

The Little Stranger
by Sarah Waters
Sarah Waters fans will love this old-fashion ghost tale set in England post WWII. The author of Affinity and Fingersmith does not disappoint in her latest mystery novel. From The Washington Post: "The supernatural creaks and groans that reverberate through this tale are accompanied by malignant strains of class envy and sexual repression that infect every perfectly reasonable explanation we hear. The result is a ghost story as intelligent as it is stylish. I'm not giving anything away by reminding you to keep your eyes on the narrator. "

Bobby Blanchard Lesbian Gym Teacher
by Monica Nolan
Synopsis: Monica Nolan’s Bobby Blanchard, Lesbian Gym Teacher is an outrageously camp homage to the lesbian pulp genre. This over-the-top potboiler leaves no pulpy plot device unscathed—we get wayward schoolgirls, unbridled passion and intrigue galore!

Roberta “Bobby” Blanchard has had an accident, forcing her to give up professional field hockey and teach at an elite boarding school, where all is not as it seems. With a ferocious field hockey team and a suspicious death that needs solving, Bobby has her hands full. Not only that, but this irresistible gym teacher has a knack for uncovering every schoolgirl’s secret sexual desire. Oh, Bobby Blanchard, how we love you so!

LESBIAN MOVIES
Movies are another great gift idea, I mean who doesn't like movies??? Here are a few lesbian related movies that would make a great Holiday gift

And Then Came Lola
Synopsis: In this time-bending, sexy, lesbian romp with an irreverent nod to the popular art-house classic Run, Lola, Run a talented, but distracted photographer, Lola, (Ashleigh Sumner) on the verge of success in both love and work, could lose it all if she doesn't make it to a crucial meeting on time. But, as usual, Lola is late. With her job and girlfriend Casey (Jill Bennett) on the line, she has three chances to make it right. In a desperate race through the streets and backrooms of San Francisco, time grows short will Lola make it?

I can't Think Straight
Tala, a London-based Palestinian, is preparing for her elaborate Middle Eastern wedding when she meets Leyla, a young British indian woman who is dating her best friend. Spirited Christian Tala and shy Muslim Leyla could not be more different from each other, but the attraction is immediate and goes deeper than friendship. As Tala's wedding day approaches, simmering tensions come to boiling point and the pressure mounts for Tala to be true to herself. Moving between the vast enclaves of Middle Eastern high society and the stunning backdrop of London's West End, I Can't Think Straight explores the clashes between East and West, love and marriage, conventions and individuality, creating a humorous and tender story of unexpected love and unusual freedoms.

Drool
Synopsis: Anora Fleece has got it rotten. Her husband is abusive, her children are disrespectful, and she lives in the middle of nowhere feeling like a nobody. Then Imogene Cochran moves into the neighborhood. Imogene sells Kathy K. Kosmetics make-up for the cocoa skinned woman. The neighbors don t like cocoa skinned anything, but that doesn t stop Imogene and Anora from becoming friends and, eventually, more than friends. When Anora s husband, Cheb, finds them, all hell breaks loose, but the tables are turned when Anora accidentally shoots Cheb dead. Anora and Imogene then pile the kids in the Kathy K. car, throw the corpse in the trunk and ride off on a family road trip to bury Daddy.

Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement
After 42 years, feisty and delightful lesbian couple Edie and Thea are finally getting married. From the early '60s to the present day, the tireless community activists persevere through many battles, both personal and political. As Edie says, We just went on with this talent we have for wrestling joy from the shit. Susan Muska and Greta Olafsdottir (THE BRANDON TEENA STORY) return with a love story of two remarkable women whose commitment to each other is an inspiration to us all.

Real L Word: The First Season
Lesbian Sex and Sexuality will take viewers on an uncharted and provocative journey where the subject of lesbian sexuality and desire isn't whispered, but celebrated.

LESBIAN & WOMEN CALENDARS
Calendars have always been a traditional Holiday gift in my family, and these calendars would make a great gift for your extended lesbian family, or possibly even yourself.

Judy Francesconi Retro 2011 Calendar
Retro 2011 is the Ultimate Collector's Edition 16 month Calendar containing over 60 photographs in a 12x12 format that opens to 12x24. This eloquent collection of stunning, sensual, beautiful images celebrates the past 17 years of Judy's groundbreaking intimate Women with Women Series. 32 pages--this is truly a hanging BOOK! Printed on extra heavy weight stock in beautiful color and duotone. Each page is suitable for framing.

2011 Women of DC Unleashed Wall Calendar
Women of DC Comics - Brace yourself for this unique demonstration of feminine power. 16 months of the most known DC Comics heroines is any fan's fantasy.

2011 Olivia's Bettie Page Calendar
Olivia's art has spanned over 30 years, an unrivaled collection of Cheesecake and Pinup art. Bettie Page was one of Olivia's most famous models and this 16 month 2011 wall calendar portrays Olivia's Pinup images and the poses of Bettie Page.

LESBIAN SEX TOYS
Whether your looking for something special for your partner, or maybe even something for yourself, sex toys are always a fun option. Here are a few items that might make the perfect Holiday gift.

Oh Baby!
This wireless personal massager is activated by remote control! Secretly surprise your partner with a choice of 10 different vibration modes and watch her cry..."Oh, Baby!"

Astrea I or Astrea II (the thong version)
Stretch lace panty has a removable vibrating unit for clitoral stimulation and a remote control that works up to 12 feet away for hands-free self- or partner stimulation!

Little Su Dildo
Made for woman by woman,this unique non-phallic dildo turns partnered sex into a stimulating adventure providing internal AND external stimulation for maximum pleasure. Great for solo use as well.

LESBIAN CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES & JEWELRY
If you need gifts for those lesbians in your life who have a passion for stylish clothing, accessories or jewelry, here are a few ideas for some more "lesbian centric" items

GAY Belt Buckle
This very cool GAY belt buckle measures 3" x 2" and fits up to a 1-1/2" belt strap in width. This hand-made buckle is made from zinc alloy with crystal clear enamel coating and chrome finish.

"We've Come For Your Wives" T-Shirt

Dyketees.com durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt. This great logo design is also available in other t-shirt styles, sweatshirts, caps and buttons.

Dykesville Tavern Baseball Jersey
Dyketees.com 100% cotton Baseball Jersey available in red, blue or black sleeves.

Equality Leather Cuff
Adjustable leather band measures 8 1/2" comes in brown or black with stainless steel plate engraved with HRC equal sign.

Well I hope you were able to find a few items that worked for your holiday gift list, if nothing else, perhaps I got you in the mood for some holiday shopping.

New Lesbian Online Dating Web Series

Have you heard about Seeking Simone? It is the the new lesbian online dating series that follows the adventures of single lesbian Simone Selkin as she dates her way through gay Toronto.

The first 2 episodes are up on the website and can be viewed at: www.seekingsimone.com, however, if you would like to check out the is trailer, here ya go...

A Lesbian Holiday Gift Guide

Believe it or not, December is right around the corner, and you know what that means...no, I wasn't referring to the next season of L-Word (although that does begin on Jan 6th). Actually, I was referring to the the Holidays...you know, Christmas, Chanukah, Winter Solstice... So I guess the big question is...have you started shopping yet? Well, I have been thinking about just that subject lately. So to get a jump start on the gift giving season, I thought maybe I would help out by giving you a few gift ideas for all those lesbians in your life.

Book Ideas
Books are aways a great gift...and you don't have to worry about anyone's size. Here are a few that I thought might make a great gift.

Grl 2 Grl
by Julie Anne Peters
In this honest, emotionally captivating short story collection, renowned author and National Book Award finalist, Julie Ann Peters, offers a stunning portrayal of young women as they navigate the hurdles of relationships and sexual identity. From the young lesbian taking her first steps towards coming out, to the two strangers who lock eyes across a crowded train, Grl2Grl shows the rawness of teenage emotion as young women begin to discover the intricacies of love, dating and sexuality.


Jane's World Vol. 7
by Paige Braddock
Synopsis: Chelle is about to uncover the whereabouts of Virginia's missing ex, Rachel, when Jill is kidnapped by the Nevada Liberation Militia. Yes, those mullet-wearing chicks in plaid shirts hit Chelle up for a $2 million ransom, or no safe return of Jill. Meanwhile, Jane gets talked into manning the captain's chair of a 1984 Winnebago, on its annual "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" tour to Palm Springs... Only they never make it to Palm Springs! Mayhem ensues when guys in drag meet chicks with mullets and guns near the Sedona Vortex where Jane shape shifts into her animal totem and runs like the wind! Yeah baby... Girl on girl action, chicks with guns, a vegan menace, vintage Winnebagos and the powerful transformative energy of the Sedona Vortex... this book has it all!

In Deep Waters
by Radclyffe and Karin Kallmaker
Synopsis: From honeymooning couples to strangers with mutual desires, there are no secrets about what goes on between embarkation, midnight buffets and ports-of-call. Passengers, entertainers, ship's crew and tour staff explore every inch of each other and their floating paradise. The lounge. The ex's stateroom. The casino. The little room no one else has realized is so handy, and so private.

Best Lesbian Erotica 2007
by Tristan Taormino
Synopsis: A fire-eater, a voluptuous masseuse, and a naked game of tag in a forest at twilight — it could only be Best Lesbian Erotica 2007, the latest, boldest edition of the hottest lesbian erotica series in America. In Andrea Miller’s “Heavenly Bodies,” an adventurous woman sleeps her way through the zodiac, her twelve lovers including romantic Cancer, exhibitionist Leo, and an unforgettably raw, dominant Scorpio. Peggy Munson twists and teases the canon in “Subtexts,” a hardcore butch-femme re-imagining of Little Red Riding Hood, Moby-Dick, and other tales that already sound dirty. Edited by award-winning author, adult film director, and sex educator Tristan Taormino, and selected and introduced by Emma Donoghue, these fearless stories will stir your senses and test your erotic boundaries.


Movies Ideas
Movies are another great gift idea, I mean who doesn't like movies??? Here are a few lesbian related movies I thought might make a good gift.

The Gymnast
Synopsis: Talented Jane Hawkins (Dreya Weber, Lovely & Amazing) was an impressive gymnast at the top of her game until a devastating injury ended her career. Years later, a chance meeting sets Jane on a new path – performing a cirque style aerial act with a mysterious dancer named Serena (Addie Yungmee). As the stunning pair prepares for a Las Vegas show, the pull between them becomes increasingly unavoidable.


Loving AnnabelleWriter/director Katherine Brooks adapts the classic lesbian drama Mädchen in Uniform with this tale of a precocious senator's daughter and Catholic boarding school student who falls desperately in love with her beautiful poetry teacher. Simone Bradley (Diane Gaidry) is a teacher who finds peace within the walls of Saint Theresa's school, and purpose in bringing the wonders of poetry to her young female students. Though newly arrived student Annabelle (Erin Kelly) has notable intelligence and charisma to spare, her fiery disobedience finds the stern headmistress imploring Simone to reign in the young rebel. But Annabelle's insubordination is about to become the least of Simone's concerns, because when the advances of the passionate young woman reveal her teacher's innermost desires, the devoted teacher will be forced to choose between her career and an affair that could quite possibly destroy her livelihood. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide


Exterminating Angels
From the director who scandalized France with Secret Things, comes The Exterminating Angels, a film that will shock you, make you think and turn you on. Francois is a filmmaker holding auditions for his upcoming film about female pleasure. He expects the process to be unconventional but cannot predict the danger that so much arousal can cause. As his female cast embarks on a journey of intense physical pleasure-seeking they become emotionally involved with the director and each other. This film brings new meaning to the warning to never mix business with pleasure.


Lword Season 4
THE L WORD Season 4 picks up with the women wrestling with issues close to their hearts. As with previous seasons, old demons rear their ugly heads and a host of new characters are brought into their fold, offering them access to a broader community with diverse issues. THE L WORD® stars Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Dallas Roberts, Daniela Sea, Rachel Shelley, and Pam Grier. Newest additions to the cast include Cybill Shepherd, Marlee Matlin, Janina Gavankar and Rose Rollins. Special guest stars are Rosanna Arquette, Eric Roberts, Bruce Davison, Kristanna Loken and Jane Lynch. This season, the war in Iraq becomes an integral part of Alice's (Hailey) life as she struggles to move on after the death of Dana; Helena (Shelley) tries to find financial independence and come to terms with leaving behind a world of privilege; Phyllis Kroll (Shepherd) -- who takes the courageous plunge late in life to come out of the closet -- risking everything that has defined her life up to now; and, Bette (Beals) has to deal with Jodi Lerner (Matlin), a woman who confronts her head-on about her Type-A personality.


Lesbian Sex & Sexuality
Lesbian Sex and Sexuality will take viewers on an uncharted and provocative journey where the subject of lesbian sexuality and desire isn't whispered, but celebrated.






Puccini for Beginners
Synopsis: New York writer and opera addict Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser, The Family Stone) loves her girlfriend Samantha (Julianne Nicholson, Kinsey), but can’t commit. When Samantha leaves her, Allegra rebounds with handsome philosophy professor Phillip (Justin Kirk, Angels in America) as well as the irresistibly beautiful, recently single Grace (Gretchen Mol, The Notorious Bettie Page). Allegra juggles secret relationships with both of them, never suspecting that Philip and Grace have a connection of their own. With a sophisticated blend of humor and irony, this screwball sex comedy twists and turns with all the drama of classic Puccini.

Calendars
Calendars have always been a traditional Holiday gift in my family, but with calendars like these, I think I will save these for my "extended family."


Provocater
These incredible black and white images of women's bodies, by Theresa LoSchiavo, make this the must have Lesbian calendar for 2008.






On the Lips 2008 Calendar
Photographer Judy Francesconi's On the Lips 2008 calendar brings us 16 months of women in love and lust.







Sirens
This 2008 Calendar, by photographer Saryn Angel, show a unique representation of woman, sexuality, power and pleasure in all it's playfulness.







Sex Toys
Whether your looking for something special for your partner, or a gift for your best friend (usually your ex), sex toys are always a fun possibility. Here are a few items that might make the perfect Holiday gift.

Lap of Luxury Kit
Here is what Babeland has to say about this kit.

"Whoever called diamonds 'a girl’s best friend' clearly never received the Form 6 deluxe vibrator as a present. It’s impeccably crafted, waterproof, body-friendly, and offers a range of sensations from pulsations to oscillations to vibrations. Giving the Form 6 instead of an ordinary vibe is like buying a Lexus instead of an ordinary car; once you’ve enjoyed this ride, you’ll never go back. Kit includes a sleek glass bottle filled with slippery, high-quality Entice lube and a 1-ounce bottle of Babeland Toy Cleaner."

Archer Wand
Here is what Babeland has to say about this item:

"A G-spotter to thrill your inner Aphrodite, this gorgeous curved dildo with wide rounded ends is guaranteed to hit the spot. If you love G-spot stimulation or want an artfully crafted tool to find yours, this captivating clear Pyrex bow is perfectly angled for a woman to reach her own G-spot, and it makes for a thrilling addition to partner play. For women who find fingers and thin toys too pointy, the smooth blunt balls feel purrrfect. Comes in a Ruby Red velvet case. 9" long, the balls are 1-1/2" in diameter while the handle is 3/4" wide."

Feeldoe

"Feeldoe is a harness-free strap-on for women. The bulb is inserted into the vagina and the dildo extends out at a natural angle to penetrate your partner. There are ridges at the base of the dildo for clitoral stimulation when thrusting and also an added bonus of a small vibrator, which can be inserted into the end of the dildo, or left out, Holding it in gives you stronger orgasms, as the kegel muscle responsible for those gets a good exercise. it's silicone, it's flexible, warms to body heat, hypoallergenic and hygienic (boilable and bleachable in a 10% solution). The main part of the Feeldoe is 7" in length and 1 1/2" in width. The bulb part is 3 1/2" long by 1 3/4" in diameter."

Clothing/Accessories/Jewelry
If you need gifts for those lesbians in your life who have a passion for stylish clothing, accesories or jewelry, here are a few ideas for some more "lesbian centric" items.

Leather Cuffs
I saw these great leather cuffs at the DITC shop (Dykes in the city). These cuffs are made with extremely soft black leather. They offer two separate styles, one with brass hardware around the outside of the cuff and one with brass hoops throughout the cuffs. Each cuff is embossed with the ditc logo.


Doormat
I found this Doormat at a site called psychotherapy clothing. This is a great site with a variety of T-shirts and novelty products that take a humorous look at psychological terms and social issues. I chose this Doormat for my gift guide because I knew my GF would get a kick out of it...plus, I thought what a great gift for that person in your life that still doesn't quite "get it," if you know what I mean.



Double Venus Pendant with stone pendant
This beautiful Sterling Silver pendent was designed by Jane Iris.

"Venus is the planet associated with the yin qualities of affection,receptivity,creativity and harmony. Coupled together,the Double Venus has become a symbol for Lesbians."

Well I am sure I could have come up with a million more ideas, but I do have a life, so I better get back to it. Hopefully, if nothing else, I at least got you into the Holiday shopping mood.