Martha Beck's Gifts That Inspire
Martha Beck's top picks, plus see what
Oprah,
Gayle King, and
Val Monroe are giving this year.
By Martha Beck
Photo: Chris Eckert/Studio D. Ornament: iStockphoto
"I'm all for presents that motivate people—especially if they motivate them to take a break."
Light as a FeatherI adore these glass ornaments; I tell the people I give them to that when the tree comes down, they should hang one from the ceiling to scatter good feng shui.
Roost Captured Plume Ornament Set, $58; Anthropologie.com
Where the Art Is
I spent half my childhood drawing and could only dream of a kit like this, with oil pastel crayons, watercolors, brushes, and colored pencils. It'll thrill any budding artist.
Personalized 80-Piece Youth Art Set, $20; WalMart.com
Card Sharp
Conspiracy theorists will love this aluminum wallet that prevents identity thieves from reading credit card numbers from afar.
Ögon Designs, $39 each;
TheStyleCube.com
A Dog's Life
I've learned many lessons from the dogs I've known—including Earl, the mutt at the center of
The Gift of Nothing, by Patrick McDonnell. I received this sweet little book as a present and instantly started spreading the word.
$14;
Amazon.com
Wild Things
On a recent trip, I fed orphaned elephants. Then I promptly adopted the very friendly Kalama and gave sponsorships for others to several friends. Not to brag, but I think Kalama has my thighs.
From $50;
SheldrickWildlifeTrust.org
The Yellow Pages
I used to read my parents'
National Geographics—now I can give them all.
Originally $70 for six-disc set, now $56 with code OPRAH;
ShopNG.com/oprah
Fair Grounds
I believe in the mystical powers of a slug of caffeine dressed in heaps of fat and sugar. And in 100 percent fair trade, organic products. With Ethical Bean, I can send coffee lovers bags of medium or dark roast that taste good and do good.
$12 for 12-ounce bag;
Shop.EthicalBean.com
See more holiday gift guides, handpicked by our contributors:
From the
December 2010 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
