Best 2006 Holiday Gifts for the Non-Conformist

Most of us have at least one friend who just doesn't fit the mainstream. A common description could be something like: anti-conformist, avant-garde, indie, neo-hippy, artsy, Emo, Mod, vintage or hipster. Even these labels might be too narrow. It is really hard to illustrate these types of people, as they are often very original; Even harder than describing them is shopping for them, especially if you are not familiar with the trends, or anti-trends, associated with this unique sub-culture. In fact, if you even ask them, they might respond that they do not participate in the holidays at all!

If this description fits your roommate, grandkids or little sister, then you might be tempted to purchase a nice little card with a gift certificate to Target tucked neatly in its fold. I do not recommend this tactic, because no matter who you are, every one likes a little thought-filled gift. Taking the time to learn about their tastes and preferences will speak volumes to their sensitive, artistic nature.

When brainstorming ideas, think about music, films and fashion. Indies, meaning independent from mainstream culture, literally thrive off of creativity and thought. Below are my personal picks, from experience and research, of products in these categories that would make excellent gifts.

Music: While picking out music might seem a daunting task, I can recommend a few cd's, recent or upcoming releases, that your indie friend will bless you for, so long as they do not already own the cd -and if they do, they will still appreciate that you dipped into their world. (A word of advice: indie music is usually not from a major label. Look to order this in advance as you may not find it at your local music store.)

1. Rock - Boys and Girls in America, by The Hold Steady, Oct. 3, 2006

2. Blues/Jazz - Half the Perfect World, by Madeleine Peyroux, Sept. 12, 2006

3. Punk - The Black Parade, by My Chemical Romance, Oct. 23, 2006

Film: While the person you are shopping for will likely have a large collection of independent movies, here are a few new releases and soon-to-be released that are hitting big with this crowd:

1. Thumbsucker, DVD released Sept. 16, 2006

2. A Prairie Home Companion, release date Oct. 10, 2006

3. Tostsie, DVD released July 18, 2006

Fashion: True-blue hipsters might like to shop at Goodwill and take vintage clothes to new levels with their own crafty embellishments. This is probably the hardest category to get for them, so be sure to ask some one who knows them well whether or not they might like the following gifts:

1. Footwear: Croncs shoes; lightweight, comfortable, slip-resistant, and practical shoes that are popping up in locations such as Wild Oats Markets, a chain of large scale health food stores, (both the shoe and the store originated in Boulder, CO.) www.crocs.com

2. Handbags: Becky OH!; Different sizes and styles of hand-made, one-of-a-kind handbags that any indie gal would surely love! www.beckyoh.com

3. Apparel: Clothing of the American Mind; www.cotam.org Find unique shirts, with a political or socioeconomic message, made with 100% organic cotton for men, women, and kids.

Femmina Style; www.femminastyle.com Check out their website for a variety of vintage meets modern women's apparel. My pick? The "Dreamy Pom Pom Pocho"!

4. Jewelry: Bright, colorful furnace glass and sterling silver necklaces from the "Wimsy" line at Coquito Designs or the elegant, artful pieces at Linda Trent Jewelry are my top picks. www.coquitodesigns.com; www.lindatrentjewelry.com

Miscellaneous

1. Order a "Holiday Harmony Basket" of organic teas and fair trade coffees from Wild Oats Markets if they like teas and coffee. www.wildoats.com

2. Gifty items like unique clocks and magnets from Paper Scissors Rock, found at www.psrock.com

3. Buttons that reflect the attitude or humor of your friend are a great side gift! Check out the buttons at the Button Arcade, www.buttonarcade.com.

Remember to think personal, unique, and creative! Happy shopping!