2001HolidayPage

2001 Holiday Tarot Gift Giving Ideas -- From Diane "Tarot-holic" Wilkes to You

You'll probably notice that I have included a lot of items from last year's list. This isn't laziness, just a true belief that the items I've included on this page are truly excellent.

This is the time of the year when you might want to buy your tarot friend or soul mate a gift. You probably have already been provided with an extensive wish-list from the tarot-lover in your life, but on the off-chance you want something really unusual or spectacular, I have a unique suggestion for every budget--most of which support individuals in the tarot community, which is my idea of true holiday spirit.

If you're looking for the financial equivalent of a stocking-stuffer, homemade tarot bags are always a winner. Can you ever have too many? There are numerous people in the tarot community who sell tarot bags--and there so many different kinds and styles and fabrics, you are sure to find one to suit you. I have a few new favorites, in addition to some of the tried-and-true:

You'll still be able to get some in time for the holidays ...though Chanukah is probably pushing it...

MoonArcana - Check out the slide show of tarot bags on this page--you're bound to find one of Sally Anne's styles to suit you (or, if you're like me, to find all of them suit you!). She also sells wonderful aromatherapy products and jewelry--so you can multi-task your shopping!

Tarot Totes - Betty's prices are great, as are the huge range of fabrics from which you can choose. Bags close with a drawstring ending with a wonderfully fluffy tassel. Keep it away from your cats!

Kimaginings - Kim Danbert offers several styles of bags...

Crystal Moon Mystical Crafts - Crystal Sage (Tapestry Magazine) has made more of my tarot bags than anyone. She says I'm her best customer. I chose her to make the bags that went with the Storyteller Tarot because I love the silk-linings and individual touches, like glass, not plastic, beads on the ribbon drawstrings

Janet sells envelope-style bags made of drapery fabric and lined in satin. They are secured with a snap--very chic. I definitely plan to buy more of these.

You may know Valerie Sim-Behi as Comparative Tarot's List Owner Extraordinaire or as a frequent contributor to Tarot Passages. But she also makes lovely lined bags with a similar drawstring to Betty's--she probably lets her cats play with the tassel, though--the little cats anyway.

There are two tarot calendars for 2002. I think every tarotista needs both. Check out the unique collage calendar by Leslie Cochran and Llewellyn's 2002 Tarot Calendar.

Okay...you want something a little more substantial. I received an early Christmas tarot gift from my friend Geraldine Amaral. It isn't easy to find something tarot-related that I don't already know about, but she did it, with a hand-painted mug by Clarice Sedgley. This isn't one of those mall replica mugs. On one side was a lovely version of the Illuminated Tarot's Strength, on the other, the title of the card. I spoke with the artist today, and she said she would be willing to do cards from any deck. She has done other tarot art using the Voyager, Motherpeace, and Rider decks on tiles and vases as well. You can email her for information regarding prices and tarot selections--prices begin at $35 - $45 and range in relation to the complexity of the art you wish Clarice to re-create in her own, fabulous style.

It's no secret that I am a big fan of Arnell Ando's art, and this year she offers something for every pocketbook. Click here to see all of her beautiful artwork.

Whatever you buy and whatever you do this holiday season, I wish you a safe and fruitful one.