Every year around this time, I see a million gift guides popping up all over Instragram and Facebook. Most are targeting women shopping for their loves one - boyfriends, husbands, children, girlfriends, parents, etc. And every year, I think to myself how most of these are, well, generic. I was scrolling through some of these last week during the madness that is Black Friday, and I thought to myself, why not make one of these for actors and singers? I googled to see if that existed, and found a few, but felt some of them may be outdated, or still, a little generic. So, I decided to make my own. Scroll down to find gifts for the actor, singer, performer, or drama queen/king in your life!

FOR THE SHAKESPEARE NERD:

Goeth & Fucketh Thyself Mug - $14.99+

Stuff it with gift cards to Starbucks and you're good to go. Buy it here.









Bards Dispense Profanity - $24.95

Think Cards Against Humanity meets Shakespeare. This game was called "The smutty Shakespeare game you need for your next smarty-pants party" by the Washington Post. Enough said. Buy it here.

FOR THE SINGER:

MyPurMist Handheld Personal Steam Inhaler - $179.95

Every singer's saving grace during cold/flu season - the personal steamer. This version has the added bonus of being handheld! I have linked the cordless version here, although they also make a cord version.

BOOK with Stefani Wood

Packages from $25-$225

Know someone who needs to update their rep book? Stefani is incredible at picking song selections that are personalized for who you are and your voice. She has a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory (with an emphasis in Directing and Repertoire), so she definitely knows her stuff. Also great for the actor who sings, or a young singer about to start their college audition process! Check out her website: bookwithstefaniwood.com.



Throat Coat - $4.99

Excellent stocking stuffer, and works wonders on a sore/dry throat. Available at Target, and most health stores.


Voice Lessons 

If your singer has a voice teacher, why not pay for a few lessons (if you don't already....)? A lot of teachers offer gift cards, or offer discounts for buying bulk lessons all at once. Voice lessons are so important, but very costly, and your loved one will definitely thank you! And to go along with that, why not buy a gift card to musicnotes.com as a stocking stuffer?

FOR THE MUSICAL THEATRE LOVER:

Putting on the Stitch - Various Prices

My friend Rachel has a love for musical theatre, and a serious talent for needlecraft. I currently have her Patti LuPWNED Cross Stitch up in my office. Support a small business, and head on over to Rachel's Etsy Shop to buy a unique gift for your musical theatre lover. And if you hurry, she is offering 15% off until December 2nd!


Be a Broadway Star - $29.99

Ok, my sister bought me this game for my graduation from Columbia last year, and I became obsessed. It is seriously fun to play (especially if wine is involved). This version also includes the expansion pack with shows like Hamilton! Invite me over if you buy this because I am always down to play.

FOR THE ACTOR:

The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer - $12.16

I haven't read this, but based on what I have read ABOUT it, it sounds like a great book about perseverance and the struggle of "making it" as an actor. Buy it here.


Comica CVM-VS08 Video Microphone - $45

Specifically, for those of us who have to do self-tapes all the time. Great upgrade from the iPhone microphone, and helps add a bit of professionalism to your self-tapes. It's a shotgun microphone, not a lavalier, but I personally don't like to see the microphone on my shirt. Buy it here. Throw in a tripod for the iPhone, as well, and we are totally set to self-tape anywhere, anytime. Link here.

FOR EVERYONE:

Business Cards, Postcards, Etc. - Various Prices

Being a performer is a business, and it comes with a lot of expenses. I wouldn't recommend buying business cards or postcards without talking to your loved one first, but buying a gift card is a great way to them design their own. Moo.com has modern designs for the modern actor, and will help them stand out. Great stocking stuffer, and their cyber sale is happening until December 4th! Check out their gift cards here.

Season Tickets (or.. any tickets) - Various Prices

This is easy. Buy them a ticket to a show - any show! Most of us are too poor to go see theatre as often as we would like. If you live near NYC, there are plenty of new shows popping up all the time. Venture to the Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway realm, and you will definitely find some affordable tickets, and some hidden gems in less crowded neighborhoods. And with websites like todaytix.com, it's easy to find tickets to Broadway shows at affordable prices (unless it's Hamilton, then you are outta luck).

Workout Classes - Various Prices

Being a performer means staying in shape. Paying for an entire gym membership for a whole year seems a bit much as a gift, but a lot of small studios offer gift cards, or class packs. Yoga, spin, boxing, anything really - most of us are always looking for ways to mix it up, but can't always afford to do that. Classes in NYC can be up to $35 a class, which is just not affordable on a daily basis. My favorite studios in NYC are Yoga Vida, FlyWheel, and TITLE Boxing. Another option? At-home work-out equipment. This has been so helpful for me when I just can't make it to the gym. Dumbbell sets with a rack are great, and kettlebells are excellent for an effective full body work-out.

Self-Care Packages - Various Prices

Massages, bath bombs, lavender products, facials, etc. The life of a performer is very stressful. Most of us work several day jobs on top of auditioning full-time. We are rejected daily. Most of us struggle to find decent health care. Through everything, we are still expected to be on top of our game, look awesome all the time, and be healthy. We cannot do that without self-care daily. Anything to help us relax and take care of ourselves is an awesome gift. Massages have saved me from losing my mind on occasion, and I spend way too much money on skincare. If you are totally unfamiliar with great skincare brands, Sephora is a great place to start. My personal favorite brand at the moment is Fresh. As for massages, facials, or nail care, that will depend on your location, but easy enough to find with a little research.


xo