Art & Soul Christmas Gift-Guide

When it comes to Christmas (or birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s, etc.) shopping for a loved one, it always goes one of two ways. Either I know exactly what I’m looking for, sometimes down to an exact detail that potentially doesn’t even exist it’s so specific, OR I have absolutely no idea where to start and wander aimlessly around until I’m forced to make a game-time decision. I hate that type of shopping because I love for gifts to be meaningful and special to the receiver. I usually have constant running “wishlist” of sorts in the notes app on my phone for myself – whenever I think of something I might want to ask for, I’ll drop it into the list so I don’t forget. And I’ve finally gotten my act together and started that list for my loved ones, as well. Whenever they mention a certain item they’ve been eyeing, a new hobby they’re into, or just a favorite scent, flavor, t-shirt size, etc. I’ll note it so when I’m looking for gifts later on, I have a starting place.

The most special gifts that I’ve ever received are ones that I remember and cherish because they were thoughtful and specific to myself and my interests. Obviously I love reading, so when my brother gifted me with a personalized stamp that says “From the Library of Jordan West” to put into the front cover of my books, I was so touched that he thought of something so me. And I love to gift things like that in return.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ve seen me share Art and Soul (my talented mom) and her fantastic artwork, and this is the third year in a row that she’s been included in the Rising Tide Society Holiday Gift Guide, for good reason. If there’s one thing about her shop and products that I’ve heard over and over and over again, it’s that they connect you to a story. My favorite time of year is working in her booth at the Northwest Arkansas Boutique Show and talking to customer after customer with tears in their eyes as they share stories of their favorite hymns that got them through the hardest of times, the scripture that was the life verse of their mother who passed away, their mission work in the country that she’s featured on a beautiful map with God’s Word prominently and beautifully displayed. Her work is a ministry, and I will never stop loving how special that is.

This year, she’s created some amazing new products (and brought back so many of my very favorites) so I created the Art and Soul Christmas Gift Guide to showcase some of my favorite products in her shop! Obviously there’s so much more than this that I wasn’t able to share, but you can shop it all in her Etsy shop or follow her on Instagram to keep up with new products or inquire about custom art! So without further ado, let’s get shopping!