Welcome to our Annual Holiday Shopping Guide #2. Yes, each year we do two special issues that highlight some fun things we think you might like gifting to others or buying for yourself. (Nothing wrong with that, wink, wink). We are very happy with the way this issue of Outword has come together because it showcases some great items that we have personally picked to help you with your holiday shopping.

On the cover, we feature a photograph of actor Daniel Craig from the new big-screen movie “Queer.” Chris Narloch looks at that edgy new film and three others you can enjoy this holiday season. You can find those mini reviews on page 11.

Our gift ideas start on page 9 and are sprinkled throughout the entire issue. Some of the items we highlight are not easy to locate with just a simple web search, and we specifically wanted to not point you to Amazon, so in the online version you will see a simple web site, or a “more info” button to help you shop.

All of us here at Outword have always asked that you support your local community, as much as possible. However, we know that retail is not what it used to be, and most of our picks are likely to not be available in a local retail shop. We hope that you will “spread the wealth” this season and buy from companies that worked hard to bring you fun things, and not just hand your business to Amazon. (If you want to know more about how Amazon works the marketplace, check out “Buy Now” on Netflix. It is very thought provoking.)

All that aside, we hope you enjoy looking through this holiday gift idea guide, and maybe you will see something that is “just right” for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list. Also, don’t miss Matthew Burlingame’s always-fun “Out & About” column, and so much more!

Have a safe and joy-filled holiday season. See you again, with our last issue of 2024, that hits the stands just before Christmas day. We look forward to sharing more news and entertainment with you, our readers, in 2025, which will be our 30th year in business. Yay us!

Happiest of Holidays from Outword.