Love a burlesque babe? Here are some great gift ideas (for all budgets!)
The holiday season is fast approaching us! So what should you be picking up the burlesque lover in your life. I’ve definitely got some items on my wish list - from the practical to the outrageous. And I wouldn’t be unhappy if any of them showed up on my door step.
There are of course heaps of amazing books on burlesque; films about burlesque and an abundance of shows and events. So I wanted to give some ideas that are maybe a little outside the norm or that give yo some food for thought.
I say this with the caveat that it’s a time for giving, and the best gifts I receive are those with thought and heart into them. Not the biggest budget (I mean I’m not saying no to diamonds….. but you get the gist). I would never recommend getting yourself into massive debt for the sake of a gift. But if you have a few dollars to spare or know that it would mean a lot to someone in your life - here are some ideas to get you start.
The non gift gifts
Absolutely on a budget? Or want to prioritise your time over spending money? Here are a couple of zero cost or low cost ideas that just require a little time: and effort or really small fee.
Set up a Vimeo or YouTube playlist
There are some great performer videos online. Why not make a viewing night out of it? You could create a playlist of some of your partner’s favourite performers - or maybe find some new artists your beloved hasn’t heard of. Get a little playlist together, some popcorn and have a screening party. This might be a lovely experience to have together, or you could invite some burlesque pals around and share the joy. BYO snacks and drinks and you have cheap, fun and on theme party with a difference.
Make a pastie cake
One of the best birthday cakes I had made was a lovely pair of tassels. A silly cake or some sweets in a burlesque theme can be something made with ingredients around the house (or perhaps swapped with a neighbour) . Here are a couple of recipe ideas!
Borrow some unique library books or print some new news articles
If your loved one has a few days off in the holiday season, why not check out some new reading for them? You could pick up some classic burlesque books - or delve a bit outside the wheelhouse and give some information on fashion designers that many performers are inspired by; rockabilly music; vaudeville theatre — there are heaps of ideas.
Or you could delve into some performer blogs and print some articles that your babe might not have found or doesn’t have a chance to read. A gift of a good read and some quiet time is always good in my opinion!
The low cost gifts
Subscribe to a Patreon or private website.
There are some great performers I love and admire that have Patreon channels or subscriber content. Often this is really low cost - but something that we don’t all get a chance to do. You might have to do a bit of research or stalking on your babe’s favourite performers. But in doing so you could unlock some fan only content for them - which I’m sure they will be thrilled about. Most artists have content available at a range of price points - from a few $ to $$$$.
If in doubt I would really recommend a subscription to Dita Von Teese’s member site. I’m always amazed at the performers who are a fan of hers but that don’t use the member site - and it’s an absolute wealth of content.
Donate to BHOF or another performer charity in your burlesque babe’s name
Keeping the history of burlesque alive is something most performers are super passionate about. And any donation big or small is always helpful to Burlesque Hall of Fame.
Alternatively, you might know of a GoFund Me or a Chuffed campaign that an artist is running to get a project off the ground. This could be a nice donation to make. And bonus - some artist run rewards associated with them, like discounted tickets or prints.
The experiences
Of course you could always pick up two tickets to an upcoming show or event that you can share together. But why not also think about other experiences like:
A Skype class with an international performer
A private coaching session with a performer
Paying in advance for your beloved’s regular burlesque classes
Paying for a skill that they have always wanted to explore (Aerials , Pilates, Pole dance, sword fighting —— there may be something they have mentioned they want to develop!)
Coaching on music editing or upgrading some music software
Perhaps a great gift with Miss Kitty’s Meow (shameless plug, but I can offer merchandise and gift vouchers for shows or classes! Just shoot me a message or head to the Store!)
Book and pay for a photo shoot with a photographer that they love or admire. Don’t know who to go with? Your local photographic society is a good starting point. Or check out some photos from past shows you have seen or admired and see the photography credit - you can also ask the producer how they found working with them or for any recommendations.
The practical gifts (or stocking fillers)
Perhaps your burlesque love is a regular or emerging performer? I know for me there are so many little expenses that add up over the year. I often really appreciate when I get these ready to go kind of presents. Not only does it save me money over the year- it also often saves me the time of dashing around in my lunch break picking things up or ordering stuff online. If you have someone in your life that is a performer often these tokens go a long way. It can involve perhap a bit of sneaking into their makeup bag or contacting a performer friend - but any of these basics will be welcome, I’m sure
Back ups of a favourite false eyelashes or lash glue. Any showgirl worth her salt will always need more.
Pick up some new fishnets (I always go for dance grade tights - useful onstage or for classes!)
Bobby pins and tit tape. Enough said.
Ruby Woo by MAC is a staple for nearly everyone I know. You can also buy it in a mini size!
A good glitter eye bling
Leg warmers to keep you toasty in a cold studio
The shameless gifts
So you really want something you can wrap beautifully and put under the tree? Or a no brainer, sure to be a crowd pleaser? Here are some crackers:
Any robe or boa by Catherine D’Lish (it’ll top anyone’s wish list or dream). Perfect for lounging around the house, backstage or on stage as a costume.
Some serious boob bling like Deliah Burlesque or Harlandthelabel
Beautiful pinup worthy lingerie from size inclusive sites like Playful Promises or Hopeless Lingerie
Do you have a favourite burlesque store online? Perhaps a great staple that you can always use in your kit? Pop it in the comments below and share the love. I’m sure there are heaps of sites I’ve missed and some better ideas out there!