Blogging Woolf

If a Virginia Woolf fan is on your Christmas list, here are a few gift suggestions — from a pricey purse to a Woolf society membership — that might bring pleasure. Even if that fan is you.

To the Lighthouse in a stamp print

To the Lighthouse is featured in the stamp in the top row, far right.

Stamp Book: Modern Classics, is a print that turns 42 modern classic books into an oversized sheet of collectable postage stamps, including one for Woolf’s To the Lighthouse.

Each stamp features a graphic inspired by the book and the date of publication in book form. The four-color prints measure 80cm x 60cm and are litho printed with an additional silver foil.

From Dorothy, it is available to purchase for £35 each from wearedorothy.com

The Waves Strapped will strap you

For the tonier among us, there is The Waves Strapped pocketbook at a price of 1.180,00 € from Olympia LeTan.

Constructed of cotton, wool, and silk, this book-shaped bag hinges open, closes with a brass clasp, is lined in a floral print, and includes a shoulder strap. It is a limited, numbered edition and can also be personalized.

Orlando-inspired Fendi fashions

Also out of our price range, but fun to look at anyhow, are designer Kim Jones’s first collection inspired by the Bloomsbury Group, specifically Virginia Woolf’s Orlando. Created for the luxury fashion house Fendi, the spring 2021 fashions are priced comparably to luxury cars.

Virginia Woolf in needlepoint

Winter is a great time to cozy up indoors with a needlework project — and Appletons Virginia Woolf Tapestry Needlepoint Kit may be just the ticket.

Available from Liberty, the $73 price includes all materials, plus shipping. Mine arrived in the four to five days noted on the website.

Once completed, the tapestry can be framed or stitched into a pillow. It is part of a collection that pays tribute to the luminaries of British and Irish literature.

I haven’t started mine yet, but the kit looks pretty cool displayed in its classy black box on my bookshelf.

Puzzling Woolf won’t break the bank

“Jane Austen’s Book Club” puzzle by eeBoo

My last suggestion — and one that is the most cost-effective — is a puzzle that includes Woolf or something related to her.

The EuroGraphics Famous Writers 1000 Piece Puzzle features Woolf smack dab in the middle of 75 other famous writers. Its finished size is 19.25″ x 26.5″ and the cost is $20.32.

Second, there’s the Re-marks Bestsellers Panoramic 1000 Piece Puzzle, which includes covers of many best-selling books, including two of Woolf’s — Orlando and Mrs. Dalloway. It measures 17″ x 9″ and the cost is $28.99.

Third is a 1,000-piece eeBoo puzzle titled “Jane Austen’s Book Club.” Woolf, along with Austen, Mary Shelley, George Eliot, and Zora Neale Huston, are pictured sipping tea, alongside some of their famous titles. It’s 11″ x 11″ and is $23.99.

Gift a society membership to yourself or a friend

International Virginia Woolf Society logo

The most practical and appreciated gift of all may be a membership to one of the Virginia Woolf societies.

Besides developing friendships with other Woolf scholars and common readers, memberships may include subscriptions to publications, access to Zoom events, invitations to in-person events, and other perks.

Get more information at the following links:

• International Virginia Woolf Society
• Italian Virginia Woolf Society
• Société d’Etudes Woolfiennes
• The Virginia Woolf Society of Japan
• Virginia Woolf Society of Great Britain