Get ready for a strange mix of holiday cheer and fear, this week we’re serving up the science and psychology of generosity with a side of lore (my lore.) Don’t worry, things will be merry and bright… eventually. I’m just joshing, but make sure to check out the links below for sources, ideas, and much more. Hope to see you in the communal shower!

Link to my substack: https://substack.com/@sarahschauer

Full reading list will be posted tomorrow, Dec. 10, around noon PST - it is simply too long for this caption lol.

Resources:
Undoing Drugs: How Harm Reduction Is Changing the Future of Drugs and Addition - Maia Szalavitz
Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature’s Toxins - from Spices to Vices - Noah Whiteman
What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice & Change - Emily Falk
Give Well, Feel Great: The Science of Gift Giving and Receiving
https://www.templeton.org/news/give-well-feel-great-the-science-of-gift-giving-and-receiving
The Psychology Behind Perfect Gift-Giving
https://swipegifts.com/blog/gift-psychology

Gift Resources & Links:
Scientific American’s Best Nonfiction of 2025
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientific-americans-best-nonfiction-of-2025/
The Scientific American Staff’s Favorite Books of 2025
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-scientific-american-staffs-favorite-books-of-2025/
Gifts for every kind of nerd
https://www.morningbrew.com/stories/2025/10/24/gift-guide-nerd
Craft Club
https://www.craftclubco.com/pages/gift-guide?srsltid=AfmBOorxPL2GQZwm70XO8bEjQWQ03oM2MFEh4jgRFMYXqaJrtxXNtnbp
Customer Stained Glass Piece
https://www.etsy.com/market/custom_stained_glass
Custom Vinyl Records
https://www.freestyle-vinyl.com/collections
Canva Magazines
https://www.canva.com/magazines/
Custom Lego Figure
https://www.lego.com/en-us/minifigure-factory
Fibonacci Wall and Desk Clock
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1576771073/fibonacci-wall-and-desk-clock-unusual
Gifts for math lovers
https://www.mathnasium.com/blog/great-gifts-math-lovers-2024
Educational Subscription Boxes for Kids
https://www.cratejoy.com/collections/educational-subscription-boxes
STEM Build Boxes
https://coolsciencefinds.com/articles/stem-build-boxes
Lighting for Lego Sets
https://www.lightmybricks.com/blogs/learning-centre
Science Art - Scientific Illustration Artworks and Wall Art
https://cognitive-surplus.com/collections/wall-art
Planet Bath bombs
https://www.kiwico.com/us/store/dp/planet-bath-bombs/3205
Custom Star Map from special nights - jewelry, art, etc
https://www.thenightsky.com/
They have star map lockets!
Library Check Out Card Bookmark - Vintage
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1081591959/library-check-out-card-bookmark-vintage
Custom Book Embosser
https://www.etsy.com/listing/840508076/book-embosser-personalized-custom-ex?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ex%20libris&ref=sr_gallery-1-35&sr_prefetch=1&pro=1&frs=1&pop=1&content_source=5d442138550e8a17059979d09cb92cbabcd17809%3A840508076&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=5d442138550e8a17059979d09cb92cbabcd17809:84 0508076&source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&utm_content=740219&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=740219&awc=6220_1764911312_c63edd94bc322514623e5c6d663ea839
Jane Eyre Embroidery Kit
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1008531760/jane-eyre-embroidery-kit?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jane+eyre+embroidery&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=uk_location_buyer&utm_content=1266099&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=1266099&awc=6091_1764911520_293ebbe0bc58c5494c72236acc01f8ad

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