🎙️ Episode 27: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Creatives & Their Cats
- Gemma Smith
- Dec 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
This curated list of holiday gifts for creatives and their cats includes everything from performance essentials to enrichment toys my own cats can’t get enough of.
In this week’s solo episode of Tails & Tassels, I’m sharing my newly refreshed Holiday Gift Guide for Creatives and Their Cats — a roundup of the products I actually use and love in my daily life, backstage at Catbaret, and at home with Lion-o and Luna.
If you're looking for thoughtful gifts for performers, producers, cat parents, or the creative humans in your life, this list is full of tried-and-true favorites. Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
Special Offer for Tails and Tassels Listeners!
A beautifully crafted wand toy that Lion-o and Luna go absolutely wild for — elegant, durable, and designed to tap into your cat’s natural instincts. It’s one of our household favorites and a gorgeous addition to any cat lover’s toy collection.
✨ Exclusive Listener Code: Use TASSEL50 for 50% off your first order at Felis Lux — valid on one-time purchases and subscriptions.
A huge thank-you to Felis Lux for offering this generous deal to the Tails & Tassels community
Gifts for Creatives!
My go-to producing and organizing tool for nearly a decade. It blends daily planning with gratitude, reflection, and goal setting — perfect for creatives who love pen-to-paper structure.
A true classic. Written by Jo Weldon — award-winning founder of the New York School of Burlesque, performer, teacher, historian, and one of the most respected figures in modern burlesque — this book is the essential backstage guide to both classic and neo-burlesque.
Whether you’re brand-new to burlesque or a seasoned performer refining your craft, this handbook offers practical tools, foundational technique, history, costuming insights, and confidence-building guidance. A must-have for any burlesque-curious creative.
The lightweight carry-on + tote combo I use for every single Catbaret show. Cute, durable, and perfect for city travel.
Great for organizing burlesque costumes and containing runaway glitter — and a safe alternative to crinkly plastic Lion-o would absolutely try to eat.
My signature red. It survives shows, subways, sweat, and a post-show slice of Joe’s.
Gifts for Cats!
High-moisture, lower-phosphorus treats that are perfect for senior cats or kitties with urinary sensitivity.
Lion-o’s must-have. Low dust, fantastic odor control, and gentle for sensitive cats.
A sculptural, modern cat tree that looks like art and still stands up to zoomies, lounging, climbing, and dramatic poses.
Creators & Artists to Support
Fortune Cookie – Burlesque Show Merch and Fitness Classes!
Purchase adorable merch from a performer I adore plus you can gift or a class from her gym Cosmic Fit Club!
Catbaret’s show photographer. An incredible gift for performers or creatives needing new headshots or branding photos.
GiGi Holliday – Burlesque Classes & “Auntease Knows Best”
Ranked the #8 most influential burlesque performer in the world, GiGi offers classes and 1:1 sessions for performers of all levels.
Her guidance is thoughtful, actionable, and supportive — meeting you exactly where you are in your burlesque journey.
Shirts and gear that support TNR and community cat advocacy — a meaningful way to support his mission. Plus his Patreon to be part of his VIP community!
Experiences Make Beautiful Gifts
Tickets to Books & Burlesque on 12/13 and beyond!
Tickets to Show Me Your Kitties Cabaret (Long Beach, CA)
Classes at the New York School of Burlesque (NYC)
A night out at your favorite local burlesque or variety show
And of course… tickets to the next Catbaret on March 5th! (Available in NYC and livestream.)
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