What Day Is It? 2022 Calendars for Gifts or for You

There's something about starting a new calendar that warms my heart. It's one of the things I really look forward to every January 1. I'm sure I'm not alone in finding joy in writing in birthdays, adding all the scheduled appointments, and marking off days for planned vacations and events (like weddings and anniversaries). I guess that's why I think calendars make super December gifts. Give them for a major holiday, a hostess gift, a birthday, or a thinking-of-you surprise.

Workman publishes some of my favorite calendars. For a long time now, their Out on the Porch calendar has graced my office wall every year. The photos are so gorgeous (see the cover of the 2022 edition), they inspire me to spruce up my own porch and give me ideas for dream vacation spots. I've also often (though not every year) hung their Rosemary Gladstar's Herbs calendar in my kitchen. Besides the beautiful photograph, each month includes information about the pictured herb along with a culinary or medicinal recipe. I've actually saved my old Herb calendars so I can refer back to the tips.

So why do I turn to Workman calendars so often? I love the quality of the photographs, sure, but I appreciate that their products hold up well throughout the year. The wall calendars don't curl, and the pages of the engagement calendars don't fall off the coil. I like to support Workman because they're

committed to lessening our environmental footprint without compromising our quality and standards; we proudly print 99% of our calendars on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper using soy-based inks.

These are calendars you can feel good about buying.

I highlight three of my favorite 2022 calendars below, but before I get to them, I want to point out that Workman makes so many different calendars, I know you can find one that's perfect for you. You'll find wall calendars, desk calendars, page-a-day calendars, magnetic calendars, and engagement calendars. Themes include travel, animals, nature, art, gardening, cooking, kids, inspiration, biblical, gratitude, photography, puzzles and games, activities, trivia and much, much more. Some that caught my eye are calendars with stickers for kids, the guitar calendar, and the Sandra Boynton calendars. To see them all, visit Workman's calendars website.

Thanks so much to Workman for sending me copies of following calendars.


First up is the new Now to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse calendar, which offers advice on "escaping the undead one day at a time." With this 2022 page-a-day calendar in hand, you'll be able to survive when the undead walk the earth. Garnering tips and facts from pop culture, this fun guide will prepare you for any situation. Do you have the proper weapons? How do you protect yourself when you need to sleep? Author Scott Kenemore, horror novelist and advisor to the Zombie Research Society, has your back.

The calendar contains 313 pages (Saturday and Sunday are combined) and includes a stand so you can easily see each day's tip. Paper may be scarce during the zombie apocalypse, so when you tear each day's page off the calendar, be sure to turn it over; the back is printed with a grid so you can take notes or even draw a map of safe hiding places. This would make a great gift for the dystopian fans on your list. I've included a scan of January 1 so you can survive the first day of the new year.

One of my favorite books in recent years is soon to be released as a movie. But you don't need to wait to see the beauty of the southern marshlands. New from Workman this year is the Where the Crawdads Sing wall calendar. The monthly photographs are absolutely stunning. I wouldn't be surprised if you considered framing some of them.

The calendar grid shows moon cycles and lists major holidays and celebrations for a number of English-speaking countries. Each page also includes a watercolor detail--shells, plants, butterflies, etc.--and a quote from the novel.

Give this lovely calendar to the readers on your list or to anyone who loves the natural world.

This last calendar is one that I cannot wait to use. Only about 26 more days until I put it on my refrigerator door. This is the magnetic Kitchen Companion 2022 page-a-week calendar. How have missed this gem in years past? I think this going to have to be yearly staple in my house.

Each weekly page of this tear-off calendar features charming drawings by Holly Jolley; a place to write down items to buy at the grocery or market; inclusive holidays; and a recipe, kitchen tip, or culinary fact. While you could, of course, use the daily lined column to note plans or birthdays, I'm going to devote the space to my kitchen and cooking. Here's where I'll remind myself to take something out of the freezer, prep something for an upcoming meal, or set up the slow cooker. It's also a good place to write out lunch ideas for Mr. BFR or to remind him not to eat something I'm saving for later in the week. I also plan to use this calendar as a handy place to write out my count-down for holidays and get-togethers. Can you tell I'm excited?

This would be a super gift for the cooks on your list. Busy households in which everyone is on a different schedule could use this calendar to note what's for dinner along with any heating or prep information.

If you're looking for a specific type of calendar or theme, be sure to visit Workman's calendar site or visit your local (independent, if possible) bookstore to see them in person.