Holiday Shopping Inspiration
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The last few years I have felt a little hesitant about Christmas gifts. Now don’t get me wrong, I still have a want list, but I as I try to minimize my possessions, I don’t really want to fill my home and life with things that I don’t really need or bring me joy. Just to clarify, I don’t consider myself to be a minimalist (as much as I’d like to), but I’m trying here. Bless my friends and family and their good intentions, but I really don’t need another cat themed gift in my life- unless it’s cute and me af.
So that’s my basic rule- don’t get me anything UNLESS you think I really need it, it just screams me/you think it will bring me joy. Please don’t buy me anything for the sake of giving me something because you feel obligated to and I’m trying ti translate this into my personal acts of gift giving. These days, I’d prefer my gifts to be in the form of quality time with a friend or family member like engaging in a fun activity, sharing a meal or creating a new holiday tradition.
For as long as I can remember, I have LOVED giving gifts and I still do, to an extent. I enjoy the act of searching for something that reminds me of a friend, that I think would bring them joy and be put to good use. I wonder how many times I actually got that right. The act of shopping, buying and giving was out of generosity, for the most part, but I also felt obligated to give someone a gift- I’m trying to let go of THAT feeling- obligation. I like to think that the simple act of sending someone a card is enough. It has good intentions and effort behind it, which, to me, means a lot. Receiving surprise cards in the mail is the BEST feeling!
So this year, my Christmas shopping list is to take a v cute christmas card photo with my cats (if you know me, we have had a beautiful line-up in the past :D), send that to all my fans (aka friends and family) and I have a little DIY project that I am super excited to start putting together and give as my main gift this year!
I also like the idea of putting together a few Zero Waste Themed bundles together and gifting those as a bigger gift. I will share some of my favorite zero waste products, that I think people will enjoy and use, but also not feel like I’m pushing my agenda on them TOO hard (but I kind of am :| ). There will likely be some miscellaneous Christmas shopping tied in there, because of course I’m not completely over my feelings of obligation, but this is the bulk of my Christmas gift giving plan.
Here is the TO Guide to Christmas Shopping for shoppers that are looking:
to avoid gifting out of obligation
for gifts anywhere between $10-$50
for DIY ideas
for gift ideas that are practical and will be used (hopefully)
to give gifts that help benefit the planet (wahoo!)
These ideas are for your friends and family that are
working on their self worth and acceptance
looking to reduce their carbon foot-print and haven’t quite started, or don’t know where to begin
interested in natural beauty and care products & love their self-care routine
So get that hot water boiling, nestle in with a cup of tea, coffee, or heck wine- cuz holidays are stressful, turn on some soothing holiday music and get ready to plunge into the world of online holiday shopping. I hope you find something worthwhile and make checks on that shopping list of yours!
Books
Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life by Cleo Wade, $14.22- For that girlfriend (or girl gang) in your life that has been putting in a lot of self-work, maybe going through the trenches or on her way out. Start the New Year with words of wisdom and inspiration.
Inward by Yung Pueblo, $11.59- More poetry exploring the journey of self-love and acceptance
The Sun and her flowers & milk and honey Set by Rupi Kaur, $22.97- Similar to Cleo Wade, Rupi Kaur’s poetry has become very popular on social media. Her short verses speak to stories of femininity, love had and lost, abuse, relationships, racism & beauty.
Journal by Rifle Paper Co., $15.00- Maybe your friend has some serious New Years Goals to crush, Business Plans to put into fruition or a little help unwinding at the end of day. Rifle Paper Co. makes the cutest stationary and accessories, as you may already know :) Help your friend make the most of the new year with a cute journal!
Skincare & Beauty
Honest Hazel Eye Gels, $13.00- Let’s be honest, the holidays make most of feel a little more tired and puffy. Help your friends relax and feel rejuvenated this holiday season.
Jade Roller & Gua Sha Tool, $14.95- Jade rolling is a beauty technique that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It helps to increase circulation, reduce wrinkles, drain the lymphatic system which benefits facial puffiness and feels lovely if you’re experience a head ache or had a little too much fun at that holiday Party. I keep mine in the refrigerator and use it a few days a week with my favorite facial oil or serum. Use in strokes going up and away from the face.
Lena Menstrual Cup, $24.90- I know what you’re thinking, giving someone a menstrual cup for a gift is weird. And it is, kind of. Save this for your girlfriend that is looking to minimize her waste and get comfortable with that body of hers. These are seriously a game-changer- if you’re up for the change!
Eco-Friendly Home
16 oz Mason Jars, $14.85- Depending on your gift list, buy a few sets of mason jars and create a variety of different themed Christmas presents- Zero Waste Drink- include reusable lid & straw. Or do a refillable hand soap or lotion with reusable pump that fits a mason jar. Or a spray bottle top and make DIY cleaners.
TapLeap Reusable Straws, Set of 8, includes cleaning brush & storage bag, $10.99- Gift the whole set, or gift individually paired with cup & lid or as a random addition for your friends that suck the most.
Marley’s Monsters- This is one of my favorite zero waste brands! She makes the cutest reusable facial rounds, paper towels, wipes, reusable bags, etc., in the cutest prints & they’re customizable! Go give her website a gander or see if they’re sold locally. You can find her stuff at JoyFill in Denver, CO.
Ideas:
Buy a friend a set (or 2) of rounds and gift them in a mason jar
Add a set of unpaper towels to a mason jar, pair with a natural cleaner or in addition to a Stasher Bag (below)
Gift a sponge with a Mason jar fitted with a soap pump and refillable soap.
Add a straw pouch, with straws, mason jar & reusable lid - for your libation loving friend, add homemade cocktail mixes or store bought- your call!
ReCap Reusable Lid, $7.99- Pair with mason jar and straw for a perfect zero waste drink gift. If you’re feeling extra, add a single serve coffee pack, loose leaf tea or a gift card to their favorite coffee shop & tell them to bring their new cup set with! Sometimes this will get you a discount on your drink :)
ReCap Spray Bottle Cap, $7.99- Pair with mason jar, add your favorite counter cleaner or make your own- recipe below. Your friend can now buy cleaner in bulk or head to their favorite refill store and fill ‘er up! They could also just fill up the bottles they have at home, butttt is the season giving.
DIY Counter Cleaner-
Save your leftover lemon and lime rinds and add them to a large jar, fill with distilled white wine vinegar and let sit out for approx. 2 weeks. I continue adding my peels during those days, hello finding other purposes for waste!
After two weeks, fill container with about half filtered water, then add vinegar mix + a few drops of essential oils (optional). I like to add oregano and lemon.
If you’d like to do this as a gift- get to collecting lemons, you might need quite a bite, depending on how much lucky friends you have. Buy lemons in bulk, cut them up and store them for daily use. Add to water, tea, everything you cook or have friends over for lemonade or citrusy cocktails !
Stasher Bags, $9.99-$19.99- Say goodbye to Ziplocs & hello to Stasher bags! These come in three sizes- snack, sandwich and 1/2 gallon. Ideally, we’d like to have multiples of each of these, but start small and build your collection from there! I love to using these for food storage, meals on the go and for storing snacks, supplements and accessories while traveling. And for those runners out there, they’re also super handing for storing all your gels and goos for out of town races.
Food Huggers, $12.95- These are great for storing half used product & covering jars or cans! My cat also seems to think they make stellar cat toys.
S’well Travel Mug, $32.00- A cute & trendy mug for your friend that’s always on the go! Keep liquids hot or cold for 12+ hours
Bees Wrap Lunch Pack, $21.00- A natural, reusable alternative to ziplock and tinfoil. Warms up from your hands to mold perfectly to food of choice.
Home Goods
Himalayan Salt Lamp, $19.99- Create a more mindful space with the relaxing light, while also providing air purifying benefits.
DIY- Make a bad-ass holiday card, free-???- Get out your scissors and glitter and channel your inner kid/crafty-side! The world is your oyster! Make it a special bonding time by suckering your friends or kids to get involved :) Image and ideas found from www.wideopencountry.com
A Plant!- If you don’t love plants- then idk, but I think they’re simply the best gift at any season. I like to save jars and old candles, buy a few small plants to plant and gift to friends. Snake Plants are super simply to take care of- even for those plant killer friends out there. They require low light, little watering and they help purify the air! Put these in your bedroom because they emit oxygen at night :). Image from www.thesill.com
*Disclaimer-this post contains affiliate links to products, if you do purchase from one of the links posted below, I will receive a commission. I promise to only share products that I use personally and that I believe provide health benefits.
