A Gift Guide That Doesn’t Suck (Or Kill The Planet or Support Sh*tty Companies)

We often poll the audience during our holiday workshops and ask what the most stressful part is for them. What we hear most often: money. Money for travel and decorations but mostly for presents. And while we would love to be able to get rid of the tradition of consumerism during the holidays, we have a feeling that some mothers-in-law, siblings, friends, and grandparents might not be too keen on that idea. So we’ve put together a better shopping list. One that supports small business, helps the environment, costs less money, and makes you the family favorite.

1. Make it yourself! This one is almost always a winner and typically our go-to. Here are some of our favorite ideas: herbal bitters, candles, bath bombs and salts, herb-infused body oils, and even…gourmet marshmallows.
2. Gift a service. Want to know one thing we all have in common? We are busy AF. Want to know something that is universally helpful? Services that make our lives easier and help us take care of ourselves. Rather than buying something else that will clutter their home, give them the gift of TIME. Time to themselves? How about a home cleaning service. Time for rest? Massage. Really want to give them a boost? A consulting service for their business or a life coach to get them unstuck. A gym membership and a promise to go with them? Bonus points: an inclusive gym like getFIT615. Think about what they most need. This isn’t the cheapest option but it’s always appreciated. Need it to be cheap? Make the gift from you — like a coupon good for three hours of your time to clean, organize, and declutter with them.
3. Support your local makers. We are huge fans of this one. Find a local jewelry maker (like Undercurrent Studio or Jennie Okon) or clothing maker (like LoveFitness or Eric Adler). Go to a local makers market or craft fair or try a local art studio! Supporting local small artists is incredibly important. You get to make a small business owner’s dream come true…how cool is that??
4. Give the gift of new worlds. This is also my favorite suggestion for a baby shower…but go to a used bookstore and, for the price of one new book, you can buy an entire series. I love the Illustrated Classics which are perfect for children and nostalgic book collectors alike and can usually be found in abundance at any used book store.
5. Grow it! Support your local garden center and give the gift that keeps on growing: a plant!
6. Buy it used. If you’re set on buying clothing, furniture, or toys try buying them used first. Extra points if it’s from an organization that gives back (like GoodWill).
7. Know who you’re buying from. Okay so this one might be a little controversial and we hope we don’t take down your favorite brands BUT…we vote with our dollars so it’s important to be aware before you shop. For example, did you know Lululemon has a long history of fat-shaming? Or that the clothing industry is one the most polluting of all industries (here’s a list of ethical companies working to change that)? Look at the social media of the companies you want to shop from. Is every model thin and white? Maybe look for one that is more inclusive (if you’re in the market for some fitness apparel try brands like Superfit Hero). We don’t claim to know everything we should about this but crafting some awareness is the first step and we’ll all be better off for it!

A couple of other things to note: Wrapping paper is pretty wasteful so try wrapping it in a cloth that can be reused. Here are a few cute ideas. Buying cut trees is also wasteful so add a little year-round greenery to your home with a tree still in its pot that you can decorate!

We hope this is both helpful and inspiring! Have some more ideas you want to add? Leave us a comment below.

Happy holiday season, friends.