Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide: 2020
It's the holiday season! I'd be lying if I said I'm just now thinking of what dishes to make for (incredibly small) gatherings and which gifts to sanitize, wrap, and give to my loved ones. My mom has always been an early shopper—I'm talking March and April early—and I definitely have the same trait. I keep a list in the back of my planner each year with names and gift ideas that I can turn to when birthdays and Christmas come around. It also happens that I have a handful of friends with December birthdays, which means more gift shopping for me!
I've mentioned shopping already, but even when I'm looking to give meaningful gifts I try to make them sustainable. Sometimes that means going to large thrift stores like Volunteers of America or small secondhand stores like Marigold Curated and The Little Light Collective. Unique finds are great gifts because they show that you put time into finding something for the person, you're purchasing items that already exist, and you'll likely end up saving money too!
Wrapping is a huge area where you can reduce your waste. If you want to go a more traditional route and use wrapping paper or gift bags, consider using paper grocery bags as wrapping paper. Or you could repurpose the bags that all your takeout food comes in, which is my plan. You can also be more creative and use a scarf or dishtowel to wrap your gift, which can be a gift in itself. (This time of year is a great time to save the boxes and tissue paper you may receive so you can reuse them again in the future. It's an easy—and free—way to upcycle and lengthen the life of some of your favorite gift bags.
Anywho, here are my top suggestions for gifting this year. The first list contains material items and the second list is a mix of services or experiences that make great gifts for those who are a bit picky about what they own and/or love to try new things!
Things you can wrap
My go-to is to gift plants. I have pothos and spider plants propagating all year long, so when the holidays roll around I have plenty to share (and not much room left on flat surfaces). A plant is also an easy gift because they can be as cheap as a few dollars and don't require wrapping. Just don't leave them out in the cold! If you're looking for fun plants shop at Straders or Oakland Nursery.
Organic, herbal skincare from Wild Origins. My favorite body butter, recommended by Allie Lehman, is from this shop. I use it on my knees, ankles, hands, arms...anywhere my skin can use extra softness. I ordered a third jar for myself in addition to a few other treats for friends.
Essentials for sustainable living from Koko, my go-to refillery and shop. I take myself on dates to Koko to stock up on my favorite matcha, the best deodorant, and other staples like chapstick and a dish wand. Since all of Koko's products are sustainable, it's relaxing to scroll their site or shop in-store and know you're doing a good thing for the planet with each purchase.
Fine Feather is a dreamy shop of hand-selected clean beauty and wellness items. I went to an event in the shop earlier this year and loved seeing the leopards on the wall, smelling the candles, and seeing so many incredible, safe products in one place. Diana does an impeccable job curating the inventory. If you're looking to gift someone something self-care related, buy it local here.
A print from Annie Russell, aka Secret Lunch. Annie's art is nostalgic, vibrant, and warm. I ordered a print from her site as a quarantine gift to myself and I made sure to find her at the Baby Flea earlier this fall to get a masked-up doodle portrait. She also takes commissions, but reach out asap to get what you need in time for Christmas.
Happy little things from Orange Peel Collective. My friend Brit runs this cute lil shop, and also does the best embroidery. Her jewelry and fabrics are a heaty throwback to the 90s and early 2000s style of butterfly clips, beads, and smiley faces.
The intangibles
A gift subscription to something that'll brighten the winter days to come. Maybe a meditation app like Simple Habit, a fun way to move like Unmeasured, or something challenging like The New York Times Crossword, which is one of my favorite gifts to receive.
Gift a book subscription from Two Dollar Radio. Choose from themes like fiction, nonfiction, vegan interest, young adult, and poetry. I miss working at a table and sipping a lavender latte at their Headquarters, and I guarantee the books included in each subscription will bring joy deep thoughts to whomever you gift them to. (And, if you shop in-store be sure to grab a peanut butter brownie!!)
A massage or spa day. My friend Anna raves about Replenish, and it's at the top of my list as a self-care gift in the new year. I've seen Lee Pepper a few times, and I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to relax and work out some stress.
And lastly, food!
Support your favorite cafes, restaurants, and bars to help them stay afloat. Local eateries are struggling after such a difficult year, and they appreciate every order right now. Show your love by ordering food to-go, buying gift cards, and recommending them to others. My favorites in Columbus are Dough Mama, Mexpress Taqueria & The Bottle Shop, Seventh Son, and Native Cold Pressed. In Cincinnati, my go-to spots are Urbana Coffee, Brown Bear Bakery, Forty Thieves, Quan Hapa, and MadTree Brewing.