As you can imagine, I’m pretty selective when it comes to gifting. The last thing I want to do is clutter up my loved ones’ homes with more stuff they don’t want or need. I’m also trying to support female-owned, BIPOC-owned, smaller, independent businesses instead of big box stores.
See below for my round-up of items I would love to give, or get, this year. Hold the clutter.
Wine Club Membership
Napa and Sonoma Valley wineries have been hit hard again this year with the fires. Support a small, family-run business, and score some wine for yourself or your favorite wine lover! Scribe, Ashes & Diamonds, Sophie James, and McBride Sisters are popular local options. McBride Sisters is black-owned, and also one of the most inclusive, accessible, socially aware and sustainable wine companies in the US. Cheers to that!
Cooking Kits
The perfect gift experience for your favorite foodie, Truffle Shuffle was founded by former French Laundry chefs who shared a passion for truffles. You better believe I’m signed up for the truffle mac and cheese class. The best part is for every cooking kit sold, Truffle Shuffle will donate enough food to feed a family in need.
Utilitarian Items, Elevated
I’m all about elevating the workhorse household items we use each day. Wooden dish brushes, cleaning cloths, and laundry soap make a lovely and useful gifts. June Home Supply is my one stop shop for beautiful, functional items for the home. Bonus that they are a small, family-run business.
Easy Life Card Decks
My multi-talented client, Heidi, just launched these Easy Life Card Decks, and I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Each deck focuses on a different series of life hacks – from simplifying your weeknight meals, to boosting your wellness goals, to whipping up the perfect holiday cocktail. They make a perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer, and are also a nice thing to gift yourself with.
Modern Pantry Labels
The perfect gift for the friend or family member who loves organizing – these are my go-to labels to elevate any pantry. They are created by the sweetest female founder, and the price is right!
The Five Minute Journal
One of my favorite things, and favorite gifts to give, is The Five Minute Journal. This journal offers a simple (and efficient) formula to be more intentional each day, practice gratitude, and create new positive habits. A perfect gift to start the new year off right!
Brightland Olive Oil
The prettiest packaging you ever did see, and chef-approved. Brightland olive oil is a perfect gift for every home chef, and looks dreamy on any kitchen counter!
Books for Hard Times
It’s OK to Feel Things Deeply is an uplifting and positive book that feels like a warm hug from your BFF. Self Care in Uncertain Times is a sweet little booklet and a lovely little gesture or stocking stuffer. Grief and loss are universal, but can feel completely isolating. This best-selling book, It’s Okay That You’re Not Okay, normalizes grief and offers a new perspective on how to carry-on alongside it.
Pretty Books You’ll Also Want to Read
I love anything by Natalie Walton – This is Home and Still are some of my favorites. Woman of Color is a stunning and candid memoir / lifestyle guide by popular blogger LaTonya Yvette. Made for Living is hot off the press by designer, Amber Lewis, and full of all the interior design inspiration you could dream of.
*All books are linked to Book Shop so you can order online and still support your small, local bookshops. #winwin.
In addition to my picks above, there are countless creative gifting options that are 100% clutter-free. A gift card for a meal delivery service or a restaurant, an online program or class pass, a coaching or personal trainer package, or an experiential gift like breakfast in bed, movie night with treats and popcorn, or a spa day will all do the trick.
Also, it’s #givingtuesday! Donating to a philanthropic organization or favorite charity in someone’s honor also makes a meaningful and impactful gift any day, and especially today.
There is so much pressure to consume like crazy this time of year, so make sure to take it slow, shop your values, and really consider if that seasonal fruit cake or another new sweater accurately convey your feelings to the people you love. I bet they’d rather just connect with you for over a nice meal and catch up. As they say, the best things in life aren’t things.
Worried that the holidays might be harder than normal this year? Read this.
Image Credit: June Home Supply
Thanks Shira. What thoughtful suggestions!