‘Tis the season of giving. We are opting out of holiday gifts this year and it is hard. I love finding gifts for friends and family, but it definitely comes with a little stress and pressure also if you can’t find something for every person on your list.
I’m hoping this round up helps you check people off and give back at the same time. Overconsumption is real and you should never feel obligated to walk into a party with a giant pile of gifts. Simple is best for those you love during the Christmas season.
Our List of Gift Ideas for Everyone
Help the Environment with these Gifts
- Silicone Straws from World Market. These are awesome, especially for those of us that don’t like the metal options.
- Reusable Bags. I have seen so many plastic bags on beaches in the last year that they make me sick. The easiest way to nudge people to stop using those devil bags is to give them a better option. These are my favorite because they fit in your purse and are super durable.
- A Great Water Bottle. This brand is a favorite of many of our friends. We have been using the same Target ones for a year now, but I wouldn’t recommend them because they leak a little.
Gifts that Take Up No Space
- Adopt an Animal. Find your loved one’s favorite animal and adopt one. Giving that money to the organizations working to protect habitats helps with conservation efforts. WWF is a great place to start because they have lots of options to choose from.
- Experiences. Take someone out for a movie, to a cooking class or somewhere to create some memories and enjoy something fun. This is a great option for kids in your life.
- Very specific gift cards. Everyone loves free money, but it is extra thoughtful when someone finds a specialized store. For example, we received the best gift from family for the Herbivorous Butcher which is a meat-free specialty shop and it’s one of our favorite spots now.
Consumable Gifts
- Coffee of the Month Subscription. This company donates meals to the hungry for every product purchased, so you’re also helping others. It’s the perfect gift for those that love coffee.
- A bottle of wine or growler of beer from your favorite local spot. I love getting recommendations from friends on their favorites, but it’s even better when it’s gifted.
- Sugarfina Candy. It’s fancy and I wouldn’t buy it for myself, so the few times I’ve opened a package with these goodies tucked inside – it has been a real treat. Yes, pun intended.
- A good home cooked meal. Invite your friend or loved one over for dinner and cook something special. It’s fun for you to be able to try something new and crazy and people feel so special to have that time.
Basics for Everyone that also Give Back
- These Socks. This company gives a pair to the homeless for every pair purchased. They are amazing quality and last a long time. New socks are the best and they are definitely on our list this year.
- This brand new comfortable t-shirt that gives back to incredible causes. Everlane is a great B corp and uses tons of recycled materials to make their products. I will be making a trip there to replace some of the things that I have grown out of or worn out on this trip.
- Skin care basics like these. This gift set is another B Corp (and it helps me make some money) and they have 15% off their gift sets this weekend. They are already packaged beautifully and have lots of options to choose from.
- A new smart speaker. This option will play from any of your streaming services and every purchase helps raise more money to fight the global AIDS crisis.
- Journals. Writing things down has kept me sane this year and I’m excited to reflect on some of it in the future. This is a great therapeutic gift for people. You can find beautiful simple ones like this or some that guide a little more with prompts like this one that builds a weekly habit.
What is on your list this year? Are you shopping for lots of people or dialing it back? I love hearing people’s ideas for getting through this time of year without burning out and overspending so feel free to share your thoughts below.
