This year many of us will be spending the holidays differently. I think it’s a great time to start thinking about how we give gifts differently too. With all the political unrest, the pandemic and the looming risks of climate change, I thought this would be a great year to do a gift guide focused on gifts that give back. This guide includes gifts to support local businesses, black owned businesses, the travel industry, and gifts that are less wasteful and better for the environment.
Support Small Businesses
Many small businesses are suffering this year, so supporting local and small businesses is a great way to give gifts and give back.
Etsy - A great place to support small businesses from around the world with unique, often handmade, items
Made Trade - I just discovered this website recently; they have artisan goods from women owned, black owned, USA made, and many other types of small businesses
Support local restaurants - Buy a gift card to your favorite local spot, or even for a food delivery service
Support your favorite gift shops - Here are a few of mine:
My favorite small shop in Nuremberg: Fachmarie
In Boston: Gifted, Brookline Booksmith, Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Olives and Grace
Support Black Owned Businesses
This year has been major for breaking down barriers in racism. Now is a great time to keep the momentum going by supporting black owned businesses. As so many people have already put together guides on this I’m linking a few of my favorites below:
Black Owned Businesses in Boston
Black Owned Small Businesses You can Support From Anywhere
Black Owned Businesses to Support From Oprah’s Favorite Things List
With Love Caila’s Holiday Guide to Black Owned Businesses
Cooking at Home
This has been a big year for home cooking. Since many of us are forced to eat at home more, gifting a cookbook is a great way to help loved ones create new, tasty recipes. A few of my favorites are:
Half Baked Harvest - She has two great cookbooks to choose from
The Forest Feast - She has four options to choose from; The Mediterranean one is my favorite
A subscription to NYTimes Cooking - gift them an annual subscription
Eco Friendly Ideas
Let’s eliminate the idea of the re-gift - stop giving people junk they don’t want or need. If you really like to give a physical gift, I suggest opting for something more sustainable. Here are a few ideas:
Shop clean beauty at places like Follain, Credo and Detox Market
Closed Loop Cooking’s plant-based, low waste, ethical holiday gift guide - This is by far my favorite gift guide that I’ve come across this year
Thrift - Support your local thrift shop with a gift card or hand picked item. ThreadUp also offers gift cards that people can use form anywhere
Give them reusables - The Package Free Shop is a great place to buy items that can be reused or made for a zero waste lifestyle
Make a donation in their name - Don’t give them any gift at all, instead make a donation in their name to your charity of choice, or one that you know is close to their heart
For when we can finally travel again
Some day, we will be able to travel again. The tourism industry has been severely hurt this year, so supporting them is a great way to give back.
Buy an airline or hotel gift card - If you know the person has a preferred airline or hotel chain, this is a great and easy gift.
AirBnb Giftcard - I have my parents gift me this because I know I will definitely be using them
Tinggly - This company allows you to buy and gift travel experiences
No matter where you spend the holidays this year, I hope you have a happy and safe holiday season, and that this guide helps you find the perfect gift that also gives back.
