Now, while our actual presence is the ultimate gift, acts of gratitude and generosity are such a powerful expression.
Here is a round-up of some gift giving ideas that are thoughtful and evoke a sense of wonder, playfulness and love (in my humble opinion).
Something you might not buy for yourself but would love to receive...
This is my most FAVORITE new discovery, microMAGS! A small travel set of Magnitiles, can you even stand it? These come in a metal case, are impossibly cute and instant fun any where, any time for any age. If you are out to eat with your little one, or even on a date, what fun and possibility could you build? They are $19.99, almost reasonable enough to have several sets!
How fun is this personalized Image 3D! Do you remember these?! I'm thinking of making one for each of my children, with pictures of them doing their favorite things, in their favorite places, with their favorite people.
Speaking of keeping it old school, what about this retro polaroid? With this, a photo is printed in the moment, but you also have a digital copy as well. The best of both worlds.
How about a portable watercolor journal kit? This is not only my personal go to, but such a thoughtful gift and invitation for creative expression. Here is what I put together, but you can put your personal touch on it:
Carrying pouch: I love these Baggu sets that you can break a part for several gifts, as well as these or this one.
Watercolor journal: These mini 3.5 x 5 come in a two-pack!
Portable palette: I've tried this one and also this one, both come with a brush.
Some markers that don't bleed, like an Ultra Fine Sharpie.
Get to know your nesting neighbors better with these bird seed wreaths. We've snatched up a bunch of these to give as gifts this year, and of course, one for our back yard too.
Everyone needs a hammock. This one is easy to pack and hang, making it perfect for impromptu forest naps in the crisp winter air. Ahhhh, what a dream.
I want to pepper my whole backyard with these garden ghosts, giving each of them a name and curious backstory! With this pack of three, you could separate them into three gifts that bring loved ones together.
Gathering for Games Playing a board game or card game is a wonderful way to connect as a family. Here are some classics, and also a few silly ones.
I love the feel and sounds (cool smooth stones being scooped up and plopped into a wooden dish) of a Mancala game.
You could buy Rack-o, or MAKE one. How cool is this homemade ROYGBIV version!
How beautiful is this game? And it also fosters imagination, curiosity and critical thinking.
For endless laughs, Butts on Things is a big hit in our home. There are several ways to play, it's quite cheeky!
I often carry this Cloud 9 deck around with me.
It's less of a game, more of a unique conversation starter. The questions are so interesting and you can learn so much about your friends and family..as well as yourself.
Children's Books are for Everyone
Where to begin. The gift of a children's book is truly impactful for every heart, at any age. This holiday, these few feel the most needed for every single one of us.
Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds is completely transformative, as a "fable and cautionary tale", so that we may be intentional about the necessity for "Human connection. Shared stories. Shared memories." This my friends, is a must read, must own, must share book.
The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] written by Jon J. Muth will always be in my top five favorites. Our main character searches for the answers to his three questions: When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?
While I haven't read it yet, Life by Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel is on my personal wishlist after a friend's recommendation. The publishers say Life "offers a moving meditation on finding beauty around us every day and finding strength in adversity".
***If possible, please consider supporting your local book store***
Make Magic with Rainbows
We've had this Kirkland solar powered rainbow maker in our home for years and it still stops us in our tracks. Imagine rainbows bouncing off of every corner of your living room!
I'm pretty sure these Rainbow Twirlers are the best stocking stuffer.
These crystal ball prisms are so enchanting.
A rainbow stained glass mobile is so lovely. Hearts and rainbows, what a perfect pair.
Unique Educator Gifts
I'm pretty sure your child's teacher does not need another mug. And trust me, I love a mug! We just get so many.
It's also nice to think of the educator as a whole person, and not just in the role as a teacher. One year a student gifted my husband slippers for the holidays, it was so thoughtful and he loved them!
These educator gifts are a thoughtful and unique way of showing your appreciation.
How about a deck of meditation cards, like these.
And really, what about a pair of slippers! These are so colorful and happy, what teacher wouldn't want to slip into these after a day in the classroom?
Or how about the most cozy mittens in the whole world?
A hand written and heartfelt note from your child. Trust me, these really matter and mean something. I have saved more notes and drawings than I have mugs :) .
Any human would appreciate this gadget or this rechargeable hand warmer (have they thought of everything?)
Gift certificates to local restaurants, cafes and coffee shops are always appreciated. What a nice way for them to enjoy time out with their family and friends.
I can't stop gazing at these leaf shaped servers. This is the type of thing you might not buy for yourself but are so grateful to have.
These personalized teacher stamps are pretty cute too.
Spreading Peace
The gift of true peace is invaluable, but these are lovely reminders.
A simple ornament that can find a spot to hang year round. (I was gifted a peace sign ornament many years ago that always hangs in our kitchen).
You can wear peace on your sleeve, or heart, in this case. Give it a home on the wall, wrapped in sea grass.
Or what about sending personalized peace in the mail?
For our Office Pals
Candles and coffee are great, but what about gifting a colleague with a mindful desk reminder?
This made me laugh, a desktop meditative sand wonderscape, desk yoga card deck, something playful, like a slinky.
Focus on Local
How about a gift certificate to the local Farmer's Market? For those friends in the Capital Region, you can get one to the Saratoga Market here. They even have merch now. Yes, please!
You could gift a contribution to a local non-profit that champions a cause that is dear to your loved one. Or what if you suggest volunteering together?
Soothing the Senses
The holidays can certainly be a sensory overload, so it's the perfect time to intentionally soothe them. These gifts are nurturing for the body, mind and heart - - and maybe even best to gift to yourself!
*** Mindful tip: when you take a shower, practice watching your hands as you soap up your body and reach for the shampoo. The more we bring attention to these routine parts of our life that are usually on auto-pilot, there is a great chance you will notice and appreciate more about these simple moments that we often take for granted. ***
My mother introduced me to Dr. Hauschka in the late nineties to soothe a significant psoriasis flare up and igniting a life long love. My favorite is their Moor Lavender body series. This holistic essential oil blend is what my children were bathed in as infants (and still) and is the same one that stops time for me. Trust me, it's that good. Dr. Hauschka even has an advent calendar!
Bathing Culture promises to transport your shower to the California redwood forest or a meadow in superbloom - sign me up! I get mine at Supernatural here in Saratoga, and they sell it online here Cathedral Grove Mind and Body wash.
BOOM! is a pro-age cosmetic and skin care line for women of every generation and it rocks! My mom discovered their Boomstick Trio and now we can't live without it. It's simple, safe, easy and transformative. And I don't take the word "transformative" lightly. 😉
I hope that you find joy, generosity and gratitude in your giving this year. Of course these gifts are lovely, but you don't have to spend one penny to show your love and appreciation for someone.
Wishing you peace in your home and heart this holiday season, and always!
Please note, I do not currently (12/5/24) receive partnership benefits for any items or businesses listed.
ps: I'll just be over here watching Love Actually for the 100th time. How do Sarah and Karl not end up together...and also, I will always stop everything to dance with Hugh Grant to Jump!
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