Holiday Gift Guide
I have a love/hate relationship with gifts. I do love giving gifts because it can be really impactful and meaningful to someone I care about. However, I don't think gifts are the only way to show we care about someone and I don't love getting things that are not really useful and just add to clutter in my home.
So I thought I would put together a gift guide of things I would give and like to receive. Everything in this guide is something that is useful and has minimal trash associated. Everything is also vegan-friendly (not all brands are 100% vegan, but the items I have suggested are).
I like to emphasize shopping with small businesses and this year I am intentionally seeking out Black-owned businesses as well, so those are noted as such.
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The Crafted Prints
Black & Hispanic-owned business. This shop has the cutest cards, journals, planner, and wall prints. If you are shopping for a friend that likes plants, look no further! I also think the journals make a great gift for people who love to doodle because they are blank pages - I have the mushroom journal and absolutely love it. Shop here.
Otherland Candles
These candles are my favorite right now and they make the most gorgeous gift sets, where you can choose any 3 candles. Highly recommend the gift sets! They come in a nice box with matches and you can add a customized note. My favorite scent at the moment is Dappled Wood. Shop here [10% off link].
Rituals + Ceremony
Black-owned business. This shop has a curated selection of cute ceramics, trays, candles, diffusers, and jewelry. Shop here.
Parachute Home
Parachute is a favorite homegoods brand of mine and much of it is maybe out of a gifting price-range, but I think that a robe would also make a fantastic gift for your friend or significant other. There are a few robes to choose from, but I have this cloud cotton robe and it is to die for. Available in lots of nice colors! Shop here [my affiliate link].
228 Grant Street Candle Co.
Black-owned business. So many scents to choose from and I absolutely love the amber jars and minimal label. I think these would make great decor pieces as well as a nice scented candle. Shop here.
You think you know me
This is a card game made by a friend of mine - it's super wholesome and a fun way to get to know your friends and family a little better! I love having this on hand for those times when friends are over. Shop here.
Little Canoe
Little canoe is a small business local to Portland but sells online. They have the cutest cards for every occasion as well as adorable calendars. Shop here.
Little Otsu
POC-owned business. Little Otsu is my favorite Portland stationary shop! They carry the best planners (my fave is the ones by Mossery) and cutest office supplies. They sell online or you can shop in-person if you are local. Shop here.
Junebug and Darlin
Junebug and Darlin sells cross-stitch kits for that friend of yours who loves learning new skills! The kits come with everything and are great for beginners or experts. You can also make these for your friend that would rather not spend the time crafting. Shop here.
Amsonia
This shop has the sweetest hand-made goods. I have the table runner in blue stripe and the napkins in grey and I could not love them more against a wood table. This a great option for your friend who loves to entertain. She also sells cute holiday ornaments in her shop. Shop here.
Eco-Friendly Swaps
Stojo
Collapsable and light-weight reusable cups and water bottles! These are great and affordable alternatives to get your friends in the habit of sustainability. A couple years ago I got all of my friend Stojo cups in different colors! Shop here.
Parachute Home
Parachute's second feature on this guide, but I love the idea of gifting someone a pair of reusable napkins. They're beautiful and sustainable - my partner and I have not purchased paper napkins or paper towels in over 3 years. Shop here [my affiliate link].
Baggu
Baggu makes the cutest reusable bags in my opinion with lots of fun patterns and colors. These are affordable and would make great stocking stuffers. You could also use a baggu to wrap another gift in lieu of wrapping paper! Shop here.
Ceramics
Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Black-owned business. This shop has such beautiful and unique ceramics. Currently the shop is sold out but I wanted to include them anyway because they may open again soon. Shop here.
Naked Clay Ceramics
Black-owned business. This shop has beautiful ceramics for the minimalist pal in your life. These neutrals are great for gift giving because they can go with many other colors and aesthetics. Shop here.
Sio Ceramics
Black-owned business. I love this shop's trendy and quirky designs. They have ceramic jewelry and trays and pins! Shop here.
The Coy Collection
Black-owned business. I am obsessed with these ceramics, especially this smile mug. I particularly love the abstract trays as well, but there is even a cow print mug! Shop here.
Jewelry
GLDN
GLDN is one of my favorite recent discovers for jewelry. Their timeless and minimal designs go with everything and they offer customization on necklaces, rings, and bracelets if you want to get someone a meaningful piece or a friendship piece. I love the 14K gold fill because it's much cheaper than solid gold but will not turn your skin green! They are running a sale for 15% off everything until Nov 21st and you can get an additional $5 off with my link/code. Shop here [code is ASMALLCLOSET5].
Hosmer Co.
Another perfect gift for your plant-loving or color loving friend. These earrings are made with clay, so they are very light-weight and super fun. I have the pilea ones and am one second away from buying the mushroom ones. Shop here.
Oceanne Jewelry
Black-owned business. I am obsessed with these earrings and most of the jewelry from this shop. Lots of gold and timeless designs and I could see a lot of people with varying style enjoying these designs. Shop here.
The Mutiny Club
Black-owned business. This earring shop specializes in clay earrings and have bold designs for your pattern and color loving friends. Shop here.
Hey Moon Designs
POC-owned business. Clay earrings for your neutral-loving friend. I have these sculptor earrings and find it hard not to wear them every day. Shop here.
Body & Skin
Golde
Black-owned business. This shop sells natural face masks as well as wellness latte mixes, like turmeric which can help lower inflammation. Shop here.
Haldi
POC-owned business. Haldi carries great skin-care brands and products, but the best part is that they act as your own skin-care consultants and give you personalized recommendations and routines for your personal situation (more info under my links page). They also just came out with holiday gift sets that would make awesome presents! Shop here.
Nola Skinsentials
Black-owned business. Vegan skin care line - what more could you want. This shop has a bunch of different face masks, body scrubs, and cleansers that I think would make a great gift or a treat for yourself. They also sell sets. Shop here.
Nash + Pino
Black-owned business. Vegan nail polish in a lot of nice bold colors. Shop here.
Experiences
One of my favorite gifts to give for my partner is a locally offered class, workshop, or spa/massage day. Of course the pandemic has made this trickier, but perhaps there are some options available near to you or online, like Skillshare. This can be a nice alternative for the people in your life who do not like "stuff" and can also be a nice way to bond with someone if you take the class with them!
Some examples I have done over the years: risograph printing workshop, hand-lettering workshop, embroidery, woodworking, and museum tickets. Some of my favorite local Portland skill-building places are: Assembly (offering online and in person classes now), the Rebuilding Center (offering online and in-person classes), Outlet (offering online).