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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched... but are felt in the heart.
Helen Keller
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1. A bunch of crap poorly made and cheaply priced, just so you have something to hand to someone. Sorry, but our landfills, air quality, cheap (abused) labor force, and henceforth humankind's ability to remain on Earth, cannot afford it. Don't believe me? Watch The Story of Stuff, they can explain it much better!
2. A bunch of really expensive crap (for example clothing from over-priced retailers making a killing on our desire to be perceived as someone "special enough" to wear their labels), that falls into the same category as above while also playing on your ego's sensitivity. Double uh-oh! The truth is you and your loved ones are much too fabulous to be prancing around sporting such non-original stuff that fills the pockets of few.
3. A gift just to buy a gift. Think about the person receiving your thoughts-because honestly that is what will touch their heart most dearly. Your physical gift begins with a thought. And since thoughts have power, your thought of the person should be reflected in a gift. So you despise your boss; this doesn't mean a gift card to Big Box Generic Crap Store will do. It's your boss you don't like, not the whole planet! Have some compassion for this person and think about what they truly love, what lights them up. Perhaps he/she plays golf, (you know just to be really stereotypical). Is there a specialty golf shop around? Say, owned by a member of your community? Even better. Go there, spend your money in your community and get a unique item that says, "I understand what you value, while also valuing our community and the planet." Triple awesomeness!
So now that I think I have painted a picture about what NOT to give, let's take a look at some awesome gift ideas!
1. Make a donation to a cause the person is passionate about. Many organizations will offer some sort of holiday perk with these donations. Or you can match up your donation with something small to put under the tree. Aunt Sally is passionate about Womens' Rights? Donate to Women for Women International and head to a local woman-owned shop and support her business with a small and thoughtful purchase. Be sure to share with her your gift idea, you never know, the power of suggestion is strong and she just might spread the word! And if you aren't sure where a person's passions lie, you can always give a gift certificate so they can pick the charity of thier choice. Go to Just Give where you can purchase a gift certificate for any amount.
2. Purchase an item from a social enterprise, such as Toms Shoes or Roma Boots. These companies will both donate a pair of footwear to a child in need, with each pair that you purchase. There was recently a Roma Boot drop here in Moldova, coordinated by a group of Peace Corps Volunteers. I got to see many pictures of just how touched these children and their families were to receive the gift of warm, dry feet.
3. Visit a shop that specializes in "commerce with a conscience" such as 10,000 Villages. What does this mean? From their website: "They market products from handicraft and agricultural organizations based in low-income countries, providing consumers with products that have been fairly purchased from sustainable sources." Explain this fact to the gift recipient or include a card about the shop so that they can further appreciate the concept. 10,000 Villages has retail stores as well as alliance stores throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as their beautiful online shop.
4. Make a trip to your local flea market/farmers market/artist co-op. You get the idea. Buy something beautiful and unique that jives perfectly with your loved one's style while also supporting the arts in your community. Whether it is baked goods, jewelry, paintings, knits, bamboo cutting boards or fun vintage items, you are sure to find something that perfectly suits your need to express that you understand your loved one's style and listen to what they value. Can't find something you like there? Browse the online version, Etsy, where you will be sure to find something fabulous. Just make sure you have time for shipping! (There is still time now!)
5. Make it yourself! Are you crafty? No need to purchase product if you already know how to make them yourself! Save money by putting your own talents to use. You not only pass on a gift, but a piece of your self. This is ultimate generosity.
And remember, there is no gift more impressive, than one that respects the receiver, the giver, and the community surrounding both. Give from your heart and you will know exactly how to light up your loved ones!
Happy Gifting!!! XOm.
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