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This is a strange year to do a gift guide, but I find joy in writing about my favorite brands and stores. So while I’m sharing a few gift ideas below, these thoughts aren’t meant to be about the latest trends or the greatest deals. Instead, they share a little peek inside my life this year. And if you find a gift idea for someone you love? Even better.
Universal Yums
I saw a friend post about how much her kids enjoyed their Universal Yums subscription, so I decided to subscribe and add a bit of random fun to our lives. We love sampling treats from different countries each month, and the trivia booklet in each box is a great conversation starter at dinnertime. Our boxes always seem to arrive right when we need cheering up. Use my referral link to receive $5 off your first box, and I’ll get $5 off my box, too! (We’ve been ordering the smallest size each month, but I’m so excited about their holiday box that I decided to upgrade for December.)
BRANDED Collective
I’ve posted about this company before — it’s one of my favorites. BRANDED provides job training to trafficking survivors in Nashville in partnership with End Slavery Tennessee. Each piece of jewelry carries a unique number and the initials of the artisan who made it. I love BRANDED’s new star necklace and their labradorite beaded bracelet, as well as their COVID-19 relief cuff.
Konadu
My husband found the East Nashville shop Konadu one day and brought me the most wonderful-smelling soap. This small business specializes in soaps, lotions, oils, and candles that are handcrafted with natural ingredients. I’ll miss walking through their shop this year and checking out all their holiday scents, but lucky for all of us, they can ship their creations right to our doors.
Colt’s Chocolates
Nashville classic Colt’s Chocolates has been crafting candy since 1984, and they recently moved into my neighborhood. With pies, gift baskets, and boxes of treats, Colts can mail a tasty gift to friends near and far. Colt’s Bolts are my favorites, but since I’m dairy-free these days I’m eyeing the vegan Almond Bars. (Nashville friends can stop into their shop to sample candy and buy individual servings of desserts.)
Local Shops
This is the year to support those local shops and restaurants that we all love. When possible, skip the big retailers and buy gifts or gift cards from local businesses. Some of my Nashville favorites are The Bookshop, Greko Street Food, and Lyra. Think about your local favorites and find ways to support them. Can’t buy anything now? Share about them on social media or when chatting with friends.
Gifts for the Future
Museums, zoos, and arts organizations have found themselves stretched thin by the pandemic. Buy gift certificates now to use later — it’s a gift that does good in the moment while promising future fun. Looking for a family service project, social-distance style? Find a local nonprofit with a wishlist and pick out a few gifts to send. Gideon’s Army, End Slavery TN, Nashville Humane Association, and Metro Animal Care and Control all have wishlists you can use to support your favorite cause.
Favorite Sales
Last and probably least, there are the sales. Holiday sales are a good way to find deals on products that might otherwise be out of reach. These are a few of my go-to brands:
Pact – Shop holiday deals on Pact’s organic clothing and underwear for men, women, and kids. No code needed.
Nisolo – Take an extra 25% off Nisolo’s sustainably made shoes, purses, and accessories with code EXTRA25.
ABLE – Take 25% off of ABLE’s ethically made clothing, jewelry, and shoes with code FESTIVE25.
If you’re looking for even more sales from sustainable brands, check out this comprehensive list from my friend Leah.
Wishing you all a peaceful weekend and a season of hope. ♡
