12 Ideas for Conscious Gifting

The holidays are right around the corner! This brings with it the tradition of gift-giving, which inevitably leads to the mass consumption of goods and services. Now let me start by saying that I love giving gifts, a trait that I think I get from my grandmother. It’s so heartwarming to watch someone receive something they have been wanting, or didn’t even know that they wanted! Though gift-giving is probably 4th in my love language lineup, I of course still like to receive thoughtful gifts.

The part that I don’t like about this tradition is feeling like I have to spend a full, crazy day getting something for everyone just for the sake of handing over a wrapped present on Christmas morning. It usually leads to grabbing something last minute from Target, surrounded by a ton of other people who are equally as stressed. I have a memory of one year, buying plastic dolls for my niece that were so over-processed and cheap, but I knew I was running out of time and they were an easy option. I didn't feel good about giving them to her and I knew they would be tossed to the side once the next gift was opened.

 
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Another tradition that is hard to escape is the madness of Black Friday. We see these amazing deals and some part of our brain justifies buying the same item in every color because it was a fraction of the original price. This is usually wasteful, and we often end up supporting the big companies that can afford to slash their prices substantially, rather than the small and local businesses. 

To combat the problem, this year I’m doing my best to gift consciously. I’m calling it “gift-giving with a purpose.” Now, this doesn’t mean spending a fortune on fancy presents. It’s instead focusing on thoughtful gifts that your loved ones will truly appreciate and hopefully have for years to come. So here’s my list of 12 things to give with purpose. I'll be featuring one on my Instagram story each day of the 12 days of Christmas. If you have any conscious gifts you love giving please shoot me a dm, email, or comment!

 
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  1. A Ripple Reads subscription for the child in your life. Ripple Reads is a bi-monthly book club subscription that helps families have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about race and justice. Use my code BRANDY20 to receive 20% off!

  2. Affirmation cards are a great idea for the mother to be in your life.

  3. For the person who has everything, consider donating to a charity of their choice in their name.

  4. Support a maker and small business for your coworker with a handmade journal or planner for manifesting dreams! FOLD proudly carries goods from local California and independent makers.

  5. For someone you don’t know that well, opt for a gift card with an invitation to get to know each other better. By making this gift interactive, you have a better chance of sparking a new friendship! 

  6. When I think of grandparents, homemade items always go over best. Food always goes over well for my GP’s and I love these kits by Uncommon Goods. Uncommon Goods supports local makers, but also gives back $1 of your sale through the “Better To Give” program to a charity of your choice.

  7. For the person with so much going on in their life, whether they are in the middle of a move or have a new baby on the way a food basket that supports local farmers can go a long way and take one thing off that to-do list.

  8. For a beauty junkie, I always suggest clean beauty! Some of my personal favorites include: Nola Skin Essentials “Porefect”, African Botanic Pure Marula Oil, Botanical E Youth Preservation Serum, Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, and last but not least Therapi Honey Skincare Rose Otto Propolis + Ultra Radiance Cream. Feel good knowing the products your giving are safe and toxic free.

  9. For the fashion lover in your life this year, support a black-owned business. If you’re thinking high-end I recommend Pyer Moss, or Brothers Veilles

  10. For the childcare professional or teacher in your life, I highly recommend looking into #ClearTheList. Their mission is to connect schools and teachers with corporations, organizations, and community members that are looking to contribute to the enhancement of learning opportunities for all students.

    They provide grant opportunities for teachers to build their classroom tools, supplies, and resources. Or you can ask for their wishlist and do your own fundraising around the list.

  1. Activists never slow down, and we know burnout is real for these individuals. That’s why a subscription to wellness is the perfect gift for the activist in your life. Check out a membership or retreat with Black Girl in Om or Manifest House.

  2. When it comes to your significant other, gifting can be hard. You often have everything you already need or find it hard to spend money on each other when there are so many other things to spend on! In this situation, I always lean toward creating an experience you can share together. This can be as easy as putting a date night on the calendar and getting a babysitter! 

If your community is on lockdown and you can’t go out, consider sending your little ones to overnight childcare (grandparents, nanny, close friends) and having the house to yourself! Make dinner, open that nice bottle of wine you’ve been saving, and spend time together.

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