It's that time of the year again, but this time you want to do it differently. Instead of giving gifts that may or may not be useful or valuable to the recipient, let's be more intentional with our holiday gifting generosity.
And while we think about the person receiving the gift, also consider those who make the gift, sell it, and of course, the earth which gave us the natural resources and to which it will return.
This all sounds very serious, but holiday gift giving in a sustainable manner is actually a very fun and fulfilling process. Here are a few gifts that we especially like for our loved ones which also happen to check all the "green boxes".
ZUM Christmas Collection Spa Bag
ZUM's Christmas collection seems to have a cult following, as many wait impatiently for its release. This year we're making an easy-to-gift spa bag with a selection of goat milk soaps, a room spray, and lip balm, all packaged in an organic cotton reusable spa bag from ECOBAG. Perfect for teacher's gifts or a lovely "thank you" to a deserving host.
Hope Candle
A candle is a wonderful hostess gift to give, but also one to keep for evenings when you're entertaining. This Christmas we recommend our fundraising candle called "Hope" which was made in memory of Stan Miszuk, who passed away this year from cancer. All funds collected will be going to Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, while the owner of the candle benefits from the uplifting scent of this all-natural candle.
All-Natural Spa Gift Box
Bring the spa to your loved ones with a spa box that will transform more than one evening into pure bliss. BONUS: This year we have cut out the plastic cellophane and replaced it with reusable tulle to repurpose in your holiday decor. It includes lotion, oil, mist, two bath bombs, ZUM rub, lip balm, and a bar of soap. There's a choice of three scents: Frankincense & Myrrh, Sea Salt, or Lavender.
Wooden Toys
Our selection of wooden toys has grown tremendously over the last year as we stock brands like Hape, Grimm's, Grappat, Goose Grease, PLAN toys, TEGU and more! Wood is a renewable resource and is compostable, unlike plastic which is not biodegradable and can only be recycled a finite number of times. There are toys to choose from for every stage of childhood, from small toys for infants and creative sets for school-aged children.
For the Man in Your Life
For men, we have learned that consumables do best. They're useful, and they don't stick around forever! Our Everyman's Jack Gift Basket comes in two amazing scents, Sandalwood, or Cedar Wood, and includes deodorant, shampoo, body wash, and an unscented shave cream.
LEKKO Life Goods Bento Bag
This locally made linen bento is the perfect zero-waste wrapping! Just tie it close, add some foraged greenery, and you have a beautiful gift to put under the tree. Later, it can be reused as a bread bag or simply for any role in which a bag is needed. No more heaping recycling bins on Boxing Day, and we have also added value to the wrapping, no longer seeing it as disposable, but instead, as reusable.
Avocado Sock + Vejibags
For the foodies in your life, grab some zero waste options to help them indulge in their passion (and taste buds!) The Avocado sock perfectly ripens your avocado for optimum deliciousness, and the vejibag keeps vegetables and greens fresh for longer than in plastic. They will be so grateful for you catering to their interests.
These are all just some of the many options that we carry online and instore. We encourage you all to shop small and local when possible this Christmas season. It makes all the difference to businesses like ours and others that we are proud to work with and next to on a day to day basis.
We hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season, and wishing you all a very happy new year.