I’m embracing mindful buying for Christmas this year. Keeping 1) a budget, 2) the recipient, 3) the source of the gift and 4) the impact on the environment is NO small task. Hopefully this guide is helpful and makes gift giving a little less stressful this year. (I’ve included some handy coupons and discount codes too!)
Sugar and Spice Palette from Lemongrass Spa
I use this palette daily and adore it! Bronzer on one side, highlighter on the other and I have been known to use it as eyeshadow too. No chemical additives are used to press the minerals (it’s baked instead) and it’s just the perfect amount of shimmer. 10/10!
Leather & Ash
This is my dear friend’s shop and her hand crafted leather jewelry is one of a kind! Check out her collections for some neat gifts for guys too.
Use code C1037 for 20% off your first order.
Drooz and Company
This small and adorable shop isn’t local to me now but it’s located in my hometown and has a pretty special place in my heart. My sis worked there too! The owner, Shelley, curates the most amazing and giftable items, including lots of eco/conscious living choices.
The BAGGU reusable bags are a fav around here. They fold up small but hold so much and come in the cutest patterns.
Fact + Fiction Toys
These wooden toys are Indy-based and made of all organic wood. They are great for teethers or Montessori style play. I love that there is no wood waste – extra pieces go to making Spare Parts (featured here!)
Ruby & Co
Ruby & Co is one of my favorite small shops (online) and it’s where we’ve gotten all of our daughter’s silicone bibs and some wooden toys.
These aesthetically pleasing nesting cups are the perfect size for little hands and double as bath toys too. We got these for baby girl this year and I can hardly wait to give them to her!
Our Greenhouse
Fair trade toys, clothes, jewelry, and pet products can be found from this small shop. Gifts can be purchased individually or you can design your own gift basket!
Save 10% with code THENONTOXICJOURNAL
Trades of Hope
Aside from the high-end jewelry and clothing pieces what I love most about Trades of Hope:
The artisans are located in Haiti, Nepal, and the Dominican Republic. They are paid when their goods are sold to Trades of Hope, not when items are purchased.
Indie Coffee Roasters
This is a local-to-me coffee shop and one of THE BEST for freshly roasted coffee (which can also be ordered online or in store) and the softest and classiest graphic tees.
Pact
Ethically made clothes made affordable? Yes, please! Find women’s, men’s, baby/kid and bedding – all organic cotton, all fair trade with Pact.
Save 20% off when you sign up for their email list.
Branch Basics
The ultimate adulting gift: Cleaning supplies. These ones aren’t greenwashed and they actually work. I love that they do refills too!
Save $10 when you use my link.
Buy secondhand
Check out local consignment and thrift stores and Facebook marketplace. Secondhand first is my motto. It’s not always easy or fast (sorry Christmas Eve shoppers) but it’s amazing what people will donate/sell that’s in great condition. Buying secondhand is worth the wait!
Experiences
The global pandemic has limited a lot of experiences but there are still some great options. Think zoos, museums etc.
Year of Dates
This one is a great idea for spouses! Last year I wrote up 12 (kid-free) dates to local restaurants, experiences, and activities. Not only did we make great memories (well, the ones COVID allowed us to go on) but we invested quality time and conversation into our marriage. Best. Gift. Ever.
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I sincerely hope this was helpful! Happy gifting!
Cheers,
Lexy
The Nontoxic Journal 