The pressure to keep up

I had an epiphany a few years ago. I was in a department store, looking through home decor items trying to find something that would be a good gift for my mother-in-law. All of a sudden I looked around and thought, “She has plenty of stuff in her house, she doesn’t need any of this stuff!” And she is out there simultaneously buying ME stuff when my house is also full of stuff! Too. Much. Stuff.

Why am I buying things for people just because they seem cute and the person might like it, when I never would have thought, “Oh, so-and-so could really use a ________, I should find that for them.” If I was less concerned with a big pile of presents that looks like “enough” for everyone, I could actually focus on getting people something they actually want, and won’t clutter up their house (and the packaging clutter up a landfill).

Can we have a happy holiday with less “stuff”?

Yes! It just requires a thoughtful approach and the confidence to be a bit different from the crowd. Think about what could actually help the person you want to gift. Find something that says “I get YOU,” not just “I got you this thing.”

The first thing to do is evaluate your gift list. Do you REALLY need to send something to Great Aunt Mildred that you barely know? Work with friends, family, and coworkers to arrange gift exchanges instead of everyone buying presents for everyone. With less people to split your focus, you can find the perfect thing for everyone on your list. And bonus! Everyone gets one great gift instead of a bunch of random items thrown in with no thought.

One of my favorite things to give people is consumable items. Food, treats, even a freezer meal. Or things you know they use – maybe some of our soaps or haircare items, for instance – give them a break from buying those needed items for a while. Grocery and gas cards are great for young adults just starting out – “But – it’s not as fun to just get boring stuff!” Well, maybe, but is it about your enjoyment or the recipient’s? Think practically about the person’s life and what would actually help them out.

If you’re crafty, by all means make your loved ones handmade items! Just make sure it’s useful – most people don’t need a 7th pot holder (but someone who just moved into a new home might desperately need one!). Ask the recipient their favorite colors, styles, and what they need. Trade a bit of the surprise factor for actually meeting their needs.

Heading to the shops

Okay, you can’t always make everything by hand, of course. So when you head out to shop, head first to a second hand store, or eBay, to find gently used or nostalgic items without adding to the amount of stuff in the world. I love getting books and children’s clothes second hand. Another option is to go for experiences rather than things – museum or zoo memberships, movie tickets, or simply a day spent together doing something they love.

When you do have to buy something new, be thoughtful with how and where you purchase it. Whatever people buy, we will get more of. So if you buy a lot at Walmart, you’ll get a lot of Walmarts. Smaller, independent shops are more friendly and rarely have the added cost that you are afraid of. Plus, they have engaged employees that can help you find something perfect for your loved one.

Nobody’s perfect!

You can’t change the world in one holiday season. Start small with just a work gift exchange, or buying small for just your immediate family. You don’t have to do everything perfectly every time to make a difference. Every small step brings you closer to the world you want to see.

Start by checking out our zero waste soaps, hair care products, and more!

Shop Small this holiday season!

I always encourage folks to shop small when they need to shop – year round, every year. But in 2020 it is even more important! It has been a particularly rough year for small businesses, and they need your support more than ever. So I am pleased to be included in the Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020 with other small business owners from around the country.

About the Guide

There are 41 business owners in this guide, from across the U.S. Some are representing a direct sales company, but there is plenty of handmade goodness in there, too!

Here are the product categories that you’ll find in the guide:

• Beauty Products
• Children’s Products
• (Adult) Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories
• Food & Beverage Products
• Products for the Home
• Handmade Products
• Health & Wellness Products
• Online Courses & Membership
• Pet Products
• Travel Services

Bonus: The guide also includes holiday tips, tricks and freebies!

Get your copy of the Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020 by clicking Download Now!