Tis’ the season to be jolly (and GIVING!) This holiday season, I’m preparing early and gift shopping ASAP.
Can I tell you all a really embarassing, but kinda heart warming story?
When I was younger, my parents never gave presents on Christmas. Now, before you call child services, hear me out. My family came here from Vietnam when I was 6. So you can say that we were fresh off the boat, and the concept of celebrating BIG on Christmas was non-existent and strange when I was younger (we celebrated Chinese New Year, that’s our holiday of choice). But being in an all American school growing up, EVERYONE talked about Christmas. They talked about their 7 ft tall tree by their fireplace, how they were going to see Santa, what they expected to get and on and on. I just wanted to be a part of the hype, and that’s exactly what I did.
Long story short, I remember begging my parents to get a Christmas tree so that I could put presents underneath it at night. Then in the morning, my hope was for my brother to think that Santa came. I was dead serious when it came to bringing Christmas spirit to my household… even at the age of 10 people.
Yeah, so you could say I was a self starter and optimist from day one.
What I’m trying to say is that I ADORE CHRISTMAS and the act of giving. Something about giving your loved ones a physical token of your love is what I live for. That’s not doubt one of my love languages.
So this year, I’m doing it bigger than ever. I have a strategy in mind too. I’m skipping the lines and buying 70% of my presents online and doing research ahead of time, because not only do I want amazing presents for my people, but I want to also consider the impact that products can have on our enviroments. So that’s why today I’m listing a holiday gift guide with some top notch and earth friendly companies that you should be checking out and considering when you’re piling up on the gifts.
My top picks:
1. Jord
This is one of the best gifts that you can give, in my opinion. It’s unique, eco-friendly, chic, and all the materials are suistanably sourced. JORD creates wood watches for men and women that are out of this world in quality. I can truly say this company is ahead of the game. And I wouldn’t say this if it really weren’t the case.
When I gave this watch to Myles, he was speechless and I don’t think I’ve seen him so surprised and grateful. He got the Dover Zebrawood and Dark Sandalwood watch and I must say, it was a good choice on my part. I wasn’t 100% sold on a wooden watch because I haven’t seen one in person that was actually awe worthy. But this watch we recieved far exceeded our expectations. It even came with a hand made wooden box, a care guide and products to maintain it. The best part? You can request to have personalized engraving etched on it. Say what?!
It can seem pricey at first, but for a quality watch like that, I think it’s worth the extra investment. It’s a timeless piece that really shows your significant other how much you appreciate them.
I was lucky enough to partner up with Jord this holiday season and offer you a discount on their products. Follow this link if you’re interested in shopping with them and saving today 🙂
photo courtesy of The Odyssey
2. Lush
Lush is by far one of my favorite cosmetic companies. They are so conscious with their ingredients, packaging and materials. This Christmas I plan on buying lots of their products for my loved ones.
By far my favorite gift would be the Charitable Pot Body Lotion. They donate 100% of the proceeds (minus the tax) to grassroots organizations working on enviromenmental conservation, animal welfare, and human rights.
photo courtesy of patagonia.com
3. Patagonia
Who doesn’t love Patagonia? When think of this brand, I think of a scruffy bearded man hiking on top of a mountain at 5 am— for fun. Or a group of surfers sitting around a small coffee table, wearing matching Patagonia sweatshirts and talking about different ways to save the ocean.
When I think of this brand, I feel inspired. I feel inspired to take action and be a part of a collection of people ready to move the world in a progressive way. Yes, this brand is quite pricier than some, but the heart behind their products are aspirational.
Their mission statement is to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implements solutions to the enviromental crisis.
Heck. I don’t think it gets more powerful than that. They have a great collection of sale item right now and shipping over $75 is FREE. I’m happy that a company with such high values for environmental conservation is such a success in our market today. I see the future of consumerism becoming more and more focused on reducing our footprint and supporting companies like Patagonia, who actually gives a second though about where their products derive from.
photo courtesy of Simply Adored
4. Franklin & Whitman
Another cosmetic company that I’m obsessing over right now is Franklin & Whitman. Their products are creulety free, preservative free, and 100% plant based! I’m currently using their Mid Town Village Face Scrub and it’s absolutely DREAMY. My skin is left feeling super soft and I swear the next day, I have this sheen glow that doesn’t go away. Plus it smells like fresh coffee. enough said. I’m too excited to gift these products for the ladies in my life this holiday season.
And I can’t forget, 5% of all purchases go to a Dog Rescue Organization. #winning!!!
photo courtesy of the Girlfriend Collective
#5. Girlfriend Collective
“By focusing on humane manufacturing, meticulous design, and sustainable materials, we want to create a community of people who care about every step of the process.”
Nothing says I love you like a new pair of leggings ehh?! Especially eco-friendly leggings!
All their leggings use 25 recycled water bottles in each pair and they make it a prioritiy to ensure manufacturing is practiced humanely. Finding a company that puts human rights, and the planet in mind is worthy of notice in my eyes. Not only are they conscious, but the products that they offer are all timeless and beautiful pieces.
I love how this comapny is not about trends, but about consuming in ethical and intentional ways.
So there you have it, my researched list of awesome companies making waves in their industries. I know that there are sooo many left to list, but this is a good start I think. Together, let’s continue to be more conscious consumers this holiday season!
free shipping and surfer dudes,
Bella
