This year has been different than any other. Right now, we don’t even know if we will be able to celebrate the holidays with our families in-person, and I know that makes me a little sad since Christmas is my favorite holiday purely *because* of the togetherness. So whether you will be together in the same home, via Zoom, or gathering outdoors, here are some of my favorite gifts to recommend this year. I’m not going to include things you’ve likely heard about tons of times, even though I love them, such as the Instant Pot or a Vitamix blender. They’re amazing, but I wanted to show you some items that you may or may not have heard of, but that I use and love. I’ve also thrown in some items that are on my own wish list, or that I’ve seen and loved (but don’t yet own!).
Anyone who knows me well knows that I have had a life-long passion for protecting the environment and for choosing eco-friendly products wherever I can. Therefore, there is no shortage of those items on this list! None of the items on this list are sponsored; they are just my honest opinion of what I love, and what I think you’ll love too!
1. Bee’s Wrap Variety Starter Pack, $36 (on sale)
I’ve been using Bee’s Wrap for a couple years now, and really love how I no longer have to use plastic wrap. There are multiple colors and sizes available, but this starter pack (available in two different color combos- Honeycomb/Clover/Geometric pictured, Botanical Blue/Floral Teal also available) is a great option for those just trying it out, or looking to expand their beeswax wraps. They are made from completely natural materials, and last for a year or more before the wax loses its grip, when you can then re-use the cloth in a variety of ways!
There is even a vegan wrap option (I linked to a 3 pack vegan bundle, but there are other individual and bundle options available too!), for those who are wanting a version that is still amazing, but does not have animal products. They use candelilla wax in those wraps, in place of beeswax. Sign up for their newsletter and get 15% off your order!
2. Stasher Reusable Silicone Harvest 5-pack, $59.99
I LOVE Stasher silicone bags! They are made of food-grade silicone and get rid of (or at least limit if you only have a few) the need for plastic bags. I love this assortment pack because it includes a larger size, two of the standard quart size, and a couple snack sizes. If you’re looking to completely replace your plastic bags, you may want to get a couple of these packs. There are other color varieties to choose from on their site, so if this color combo isn’t your thing, then they’ll definitely have other options you or your loved one will love! Sign up for their newsletter, and you can get 15% off your order. You can also purchase the regular clear colored Stasher bags from Target if you’re looking for an in-store purchase.
3. Neekfox Hiking Daypack, $23.99 (plus 20% off coupon)
I recently bought this hiking daypack in Purple, which is a gorgeous color that is currently sold out. However, this green color would be my second choice, and there are other colors to choose from. For the hiking fan in your life, this super affordable daypack has plenty of room for essentials, while being lightweight, including reflectors, places to hook carabiners, and side pockets for water bottles. It’s also water resistant for those rainy days.
4. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Automatic Electric Can Opener, $29.85
I get it, you’re probably thinking, come on Jen, no one is going to want a can opener for the holidays…but believe me when I tell you that when my husband bought this for me a couple years go, we wondered why the heck we had waited so long to get this kind of can opener. I had tolerated my super crappy can opener for 20 years and it was time for it to go to the Goodwill. This can opener is WAY cooler with less fight. I will give one caveat that there is the occasional can from Trader Joe’s that we have to fall back on our manual can opener for- but man, this can opener is worth it for the rest!!
5. Field Notes National Parks Series 3-pack, $12.95
A perfect gift for the outdoorsy loved one who adores national parks, these field note 3-packs (6 different packs to choose from) include a place for an official stamp from the park, as well as high quality graph paper for recording observations, trails, and other information from the parks during their visit. But, who’s to say they can’t also use them to write down whatever they’d like, or visit a state park instead? These gorgeous notebooks can be appreciated by anyone who loves our planet!
6. The Rituals & The Rituals Journal by Natalie MacNeil, $19.95 hardback or $9.95 Kindle, and $14.95 hardback, respectively
I’ve been working with Natalie as my business mentor for several years, and can vouch for how amazing and inspiring she is. Last year, she released The Rituals: Simple Practices to Cultivate Well Being, Deepen Relationships, and Discover Your Purpose and this year, she released the accompanying journal, The Rituals Journal: Powerful Practices for Personal Transformation. I highly recommend her practices that she outlines in these books; working with her in her programs is incredible, and if you can’t do that, this is the next best thing. Perfect for anyone interested in personal development and improving their own well-being.
7. Be Blends Soy Candles, from $4
These soy candles are locally made to me in Maryland, and I first met the owner when her store was across the street from my wellness center when we were both in downtown Ellicott City. She now has a store in downtown Sykesville, but she ships all over! I needed to share these not just because I love supporting local small businesses, but because these are seriously the best, most evenly burning candles I have ever used in my life! I have used a LOT of candles in my lifetime and these are the best. They come in so many amazing scents…while my favorites are Juicy Peach and Lemon Pound Cake, I am dying to try some of the scents more in season, like Danish Butter Cookie, Bourbon Glazed Apple, Nonna’s Italian Cookies, Pumpkin Souffle, and That Christmas Smell. But for those who aren’t into the sweet smelling candles, don’t worry. There are plenty of scents, including ones for the guys in your life, like Winter Woodlands, Under the Mistletoe, Cozy Cabin, Amber Musk, Autumn Leaves, Fraser Fir, Grandpop’s Pipe, and simply “For Him.” I bought the 16 oz. candles and they lasted me around a year of consistently burning them a couple times a week at least. They are amazing! She also has essential oil products and other items to check out in her store, so there are likely gift ideas for the people in your life!
Ok, I may have saved the best for last…
8. Greentop Gifts Clarence Claus items, from $4.50
Are you tired of seeing a Santa Claus that doesn’t look like you or your kids? Greentop Gifts created Clarence Claus, who they feature on all of their gift wrap, face masks, pajama sets and other gifts! Yes, finally your kids can see a Claus that looks like them! This company was started by my best friend’s sister-in-law and brother, and has been featured most recently on Beyoncé’s Black Parade Route, where she features Black owned businesses that are offering amazing products. I have inside information that you’ll want to order the wrapping paper ASAP if you want it, so don’t hesitate if you’d love to see your little one’s or loved one’s face light up when they see Clarence. These pj’s are super cute too- the kids’ pajamas run snug, so size up if you want a looser fit, but they’ve got ones for adults too so you don’t feel left out!
I love all of these products and hope you and your loved ones will too!
Happy holidays,
Jen
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