What Is Intentional Gifting?

Gifting is on most of our minds during the holiday season, and the media is saturated with all kinds of gift ideas of. Today I’m going to share with you some gift ideas that are intentional and purposeful. Intentional gifts that are more thoughtful can help you support your friends and connect with your loved ones on a deeper level. I believe being intentional in the gifts you give is an important way to show up for your loved ones during the holidays. So how can you be intentional about your gifts this year? There are a couple of important ways: 

1) Shop small and support locally-owned businesses and sustainable brands. 

2) Look for gifts that will be truly useful to your friends and family members. Think of something that will make them feel loved and seen.

I’ll be sharing some tips in today’s post on small businesses you can shop for intentional gifts & some gift ideas for being more purposeful this holiday season:

Small Businesses to Shop for Purposeful Gifts

There are so many small businesses out there that deserve support! I personally love shopping small! You get to support someone’s dreams and shop for products that are designed and made with love. Lots of small, mission-based businesses have thoughtful gifts that you can shop for the holidays. Don’t forget to check out the Business Directory on my site that highlights small shops from here in the US and around the world that are making an impact in communities. The directory is broken up into categories to make it easy to find just what you need from a small business! There is also a map function so you can see which small businesses that have a brick-and-mortar location are in your area. Here are some of my favorites:

• ANTIK LAKAY – A zen home wellness brand based in NYC.
• Homebody – Plant-powered CBD bath bombs and soaks available at Ulta.
• Hip 2 Health – A family-run sea moss and wellness supplement business based in Florida.
• Sugarcup Trading – Children’s boutique with clothing, toys, and decor from around the world.
• Light by Liv – Crystal-infused candles that are vegan, non-toxic, and hand-poured.
• Whiled – Artsy, modern puzzles designed to help you spend your downtime on things other than screens.

Another great way to connect with small businesses locally is to shop at holiday markets. Major cities have holiday markets with many small businesses you can shop this season:

Chicago Holiday Markets

LA Holiday Markets

New York Holiday Markets

Intentional Gifts for Your:

Parents

• Tinggly Gift Boxes

Tinggly is all about gifting experiences instead of things. They have a variety of gift boxes to choose from with experiences that include everything from bungee jumping to food tasting tours. There are 1 and 2-person experiences and your parents will get to redeem their voucher for the experience of their choice. The gift boxes also come in eco-friendly packaging, and Tinggly offsets carbon emissions by 200%.

Siblings

• Actually Curious Conversation Cards

Actually Curious cards are designed to drive deeper conversations with friends and family, or to be used as journal prompts. These would make an awesome gift for a sibling who loves making connections with others or is taking a journey of mindfulness within themselves!

• Book of the Month Subscription

If your sibling loves to read or wants to read more in the new year, this subscription is the perfect gift for them! You can choose a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription that gives your gift recipient access to select a book from recommended monthly reads. The gift can be delivered via email, a print-at-home card, or a luxe gift card in the mail.

Partner

• The Adventure Challenge

The Adventure Challenge was created as a way for couples to deepen their connection with each other through shared experiences and fun dates. They offer a subscription box with a monthly date night box, a book filled with 50 scratch-off experiences, and connection cards with unique questions to drive good conversation. I love this idea for a gift for your partner because it is something you get to experience together that draws you closer!

• Masterclass Membership

If your partner is interested in learning a new skill or working on something they are passionate about, you could give them a membership to Masterclass! Masterclass gives you access to over 180 classes taught by experts on topics ranging from cooking to mental strength in wellness.

Friends

• Membership to Calm Mindfulness Platform

Do you have a friend that is on a mindfulness journey? You could gift them a membership to Calm Premium. Calm is an app with an extensive mindfulness content library that features things like guided meditations, masterclasses from mindfulness experts, mindful movement video lessons, and so much more.

• Meal Plans from Kleantivity

Maybe a close friend has the goal of eating clean this year. You could give them a meal plan to help them get started!

• Luxury Travel Bags

The perfect gift for the friend who is ready to start checking destinations off of their bucket list? A luxury bag to accompany them on their travels! Tote&Carry is an affordable luxury brand that features exclusive designs that are created using environmentally-friendly eco-leather. And right now, you can get 50% off your purchase by using code XMAS50!

Colleagues

• Coffee Subscription from Trade

Need a gift for a coworker that is obsessed with coffee? This coffee subscription features over 450 freshly-roasted coffee from great roasters. You can give anywhere from 2 bags to 24 bags. Right now, you also get a bonus bag for yourself when you gift a subscription.

Gift Ideas for Travelers