Every year after Halloween, my family sets an intention for our holiday season. This conversation guides how we spend our time during this time of year, and it’s always based on what it is we need (to get out of the house more and be busy, to rest and dial things back, to take a trip, etc). 

Setting an intention helps us so much because it gives us a clear decision-making guidepost. We’re able to be intentional with what we say yes and no to because we know what we want and how we want to feel when the season is over. This intentionality spills into our gift-giving as well. 

To me, minimalism is all about asking why before bringing a new item into my home and before giving a new item for someone else to put in their home. It’s about saying no to the American way—the biggest, best, newest, most expensive, and outsourced. That can be hard to do when Amazon is just a click away and the messaging around us BUY BUY BUY NOW NOW NOW. 

I’ve noticed the pushiness has been kicked up a notch this year. With most outsourced merchandise sitting on boats in the ocean at the moment, this is a great time to get intentional about the things we do purchase this year (and bonus: we can teach our kids the value of ethical and sustainable consumerism). 

I recently shared that our family is not having a traditional Christmas Day when it comes to gifts this year. For one, Brian and I are tired. We moved across the country, launched a book, completely revamped our business, and have dealt with several emotional blows in the past 6 months.

Our intention for the holidays this year is rest and enjoyment. And it doesn’t feel restful or enjoyable to a) travel all over the place to visit family, so we’re not, or b) to frantically buy presents for our four kids and all loved ones after such an exhausting season. 

So if you needed permission to just not do the holidays this year, this is it. 

For those of you who do want to give gifts for the people you love this year, I’ve put together a holiday gift guide for you! These items are all made and sold by small, women-owned businesses, because #babessupportbabes. Let’s take this time to look at how we’re spending our money and choose to shop intentionally this year. 

Note: this list is mostly for the women in your life – moms, grandmas, friends, sisters, co-workers, etc. But if it’s intentional gifts for your children you’re looking for, oh my goodness… I have got you, like so much. 

In my program Uncluttered Kids, I teach alongside child play therapist Amy Tirpak to help you raise kids who are not controlled by consumerism and can grow up in a simplified environment where they can thrive. We get deep into the science of it all and support you in going against the grain as you raise your littles. 

I also give you a complete guide to the best, most intentional, good-for-them in every age and stage toys. It’s a beautiful, visual tool that will change your gift-buying game for life. Seriously. Click here to enroll and get your hands on this life-changing resource!

Alright, loves. Let’s talk about my favorite small businesses to give gifts from.

Shiloh & Rem

If you like clay earrings, you will like this shop! Their slogan is Earrings That Ignite Confidence. Yes, please! Shop Nichol’s collections here >https://www.shilohandrem.com/ and visit her Instagram page here>> https://www.instagram.com/shilohandrem/

Dazey LA

Every item is hand drawn by the owner, Dani, and I love them all, but I especially love her line of tees! They call their apparel “slow fashion” because it’s made to order to create as little waste as possible. That’s something I can get behind! Shop her store here>> https://www.dazeyla.com/ and visit her Instagram page here>>https://www.instagram.com/dazey_la/

Oh Joy! Art Collection for Society 6

Joy Cho is the designer behind the lifestyle brand and design company, Oh Joy! Her collection for Society 6 features BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) independent artists, which I think is amazing! These art pieces are beautiful and would be a great gift for anyone on your list…or yourself! You can shop the collection here>>https://society6.com/collection/oh-joy 

Spoonful of Faith 

Jena Holliday is the creative mama behind the art studio, Spoonful of Faith. She designs art prints, apparel (I love her tees!), accessories, and stationary. If you’re looking to support a black-owned, woman-owned business, shop her collection here >>https://www.spoonfuloffaith.com/shop and visit her Instagram page here>>https://www.instagram.com/aspoonfuloffaith/

Carter Care Center

Carter Care Center is another black owned business that I am shouting from the rooftops. The owner, Audra McFly produces hand crafted, high quality skin care, and let me tell you her spa gift box is amazing! Shop her etsy store here>>https://www.etsy.com/shop/cartercarecenter and visit her shop’s Instagram page here >>https://www.instagram.com/cartercarecenter/

Lost Creek Boutique 

If your clothing style is boho chic, this boutique is for you, babe. This shop is a one-woman-show run by Bryanna Swan. Her shop carries a wide range of items from apparel to accessories to drinkware, and it is all beautiful and high quality. You can shop her collections here>>https://lostcreekboutique.com/collections and visit her Instagram page here>>https://www.instagram.com/lostcreek.boutique/

In addition to these incredible shops, I have a few products that have been life-changing for me and would make amazing gifts! 

Astrology Reading with Stephanie

Sometimes all it takes to be intentional about gift-giving is to start thinking outside the box. We’re all conditioned to give products as gifts that sometimes we forget that experiences or learning opportunities can be gifts as well. Stephanie is the astrologer and podcast host behind Light Worker’s Lounge and you can purchase session-readings with her here>>>https://linktr.ee/lightworkerslounge and visit her Instagram page here>>>https://www.instagram.com/lightworkerslounge/

Vibrate Higher Daily by Lalah Delia

This has been one of the best, most life-changing books I’ve ever read. I talk about it all the time. If you want to learn how to raise your vibe, get this book! You can purchase her book at bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. https://bookshop.org/books/vibrate-higher-daily-live-your-power/9780062905147

The Oura Ring 

The Oura Ring is the most accurate sleep and activity tracker on the market. According to it’s website it measures the physiological signals of your body and understands your lifestyle. This gift would be great for your spouse or for yourself (self-love, am I right?) I am obsessed with mine and I got one for Brian for Christmas! You can preorder here>> https://ouraring.com/pre-order