By Laura Robbins
@lauradawnrobbins
We have countless ways to buy things, from big box stores, to online, to third-party vendors like Amazon, to little local shops or second hand stores, but conscientious holiday shopping asks us to stop and think about where our spending can have the most positive impact—not just what’s the most convenient way to shop.
I don’t know about you, but this time of year can be challenging for many people for a myriad of reasons, myself included. And I’m not talking about the stress of all the events happening, or that I work for a retail company and it’s our busiest couple of months. I’m talking about the act of receiving and giving gifts.
These past few years I’ve tried hard to reduce how many things I bring into my life and my tiny home. Working towards a zero waste(ish) lifestyle, my husband and I have committed to only gifting each other experiences, activities we can enjoy alone or together.
Experiential Gifting
Concert tickets, a spa day, a cooking class. Experience gifts are pretty endless really, and not only does the recipient get to do something they love, but they’ll walk away with a journal full of memories.
The perfect gift for your significant other: Nude portrait session and intuitive reading with local artist Tori Swanson.
Photo from Tori Swanson.
Spend Your Money On Independent Creators
Craft fairs aren’t just for your grandmother. There are so many craft fairs that happen all the way through December, and a quick Google or Facebook search can tell you what’s happening in your part of town. Jewelry, art, pottery, it’s all there, and it’s had an update since your last visit at six years old.
The perfect gift for you mom: Earrings from Motley Hued.
Photo by Motley Hued
Gifts They Can Consume
Spices, a selection of fancy cheeses, or a bottle of really nice wine. Rather than buying these from your big box grocery store, head to local markets or privately owned liquor stores. Bonus points if you enjoy that bottle of wine while spending time with the recipient.
The perfect gift for your dad: Single Malt Whiskey by Odd Society Spirits.
Photo by Odd Society Spirits
The Gift of Reading
I’m a little biased here, because I’m an avid reader. And if I’m going to gift a physical thing, I truly believe in gifting books. Before hitting that add to cart button, stop and think: Is there a local store you could be buying this from? I find it worth that extra five dollars to support a local bookstore over ecom giants like Amazon.
The perfect gift for your best friend: “Three Women” by Lisa Taddeo, found at Vancouver’s Pulp Fiction Books.
Giving To Social Causes
Giving a gift that gives back to a larger community makes the whole shopping process that much better. Many companies, local and worldwide, donate glasses to people in need, plant trees with every purchase, or donate a portion of sales to environmental preservation.
The perfect gift for your sister: tentree’s cozy crew with ten trees being planted with your purchase.
Photo by tentree.
Laura Robbins is a social media marketer in Vancouver. She loves dancing (in heels or tap shoes, take your pick), drinking large glasses of wine with friends, and doing the odd hike with her husband so she can feel she fits in with the Vancouver crowd. She thinks black is a colour and is as loud as her hair is big.
