There are so many things I want to create, write, and dump out of my brain right now to express my frustration with myself and the world. I feel like I’ve been spinning and not producing anything, except for empty dishwashers, folded laundry stacks, filled Duplo baskets, and occasionally mopped floors. Not being able to find the headspace or time to create something, anything, is leaving me running on empty every day. And even worse, I find myself projecting that emptiness onto my family. Here’s what I’m going to do about it today, I’m going to close my eyes and transport myself to December. In the words of Auntie Mame, “we need a little Christmas now.” I imagine the holidays will look different this year and I will be grappling to create magic for my little people, for my big people, and for myself. I have some holiday projects started around that I hope to have done by December. But, when I’m not feeling creative, internet shopping is always there waiting for my browsing eyes.
I want to share my online shopping finds with you. Let’s kick off the holiday season already with some gift guides because who doesn’t love a gift guide during a pandemic?!
Last year I debuted my Very Practical Gift Guide. This year, I hope to bring you guides with safe-at-home and safe-while-slowly-emerging-from-home for your friends and family of all ages. I’m trying to challenge myself to find new sources for gifts to support small businesses and BIPOC communities. And I know that we all are considering budgets more carefully these days because we’ve learned that things can change in a heartbeat.
I want to share my online shopping finds with you. Let’s kick off the holiday season already with some gift guides because who doesn’t love a gift guide during a pandemic?!
Last year I debuted my Very Practical Gift Guide. This year, I hope to bring you guides with safe-at-home and safe-while-slowly-emerging-from-home for your friends and family of all ages. I’m trying to challenge myself to find new sources for gifts to support small businesses and BIPOC communities. And I know that we all are considering budgets more carefully these days because we’ve learned that things can change in a heartbeat.
Key, Sunglasses, (+ Mask) Holder
As an apartment dweller with little people, there is no good place to put anything down when we walk in the front door. This handy hook has been with us for going on three years and is perfect for keys, sunglasses, and now masks. It is made right here in Pennsylvania and the craftsman has other options with coat hooks too. Add some fabric masks or a great keychain to round out this gift.
As an apartment dweller with little people, there is no good place to put anything down when we walk in the front door. This handy hook has been with us for going on three years and is perfect for keys, sunglasses, and now masks. It is made right here in Pennsylvania and the craftsman has other options with coat hooks too. Add some fabric masks or a great keychain to round out this gift.
Personalized White Pillowcases
I won’t bore you with the statistic of how much time we spend with our heads on pillows. It’s a lot of time. So why not gift someone a set of fresh, white pillowcases with their initials to really make them feel classy?!
I won’t bore you with the statistic of how much time we spend with our heads on pillows. It’s a lot of time. So why not gift someone a set of fresh, white pillowcases with their initials to really make them feel classy?!
Shower Steamers (Black-Owned Business)
I’m not really a bath person, but I love a hot shower. What could be better than a hot shower (away from my children)? A hot shower with a minty or lavender-y steam, ahhhh. I put this in the practical gift pile because it helps to clear the nose and after a long day of mask-wearing, we could all use a nice steam.
I’m not really a bath person, but I love a hot shower. What could be better than a hot shower (away from my children)? A hot shower with a minty or lavender-y steam, ahhhh. I put this in the practical gift pile because it helps to clear the nose and after a long day of mask-wearing, we could all use a nice steam.
Daily Facial Sunscreen
Does it get any more practical than sunscreen? I was gifted EltaMD last year and fell hard for its easy application and true effectiveness all summer. Based on my previous budget for sunscreen, I would classify this as luxe — which makes it a great present in my opinion. If you’re looking to spend a bit more, pair the sunscreen with the PM Therapy moisturizer.
Does it get any more practical than sunscreen? I was gifted EltaMD last year and fell hard for its easy application and true effectiveness all summer. Based on my previous budget for sunscreen, I would classify this as luxe — which makes it a great present in my opinion. If you’re looking to spend a bit more, pair the sunscreen with the PM Therapy moisturizer.
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Birchbox Subscription // Stitch Fix Gift Card
Have a friend who misses shopping — really, truly misses shopping and the ability to touch, smell, and try new products? Birchbox’s monthly deliveries feature sample sized products and surprises. Stitch Fix sends fashion items to try on at home and easily return unwanted items via USPS.
Have a friend who misses shopping — really, truly misses shopping and the ability to touch, smell, and try new products? Birchbox’s monthly deliveries feature sample sized products and surprises. Stitch Fix sends fashion items to try on at home and easily return unwanted items via USPS.
30 Day Planner (Black-Owned Business)
It’s challenging to make big plans right now. I love the idea of this 30 Day Planner from alter. Especially for those working from home right now, it may be nice to have things written down and cross-out-able to demonstrate productivity. Or if someone in your life is working toward a big goal, breaking projects down into 30 days chunks on paper, may be a great help.
It’s challenging to make big plans right now. I love the idea of this 30 Day Planner from alter. Especially for those working from home right now, it may be nice to have things written down and cross-out-able to demonstrate productivity. Or if someone in your life is working toward a big goal, breaking projects down into 30 days chunks on paper, may be a great help.
Low Plastic Waste Cleaner Starter Kit
This one you have to be careful with — don’t offend your family and friends! Blueland offers a starter kit with several household cleaners and hand soap. Their refill kits are very affordable; so, you’re not bankrolling the recipient to keep up if they enjoy the products (plus, you are setting yourself up for future gift opportunities).
This one you have to be careful with — don’t offend your family and friends! Blueland offers a starter kit with several household cleaners and hand soap. Their refill kits are very affordable; so, you’re not bankrolling the recipient to keep up if they enjoy the products (plus, you are setting yourself up for future gift opportunities).
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All Natural Cleaners (Black-Owned Business)
I’m pretty late to the all natural party, but I’m starting to open our family’s wallet to cleaner and safer products even if they cost a bit more than standard grocery store cleaning options. A wonderfully fresh-scented cleaner in a cool glass spray bottle adds a little something to a kitchen counter — it says, "this place is clean and I have my act together.”
I’m pretty late to the all natural party, but I’m starting to open our family’s wallet to cleaner and safer products even if they cost a bit more than standard grocery store cleaning options. A wonderfully fresh-scented cleaner in a cool glass spray bottle adds a little something to a kitchen counter — it says, "this place is clean and I have my act together.”
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Bedside Device Charger Vase
I know that cordless charging may have taken over your nightstand, but if you can get back into the cord, I think these vases are so simple and cheerful. Add some beautiful (low-maintenance) paper flowers for a fun touch.
I know that cordless charging may have taken over your nightstand, but if you can get back into the cord, I think these vases are so simple and cheerful. Add some beautiful (low-maintenance) paper flowers for a fun touch.
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Beautifully Designed Puzzle
Puzzles are the answer to a stay at home order, right? I’m obsessed with these beautiful puzzles sold by women-owned Puzzedly. If someone in your life is a puzzler, but lives in a small space or has disruptive toddler hands around, a puzzle mat is the answer.
Puzzles are the answer to a stay at home order, right? I’m obsessed with these beautiful puzzles sold by women-owned Puzzedly. If someone in your life is a puzzler, but lives in a small space or has disruptive toddler hands around, a puzzle mat is the answer.
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Stationery (Black-Owned Business) + Stamps
We have loved receiving handwritten notes in the mail from friends during this safe-at-home time. A set of notecards It’s a great time to support the USPS — check out the full collection of stamps and pick something out that celebrates your gift recipient: 19th Amendment, State and County Fairs, Scooby Doo.
We have loved receiving handwritten notes in the mail from friends during this safe-at-home time. A set of notecards It’s a great time to support the USPS — check out the full collection of stamps and pick something out that celebrates your gift recipient: 19th Amendment, State and County Fairs, Scooby Doo.
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Unpaper Towels + Personalized Tea Towels
It’s been so easy to see how much waste we create as family when we spend so much time at home. The kitchen is my first place to look for ways to cut down on trash. Unpaper towels do introduce some extra laundry, but get rid of single use tearaway sheets. These may be taking things to a too practical level, so perhaps add some personalized kitchen towels to keep things light.
It’s been so easy to see how much waste we create as family when we spend so much time at home. The kitchen is my first place to look for ways to cut down on trash. Unpaper towels do introduce some extra laundry, but get rid of single use tearaway sheets. These may be taking things to a too practical level, so perhaps add some personalized kitchen towels to keep things light.
Slim Wallet
I love this wallet! I got this in my Santa Bag last year and am still using it — good sign! This gift works for both the ladies and gentlemen on your shopping list. It is simple and fits in (women’s) pockets easily. Stick a gift card in there to add some umph to this gift.
I love this wallet! I got this in my Santa Bag last year and am still using it — good sign! This gift works for both the ladies and gentlemen on your shopping list. It is simple and fits in (women’s) pockets easily. Stick a gift card in there to add some umph to this gift.
Flower Subscription
Flower gifts can be tricky, but during this time of safer-at-home, let’s brighten up homes with fresh blooms every month or every few months. I’m thinking this will be a great gift particularly for any friends and family who are really unable to get out of the house.
Flower gifts can be tricky, but during this time of safer-at-home, let’s brighten up homes with fresh blooms every month or every few months. I’m thinking this will be a great gift particularly for any friends and family who are really unable to get out of the house.
