Holiday Gift Guide: HER

‘Tis the season to be gifting, but this year I’m really looking at how to make it as filled with ethical ideas as possible. Gifting is a tricky one, every family/set of friends views it differently, some don’t agree with gifting to adults once kids are around, for me I do think that adults deserve a treat even more once kids are around, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth physically or financially, far from it – it’s about getting people something they actually want, value and cherish, whilst sticking to your budget!

My top tips for this are:

To group together to spread cost: we always do this in my husbands family especially – we all put a nominal amount towards each gift £5 say – but then split the gift list between us, meaning that each of the three we split the list between has £15 pp to spend but only a 1/3 of the list to physically buy – this takes so much stress out of Christmas each yr!
To buy from ethical/small suppliers/second hand/ eco wherever possible: it’s just conscious consumerism really, don’t aim to win on all accounts, but on one with each purchase, wherever possible
To write and stick to lists of what people actually want: I think people need choice of ideas, but the way to get away from mindless gifting, or gifting things that people don’t want or need, and then just need to therefore get rid of, is to ask them for some ideas of what they want. There are some wonderful free apps/websites for putting lists together out there – my go to (which I have now converted so many friends and family to too is): Things to Get Me
Create a savings account and split the cost across the months: OK so you might be too late for 2020 with this one if it isn’t something which you already do, but this was a real game changer for us when we started it a couple of years ago for both family birthdays and for Christmas, and took us from getting into debt to cover it each time to being debt free. I added up how much it would cost to buy for everyone we wanted to then I split that figure by 12 months and then between my hubby and I and set up a savings account for each with standing order going into it each month.

So here are my top 20 from my own wish list this yr – to hopefully give you some inspiration for yourself or other HERs in your life <3:

Ball Jar print | Katie Daisy Art | Watercolor Mason Jar | Wall art | 8×10 | 11×14 – Etsy {RRP: £19.07} – I love all the things in Katie Daisy’s Etsy shop – you can also find her on Amazon and Instagram.
Lavender soy candle, essential oil candle – Etsy {RRP: £9.99} – because you can never have enough candles!
Linen Natural Sleep Eyemask – Etsy {RRP: £24.27} – I love sleeping in an eye mask, but want something in a more natural fabric
Jersey Betty Dress – Mustard – Elsie’s Attic {RRP: £18.00} – This small business has the most gorgeous and unique clothes, which are timeless and got so much personality too
I’m Over It Women’s Slogan Sweatshirt – Notonthehighstreet {RRP: £34.00} – need a jumper to sum up 2020!
LADIES SHEEPSKIN SLIPPERS 100% LEATHER – eBay {RRP: £13.99} – I live in these in the house and they are such good value they are always on my list
ST GERMAIN ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR 70CL – Distillers Direct {RRP: £22.99} – A cocktail to keep sane with in the most stunning of bottles – art deco divine! I just love it with lemonade and perhaps a little fresh mint – yum!
Heather Pink Cashmere Fingerless Gloves – Turtle Doves {RRP: £26.00} – I discovered this company on instagram and I’m a little in love with their whole concept, using scraps of cashmere to make into gorgeous gloves/ scarves and socks <3
Olbas Bath 250ml – Amazon {RRP: £5.77} – Sometimes the simplest things are the best and this is so an example of that – this is the absolute best bubble bath if you have a bit of a cold and want some comfort and a little goes a long way
Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat – Amazon {RRP: £38.73} – I have one of these so far – but I want one for the house and one for classes (once we’re allowed out again) as the pattern is perfect for lining up your moves
Weltherz Reusable glass straws – Amazon {RRP: £8.60} – glass straws are the best straws I’ve found to drink from and always make whatever you are drinking taste fresher
Mason Cash Turquoise S18 Chip Resistant Earthenware 26cm Mixing Bowl 2.7 L – eBay {RRP: £16.99} – because my original one got smashed by accident and I love a big mixing bowl and I love the colour of this one 🙂
London Bookbag – Cath Kidston {RRP: £18.00} – This is such a handy size re-useable shopper, great for carrying documents or extra bits which don’t fit in your handbag, and oil cloth is so practical too for if you put it down outside 🙂
Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath 200ml – Neals Yard {RRP: £15.50} – I love this company – and all their scents are amazing and their packaging so eco, definitely worth getting anything from there for your loved ones, you know that they’re a company who are doing good and will make whoever you’re buying for feel like a princess!
GREY & BLACK Though She Be But Little She Is Fierce Sweatshirt – Elsie’s Attic {RRP: £32.00} – because I love this quote and love supporting small business in equal measure
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Toilette 50ml – The Fragrance Shop {RRP: £67.00} – My fanciest thing on my list – but this is my favourite perfume, I believe in signature scents and this is mine 🙂
SKARPÖ Outdoor Arm Chair – IKEA {RRP: £45.00} – for our newly reclaimed back garden – I love the practicality of these chairs, with the drainage hole so that you can leave them out in all weather without worrying about them – but the design is a real design classic too 🙂
SINNERLIG Pendant lamp, bamboo – IKEA {RRP: £40.00} – I want this to replace our bedroom lampshade to give a bit more drama
Chambord Raspberry Liqueur 70cl – Drink Supermarket {RRP: £22.99} – Another favourite cocktail in another favourite bottle
BEESWAX REUSABLE FOOD WRAPS STARTER PACK OF 3 – This Little B Eco Store {RRP: £14.50} – I’ve been meaning to add these to my eco swap list for a while and these are such a pretty design 🙂