2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Hello friends! It's that time again. The holidays are here. Snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo-hoo!" (Sorry, couldn't help myself.) Not sure about things in your part of the world, but around here this holiday season feels different. I feel like we're on the cusp of a change that is much more than the change from fall to winter or from 2015 to 2016. I have this feeling that we are at the end of an era and at the beginning of a new one. I'm not just talking about politics - though of course that is the biggest example. I'm feeling it with long-time friends moving out of state, kindergarten on the horizon for our little man, friends losing loved ones, others bringing new babies into the world, and on and on. We all go through seasons in life and I often sense the transition to a new season before it happens. But I'm telling you, this new season feels BIG - like global big. I feel like nearly everyone that I know is going through a shift of some sort. So when choosing gifts for people this year, I've been more contemplative about it than in the past . What do you give to people who are in the midst of a big shift of some sort? I've found myself attracted to gifts that nurture, inspire and support. If you're in search of some ways to do some giving that includes these values too, look no further. I put together this last minute holiday gift guide to help us all find simple, inspiring, nurturing, gifts for those we love. Hopefully this helps you support your loved ones and lift those in need a little too in the process. **Full disclosure - some of the links provided below are affiliate links.**

The Compassion Collective

Donate to the Compassion Collective to help those suffering in Aleppo. I know that a charitable donation may not be some people's idea of a great gift to put under the tree, but if there was ever a worthy cause to support, this is it. The Compassion Collective was started by the amazing Glennon Doyle Melton of Momastery and is being supported by an equally amazing cadre of people including sheros like Elizabeth Gilbert, Brene Brown and Marie Forleo to name just a few. I respect these people and the incredibly important work that this organization is doing.

A photo posted by Elizabeth Gilbert (@elizabeth_gilbert_writer) on Dec 16, 2016 at 8:50am PST

Only Love Today

Only Love Today. This is the beautiful reminder inscribed on these silver cuff bracelets. This is just one of the lovely inspirational gifts to be found in the shop of another one of my sheros, the author Rachel Macy Stafford of Hands Free Mama. One of my dear friends gave me a leather version of this bracelet and I love it. It's a thoughtful gift for any woman you know. Who wouldn't appreciate this reminder?

Trust Your Instincts

How about a little inspiration for those working through lots of life's challenges? This mixed media collage includes the quote "Trust your instincts. You are stronger than you think." Available here as prints and cards. It's also available on tons of great products through Society6.

Aloetree

I mentioned this company in year's past, but gotta give them another plug. Aloetree provides 100% organic and fairly- traded kids products to raise funds to combat child trafficking. CUTE designs and a good cause. Check out the little whale tee! How adorable is that?

March Puddle Stomp

I feel so inspired by the words of Adyashanti. This *new* collage features the quote, “The whole journey of awakening, of realizing what we really are, is not simply so that we bask in this realization of freedom. It is so that, finally, life can express itself through us.” I think this would make a lovely gift to support a loved one embarking on a new journey of self-exploration, a passion project, or chasing a long-time dream. Cards and prints of this image are available here.

The Dreaming Zebra Foundation

Here's an opportunity to give a little art to kids in need! The Dreaming Zebra Foundation is an amazing Portland-based organization that provides art and music supplies to underprivileged children around the world. A gift of $30 sponsors a young artist in Kenya or Tanzania, giving them the gift of music.

2017 Wall Calendar

One last shameless plug for my 2017 wall calendars. They are full of all new art focused on honoring our connection to each other and the natural world. This one is a gift that keeps giving in the way of inspiration and gentle loving reminders throughout the year.

There you have it, friends. I hope this is helpful for you.

I'd love to get your suggestions too! Please share your gift ideas in the comments below!