Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

This holiday season, you can be the absolute best gift giver by supporting small business, selecting sustainable brands, and staying within a reasonable budget. Impossible? Follow this holiday gift guide to please everyone on your Nice List!

Most people have been home or staying local in 2020, and gifts need to be practical, purposeful, and timeless. Gift cards are not your best bet this year with so many businesses closing or providing limited services (movies, indoor dining, museums, etc) and people are staying home and unable to use them. Focus on home decor, personal care, and edible treats to make your holiday gift list a success.

Woodstock Chimes

https://www.chimes.com/

With wind chimes, crystal sun catchers, and a variety of unique percussive musical instruments, Woodstock Chimes is a small New York business with over 40 years of history in craftsmanship. With owner Garry Kvistad making and finding artisan and international pieces, the store provides gifts for all ages and tastes, and many items are under $50. From sustainably sourced bamboo, capiz shells, crystal, and metals, Woodstock Chimes can help brighten someone’s day with a new instrument, bedroom decor, window chime, indoor decor, and outdoor pieces.

Warpath Customs

https://warpathcustoms.com/

Some of the most versatile jewelry are made of semi-precious or Earth energy materials, and involve meditation or spiritual meaning. Men and women, young and old - all kinds of people enjoy casual jewelry made from natural stones, crystals, and leathers. These handmade items come at great prices, all mostly under $30. Warpath Customs is a New Jersey business that opened during the start of the pandemic.

Urban Forest Woodworking

https://urbanforestwood.com/

With over 20 years of craftsmanship with wood, this family-owned Utah business offers fun Covid-themed ornaments and signs, along with personalized pieces. Many items are priced under $10, but this niche business also sells jewelry and home decor. Made in the USA and handmade items may appeal to many people on your gift list, too.

Lee Sim’s Chocolates

https://www.leesimschocolates.com/

This New Jersey candy shop has been around for four generations at this small family-owned business, serving up some of the most delicious handmade chocolates and candy favorites for all occasions. From gift sets to by-the-pound orders, this candy shop delivers with ice to warm locations and is sure to please anyone on your list with a sweet tooth! It’s ideal to send as a gift to family and friends who live far away and are unable to gather together during the holiday season.

Curlsmith Hair Kits

https://www.curlsmith.com/

Curlsmith is a New York and London based brand with a wide offering for all types of wavy and curly hair, or anyone looking to treat their hair and scalp to a nourishing routine. With cruelty-free and natural ingredients, these are a quarantine lifestyle-friendly treat for that special someone on your list who loves his or her hair. Products range in prices, but the brand sells a variety of pre-selected kits to address various hair needs, making it super easy to buy a gift for someone else.

Artemisia Botanicals

https://artemisiabotanicals.com/

Located in Salem, Massachusetts, this apothecary has a long history of offering some of the most authentic holistic and herbal solutions to physical and spiritual needs, including everything from teas, candles, oils, crystals, books, and more. Items come in all price ranges and staff is supportive in answering questions and giving suggestions via email.

Rafa Naturals

https://rafanatural.com/collections/holiday

Vegan and natural ingredients make for an endless wishlist of skincare, candles, soaps, and lotions at Rafa Naturals. Inspired by nature, this shop is a trendy option for anyone on your list who avoids mainstream brands. Based in Florida, the family-owned store has many items available online for under $20!

8 Billion Trees

https://8billiontrees.com/

There’s nothing more sustainable than planting trees! Buy jewelry and apparel for men and women to support planting trees with each purchase. You can also make a donation to the organization on behalf of someone special, and there are options for gifts under $50. This is a great gift idea for anyone, because they can continue to donate on their own.

Hazel Village Toys

https://hazelvillage.com/

For the children in your life, and possibly some teens and adults, Hazel Village offers ethically made toys in fun characters. This Brooklyn company has been around for a decade, offering woodland friends in a variety of styles and fashions. These special toys can be ordered for under $100. If you have babies or expectant parents on your list, this could be a special keepsake gift for any young family.

Tiffany’s Jewelry

https://www.tiffany.com/

Last on our list, but certainly not least, Tiffany is a timeless brand that stands for quality and luxury. Men and woman can find beautiful pieces at a very broad price range, and this is a great year to gift Tiffany’s to a teenager, college student, or anyone living through any milestones in 2020. There are many gifts under $500, and it’s important to note that this hallmark store sells more than just diamonds. You can find fragrances, houseware items, watches, cups, and more in their online shop, including items for pets and babies!

The most special thing about giving a gift is the thought behind it. You may not always find the perfect gift, but it’s nice when someone makes an effort to go above and beyond a gift card or typical trinket. Finding a unique gift and supporting local businesses is also a double win this year. If you’re truly stuck, don’t hesitate to contact shop owners to ask for their most popular items or to request suggestions for your Nice list!