How we spend our hard-earned resources is an expression of our values. I focus on this point even more during the holiday season, when I tend to spend more on gifts for friends, family, and clients. Therefore, it’s important to me to support small businesses, and to buy from women and minority-owned businesses whenever possible. During this time of year, we should also broaden our concept of gift giving to consider how a charitable gift can express a feeling of love and gratitude, in a way that a tangible gift does not.
I am pleased to share a few of my standby favorites as well as new additions for this holiday season:
Charitable gifts
Consider making a gift in honor of or in celebration of someone. Choosing a cause that is close to someone’s heart is thoughtful and meaningful. You can ask “what is an organization that is meaningful to you” or “what causes are important to you”? If you aren’t sure, make a gift to a local food bank or human services organization that supports vulnerable people in the area where the person you are looking to honor or celebrate lives.
Tangible gifts
- I love to shop at woman-owned DC stores Salt & Sundry and Park Story. I order candles from Sydney Hale and honey from Waxing Kara, both woman-owned small businesses.
- She Loves Me is an incredible flower shop I discovered during the pandemic. REWILD is a favorite plant shop.
I often purchase client gifts from Chukar Cherries, a longtime family-owned small business in Seattle. Soom Tahini products are delicious and the business is woman-owned. Bean & Bean coffee is owned by a mother-daughter team. - You know we love stationery at Little Bean Group and we buy from woman-owned Kitty McCall and Mr. Boddinton, and DC-based Appointed. Our custom stationary is made by the woman-owned company, Lickity Split Press.
Experiences as gifts
- Consider giving a museum membership for a small or local museum. Memberships often come with built-in discounts so you are gifting an experience, discounts that can be put to use, and supporting a local institution.
- Gift a “friends of” to the local library or community center.
- Consider gifting an experience such as a yoga class or restaurant meal. Woman-owned Past Tense Yoga, Barre3, and Tail Up Goat (my favorite DC restaurant) are my go-tos.
Finally, you don’t need to spend any money at all. A heartfelt note written on a beautiful card can be a lovely and memorable way to recognize someone this holiday season or to express thanks and gratitude. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful winter season and all the best for a happy and healthy 2025.