Inspired and Intentional Holiday 2018 Gift Guide

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Roy L. Smith

As soon as the –ber months come in, I start thinking and looking for gifts we will be giving to our godchildren, friends, and loved ones. Shopping then beautifully wrapping these gifts is something I truly enjoy doing.

But this year, we faced a dilemma. As I have already mentioned in a previous blog post, during the second half of this year J and I have started implementing Zero Waste Lifestyle practices in our life. From bringing our own tumblers and containers to composting, we try our best to limit the waste we produce. And the Christmas season is probably that time of the year we produce the most waste. Happily, as the Grinch has also realized, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Practicing a Zero Waste Lifestyle does not mean we can no longer do our tradition of giving gifts this Christmas season. It actually leads to a more meaningful and memorable gift giving. So let me present to you the Inspired and Intentional Holiday 2018 Gift Guide.

Gift: Make Memories

During my childhood years, our street threw a yearly Christmas party for us, kids. We did potbless, exchange gifts, play a few games, and even showcased presentations. I fondly remember practicing for our dance numbers and just having fun with our neighbors. Honestly, I don’t remember the gifts I have received during those Christmas celebrations but the memories of laughter, excitement, and joy are still alive and present up to this day in my heart. So this Christmas, the best gift you can give to anyone is the gift of time and making happy memories.

For small kids:

Spend time with them by visiting a farm or a zoo, a children’s museum, a light show, or even just a play place. Play with them and give them your full attention.

Ayala Triangle's Disney-themed light show this year will be a delight to kids.
Image from spot.ph. 

Spend an afternoon or even the whole day with your godchildren at the museum
 and you will surely be their favorite godparent.
Image from museopambata.org.

Feeding bunnies, carabao rides - give your nieces and nephews an experience
 they will never forget at the Fun Farm Sta. Elena.
Image from Fun Farm Sta.Elena Facebook Page. 

For bigger kids:

Spend time with them by watching a movie, a ballet show or a play, going to theme parks, visiting a museum, or by going ice skating. They will surely treasure these moments with you.

Ice skating for a taste of a white Christmas - perfect for Philippine-based kids.
Image from metrodeal.com.

Visit the preserved remains of Lolong, the largest crocodile ever captived
at the National Museum of Natural History. Entrance fee is free all year round.
Image from abscbnnews.com

For teenagers:

Just like smaller children, teenagers also need to know they are valued and nothing says they are important to you more than spending time with them. Bond with the teenagers in your life by playing bowling, archery or whatever sport/game they are currently interested in, going hiking or camping, watching a concert, or taking classes like cooking, baking, or painting.

Have a friendly competition with your teens over bowling this Christmas.
Image from metrodeal.com. 

Adventurous teenagers will enjoy a hike at the Masungi Georeserve.
Image from masungigeoreserve.com. 

For adults:

Make new memories together with fellow adults in your life by taking an afternoon class together like a watercolor painting class, calligraphy class, soap or candle-making class or jewelry making class having a spa day, or just treating them to dinner at their favorite restaurant or better yet, host a dinner for them.

Bond with your friends over wine and paintings at Sip and Gogh.
They get to take home their painting. Definitely a gift they will treasure.
Image from sipandgogh.com. 

Give the gift of new knowledge and skill with Maartsy's various classes.
Image from maartsy.com.
 

Gift: Homemade Gifts

Aside from being cost-effective, homemade or handmade gifts speak of the giver’s tremendous appreciation for the receiver. Making homemade gifts can be time-consuming and tiring, buying would have been easier. For our little Queen B’s dedication, J and I made Gourmet Tuyo (Herring) as our giveaways. Removing the skin of several kilos of those herring then chopping the garlic, onions, and chilis took hours to finish but our labor was worth it when our guests told us weeks or even months after that event how they loved our Gourmet Tuyo. And there are many homemade gifts you can do depending on your time, budget, and skills.

For kids:

Are you good with sewing? Sew an apron, a dress, or a costume for pretend play.

An owl costume. Tutorial from Little Button Diaries. 

DIY toys can be as easy as making sensory bottles for infants or as complicated (but they will definitely love it) as a kitchen set.

DIY Sensory Bottles for babies. Tutorial from The Homes I Have Made. 

For families or groups:

Something consumable is always appreciated and sure to be consumed! For the home baker, bake cookies, muffins, or even cakes then store them in non-disposable containers. For the home cook, prepare your specialty and make it part of their Christmas dinner. And for those who are not so talented in the kitchen, infused oils or vinegar are very easy to prepare.

Herb-infused oils and vinegar. Tutorial from South Carolina Living

Gift: Plants

Plants whether ornamental or for consumption are definitely gifts that are great for the environment.

For kids:

Teach kids the basic of gardening by giving them a plant for them to take care of. Choose a plant that easily thrives. Something with flowers or fruits is best as the presence of those affirms the kid’s care for the plant.

For adults:

Succulents, herbs, and indoor plants (especially those that purify the air) make wonderful gifts.

Gift: Charitable Donations

What to give to those who already have everything? Giving to their charity of choice helps other people or causes, too.

Gift: Something Vintage, Antique, or Second Hand

As long as they are still in great condition, something vintage or second hand can still be beautiful gifts. The trick in pulling off second-hand gift giving is matching the item to the recipient. I, the bookworm that I am, would be ecstatic to receive second-hand books.

For kids:

For the price of one brand new book, you can already have several (depending on how good are your hunting skills) second-hand books. Just sanitize them by wiping with a cloth wet with rubbing alcohol.

For female teenagers and adults:

Vintage handbags, pieces of jewelry, or hair accessories would be greatly appreciated by vintage lovers. A pretty tea set for the tea lover would be loved.

For male teenagers and adults:

Brand new tools can be very expensive so why not scour garage or auction sales for the men in your gift list.

Gift: Digital Subscriptions

The music lover in your list would enjoy several months (or a year) of subscription to Spotify or other music streaming platform. For the movie or tv junkie, a subscription to Netflix or other streaming sites is a gift he will surely be grateful for. E-books and e-magazines are perfect for those who love reading but don’t like bringing heavy books.

Gift: A Zero Waste Starter Kit

Encourage others to practice a Zero Waste Lifestyle too by giving them a zero waste starter kit which may include the following: an insulated tumbler, food containers, bamboo toothbrush, reusable straws, shampoo bars, and reusable cotton pads. For new parents, cloth diapers will be nice. Cloth napkins or even menstrual cups will be greatly appreciated by those who would like to try them.

Going zero waste will now be easier to the receiver of this zero waste starter kit.
Get them from Things That Matter

Gift: Items That Last a Lifetime or Even Longer

Your schedules won’t meet up? Not a DIY person? You can still be environmentally friendly this Christmas season by giving brand new gifts that are durable and timeless so they won’t end up in the trash after a few years.

For kids:

Classic books, wooden toys, and board games top my list of gifts for kids that would last a lifetime. With proper care and maintenance, they can even be re-gifted in the future or passed on to the next generation.

Both wooden toys are available from House of Madison. 

For adults:

A set of really good knives, a wooden and engraved chopping board, and devotional books are gifts that last a lifetime.

Whatever gifts you decide to give your loved ones this Christmas, may we not forget the true reason for the season - the coming to the earth of the promised one, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and he gave to us the best gift ever - the gift of salvation. 

Wishing everyone a meaningful Christmas!

Yours, 

Lady