The 2021 Non-Toxic Gift Guide
I don't know. I'm trying this new thing out. It's called putting intention in what I buy this year.I realize this is the most anti-influencer thing to say, BUT... you don't need it all. I hate to go all Marie Kondo on you, but the best gifts are the gift of time and your presence. So when choosing the right holiday wares for yourself and your people, ask yourself what will make that person feel seen.This year, it's going to be different, you say. You aren't going to get sucked into buying endless amounts of gifts for the kids, the family, your dog. You will put intention around your spending and shop locally and support small businesses, only to find that you get sucked into the "Alexa, order me all of my gifts" trap. You find yourself saying, "But it's for the kids" or "It's been a tough year, I'll just get them a few more things" mentality that permits you to spend a little or a lot more than you should.
Remember what we said earlier in the pandemic?
No?
Let me remind you...
"This is hard, but this time with my kids is so special."
"When this is over, I am not going back to my over-the-top schedule."
"I want to be intentional with my time. I don't want to go back to life as it was."
Well, the bad news is that we are still in a global pandemic {emphasis on STILLL}.The good news, we can make changes to simplify our lives right now. It's not too late to do something different. To relieve yourself of the pressures of having the perfect holiday decor, the perfectly curated gift wrap for that Insta perfect photo, or accepting every holiday invitation that comes your way {including family}.
This is your sign that you don't need permission to simplify. With that in mind, I intentionally created this simple, low-tox gift guide. Many of the products you find here are either made socially conscious, BIPOC owned, female-owned, or non-toxic.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. Please note that I've linked to these products purely because I recommend them, and they are from companies I trust.
Kids:
Eat to Explore: A monthly subscription box that is full of adventure and memories. Eat to Explore allows you to select a country and sample their cuisine while learning. The exploration guide teaches your budding chef about the culture, history, and food traditions of that country. Good food + memory-making. Yes, please.Use this link to get 25% off ALL subscriptions. Feel Links: The Seattle Times named Feel Links a top gift for 2021, and I can see why. The Feel Links dolls and journal support the emotional health of children through mindfulness, reflection, play, and self-regulation. I highly recommend checking this woman-owned company. We all want healthy, confident kids and Feel Links works to build children's social-emotional connections while building confidence.Use Code: SHOPSMALL for 20% off your order {This code is good for Black Friday only} Little Feminist: Y'all, I love this company. They are not currently having a sale, but I cannot say how much good they are putting into this world for the next generation through BOOKS. They are working to amplify voices often not heard {Check out these books from Indigenous authors--they are donating all proceeds to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe}. Green Kids Craft Set: Green Kid Crafts empowers the next generation of environmental leaders using creative, nature-based STEAM activities. Founded by mother and environmental scientist Penny Bauder. Give your kiddos an intentional gift throughout the year.
Pets:
Grove Collaborative: This non-toxic brand has so much to offer. Here are a few of my top picks for the four-legged loves of your life.Kin + Kind Organic Nose & Paw Moisturizer stick for dogs & cats.Paw Sense Waterless Pet Shampoo & Stain/Odor Remover West Paw Drifty Dog Toy
All:
Beautycounter: How could I not tell you about the sitewide sale happening now from my favorite clean beauty brand? My tops recs are: the best mascara I have ever used, this glowing skin set, and the best mask of 2021.Use this link: 15% off + FREE shipping Bathing Culture: is a beautiful non-toxic brand of personal care products that everyone in your home will love. Use code: 15% off orders under $50, 20% off order over $50, 25% off orders over $100. Rael: Designed for women by women, Rael is a cool brand that makes non-toxic period products {like these undies} and skin/body products that are affordable and up your self-care game.Use this link 50% sitewide no code needed Hypervolt: This handheld precision massage gun was the best gift I picked up last year. My hubs and I decided to gift this to each other, and we use it every day. Work out irritating knots or post-workout aches. This is a brilliant tool for moving lymphatic fluid. Boody: Allow me to introduce you to a sustainable, everyday apparel brand made using bamboo viscose. Founded in Australia in 2013, Boody is on a mission to make clothes that make you feel good while doing good.Use code: THANKFUL for 20% off sitewide until 11/29 Nisolo: Oh sweet Nisolo. Their ethically made wares {shoes, home goods, accesories} are to die for. Every Nisolo purchase provides a living wage to producers in the factory they own in Peru, enabling them to pursue living wages within the rest of their supply chain, and combat climate change by protecting trees from deforestation in the Amazon Basin. Nisolo is a Certified B Corporation.
Use code: FRIDAY25 for 25% off your order
Sur la Table: I firmly believe that a quality piece of cookware will outlast the trendy, sexy cookware we see blasted all over social media. A piece of cast iron cookware will last forever, and it is truly non-toxic. Part of the problem with many of the “non-toxic” pans you see is that while they may be free of some icky chemicals, they are not scratch-resistant and will not last. Therefore, you will have to replace them, costing you more money while creating a disposal problem. It’s not the most sustainable option.Use this link: Up to 55% off sitewide. Check out Le Creuset {a 8000 Kicks: Have you heard of 8,000 kicks? This emerging brand has created the world's 1st waterproof hemp shoe, introducing a whole new category into casual sustainable footwear. Did you know that hemp has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties? Hemp is also a temperature regulating material that is super durable, and that will make your shoe last years before they wear out.Use this link to shop and save. Discounts are listed on the site. All Birds: For the second year in a row, I am recommending these shoes. Now on my 3rd pair {casue I can't get enough}. These are the standard in sustainable shoes. They feel great. They look great. They do good. Enough said. Thinx Period Proof Undies: Thinx are washable, reusable period underwear. They look and feel just like normal underwear –– but better. They also make postpartum undies. I know what you are thinking, but they work.
Home:
Stasher Bags: If you know me, you know I love these reusable silicone bags. I use them for EVERYTHING from kid lunches, travel, my gym bag, food storage, and toy organization. Stasher rarely has a sale this big, so take advantage and ditch the plastic.Use this link for 25% off sitewide and up to 30% off select colors through 11/29/2021. Berkey Water Filter: This is the water filter we have trusted for years. As a military family, we haven't always had access to water that was safe {years of water boils}, but this filter has been worth every penny. Berkey Purification Elements purify water—not just filter it—by addressing over 200+ contaminants in tap water or raw, untreated freshwater sources like ponds, rivers, and streams. And believe me, the water tastes amazing.Buy here Force of Nature Clean: I realize cleaning products are NOT sexy for the holidays, but this device is absolutely unreal. This appliance transforms salt, water, and vinegar into a powerful multi-surface cleaner as effective as bleach. Planet-friendly reusable bottles, family-friendly ingredients. This electrolyzed water solution works as efficiently as bleach and is on the federal EPA's list of products approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.Use code: SAFEBUNDLE for 40% off Bundles + Free Shipping Cuisinart Immersion Blender: My immersion blender is one of the best kitchen devices I have ever owned. It is so useful when blending soups, sauces, and purees. I have regretted buying many kitchen devices, but this is not one of them. Shop HereThrive: Give the gift of a Thrive Membership. Good, quality organic food and sustainable personal care products for a great price, delivered directly to your door. The Little Market: My oh my! This is the sweetest shop that you need to know now. Check out these top gifts from the ever so thoughtfully curated brand {started by Lauren Conrad}. Top faves include these bath essentials, soy candles, and canvas produce bags. Parachute Home: Parachute makes beautiful linens. I have learned that quality linens are not only a decadence but they just last longer. If you are looking for a splurge, check out Parachute Home.20% Off Everything While Supplies Last
My hope is that this holiday season allows you to spend more time with the ones you choose, breathe deeply, and be intentional with what matters most.
xo,
Kiesha
