Holiday Gift Guide-2019
- Michelle Fank

- Nov 22, 2019
- 7 min read
Hoping to shop with purpose this holiday season? I've put together a gift guide with an ideas for ethically made items and items that help do good. I have them separated into Women, Men, Kids & Gifts for the host but of course many would be great for anyone on your list.
Women
Hand cream trio set- Perfect stocking stuffers or teachers gifts. These lightweight hand creams are great to throw in your purse or desk and the light scents are heavenly.
Lime Life Brow Magic collection- This collection contains a Claim to Frame Brow Pencil and tinted Strike Rich Brow Gel in your perfect shade packed in a convenient travel case. When used together the result is brow magic!
Eye shadow pallet- 18 long-wearing shades designed to flatter all skin tones—perfect for the beauty obsessed. And EWG verified!
Ever mascara- I have this and LOVE it. Stays on all day without flaking like some other natural mascara I have tried and adds some serious volume.
Lavish Ultra Rich Body Butter- 2017 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner! Deeply moisturize and nourish with this decadent body butter, which melts into the skin. Super fruit antioxidant-rich complex and jojoba oil leave your skin softer, smoother and younger-looking. I have this and LOVE it.
Ever Longwear lip color- This stays on all day even after drinks. I love the matte finish and it doesn't dry out or look cakey.
Perfume- A sample set of 5 fragrances that come with a credit towards a full size purchase. Use as a gift set or even break up in stockings. EWG verified perfume!
Eat what you love cookbook- This one is on my wish list for sure. It includes 125 recipes from Danielle Walker for gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo comfort foods.
Sassy lady gift bundle- This adorable set would be great for your sassy friend. One tipsy teacup of your choice and one cotton hook zipper pouch.
Throw Blanket- This cozy blanket is great for anyone on your list. G&L gives back to help build orphanages in India so you can feel good about your purchase.
Parker Clay Signature Tote- This is such a versatile classic bag that would be great as a diaper bag, purse, carry on or work bag. I have one and absolutely love it. Definitely a piece you will have for years to come.
31 bits Teak Mosaic Necklace- Such a beautiful piece with a mix of metal, paper and wooden beads. It is a statement but the neutral colors would make it versatile for many outfits.
Shop Suma earrings- Super lightweight and fun handmade earrings. Come in multiple color options and have nickle free hooks.
Scarf- Such a fun pattern! Would match almost any jacket.
Evelyn top- One of my favorite tops from CJLA. Easy to wear and can dress up or down. Available in multiple colors and patterns.
Kiddos
Kiwi Co Subscription Box- A fun monthly subscription box for ages 0 to adult with options from Science, Engineering, Art/Design and more. Each box has age appropriate activities that are sure to keep your kids occupied and off screens while having fun and learning.
You can do one month at a time or subscription so it would be great as a gift! I sent one to my nephew when he was 11 and it was a huge hit!
Ferry Boat Water Toy- How cute is this boat from Green Toys? This would be so fun in the bath or the pool or even out of the water! It even comes with two cars. Plus look at these awesome specs:
Manufactured in the USA
Made from 100% recycled plastic
No BPA, phthalates or PVC
Meets FDA food contact standards
Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Packaged with recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks
Short Sleeve Hip Pocket Rag- I am OBSESSED with this design...I'm a sucker for a good floral stripe combo. Rags are some of my FAVORITE clothes for Rose. Since she was born we have had many different rompers and are now moving into shirts, dresses etc. The rompers are cute and trendy, super stretchy one piece {no snaps} that make it easy to get on and off. Kids can even do it themselves. It is a woman owned company that gives back and many items are made in the USA. More of my favorites are listed here.
Name puzzles - A fun personalized puzzle with your child's name will help them learn letters and improve motor skills. Made with safe non toxic materials.
Avoid more STUFF- Something for the child who has it all? Consider an experience like a Zoo or Museum pass. Maybe a gift card to their favorite ice cream place.
Teens
I'm no VSCO girl but here a round up of a handful of items I think a teen would appreciate.
Pura Vida bracelets- This bracelet stack can be worn alone or mixed up into other groupings. Each one is adjustable so it will fit anyone on your list.
Pom Hat- Another fun item from Grace & Lace. Comes in two colors and is sooo cozy.
Pajama Joggers- These cute plaid joggers come in multiple colors. They are available in short, regular and tall sizes! I may have ordered some for myself.
Up-cycled Scrunchies- Yep, you heard me right. The wonderful hair accessory from our youth has made a comeback. Made from up-cycled materials and every purchase helps plant more trees.
Metal Straws- Ditch Disposable - Bring these stainless steel straws on-the-go to replace disposable. Clean, Safe, Green - Made of BPA-free food grade stainless steel. Straws are dishwasher safe. Set includes a soft brush for easy cleaning.
And well, I have even less experience with teen boys but here is my stab ad ideas...
Chomps Jerky Sticks- What teen boy isn't always hungry. Grass fed beef jerky sticks with 0 added sugar, whole 30 and Paleo approved.
Stocking hat- Soft recycled wool/recycled nylon blend keeps your head and ears warm on the coldest days. Patagonia offers hats without a pom as well in case that is too "embarrassing" HA HA
Cord tacos- keep all their tech cords untangled and organized...well, maybe
Vintage Records- Whats old is new again. Share some of your favorite music with your kids/grandkids by gifting them some vintage records.
Everlane Hoodie- This ethically made hoodie is made of 11 oz brushed cotton fleece. The perfect way to look chill when you feel a chill.
Men
Tools- Popular Mechanics shared a list of 8 great tools that are made in the USA.
Beer Club/Subscription- Many local breweries have beer clubs or subscriptions. Lazy dog has a quarterly subscription that highlights local breweries as well as includes a discount/upgrade on their own beers when dining in the restaurant.
Sweater- 100% organic cotton sweater from Prana is easy and breathable organic cotton in a refined, classic crew sweater: how else would you solve for those unpredictable fall-to-winter weather patterns.
Grilling Spice Kit- This gift set includes 3 grilling spices, all organic for your grill master.
Bombas socks- In partnership with Yara Shahidi, Bombas has created the UNITE collection. Made to celebrate change-makers who unite people around a cause that brings forth positive change in the world. For every pair purchased, a pair will be donated to organizations that work towards equity in education, and provide support for underserved communities.
Counterman gift set- These four essential men’s products, conveniently sized to take on-the-go, feature Sequoia Stem Cell Complex to help protect skin and hair from everyday stress.
Weekender bag- The Montecito Weekender is designed with every feature you need for a getaway. It can be used as carry on luggage for international jet setters, or thrown in the back of a Jeep to explore the roads less traveled. It only gets better with time and use.
Experiences
These are some more local to the Chicago area however you could find something similar in your area.
Axe Throwing- I think the name explains it all but basically axe throwing is the new bags. You heard it here first folks. There are even leagues.
k-1 racing- Indoor adult style go cart racing. This franchise has locations all over the US.
Host/Hostess Gift
Serving spoon set- These hand carved teak serving spoons are made in Uganda by artisans and are part of the home collection from 31 bits. These items give local artists a fair wage, safe and healthy work environment and help build the communities.
Bottle opener- This fun cheers bottle opener is another great option from 31 bits. They partner with a workshop to make all of their metal items. It would be a perfect gift or addition to your bar cart for holiday parties.
Hostess with the Mostess Gift Set- This kitchen gift bundle makes it easy to gift and looks like you put a lot of effort into putting together a gift. Jill & June is company I stumbled across on Instagram a few months ago and am obsessed with everything they have. Accessories, home decor and kitchen items, you can find so much good stuff and there are new items all the time.
Speckled Sand Ceramic Mug- OK I know ANOTHER item from 31 bits. I couldn't help myself, they have so much good stuff! This beautiful mug would be perfect to sip your hot cocoa from after playing in the snow or while opening presents Christmas morning. Each mug is hand made and one of a kind by artisans in Bali.
Coffee- The Hope Blend medium roast coffee is made in Nicaragua and sold by Feed My Starving Children is my favorite coffee right now. Not only does it taste great but with purchase of one bag provides 29 meals to children. I talked more about this and other fair trade coffee on my past blog.
Handmade ornaments- These handmade felt ornaments would be so cute hanging on your tree, as a garland or even a finishing touch on a wrapped package. Each ornament purchase provides 19 meals through Feed My Starving Children.
Balsam and Cedar Candle- Fresh pine and eucalyptus scent candle in a simple glass jar. This will get you in the Christmas spirit. Perfect for a teacher or host gift. Handmade in Kalamazoo Michigan by Kalamazoo Candle Co. using 100% natural soy wax, paper wicks, high quality oils and 0 toxins.
These companies offer so much more than just the items I have featured so be sure to check out their full product offerings. You may just find something for everyone on your list & maybe even a little something for yourself. Happy Shopping!
XOXO Michelle


























































































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