The holiday season is here! A time for family traditions, a sense of generosity, some lengthy wish lists, and an unfortunate desire for even more stuff. Thankfully, many families are steering away from mindless consumption and turning to mindful gift giving. The result is a calmer, more gratitude-filled holiday, where the focus is on each other, not on all the stuff.
With more and more ethical, environmentally-, and health-conscious brands on the market, it has never been easier to replace hoards of gifts with an array of people and planet-friendly goodies. This year, we have created a mindful gift guide to help steer you towards a greener, more intentional holiday season.
Mindful Gifts and the Rule of Four
There is nothing quite like the joy of children on Christmas morning! They wake up to see a tree piled high with presents. Yet as gift after gift is opened, the excitement over it all tapers. Sometimes, receiving fewer, more intentional gifts can be far more joyous than we expect. The concept of "less is more," and doing so under this simple “rule of four” is a beautiful way to instill mindful gifting without stripping the holiday season of fun.
The rule of four: Something you want, something you need, something you wear, something you read.
These categories leave room for creativity and will satisfy your little ones’ greatest wishes. Plus, by giving fewer gifts you can focus on higher-quality products that are better for the environment and support companies you love.
Being creative can mean checking off more than one category at once. Q for Quinn’s colourful socks, organic cotton undies, and amazing pajamas for adults and kids are one of those things you want, need, and wear. Plus, their products are some of the most planet-friendly essentials on the market!
When shopping, keep your eyes peeled for brands with certifications that prove their planet and person centred values. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Certclean, and Ecocert are all a great place to start.
Something You Want
"Something you want" can be anything their little hearts desire. This is the one category where encouraging mindful and environmentally conscious choices is optional. Let them choose what they really, truly want. This is the big ticket item that will bring the greatest joy on Christmas morning. If you can find an item that is eco-friendly or has a green alternative, even better!
If you are looking for a brand that offers non-toxic toys for your little ones, Apple Park is a fantastic option. Their adorable range of toys are made with 100% organic cotton and are certified by GOTS processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria.
Something You Need
Giving the gift of “something they need" can be more flexible and exciting then you might think. This category combines practicality with fun. Try finding something that supports their development, education, wellbeing and their desire for something new and shiny. A great pick for this category is the stainless steel bento lunch box from our friends at The Good Kiind. It’s robust, durable, and eco-friendly, and long lasting.
Something You Wear
Stylish must-have fashion items and cozy essentials are always a winner. Q for Quinn’s GOTS-certified and comfortable clothing fit this category perfectly. They also give back to the humans of our planet through their program with Mary’s Meals. With a vast collection of holiday socks and pajamas, your entire family will love these toxin-free must-haves for all ages. Made with merino wool and organic cotton, Q for Quinn is your go-to for stocking stuffers, matching family pajamas and long lasting, sensitive skin-friendly clothing.
Something You Read
This just might be our favorite category! Reading is good for little brains and big souls so we won’t judge if it slips into "a few things" to read. When you’re choosing a book (or books!), try to support local bookstores and/or small publishers.
Q for Quinn has their own story book to compliment your kid’s favourite new socks. Called Quinn’s Socks, catchy rhymes and colourful photos make the story of a little boy and his affection for socks a great pick for young readers.
We also love Orca Book Publishers, an independently owned Canadian children’s book publisher that makes engaging books, focusing on ones that illuminate the experiences of people of all ethnicities, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQ+. What’s My Superpower is particularly charming. The Disability Experience is a great read for older children, focusing on inclusion, othering, independence, advocacy, accessibility.
Eco-Conscious Giving Made Easy!
Elevating the season of giving to meet your family’s eco-values is just one way to make an impact. Small, meaningful changes in our consumption can impact our planet greatly, and a small, meaningful wish list can make the holidays all the more special. This year, try following the “rule of four'' for a greener holiday season.
You may also enjoy: Mindful Gift Giving, Encouraging Thoughtful Gift Giving in Others, and Your Guide to Low-Impact Gift-Giving.
