Forever Stoked - Holiday Gift Guide
The season of gift giving is upon us. But I have to be honest, I don't really like shopping (online or in stores) and gift-giving is not my love language. Bah humbug right?! But the beauty of this season is that it focuses on what we can offer to others. It doesn't even need to be a tangible gift. BUT, if you're looking to give in a more traditional sense, I've created handy a gift guide. Most of these items I own, so they are tested and approved, but a few are actually on my own wish list. I tried to promote a mix of products and experiences that support small business owners and ethical companies as well as items that are practical and not one-time disposable. Happy shopping and giving!
Gifts for the Creative
1.) Skillshare Membership: $100 for the year
Skillshare is a learning platform and community featuring over 17,000 classes. Their mission is to empower people to advance their careers, improve their lives, and pursue the work they love. Before I transitioned to freelancing, I purchased a one year membership and consumed their photography classes. I've since expanded to watching branding and marketing classes, as well as content planning and social media. At the end of each class, you're given a project to upload and share with other students to get feedback and constructive criticism, which is super necessary if you're working by/ for yourself!
Photo By Greg Balkin
1.) Artifact Uprising Gift Card: any amount
Living in a digital world gives me more appreciation for tactile items like a nice coffee table book or a framed photo. Artifact offers an extensive product line of books, frames, and calendars. They use recycled papers and reclaimed options like mountain beetle pine wood for the products too! This is a great gift for the photographer friend or family member who wants to honor their art and give it a permanent place in the home.
- 9 Photography Tips For Your Travels- authored from some of my favorite photographers!
2.) Layered Mountain Mug: $30
Most creatives I know live on coffee or tea. I'm no exception and love this landscape mug from ceramist Coco Barrett-Tormey. Everything she creates is made by hand and is inspired by the slow moments in life like morning tea or watching a sunset. Her mugs are a reflection of her love for the mountains, ocean, and desert.
Photo courtesy of Wylder Goods
3.) Moleskin Notebook: $18
You never know when a creative idea is going to present itself! I keep a notebook by my bedside for and carry one with me wherever I go for spontaneous journaling or note taking. These are the notebooks to buy in bulk because it's so easy to go through them.
4.) Big Magic: $12
The book that reminds you that you do not need permission to live a creative life. Elizabeth Gilbert, my all time literary #womencrush, gives poignant insights into how to deal with fear and courage during the creative process. It's a great read for anyone engaged in personal or professional creative pursuits. *If possible, purchase from your local bookstore.
Gifts for the Adventurer
1.) Rumple Puffy Down Blanket: $150
This blanket utilizes sustainably sourced grey duck down (600 fill) for insulation and has a weather-resistant DWR-treated nylon shell. Maybe most importantly though..... it's incredibly warm. It's accompanied me on all my travels since I got it and has been clutch when Jared and I road trip in Buttercup. It compresses easily into a packable size and is big enough to cover both of us and keep us cozy. If you don't live in a region with cool temps, I would suggest the original puffy blanket pictured below.
Rumpl Puffy Blanket- Photo by Laura Hughes
2.) Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: $130
This travel bag is super durable and can be carried on the shoulder or as a backpack. It functioned as my suitcase this spring when I spent 2 months traveling through Europe and was a superstar as I moved through train stations, airports and countries! It's weather resistant and stuffs into it's own pocket for easy storage.
Photo By Brooke Fitts
3.) Peak Design Capture Clip: $60
This seemingly simple clip changed my backpacking experiences. Before I started using it, my camera would either hang from my neck (thus straining it) or it would be tucked into my backpack. When I wanted to take photos I would have to stop, unzip my backpack and set up my camera. Now, I can clip it to the outside of my bag and quickly take it off when I see something I want to capture. Aside from being a great product, I love the company's commitment to being socially and environmentally conscious.
4.) Aeropress Kit: Because before the adventure, coffee needs to be had. At least in my life! We use the Aeropress at home every morning to make our coffee, but it packs up nicely into the perfect travel kit. This is a great gift for the person in your life that loves caffeine and is always on the road.
- If you need convincing, read more about the coffee travel kit here
Gifts for the Wellness Guru
1.) Garmin Forerunner Watch: $290
I was in the habit of taking Jared's watch when I worked out, but I continued to declare that I didn't need one for myself. He surprised me with this watch for my birthday and it's been one of the most fun and practical gifts I've ever received. Not only can I use it while running, but it works for cycling, swimming, and triathlons (should I decide to do another.) It's also super lightweight and tracks heart rate + gives me a little buzz every hour that reminds me to get up and get moving.
Photo courtesy of Ursa Major
1.) Ursa Major- The Minimalist Skin Care Set: $70
This set is only available for a limited time and includes the essentials; face wash, fortifying face balm and face tonic. Besides being made with healthy ingredients, the aromas are fantastic. The cedar, spearmint, lime combo in the face wash is my favorite!
2) Essential Oil Diffuser: $30
In my opinion, a home isn't complete without an essential oil diffuser. I find a weird amount of joy picking out oils to diffuse, and I love the different energetic effects they create in the house. Lately, I've been going with a sandalwood and myrrh combo. Other favorites include; lavender, eucalyptus, sage and rosemary. I'll also never tire of friends coming over and complimenting how nice the house smells!
3.) Hydroflask Water Bottle: $40
This water bottle has a permanent spot in my bag. At 32 ounces, it takes up a bit of space but I figure if I can get through two a day, I'm definitely staying hydrated. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps the contents hot for 6 hrs. or cold for 24 hrs. and it's super tough stainless steel. Don't ask me how many times I've dropped it and you can't even tell.
4.) Monthly Membership to a Studio: price varies
Now that it's winter, I've found the best way to stay active, is to move indoors. Give the gift of wellness by pre-paying for a punch card or monthly unlimited membership to a yoga, pilates or barre studio. Many are currently running holiday specials.
Photo By Laura Hughes