Holiday Gift Guide 2021

I love socks. I never thought I would get to the point in my life that socks were a favorite thing of mine, but here we are. I love them and what they allow people to express about themselves. In fact, my family has a long-standing tradition of a Christmas Sock Exchange – so if you’re looking for something fun to do with your 30+ year old family members, the sock exchange is a BIG HIT! Anyway – this year I found Conscious Step. They initially caught my attention due to their partnership with The Trevor Project with their “Socks that Save LGBTQ Lives”. Absolutely – please let me buy all of the socks! But then! Once I did some more digging – I found out they support SEVERAL other causes as well! With 17 major causes that they donate to with YOUR purchase, there HAS to be something for EVERYONE on your list! I just love gifts that give back. It’s like a double whammy – give an awesome gift and support a cause all at the same time. WIN!

Have you seen the signs? No, really! Have you seen the signs in your neighborhood? (And maybe the signs that someone is struggling with their mental health?) We first noticed them in 2019 – and mind you, two of us are in Virginia and one of us is in Missouri! But they definitely caught our attention, and we needed to know more! The Don’t Give Up Movement was created in 2017 by one family in Oregon wanting to make a difference because of alarmingly high suicide rates in their community. As the movement grew, so did the motivation. Amy Wolf sells these simple yet stop-you-in-your-tracks signs AT COST – meaning she isn’t making a profit. She’s added to her collection, too with magnets, stickers, bracelets, tattoos – you name it! What’s even more exciting? You can now purchase items in Spanish as well! GIFT THESE TO EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST! Plant the signs in yards, and KEEP IT GOING! And for even more inspiration, check out the book she wrote about the movement, Signs of Hope. We love what you are doing Amy, and we will be reaching out in 2022!

I’m not the only one who is still on the dress to be comfortable train from the pandemic, am I? I mean yes, we’ve had to put on real clothes this year, BUT I think that we’ve realized that comfort and style can co-exist. Either way, Aerie has become a go-to for me while working from home (even though I worked from home prior to the pandemic!). Full of cozy fabrics, soft colors, and size-inclusive pieces, I’ve always been an Aerie fan. And then – with the theme of this list – I was even more excited when I found out that Aerie gives back, TOO! It takes a little digging, and it’s not necessarily a purchase to donation set up, but they do partner with several organizations such as NEDA, Darkness to Light, and Crisis Text Line to name a few. Aerie promotes body positivity, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility, so you can be OH SO COZY in knowing that your purchase does support the greater good.

I was walking through Target over the summer, and all of a sudden – a children’s book caught my eye. The brightly colored cover with the words “You Matter” in red literally called for me to pick it up, so I darted right towards it. After reading it in the aisle with tears in my eyes, I bought two as gifts for two special little ones in my life. It’s a beautiful statement of worth for anyone and everyone, and our world could use that reminder right now. Christian Robinson, an illustrator, author, animator, and designer, is the brains (and heart) behind the book, and this is just one of 70 products he has available in the Christian Robinson for Target Collection. Gifting for a child or adult – this book (and his many others) should be in every home this year. PS – be sure to follow him on Instagram @theartoffun

One of my favorite things to do with my niece is to take her to Build-A-Bear. I think I enjoy the process just as much (if not more) than she does! There’s just something about customizing your stuffed furry friend that makes it that much more special, and maybe it makes me feel like a little kid again. New to Build-A-Bear (online only) this year is the Worry-Free Bear. Not only is Worry-Free Bear completely adorable and huggable, but it has a special pocket on its paw for holding a small piece of paper. Kids can write their worries or anxieties down and place it in the bear’s paw, so the bear can carry their worries for them. Isn’t that the sweetest thing? Such a great reminder for a little kid that they are not alone. And – benefits to parents – it can be a great conversation starter to understand what’s going on in your kiddo’s life.