The holidays are quickly approaching. We stress over finding the perfect gifts, decorating our homes, and finding a moment in our hectic busy lives to embrace the spirit behind the season or the spirit of giving. With this said, the holidays can bring equal amounts of joy and stress. Our pockets may feel heavy with lumps of coal weighing us down. We think of high interest rates, spiraling mortgage payments, climate change, and the chaos and unrest in the world. With the right mindset, the holiday shopping experience can be joyful. In the spirit of giving, here are our top picks and idea for the Holiday Season.
Unlock Life’s Potential: Gift Extraordinary Experiences
It’s no secret that life experiences are the best gifts to give. They enrich our lives. Create memories. And, life experiences don’t clutter our shelves with stuff we really don’t need. Here are few ideas to start. One of our favourite gifts is cooking lessons. There is a foodie in each and everyone of us. Our favourite cooking school is Natalina’s kitchen. They offer online cooking classes and trips abroad to learn to cook in various regions in Italy. The Art Gallery of Ontario offer in person and online art classes for the Picasso in your life. And, who can’t resist a Wine Tasting and Tour at a world class winery in Canada. And, don’t forget to give yourself something special this holiday season.
Sustaining Connections with Meaningful Gifts that Continue to Inspire
Boost your festive spirit with an Advent Calendar. Advent Calendars date back to the nineteenth century in Europe. What’s not to like about a 24-box numbered calendar with doors to open to reveal a small gift leading up to December 25th. Give the gift of of perfume, jewelry or cooking tools. For the foodie in your life, Williams Sonoma have a fabulous Advent Calendar. Our top pick is the Oliviers & Co., Calendar. It is designed like a cupboard in a store, with louver-style doors that open to reveal 24 numbered doors. It’s charming. And who doesn’t need more jam, honey or olive oil? A must for the aspiring chef in your life.
Image credit: Williams Sonoma
In the spirit of sustainability, we love calendars you can use year after year. We adore the Wooden calendar with 24 count down boxes from Indigo. It’s a must gift for collectors of small trinkets.
Image credit: Indigo Chapters
We really like the do it yourself Advent Calendar. Feel free to add coins, gift cards or tree decorations to the boxes. Start a savings program for someone starting out. Find your calendar today at Indigo. They sell out fast.
Donate to your Preferred Environmental Cause or Charity
We can’t say enough about the World Wildlife Fund or commonly known as WWF. They are trying to reduce climate change, while protecting our planet. Climate change is the leading cause of coral death according to WWF which leads to coral whitening. Nature and people depend on corals in our water. One of our top picks this year from WWF is the Coral Sustainable Contrast tote bags. We think the totes are stylish. They are reusable and are made of 100% cotton, using renewable energy and low waste techniques. What’s not to love.
Image credit: WWF Coral Contrast Tote Bag
Get in the holiday spirit with a meticulously planned budget and shopping list. Buy experiential gifts for loved ones. Support your favourite environmental agency. Celebrate the season of giving with joy and a light-hearted spirit. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!
This post also appears at storella.ca