Surprisingly, I’ve never done a Christmas shopping guide in the past. I’ve always thought that Christmas shopping is so personal and unique, so why would anyone want to know what I am asking for, or gifting to others? However, what I’ve learned this year is that as a busy mom, you really don’t have a ton of time to sit down and think about exactly what you are gifting others. I mean, I try my best of course, but I’ve relied a lot on other blogs and Instagram channels that have posted Christmas shopping guides themselves. I might be on the later side of this, but here are a few things that I asked for, that I’m gifting others, or that I will buy myself in the New Year. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite brands, such as Primally Pure, Branch Basics, Champion Sign Supply, Pique Tea, and so much more.
Clean tea
I’m not sure how widely known this is, but a lot of teas that are on the market are actually not so great for us, for a few different reasons. To start, a lot of teas on the market are non-organic and there is a direct connection with pesticide usage and fertility problems, along with a slew of other health issues. In fact, tea is one of the most pesticide-laden crops and is farmed in areas with high industrial pollution, as well. In addition, since tea has a crazy long shelf-life, teabags can accumulate toxic mold in harmful quantities. If you are trying to work on your health, I highly recommend researching the type of tea you are drinking (if you drink tea). This goes for coffee, too – it can pose the same health issues. So, what do I like and gift to others/buy for myself? Pique tea is my favorite tea brand and Purity coffee, or Healthy bean (this one is on Amazon). All three of those brands are fantastic because each
Back to pique tea. In addition to triple screening their tea, the reason why I love it so much is that it comes in crystals instead of a bag. So basically, it’s sort of like a crystal light packet. You just dump it into your hot water with honey and it’s immediately ready to go — you don’t have to wait for the tea bag to diffuse into the water. Here’s the jibber-jabber that they say about their process: “Next, we extract the bioactive compounds in teas and superplants at cold-to-low temperatures for up to 8 hours. This artisanal process gently extracts natural antioxidants and phytonutrients and preserves them in a whole form, where all beneficial compounds are present. This is the purest way to extract phytonutrients in plants for maximum efficacy.”
Skincare
This is something that I’m gifting to others: non-toxic skincare is a huge part of my everyday life and TBH (not being dramatic at all), my skincare routine has changed my skin for the better. Each year, I always gift Primally Pure products to a few people, but this year, a looot of my Christmas list might be seeing their products under my tree 😉 The great thing about PP? They focus on high-quality products, making sure that they are safe for pregnancy (I think all but one of their products are safe), for little hands, and more.
Candles
If you know me, then you know that I focus on clean air a looot in my house. It’s definitely a priority! We threw out all of our Bath & Bodyworks candles a long time ago, because they are known to produce release and carcinogens into the air. It was important to me throughout my pregnancy, but when I had Avery and she had so many respiratory issues, creating clean air inside my home was even more of a priority. Thankfully, I’ve found a few clean candle companies and two of my favorites are Welch Candle Co. and Natural Sloth. Both of these companies are clean and non-toxic, but they are a bit different.
Welch Candle Co. offers pure beeswax candles, with no scent at all. The only “scent” is from the beeswax and it smells like a light honey smell (which I personally love).
Natural Sloth offers pure beeswax and coconut oil candles + they use essential oils, which smell SO good!
Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these companies! But speaking of a cleaner air environment, if you are still using harsh chemicals to clean with, go ahead and switch over to Branch Basics.
Clothes
This is on my list. Earlier this year, I decluttered my entire closet and threw out basically 99% of my clothes, so I’m working with very little. In addition, my thyroid and hormones have been acting up and my weight is all over the place right now. I’d love to grab some new clothes to help me feel a little more comfortable in my own skin until I get those problems worked out 100% and back on track. I sent a list to a few people of some clothing items that I want, so we’ll see what I get! In the meantime, I’ve been stocking up my closet on my own, too. I love TJ Maxx because of their deals and high-quality tops, but I’m pickier for pants. Recently, I went to Abercrombie and found a pair of skinny jeans that I love!
One thing that I didn’t ask for, but really need when it comes to clothes are boots. I am going to have to grab some for myself this upcoming year!
Safer home sprays
A few people on my list are receiving safer home sprays (from Grow Fragrance). They create non-toxic bathroom and fabric sprays that can help if you feel like you need to cover up a smell in your house (like a dog or cat smell, bathroom smell, etc.). This is a GREAT replacement for Febreeze, Glade plug-ins, etc.
Workout gear
Someone on my list (not naming names, haha!) is getting some workout gear this year. Funny story: I bought a ton of lifting plates from Rogue Fitness for Ian for Christmas. Like 260 lbs worth of plates. When it was delivered, Ian was actually in the garage working out, so I had to sprint outside, close the garage, and then lug up the 260 pounds as fast as I could (I hid them upstairs in our guest room) so that Ian didn’t notice. About a week later, my parents came into town to visit and as we were tidying up that guest room, we walked in and noticed that it smelled like rubber. I couldn’t hide the fact that I got him plates anymore, so I made HIM take them back downstairs to the garage, hahaha. So, he knows what he is getting for Christmas, but you can still count on me wrapping them + putting them under the tree!
Craft supplies
Avery has been obsessed with crafting lately and it brings me back to my childhood days where I made tie-dye shirts, pottery, etc. etc. So far, we have done a ton of Christmas crafts, but I think it would be a blast to make custom vinyl t-shirts with her, so I think one of the things I have to pick up for her as a last minute gift is going to be vinyl to make t-shirts with. Near me (in Morrow), there is a store called Champion Sign and Crafter Supply and they are an authorized distributor of siser and oracal vinyl. The reason why I’m headed their way? They’ve been in the business since 1994. They sell sign and craft vinyl along with sublimation supplies, and more. Their Siser Easyweed Heat Transfer Vinyl looks like it could be a good option because it may be applied at a lower temp AND it’s highly resilient wash after wash (something that is important with a messy toddler). But, what do I know? This will be my first time making shirts like this and I’m excited to learn from the pros at Champion Sign Supply. Since they are a major signage and garment supply company, they are the experts – not me. They have high-quality customer service, a friendly environment, and according to all of their reviews on Facebook, they are eager to help and answer any questions or concerns. It’s why I’m choosing them! Hopefully with their expert guidance and high-quality materials, we won’t fail at our next craft adventure. 🙂 It says they have other craft supplies too, so I’m excited to see what else they have to offer in-store!
Georgia fruit trees
This might just be my favorite thing on this list. Thyme to Party is an Atlanta-based company that has partnered with the UGA extension program and other farms around Georgia to figure out the best fruit trees for the Atlanta area. They sourced plants that will do well in our area, but also that do well without the need for pesticides, herbicides, or a ton of time. So, all of the plants you’ll find on their site are easy to grow + will do well in our climate. I might have purchased A LOT and I’m also asking for a mushroom log for Christmas (lol).
Avery’s list
Last but not least, I’ve been all over the place with Avery’s stuff. I love shopping on The Tot, so she is definitely getting a few things from there. I’m also getting her a train set, a gravity book, a Branch pillow (from Trolls), Lovevery toys, musical instruments, etc. I think I’m going to get her a play kitchen, as well.
I’m not sure if this Christmas shopping guide helps you or not (I hope it does), but these are just some of the things that I’m getting for others, or asking for myself.