Not Your Typical Gift Guide

the invitation graphic done by Creatives Connect for the 2020 Night In to Celebrate

Gift guides will typically say “buy this” or “order this” for “this kind of event” or “that important someone.” We’re not here to tell you which candle to buy because if everyone bought the same candle, that defeats the purpose of buying local and buying small. Instead, as we navigate what seems to be an abyss of possibilities, we curate and share. There are a couple gift-giving tips we’ve been thinking about and perhaps you may find they guide your own process:

Experiences instead of Products

A gift doesn’t need to be a purchase. Playing music, cooking and sharing a recipe, putting on a performance, writing a poem - these are all thoughtful experiences you can share with someone that create satisfying and memorable moments.

Quality over Quantity

 If the gift is going to be a thing, then let it be a well-made item. Well-made is typically more expensive and so instead of buying many cheap things, we’d argue less is more. And pooling money for a mega-gift is an amazing way to make it happen.

Everyday Pleasures

Maybe we don’t need something more and instead a gift could alleviate a current expense - say the regular magazine subscription. Or even the simple delights like good pasta and cheese.

Not Free

If we’re going to be spending dollars, then we may as well use those to boost businesses with “free” services. Take journalism for example. A membership to a local journalism outlet (such as Southwest Voices or Heavy Table) would be an incredible gift that also grows community wellbeing.

Happy holidays and happy gifting!