Do we really need to buy new stuff this holiday season?

Alternatives to the conventional ways of gifting

It’s officially that time of year again. Everything is on sale! You probably don’t remember signing up for it, but somehow your favorite brands filled your inbox with notes letting you know it’s time. It's the holiday season, and that means shopping without feeling guilty, right??

I mean, there's nothing like saving some cash on the products you love and use every year. Gotta love a good sale. These days I am just questioning whether I really need to buy all that new stuff just because it has a discount. This time of year in particular I also wonder about all the hundreds of products that get created every year. We all have seen videos of massive piles of unsold clothes that end up in South America or the garbage island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

There are certainly brands out there that seem to be getting their shit together and investing in implementing circular methods of production. Saie, for instance, partnered with RePurpose to fund the collection of twice as much plastic as they used for their products every year and have the goal of reducing their carbon emissions on their operations to net zero by 2039. I was very happy to read this news, as I purchase from them regularly, and see them being an example for other beauty brands out there. At the same time, this should be the standard across every industry.

lil infographic I threw together, messy but the content here is what’s important haha. I would love for us to consider these values as we consume this season (and every month of the year!)

Investing our money in brands that care about the planet, the people making the products, and the final consumers, it’s both a privilege and also our responsibility. As you approach your shopping this season, I want to invite you to choose to buy small and local before thinking of the big retailers out there making a profit out of the exploitation of the planet and its people.

Here I bring you some ideas to shop differently this year, an invitation to slow down and have more fun, as opposed to adding things to the virtual cart and clicking to buy,

1. Buying used things, thrifted or vintage — The most obvious thing on this list, and 100% my favorite way of shopping. I love the thrill of searching for one-of-a-kind pieces, spending time going through the racks, and scoring pieces that you could never find at the mall. This holiday season I want to normalize gifting thrifted things and vintage. Is that something that you normally do? At least among my circle of friends and loved ones this is not common but I think it should be. Ideas of things that could make an incredible and unique used or vintage gift:

— Unique kitchen items such as coffee-making accessories, vintage glassware, or fun cutlery!

— Ceramics; cups, plates, and vases are very common to find at thrift stores. So nice to give these pieces a second chance.

— Books, of course. Make a trip to your local used book store or thrift store.

2. Supporting small brands — Going to markets happening in your city is a great way to find new brands and also meet the teams behind them. For my Vancouver readers, the Eastside Flea Market it’s a great event to attend and support local projects!

   eastsideflea

   

   A post shared by @eastsideflea

3. Making something, getting crafty, giving art away — IMO the most special gifts are those that were made with love. Baking or cooking a special recipe, knitting a scarf, or framing a piece of your art. The right people will appreciate these gifts and value all the time you spend making them.

I framed this drawing I made for my friend on her birthday this year. Hydrangeas are her favorite flower so I drew one that will last forever!

4. Sharing a human experience — Nothing beats spending quality time with the people you love. Cook that recipe that you have in your saved folder with your friends, host dinner, or make a trip to your local gallery. And last reminder in case you need it: you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a good time with your people.

   

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   What all of these ideas have in common is that all of them require extra time and attention, but that is what makes them so special. Let me know if you give them a try! Would love to hear your perspective here too and am also curious to know the brands that you are investing in this season (and the rest of the year). Please share in the comments :·)
   
   Thanks for reading, talk to you in the next one!

   

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Why we don't value what we buy anymore

Stuff I didn't buy in May