fairdare
  • blog
  • Fairdare
  • ethical brands
  • zero-waste
  • zero-waste meals
  • about

simple gifts

12/10/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture
The idea of simple gift giving always brings the Ingalls family Christmases in Laura Ingalls Wilder's books to mind. A peppermint stick (a rare treat), a new tin cup (so the girls wouldn't have to share one anymore), or a lovingly sewn rag doll (for a girl who had never had one before) brought such wonder + joy. 

Many Westerners today have everything that they need...enough cups for everyone at the table to have their own...no shortage of toys...and candy more than once per year. Many of us just go to Target (or Amazon) when we want or need anything. There aren't too many needs left to fulfill with gifts. But we still enjoy giving holiday gifts.

A few gifting "categories" that speak to my zero-waste, simple, minimalist, environmentally considerate, plastic-free intentions ::
-something fair + lovely (want)
-replacement (need)
-experience
-homemade
-consumable
-something to do
-self-care
-useful, lovely indulgence 
-service

I like reading about holiday gift giving formulas families use like ::

-need, want, wear, read 
-gold (want), frankincense (something spiritual), myrrh (something for the body)
-want, need, experience to share 
-a year of monthly experiences

I think drawing names or doing white elephant gift exchanges (maybe say that no one can purchase anything) are good/fun options for extended families. Maybe doing a big swap for the holidays would be fun...even little ones could gather a few toys + clothes to offer. This could be a great way to go home with only things one actually wants + to clear out some space (donate the leftovers) as the new year approaches. I also love the idea of everyone sharing names of favorite books, movies, music albums, restaurants, quotes, recipes, new discoveries, parks, etc. This is the stuff of the joy of life anyway, isn't it? A list could be compiled individually or collectively.

Let's try not to make gift giving about obligation. We have no obligation to enrich the economy...no obligation to amass debt...no mandate to compete with the most generous gift giver in our extended family...no reason to create someone else's idea of a picture perfect holiday. (There is still opportunity to return stuff + reimagine this holiday.)  :)

Considering what gifts to give should be a joyful experience. It's an opportunity to share love + appreciation. We get to decide how that looks. 


Love,
Jane
4 Comments
Dorothy McLeod
12/10/2018 06:50:15 pm

Your comment about gift giving not being about obligation...hit the mark with me. So many times I have felt like I have to give rather than a desire to give. You have given me much to think about....giving from a standpoint of joy and sharing instead of the "Obligation". thanks

Reply
Jane link
12/10/2018 08:03:55 pm

So good to hear. I hope that we can all feel a little freedom in that direction. :)

Reply
Julie
12/11/2018 12:46:25 pm

I just finished reading Little House in the Big Woods to my son, so this truly hit a chord. This year I'm loosely following the need, want, wear, read formula with my family. I've had loads of fun (and success) finding thrifted, wooden toys for my youngest. I'm throwing a white elephant party for my extended family. I love that everyone will be picking out/bringing their own gifts to the exchange, so I'm not stuck with that obligation you mention to buy gifts for all the family members. This is our first year doing it and I think it will be lots of fun. I'm not familiar with, but love the "gold, frankincense and myrrh" theme. Maybe next year! I hope you're enjoying the holidays! xo

Reply
Jane link
12/12/2018 04:46:18 pm

Oh, such sweet memories of reading (+ being read) Little House. Your holiday sounds like it's shaping up lovely. We did white elephant gifting with our extended family the last times we were able to be with them + it created such happy memories for all of us (including my girls)...so much laughter + non-competitive fun. Hope it is the same for yours! Hope you are enjoying the holidays as well!! :)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    on a journey toward zero-waste, simplicity, + compassion :: daring to choose fair one choice at a time
    Picture
    Picture


    categories

    All
    Fair Brands
    Fairdare
    Garden
    Made
    Reads
    Simple Budget
    Simple Holidays
    Simple Home
    Simple Wardrobe
    Simply Said
    Sustainable Self
    Wanderings
    Yum
    Zero Waste

    archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014

    all images by jane unless otherwise noted. copyright 2023.
    subscribe via email

    RSS Feed

    Follow