Mindful consumption this holiday season and meaningful gift ideas
Prioritise on what matters most
Take the Pressure off this Holiday Season.
Although the Black Friday sales and cyber monday can be great for grabbing a deal (I myself picked up some books, stationary and stocking fillers for the children!), it's important to remember that we don’t have to buy into the frenzy and all the things. Instead of feeling obligated to grab everything on the must-have list, let’s take the pressure off and focus on what truly matters. Consumerism is often driven by external influences—advertisements, societal expectations, and the constant pressure to keep up with trends. It can also be rooted in a deeper, emotional need or void to fill.
The key to breaking free from the cycle of overconsumption really starts with our mindset. So often, consumerism comes from a scarcity mindset—the idea that we need more to feel happy, fulfilled, or successful. But what if we flipped that narrative? When we approach our purchasing decisions with intention and an abundance mindset, we can move away from emotional and impulse spending. It's no longer about filling a void with more "stuff," but about choosing what truly serves us—what aligns with our values and brings lasting joy. By making this shift, we begin to clear space for what really matters: meaningful experiences, deeper relationships, and quality over quantity. And it’s in this space where we find the kind of fulfillment that truly lasts.
This holiday season, I encourage you to take a step back and be mindful of what you purchase. Buy only what you actually love, what you need, and what you know will be used and appreciated.
Clear to create
Before the holidays and the Christmas season roll around, I always make sure to assist my kids with a major refinement and declutter. It’s a tradition in our home—one that I find not only clears physical space but also creates a sense of mental clarity heading into the season. I remind them that when new things come in, we need to make room for them by letting go of what we no longer need. This is a perfect opportunity to teach them about the importance of generosity, so we talk about how other children might benefit from the toys, clothes, and books they no longer play with. Over the years, they’ve become accustomed to donating and exchanging items, and knowing that new things are on the way makes the process a lot easier. In fact, they’ve even taken great pleasure in seeing their younger cousins enjoy their pre-loved clothes or toys. It’s all part of creating a cycle of mindful consumption and teaching them that giving is just as fulfilling as receiving. Want to learn more about the art of mindful decluttering in your kids’ spaces? Check out our mini course on how to refine, declutter, and create more intentional spaces for the whole family.
Quality Over Quantity
My belief for choosing quality over quantity extends to children gifts and holiday purchases too. Example: Opt for timeless toys like Magna-Tiles, wooden blocks, wooden puzzles, LEGOs, plus plus, books, handmade picture books, journals, handmade dolls, bead making, board games, and art supplies. Not only do they look wonderful on display when you store them, but these classics offer endless opportunities for imaginative play and never go out of style! (We have Melissa and Doug puzzles going five years strong!)
Choose with intention from the beginning, and you'll find it being used and appreciated, no matter the age. The same principle applies across the board!
Each year, we make a tradition of giving the children a big gift each or a shared gift—something they can enjoy together and truly get a lot of use out of. I've found that this approach works beautifully with any budget! Get creative and have fun with it—remember, not everything has to be brand new to be special.
Three years ago we purchased an entire wooden train set for $85 on facebook market place in incredible condition. Brand new it’s worth over $700.
With our relations, we make it a habit to ask what one needs and really wants before purchasing. That way we know the children will at least use and love it!
Personalised Gifts:
Custom Jewelry: A bracelet, necklace, or ring engraved with a meaningful date, initials, or a special message. I love using etsy and small business creatives for this. (Shop small and shop local!)
Custom Photo Book: Curate a photo album or a personalised scrapbook filled with special moments from the year or a memorable trip.
Engraved Keepsake Box: A wooden box with a meaningful engraving, perfect for storing sentimental items like letters, jewelry, or mementos.
Gifts Of Experiences:
Just like with birthdays and holidays, I encourage giving experiences as gifts and emphasise to my children the value of focusing on relationships and memorable experiences rather than accumulating material possessions. This year my mum is giving them Peter Pan theatre tickets!
See below for more ideas:
Gift card to a local book shop
Spa day /treatment/ sauna/ice bath/massage etc
A special date with you or someone they love
Membership to a museum, zoo, science centre, or amusement park
Movie passes with treats and popcorn
Tickets to a puppet show, play, or ballet
Subscription to an age-appropriate magazine, book or music
A special trip or weekend adventure
Tickets to a sports game or athletic event
Tickets and/or a membership for bowling, mini golf, or horse riding
A spa day or a gift card for a manicure or pedicure
Enrolment in a special activity, lesson, or class (art, cooking, music, golf, tennis, or something they have been wanting to learn)
Gift card to a pottery painting studio or crafting activity like flower arranging
Tickets to a concert, theatre, ballet, sports match etc.
Memorable Experiences:
Memory Jar: Create a jar filled with handwritten notes, each containing a memory, compliment, or thoughtful message, for the friend to open throughout the year.
DIY “Date Night” Kit: Put together a box of materials for a fun date night—whether it's making a favourite meal together, a movie marathon with popcorn, or crafting something special.
Letter or Video Message: Write a heartfelt letter or record a video message sharing your appreciation, memories, and well wishes. (Several years ago, for my mum’s 60th birthday, I created a special moment for her Great Gatsby-themed party, even though I was living in Australia at the time. I dressed in a 1920s cocktail dress, set the scene with opulent fabrics from Goodwill and gold balloons, and recorded a video of myself reading a poem and raising a champagne flute in a toast. She loved it!)
Sentimental Gifts with Meaning:
Tree or Plant with a Personal Touch: Gift a plant or tree with a note about its symbolism, or even a small plaque with the friends name or a meaningful date.
Charity Donation in Their Name: Make a donation to a cause that’s close to their heart, and present it as a gift that reflects their values and passions.
Family Recipe Book: Compile your favourite family recipes, complete with personal notes, stories, or photos for a gift that celebrates tradition and shared experiences.
DIY Gifts:
Essential Oil-Infused Body Scrub
Ingredients: A sugar or salt body scrub makes an excellent self-care gift. Use sugar for a softer scrub or sea salt for a more exfoliating texture. Infuse with uplifting oils like grapefruit, or lavender to nourish the skin and relax the mind.
How-to: Mix 1 cup of organic sugar, pinch sea salt with 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 10–15 drops of your favourite essential oil. Store in an airtight container. We love, stress away, lavender, bergamot. See here for more!
DIY Bath Bombs
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
2 tbsp Epsom salts
3 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 tsp water
4 drops essential oil (e.g., vanilla & lavender)
Molds or a large ice cream scoop
Other Essential Oil Combinations:
Frankincense & Lavender
Lavender & Stress Away
Method:
In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients (baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts).
In a separate bowl, mix coconut oil and essential oils, then slowly add to the dry mix.
Add water, mixing until the texture is crumbly.
Press into molds and let dry on a baking sheet for 8-12 hours.
Store in an airtight container and decorate with ribbon or foliage.
DIY Body Oil
Ingredients:
3/4 jojoba oil or rosehip oil
30 drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, frankincense, vanilla, rose, sandalwood)
Method:
Fill an oil dropper bottle 3/4 full with jojoba or rosehip oil.
Add 30 drops of your chosen essential oil for hydration and moisture. See here on how to get essential oils.
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