fern's hierarchy of gift giving

It's that time of year again when celebrators of winter holidays dash to the store in a frenzy with the realization that there's hardly time left to find the perfect little something for everyone. While there are a variety of holidays this time of year, many of them involve some sort of gift giving. It's getting easier and easier to buy things with a click of a button and same-day shipping on Amazon, but before we get giving-money-to-corporate-America-desperate, let's explore some other options. I've made a handy-dandy hierarchy of gift giving to guide us through the options.

1. For a Good Cause

First on our list of better-for-the-planet, better-for-the-people present ideas is the noble gift of donation. Admittedly, this may not be the right fit for everyone, but if you do have someone on your list who is particularly fond of a certain cause or organization, this could be just the right gift for them.

Why donate a gift? A gift of a donation means that instead of spending money on something your friend or fam *might* like (or might chuck in the bin by new years eve), a donation to a good cause means that the money you spend is definitely not going to be wasted. Here are some ideas of organization types to donate to:

• Cancer Research Funds

• Women's Reproductive Rights Organizations and Service Providers

• Pet Health Organizations

• Environmental and Conservation Organizations

• Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

• Political Campaigns

There are so many great non-profits and organizations to choose from, you might be surprised how many people actually would appreciate a certificate of donation. Think about the people you're shopping for - what's important to them? Have they lost a loved one (human or furred) to an illness? They might really appreciate the sentiment of a donation to an organization researching cures and treatments for that disease. Are they riled up about the political climate? (Who isn't?!) They might be really grateful for a donation to a political campaign they care about. Is someone riled up about the actual climate? (Again, who isn't.) Consider making a donation to an environmental organization like 350.org or The Nature Conservancy on their behalf. Do you know somebody who lovessssssss, and I mean, LOVES, a certain animal? Maybe dogs? Maybe elephants? Maybe turtles? Whichever furred, feathered, or scaled creature makes them smile, there's bound to be an organization dedicated to their conservation, care, or rehabilitation. Just do a Google search and see what you find.

A word of caution: We all want to believe that when someone says they're planting trees for every dollar donated, the reality is that they might not be planting ecosystem-appropriate trees for the good of the planet and not for future harvests with that money. Before putting your credit card info in, it's always good to dive into the history and accountability of an organization to make sure they are what they say.

2. Handmade Goodness

If you're looking for a meaningful, tangible gift, something handmade might be just the right way to show someone you care. In my humble opinion, making something special for someone you love is high up there on the most-thoughtful-gifts list. Handmade gifts let you make one-of-a-kind pieces that you can't find in a store. They also let you get creative in ways that show off your personality or your relationship with the receiver. When done well, these can be some of the most impressive gifts to give, but you don't have to be a master artisan to make something special. Here are some ideas:

• Sweet treats - make cookies, brownies, bread, or throw a batch of dry baking ingredients in a mason jar and write the recipe down on a cute little tag.

• Canned, frozen, or dehydrated meals - if you're into canning or just love to cook, you can preserve delicious soups, sauces, and even casseroles to give to your hungry loved ones.

• A photo or drawing - print and frame a special photo or grab a pen and make an illustrated version of a special photo or memory.

• Warm and fuzzy fiber gifts - knit, crochet, weave, or felt, whatever your fav way to make pretty knots, there are tons of free patterns online to help you make fiber art, big or small. For beginners, start with a simple scarf, hat, or ornament. Try out making a scrap yarn blanket, felted slippers, or delicately detailed sweater if you're more daring or experienced.

• Sew it up - try your hand at a simple sewing pattern like an apron, minimalist top, or pillow. If you have the time and the confidence, try making a quilt or prairie dress.

• Play to your strengths - if you have a love of a particular craft or trade, work with that when thinking about what gifts to make. If you love to write, consider typing a short story or poem for a dear one. If you love working with clay, make a pair of dainty clay earrings or a sweet little tea cup.

A few tips for beginner makers:

1. Making gifts isn't always cheap or easy. In fact, given the ridiculously low prices of most fast-fashion / sweatshop made goods, the cost of materials and time to make something by hand might surprise you. Consider how much material, and what type of material, a project will need before you commit to it.

2. Budget your time. Like all things in life, making something from scratch will take you more time than you expect. If you're in a pinch, hold off on starting a quilt or complicated weaving (or get a head start for next year).

3. When possible, choose sustainable materials. Just because something is handmade, doesn't mean it's environmentally-friendly. Consider what materials you are using and where they are being sourced from. For food, look for organic and local ingredients whenever possible. For fabric and yarn, check your local shops for locally spun and woven fibers. You can also find an impressive collection of art materials at secondhand art shops like Art Parts Creative Reuse Store in Boulder, CO. Many local thrift stores also have yarn, fabric, and other materials that can be used for DIY projects.

3. Sustainably Secondhand

No time or energy for handmade goodies? I feel you. Secondhand gifts are the next best choice. Thrift, consignment, and vintage shops are a great place to check for fun, unique gifts that your loved ones will appreciate. And, no, I'm not talking about gag gifts here, although, if that's your thing, have at it - there's loads of those options too! Secondhand shops can be just as full and varied in their product selection as most retail stores, and if you do a little digging, you can find a variety of gifts for everyone on your list. Here are some sustainable secondhand gifts to look for instead of purchasing new:

• Video games and game consoles - most of us have someone on our list that wants them, and so many people thrift games right after playing them through. Look for games and consoles secondhand before getting them new, or find unique old games that you're loved ones will be surprised and stoked about.

• Clothes - it's super easy to find cute, on trend clothes secondhand. Seriously, it's easy. One of the easiest ways to find a specific item someone wants secondhand (like if you're baby sister is obsessed with all black high-top Converse), is to head to Poshmark, Mercari, or Depop and search. Unless something just hit the shelves yesterday, there's a very good chance someone is selling theirs barely used or even new with tags. If you're loved one has a series 70s vibe (we're talking roller skates and a glorious shag) there are going to be a ton of cool options for them at local vintage shops and online secondhand shops alike. The same with your cute cottagecore friend, your dark academia friend, etc...

• Furniture - there is nearly always a beautiful selection of old wooden furniture at our local thrift shops, and I have found this to be true nearly everywhere I've lived and traveled (yes, I do thrift on the road thank you very much). If you have someone on your list that could use a new desk, a sturdy reading chair, or a nice bookshelf, see what you can find at your local thrift shop. If there isn't something *perfect*, consider refinishing, painting or doing a complete DIY on an old thrifted piece.

• Glassware and quirky mugs - the shelves of thrift stores are often lined with stacks upon stacks of glass, mugs, and other dining table things. Look for a pretty set of wine glasses, an interesting vase, or a brilliantly quirky mug for your sassy friend.

Bonus points: Thrift shops are a great place to find things with star potential. What I mean by this is, when thrifting, look for potential, not perfection. If you see an interesting jean or leather jacket, consider what it would look like if you painted a design on the back with fabric paints. If you find a nice pair of jeans but they're a bit worn, think about fun ways to visibly mend them for a truly unique and extra thoughtful gift.

4. Locally Crafted

If you can't make what you want to give and you leave the thrift shop empty handed, locally crafted goods are the next option in our journey through the hierarchy of gift giving. Buying from local artisans and makers is a great way to find something special for relatives and friends who live far away. It can be a great way to tell a person you care by giving them a gift of "home". Buying locally can also make shopping a lot more pleasant, because you get to talk to real people about real things that they actually made instead of going through a line of sales reps, customer service representatives, and supervisors only to still not get the answers you're looking for about an item. Choosing local goods means you can leave the store with more confidence about where the ingredients or materials came from, how the item was made, and who is seeing the profits. Another great reason to buy locally is because it supports your community. Buying locally puts money back into your local economy, and gives small business owners the chance to grow. Here are some great things to look for locally:

• Food, beer, and wine

• Clothes

• Houseware

• Soap, skincare, and makeup

• Paint, fiber, and other materials for our artist friends

• Art

• Jewelry

• Toys

• Furniture

Local experiences: Another great gift idea for those shopping locally is to consider gifting an experience. Many local businesses offer vouchers and gift cards so you can give your loved ones a dinner for two at a favorite restaurant, a visit to a museum or garden, a dance lesson at a local studio, a round of mini golf, or even a soldering class. Local spas offer vouchers for massages and facials, and many local artists also teach classes to people interested in learning their craft.

5. Small Bizz Bestie

Supporting small business, local or otherwise, is a great way to support talented makers and sustainable craftspeople around the world. If you can't find quite what you're looking for locally, consider shopping with a small business like an artist you follow on Instagram or from your favorite Etsy shop. There are so many incredibly talented artists in the world, many of which sell through online retail sites like Etsy, and many that have their own websites. Check to see if they have consistent listings or if they have sales days periodically. If they typically sell out of their products shortly after listing them, it's a good idea to set a reminder for when their sales go live so you don't miss out. Many small business owners also create commission or custom pieces, so check their social media pages and website to see if they can make a custom piece for you.

Important reminder: small businesses and makers aren't Amazon. They often make their items to order and need more time for shipping out packages (they probably don't have a warehouse, many are a one-person show). Plan ahead, and be kind.

6. Ethical Retailers

Finally, if you still haven't found the right gift for your loved one, try exploring ethical retailers. There is an increasing number of medium-scale makers creating products with sustainable materials, fair wages, and ethical working conditions. Whether you are looking for books, clothes, toys, food, housewares, or pet supplies, there are plenty of ethical retail shops online to choose from. Before making a purchase, read their About page, learn where they source their materials, and find out what makes them stand out in the sustainable community. It's important to see if they walk the walk or if they're all talk before purchasing, there are many companies who pretend to be something they're not, so proceed with caution.

Whatever you choose to give this holiday season, remember, the 3 best gifts you can give to anyone are your time, your attention, and your love.

xx Fern