Intentional Holiday Gift Guide
Did you know that during the holiday season, Americans produce 25% more waste compared to the rest of the year? In New York City, during this time a year its maybe a little…too…bustling! The extra crowds while trying to purchase gifts on your list only creates more stress in your body than you’re already carrying from being the average New Yorker!
During a time when it’s clear that large corporations would rather put funding into ways to harm communities and working people, the holidays are a great time to avoid stress and put our time, effort and money into quality time, connection and community instead.
Four Rabbit Bandana Board Games
Support a small business and independent artist! Four Rabbit makes beautiful scarves and bandanas. Arielle focuses on sustainability while also creating beautiful products. Each bandana comes with game pieces so you can turn your accessory into a game at any picnic, party or gathering. They also work as great cover-ups after a cupping or guasha treatment!
Donate Your Time With A Friend
The gift of intentionality, community and connection are truly priceless. One of my favorite past times is to volunteer for meal delivery services at local organizations on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It’s a nice way to spend quality time with friends while also helping out in the community. There are so many more people struggling in our city today. NYC has so many places that do this such as Goddard Riverside Community, God’s Love We Deliver, Food Bank, Bowery Mission, City Harvest. You can also check your local churches or houses of worship.
Share a Meal
Build relationship through nourishment. My family does not focus on gifts but we do spend time eating together! During the holidays is the best time to catch up with a friend over lunch or dinner while also supporting a local small business like my favorite vegan restaurant in the West Village, Red Bamboo. Maybe you can’t get your schedules to align? Buy your friend or family member a giftcard.
Offer Healing
Everyone has that friend who needs a massage or something healing in their life! Unwind Spas offers gift cards for the best massages in NYC! If you come to see me, you’ll know I always recommend them for massages!
Buy Art
Mischelle Moy is a Brooklyn artist who makes beautiful images and sells her prints online! Purchase directly from her site and help support a local artist!