The Joyful Gift Guide

December is just days away, and I don’t know about you, but I’m finally ready to get on with my Christmas shopping! At this time of year the internet is awash with gift guides, but I wanted to bring you one with a bit of a difference - a Joyful Gift Guide if you will. 

It’s joyful in a couple of ways. Firstly, it’s made up of small, independent businesses. It can be tempting to be swayed by the big Black Friday discounts, or to leave everything until the last minute and make use of Amazon Prime, but there is something truly lovely about supporting a small business and knowing that your purchase is making a difference to an individual.

Secondly, it’s joyful because the gifts on this list are all things that I think your loved ones would be chuffed to receive. At a time when we’re all trying to be more sustainable and considered with our purchases, I’ve tried to keep this list full of experiences, things that are functional and useful, or things that will bring joy for a long time.

And finally, I’ve chosen the businesses on this list because they all have a positive impact on their community, too. Whether that’s by starting important campaigns and conversations, supporting underrepresented artisans, or by simply offering positive vibes and support in their local communities.

With all of that in mind, shall we crack on with The Joyful Gift Guide? 

(P.S. If you fancy winning everything on this list, plus a Joyful Kickstart coaching power hour with me, head on over to my Instagram feed…)

1) WILDWOMAN Monthly Book Subscription Box

It’s lovely to have something to unwrap on Christmas morning, but do you know what can sometimes be even nicer? Getting cheered up by a lovely parcel in those bleak months following the festive season. 

Enter: the WILDWOMAN monthly book subscription box. Each month your recipient will receive a new-release self development book, plus accompanying gifts that are worth over £40. Gifting someone a subscription to WILDWOMAN is like gifting them the time to pause, reflect and learn something new about themselves or the world, and what could really be better than that?

2) Cawligraphy 2020 Hand Lettered Desk Calendar

I’ve tried so hard to get on board with iCal and Google Calendar, but the truth is, sometimes you just need a good old fashioned paper calendar. And who could resist a paper calendar when it looks as gorgeous as this pink one from Cawligraphy?

The whole calendar has been hand lettered by Ruthie, the creative babe behind the business, and each month has its own inspiring quote or mantra to guide you. It would make the perfect gift for anyone who’s ready to make 2020 their year!

3) Enthusiast T-Shirt

You’ve heard the phrase “wear you heart on your sleeve”, but what about wearing your enthusiasm on your chest? These t-shirts are the perfect gift for the enthusiast in your life - that person who’s always bubbling with positivity, talking about what they love, and spreading cheer wherever they go.

Better yet, the t-shirts are also super eco-friendly - they’re 100% ethically sourced and printed using vegan ink, with the process using no chemicals, producing no waste, and staying totally cruelty-free. There are also sweaters and tote bags available if that suits your recipient better.

4) 2020 Trigg Life Mapper

Looking for the perfect gift for your pal who’s always got a big old list of goals on the go? The 2020 Trigg Life Mapper is it. This isn’t just any old 2020 planner - it’s a planner with a focus on mindfulness and productivity, designed to help you move from goal setting to success with ease.

Dubbed as an “analogue refuge for all the most impactful areas of your life”, the Trigg Life Mapper weaves together the features of any traditional planner with spaces for gratitude lists, weekly reflections, and your own personal manifesto. Perfect for the stationery lover in your life (or perhaps as a little Christmas treat for yourself…).

5) Joy Jen Studio Art Prints

Art prints make a lovely gift - I’ve been lucky enough to receive a couple over the last few years, and whenever I see them hanging on my walls, I always think about the person who gave them to me. The right print can bring a smile to someone’s face well beyond the initial unwrapping, and Joy Jen Studio stock some truly beautiful ones.

My favourites include this abstract beach watercolour (doesn’t it just have you dreaming about spending some time by the sea?), and this Stay Wild print (because we could all do with a reminder every now and then). 

6) Saucony Jazz Original Trainers

I always think trainers are an ace present (my husband and I regularly gift them to each other) - a new pair can give your wardrobe a whole fresh lease of life, and you know that they’re gonna get a lot of use way beyond the festive period.

My favourite place to buy trainers is Second Store, which happens to be run by my pal Rosie. It’s the UK’s first female-only sneaker store, and they stock some fab brands. I’ve got my eye on the Saucony’s above, and I’m still loving the flowery Vans I bought back in the summer. 

7) Baskets - Tabara N’Diaye

 It probably won’t surprise you that I think books make a perfect gift, and I think it’s always lovely to receive a book that teaches you a new skill. This book not only gives you lots of information and history about the roots of basketry, but it also includes lots of projects for you to have a go at too.

Basketry is not only a super versatile craft, it’s also a great mindful activity too. This book would make a fab gift or stocking filler for any crafty loved ones, or for those who could do with switching off from their to do list every now and then. 

8) Silver Dot Ring Workshop

Finally, I’m a big fan of gifting experiences rather than things, but what I love even more is gifting an experience where the recipient gets to make their own thing! There’s so much joy in learning a new skill or trying a new craft, and getting to take whatever you make home with you, and that’s exactly what you can do at Today Studio in Leeds.

They host a variety of workshops, from calligraphy to candle making, but their silver dot ring workshop looks really special. And you’re not local to Leeds, or if you’d prefer to gift the finished product, then still be sure to check out the beautiful jewellery on offer over on Today. 

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I hope you’ve found some ideas for your Christmas shopping on this list, and that you’ve been inspired to shop small this year and support some brilliant businesses. Before I wrap up the post, I just wanted to share one last little tip for the gifting season and introduce you to Patchwork.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve already been asked what I want for Christmas by a couple of family members. If you’re in the same situation and would like to give a bit more direction than the usual “vouchers are fine!”, Patchwork is what you need! You can ask friends and family to contribute towards a gift or experience that you really want, or you can do what I’ve done and request things like used books, recipe recommendations and friend dates.

It’s a brilliant way of asking for the things that mean the most to you, and it also helps to keep any unwanted gifts out of landfill - perfect when we’re all trying to be more sustainable and considered!

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Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Has anything on this list caught your eye?