The most memorable gift I’ve received in the past few years was a mink cape my mom passed down to me from her great aunt. It is a beautiful piece, still in fabulous condition, and something completely unique. I have treasured it since the moment I opened the box.
What makes this gift special is that it is a family heirloom which will get handed down to me once in my lifetime. Its not like I can expect a 100-year-old, priceless mink every Christmas (nor do I expect it), but it is a great reminder of how much space Christmas shopping takes up in our minds, and yet how fleetingly all those purchases are remembered.
What did my husband get me last year…? A cozy blanket which I absolutely love. Okay, I’m not proving my point very well.
But the majority of the gifts I received and gave have become fuzzy, distant memories since last year. This serves as a good reminder to myself how much more a thoughtful gift can mean versus ten impulse purchases.
The challenge is a thoughtful gift takes time and effort. It takes knowledge of the loved one’s personality and interests; it takes planning and searching to get it right.
And even then, sometimes it falls flat. The next best thing if a family heirloom isn’t readily at hand is to shop for items with a story.
The key is to start early.
It’s easy to get swept into the “more is more” frenzy, but the most ethical thing you can do is simple: take the time to find high quality gifts with transparent origins.
This doesn’t mean it has to be American made, but it is one of the easiest ways to ensure the gift was made with ethical labor practices and high quality.
Here are four gems I found while making my Christmas list this year:
Check out the American made wool blankets at American woolen : https://americanwoolen.com/shop/
Or the USA made stoneware at Lehman’s: https://www.lehmans.com/category/usa-made-gifts?srsltid=AfmBOor3Ycw_pLzFAlrDm6tpIciB-VuIUlyE472FjQaYehbZN7LIpFp7
And the USA made whiskey making kit for the virtuous lushes in your life from Uncommon Goods
For those in your life who are hardest to shop for, a gift card can be the answer. With a Martindale Gift Card, she can start investing in her forever wardrobe.
A single well-made gift beats five forgettable ones every time. Choose items crafted to last—bonus points if they’re made from natural fibers or come from small-batch makers who actually know the people behind their supply chains.
The most ethical gift is one they will keep and use for years to come.
-Elise
