@jeanne-mayell, thanks for creating this gift-giving thread. I love the rolling pins and the intention behind them. If my mom were still with us, I know she would love one and the beautiful story behind it. Besides being Polish and embracing that culture, she was quite the baker. We baked sugar cookies every Christmas, and it would have been such fun using that pin in our cookie creations.
The donated and refurbished, adoptable stuffed animals really touched my heart. I also love the Furoshiki gift wrapping. I’d seen it before and would like to try that. I often use cloth bags to hold my gifts, but I do like the Furoshiki idea.
@jeanne-mayell, like you many of my gifts are those of experiences, often involving something good to eat or activities that I believe a person would enjoy. I also bake cookies and cheese crackers, and give those to my family, neighbors and friends.
When purchasing gifts I often try to support small businesses. I especially enjoy supporting local artists. I also love giving people gifts that are meant to heal in some way. It could be a book of poetry, a massage, a nice meal at a local restaurant. Last year I gifted a few of my friends these little wooden, smoothly carved birds that you can hold in your hand. When I’m feeling ungrounded, I find the tactile experience calming.
I sometimes gift socks and last year discovered a Fair Trade sock company, Conscious Step, who partners with nonprofit organizations that align with the UN sustainable development goals. A portion of each sale goes towards the particular nonprofit behind the socks your purchased. Recently I purchased a few, e.g. Socks that protect wolves, Socks that protect owls, Socks that save cats, Socks that Plant trees … I think you get the picture! The socks are adorable and wear very well.
Whenever and whatever I give, I want the gift to be intentional, with heart. I believe the energy of our intention behind our gift lives on.
I really like radicalteatowel.com
Great gift ideas! Here's one of my tea towels.
I'm looking for a mystery book for a friend who recently lost his mother. I'd like a mystery novel that isn't too triggering but will get his mind off of his burden. Any ideas?
@anya I really like Donna Tartt novels. The Goldfinch, The Little Friend. Also author Wally Lamb, Kristen Hannah's The Nightingale, author William Kent Krueger.