The non-Amazon gift guide - 2020 edition • Eco-friendly photographer
One of the lesson from 2020 is that small and local businesses are vital to a community and that they make our cities a better place. So let’s put our money where it belongs. You’ll have owners doing happy little dances in their living room so let’s give them some good reasons to dance some more.
Here you will find a mix of beloved, local, woman or BIPOC-owned small businesses and less local shops, but always with sustainable practices. Thanks to my followers on Instagram who sent me recommendations.
It took me a while to put this list together and lots of the things you’ll find here, have been tested (and loved) by my kids or myself. I’ve tried to highlight small businesses as much as possible as well as local creatives I know. I hope you’ll find inspiration in this non-exhaustive list and to look into your own community too. You can deinitely use this list throughout the year if you need inspiration for birthday gifts or other milestones.
That being said, the Holiday season is also about living with gratitude and being intentional about the things you already have, the things you need, what brings you joy. Be mindful about what you bring into your home. I’ll sure make a purge and donate/ sell what we don’t use anymore to make space for the new stuff.
FOR THE KIDS
An Idea Box is a little box filled with wood coins that hold activities, ideas, chores, story starters and more...depending on the theme of your Idea Box. Not only is it a surprise every single time...it's also secretly educational! We have the Scavenger Hunt and we love it. “Natural rewards” sounds great too ;-)
Lunii, my fabulous Storyteller
A unique “story maker” that helps children craft their own stories thaks to a screen free little box. Even my ç year-old daughter still listens to hers. You download stories in the language you want!
Children can use them in so many ways. Build a bridge or slide, create a balance beam, as a stepping stool, resting or reading spot, a doll cradle...the possibilities are endless! A versatile and beautiful heirloom toy that encourages balance and active play. (Another option here).
We love to create with our Nature Print paper! It is also called cyanotype, or sun printing and so easy to use. Just place your items (flowers, leaves, feathers, legos, dinosaurs, figures… on top of the paper, expose it to sunlight then submerge the paper in water to stop the exposure process. You’ll end up with a beautiful blue print.
Entertain your children with this wooden memory game with the wild animals of the Safari series. The durable game is a great way of training their memory while the subtle colours and natural wood add a stylish touch to your home.
Playsilks are beautiful, magical toys that any child can enjoy! The simplicity and open-endedness of Playsilks help unlock the incredible creative potential inside of children, ready to be released: dancing, dressing up, stirring them in a pot for "soup," carrying stuffed animals in a "sling" and so much more! You can even wrap your gifts in a silk to add on the fun! (and ditch that wrapping paper).
8 Beeswax Skin Tone Crayons created to honor the skin tones of the beautiful souls that make our world a magical place. Created with help from bees and palm trees and use no paraffin and no chemical fillers.
Kids memory box - The begining of my life
How I wish I could start this for my kids! This beautiful memorabilia box contains little boxes, envelopes, cotton bags and notecards to keep each little memory of the kids’ start in life safe. Make of the box what you wish it to become with plenty of room to show who your family is. It might not be in stock but keep in mind as a beautiful gift for a future bébé or as a gift.
They started with childhood history journals and I bought one for each kids. The prompts are meaningful and it’s truly a priceless thing to have and to hold. I try to remember to fill it but I can’t wait to give it to my kids one day. They have now a whole collection of 15 different journals from “Christmas memories” to “Emotions”, “adoption”, “Parent-child” etc.
The adventure magazine for young historians (6-12 years old). We absolutely LOVE this magazine! It’s thoughtfully designed, sustainably produced and each issue make us discover stories of people, countries through engaging content. They have a 15% holiday discount of subscription right now. Don’t go, RUN!
Another beloved magazine we like to receive each quarter. “Bravery magazine empowers kids to dream, learn, do, and become their own kind of brave. Each issue features a strong female role model who embodied a trait we want to teach our kids. Bravery promotes these traits through engaging stories, creative activities, and hands-on DIYs.”
Online Stop motion camps for kids (and grownups!). The last one is the LEGO camp!
Because this one is too pretty not to share. You can assemble it quickly or put it back in its muslin bag, after you take it apart when not in use!
for the kids (or their grown ups) who need to keep track of time with a sustainably made perpetual calendar. A little bit of excitement to add on your morning routine.
Fun and stylish, the watch has been designed to be the perfect accessory for a child.
FOR THE HOME
Perfect house shoes made using felting techniques. Choose a colored insole for fun. “Krygies House shoes are part of a new casual uniform and are a new kind of comfort based on a centuries old tradition of felted wool.”
Sheepskin (from June website)
I have several at home that I can’t live without, especially in winter. Very well made. Produced in Ontario, Canada.
Another option: Sheep skins from Hygge Life
Typewriter candles from Handmade Habitat
Write your own message on the candle to spread love. All text is type by hand on a vintage Brother typewriter. Handmade Habitat is an all natural soy wax candle and beauty goods company for slow, mindful living. Our work is consciously hand crafted in small batches to be healthy for the body, home, and Mother Earth. Based in in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC.
A local artist and friend you can find around DC through art markets, Shop Made in DC, or Pyramid Atlantic.
It’s OK Clay - Modern Ceramics
I own 3 pieces from Katie: 2 pairs of beautiful earrings and a mid-century modern inspired planter. They bring me JOY! Follow her Instagram.
Morocan rugs made to order and fully customizable. They are all gorgeous.
Primary Goods - bedsheets
I can’t wait to receive my new bedding made from 100% organic french linen. It took me a long time to find these! Another very good option for organic linen bedsheets was The Citizenry.
Hand woven, knit, and sewn goods for the home, thoughtfully made in DC. Particularly love her woven wall hangings.
CRAFTS/ DIY
Every Winter, Ihave the urge to buy some yarn and start a project… that almost never sees the light. This site is very cool and you’ll find lots of free patterns from scarves, to sock and sweaters.
My local friend Katie will take care of you, online or in person for all your fabric, patterns, whatever sewing needs. Support local, buy small.
It’s been on my to-do list for too long. I have the fabric and everything so I hope to sew this this winter. This skirts looks as comfy as hip. Follow the hashtag on IG for more inspiration.
Buy an embroidery kit (lady parts is my favorite), or purchase a unique, handmade embroidery for you and check that off your list. My French friend Elise has amazing personalized embroideries of US cities, empowering woman, BLM movement, and even DIRTY DANCING you guys!! How cool is that! Follow her on Instagram. Or shop on ETSY.
Pyramid Atlantic is an art space welcoming everything related to papermaking, printmaking, screenprinting etc. They have moved all their workshops online and they need our support. You can become a member and visit their online shop. Their new letterpress calendar is gorgeous.
Find one here or make your own for the long hours we spend behind our screens.
Wheel throwing class - Art Works Now
Only 6 students per class. Rayna is the best at teaching! She taught me how to throw a pot which is kind of a magical thing. I miss it!
Taproot is a magazine and marketplace for people who are deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the Earth. They also have an interesting shop with lovely books and crafts.
HOLIDAYS/WINTER/ hygge
Wooden Christmas tree from reclaimed wood - Forty Third Place Wood Working
A few years ago, I asked Blake, my talented and creative neighbor to make this wooden tree for me. I love it so much! I don’t have to brave the cold to buy (or cut) a tree anymore and I solved the problem of: is a fake tree that I use forever better than a fresh tree grown with pesticides? It simplifies at least one thing during the holiday so that’s a big win in my books.
Blake is insanely gifted for all wood work and he’s the go-to guy for custom-built anything. Check Forty Third Place.
I love this kit to make your own and ditch all the plastic that usually comes when you buy one from any store. Yes, it will take longer but what a fun tradition. You can be zero-waste if you find candies in bulk too!
Christmas Calendar - scented candle
Cross off each day until Christmas Eve while burning the candle a little bit each day.
This house-shaped calendar has small pockets for treats and gifts. Its narrow shape makes it a great fit for small kids' rooms, between two doors, or in modest spaces.
Keep calm and puzzle on. Thhis is on my christmas list :-) Jiggy puzzles are eco-friendly and gorgeous! You can also try Galison for their puzzles (but a lot of them are sold out) or games.
Iron candle stand – double arm
“The double arm matte black stand, with its raw hammered look, is an elegant stand-alone piece, even without candles. The horseshoe shape only adds to its rustic beauty – whether or not it brings you any extra luck.”
Merino base layer 250 from Smart Wool
Even if this winter is going to be mild, a good base layer is critical while we watch the kids play outside :-) This merino wool layer is the best in the market: warm, soft on the skin, resists moisture (not like synthetic fibers). Pricey but well worth it.
Three amazing plants (organic schizandra berries, dried organic jasmine flowers, dried organic hibiscus flowers) nourish our sacral chakra, where we not only birth life into the world, but new ideas, and creative expressions.
KITCHEN
Adjustable Rolling Pin
The rolling pin that comes with silicone rings in five circumference option. Just slide right on your pin to give it the exact height you need. Great trick for cutout cookies!
These cloth dish covers are perfect for covering a bowl with leftovers you need to put in the fridge.
They are simply the BEST and the CHEAPEST ($2!!) on the market… and I’ve tried a few. This zero waste shop is located in Virginia. Show her some love. Compost when done using.
Pass heirloom recipes on to future generations with this customizable cookbook. From grandma's lasagna to mom's bundt cake, every family has recipes that transport them back to the kitchen in an instant.
The Zero Waste Chef cookbook, Plant-forward recipes and tips for a sustainable kitchen and planet (pre-order).
Follow Anne-Marie Bonneau, The Zero Waste Chef’s blog for a sustainable lifestyle that starts in the kitchen with this use-what-you-have, spend-less-money mindset. Looking forward to it!
I’ve been baking bread in my 2 dutch ovens like crazy since March! I stole one to my mom and bought a bigger one in an outlet when I arrived in the U.S. There are often discounts so look online for deals.
NATURE
Tiny and minimalistic cabins in the Shenandoah National Park. They are often sold out so plan ahead.
Plant and floral studio in Washington, DC.
Ambiana - French floral designer
My friend Maud creates the most amazing and chic floral compositions. She also has workshops. Check her dried flowers wreaths and bouquets. Perfect for the Holidays. Instagram.
Girls belong outdoors! This handbook covers everything you need to get outside, including ideas for what to do, camping and hiking basics, body stuff in the wilderness, advanced skills like maps, weather, and first aid, as well as recipes, projects, activities, and profiles of inspiring outdoorswomen.
2020 is the year we discovered gardening and permaculture. This book should help in keeping track, record, plan and document all of our green fingered activities.It’s my secret gift for my husband (who doesn’t read my blog! Aha).
The best climbing and ziplining park in MD. “The Adventure Park provides family fun for ages 5 and up. This aerial forest adventure is fun, exciting and secure for all participants.”
We are the Gardeners, Joanna Gaines
A beloved favorite in our household. “In We Are the Gardeners, Joanna and the kids chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden. As it turns out, trying something new isn't always easy, but the hardest work often yields the greatest reward. There are always new lessons waiting to be learned in the garden!”
“These charming sculpture houses a single piece of produce to entice winged friends to swoop in for a quick, sweet snack.”
FEEL GOOD / LOOK GOOD
Ethic Goods provides economic empowerment for women rescued from human trafficking, and those at risk of exploitation by selling Jewelry designed in DC and made with freedom in Thailand, Ethoipia and NE Asia | Instagram.
Fashion accessories, home decor, sustainable fashion items curated in Latin America. All items are made using artisanal techniques “rooted in the desire to preserve traditions, champion better lives and protect the environment”. Concept Store at La Cosecha (Union Market) and new online store | Instagram
Wood Massage Brush - dry or wet
The simple practice of dry brushing boosts beauty + wellness throughout the body. Benefits includes: increased circulation, smooth + exfoliated skin, detoxification through lymphatic drainage, and improved appearance of the skin.
100% natural and toxin-free, Primally Pure skincare products support radiant skin, a healthy body + a happy self. I love their cleansing oil (normal skin).
The round little wonder allows you to deepen your stretches in a safe, easy way. Use it to massage your spine, strengthen your core, and, when you're sore from all that yoga, release tension in your muscles.
Jade gemstones relaxation mask
This is great for reducing puffiness and help relax facial muscles, where we hold lots of tension. And if meditation is your thing, add the mask into your rotation—you’ll never go back.
Statement fabric earrings handmade by local artist, Zenas Okanlawon. Find her at Green Owl Design and say hi to my friends while you’re there.
Two french sisters create jewelry in porcelain and find inspiration in nature and animals. Their pieces are bold and will definitely make a statement.
LOCAL BOOKSTORES
Politics and Prose have a book-a-month subscription for children and teens. They carefully pick and send a book or 2 each month (or every other month) based on the reader’s interests, hobbies etc.
Juliette Fradin Photography has a documentary approach for photographing families so they can just slow down and enjoy the simple fact of being together. I love to document the love (and tears) that go into family life, or managing a small business or a sweet reunion.
I am also an eco-friendly business who tries not to harm the earth more than necessary by limiting plastic (or disposing of it correctly), finding sustainable products, reusing packaging, and planting trees.
Follow me on Instagram.
