Holiday Gift Buying Guide, without Black Friday

Gifting-giving season is upon us! And we have some thoughts.

It seems as if the moment the calendar page turns to November, we get slammed with promotional emails, texts, and ad banners about Black Friday deals, promo codes, and buying incentives. Big box stores know the psychology of purchasing – urgency, incentive, and hitting our pain points. And our bank accounts can certainly be a pain point that needs addressing during gift-giving season!

There is no judgment in any Black Friday participation. But if you are looking for a way to mitigate the constant influence of the one-click-buy behemoth that is the American gift-giving season – then read on!

We could start by talking about ethical concerns, environmental impact, worker exploitation, or consumerism stress and pressure that the Christmas gift-purchasing brings – but we have a hunch you are already familiar with those concepts. We want to consider a different approach…one that is not by any means revolutionary, but creates more space for meaningful transactions and interactions. 

1. Rethink Gift Giving

Sometimes we do things because we’ve always done them. And listen, there is deep comfort and beauty to traditions. But sometimes we lose sight of the heart of gift-giving, and it can become obligatory, financially straining, and autopilot-esque. Return to the heart of giving. . .take a pause and refocus on the meaning behind it.

Be Open to New Ways of Giving and Receiving. Consider redirecting the way you and your family engages with giving and receiving this season. Be open.

Purchase Handmade. Support craftsmanship and artisanry in your city by making purchases from creative small businesses this season. When we buy quality handmade, we tend to keep these items for longer, and treat them as objects to care for and not quickly discard.

Embrace a Home-Crafted Christmas! Not everyone is into crafting or making things…but the holidays are a great time to embrace homemade things. Make it a theme this Christmas, homemade only! Go as a family to a candle-making, soap making, or printmaking workshop. 

Draw Names for One Big Gift. Buy small and thoughtful gifts for stockings stuffers, and then draw names for one larger gift for a single family member. Agree upon a budget beforehand!

Gift Experiences. Instead of physical things, gift experiences! Dinner together, a concert, a workshop with a Maker, or a weekend away.

2. Resist the One-Click-Buys

This season, what if we created a pause in our one-click-buying habits? Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you receive Black Friday promo deals:

• Is this a thoughtful gift, or just a great price?
• Is this an obligatory gift? Could a purchase be replaced with a handwritten note, an experience together, or by meeting another need?
• Is this a tech item that can’t be handcrafted, or sourced locally?
• Could this item be bought from a local small business?

3. Focus on Buying Local

This season – what if we focused on gift buying from our own local community? Support local, blah blah blah. We know, you’ve heard the whole spiel before! But we really think there is something deeper about this overused adage. (Check out our October blog here.) 

When you purchase from a local maker, you are putting money in your neighbors pocket…someone who lives two blocks away, in the township over. These small business owners are mothers, fathers, sisters, friends, side-hustlers, and full-time craftsman. When you purchase locally made goods, here are some big benefits for you and your community:

1. Environmental Benefits.
   • Local shopping typically involves shorter supply chains and less transportation, which can reduce the environmental impact associated with shipping and packaging. And local businesses are often more likely to use local suppliers, further minimizing the carbon footprint of the products you buy!
2. Economic Boost.
   • When you shop locally, a larger portion of the money spent stays within the community. Local businesses often reinvest their profits locally, supporting other local services, schools, and infrastructure. This can help strengthen the local economy and create a positive economic cycle.
3. Unique and Personalized Products.
   • Local small businesses often offer unique, one-of-a-kind products and personalized services that aren’t available at chain stores. From custom-made goods to specialized expertise, shopping locally allows you to access products and services tailored to your needs and preferences. And oftentimes, these products reflect the ethos of your community, state, or region. 
4. Stronger Community Connections: Shopping locally helps build and strengthen relationships within the community. You’re more likely to interact with business owners and employees who are invested in the well-being of the community. This can foster a sense of belonging and create a more vibrant, interconnected neighborhood. This is no small thing.

If you have determined that some of your gift ideas could be bought locally, here is a general Handmade Gift Buying Guide!

Consider making these purchases at this year’s holiday Made Market events! To view our cities and dates, and to preview the makers that will be present, click here!

Dads/Brothers – 

• Canvas tote bag (for their pickle ball gear)
• Cocktail Infusion
• Hot Sauce

Moms/Sisters –

• Woven Blanket
• Linen/Quilted Toiletry Bag
• Holiday Scented Candle

Husbands/Boyfriends – 

• Tickets to Made Market x Makers Mark Preview Night
• Leather Catch-all or Dop Kit
• Screenprinted Tshirt
• Canvas Weekender Bag
• Solid Cologne

Wives/Girlfriends –

• Leather/Linen Clutch or Handbag
• Quilted Jacket
• Scented Candle
• Body Care
• Workshop with a Maker

Kids, Nieces, Nephews –

• Hand-sewn or Hand-carved Toy
• Printed Backpack
• Puzzle
• Craft Kit

Neighbors–

• Bag of Coffee
• Spiced Nuts
• Scented Candle

Boss – 

• Set of Mugs
• Charcuterie Board + Conditioning Oil

Friends –

• Tickets to Made Market x Makers Mark Preview Night
• Fresh Flowers
• Ornament
• Scarf

Hard to Buy for Friends –

• Scarf for their Pet
• Body Care
• Stickers
• Tote Bag

Minimalist Pals – anything that can be used up!

• Fresh Holiday Bouquet
• Body Care
• Food Stuffs – Nuts, Hot Sauces, Teas, Cocktail Infusions
• Scented Candle
• An Experience or Workshop

Sentimental Friends – 

• Ornament
• Journal
• Sticker that reminds you of them
• Set of Postcards or Stationary

Check out a preview of makers for holiday markets here! See you soon!