Overwhelmed by the sheer volumes of gifts available on the market today? Me too. This minimalist gift guide is here to help!
And while the term “minimalism” has gotten a bit of a bad rap lately, living minimally doesn’t mean you have to go without; to me, it means living and consuming sensibly. I disagree with shopping for shopping’s sake, but I recognize that thoughtful consumption, which includes gifting to yourself and your loved ones, can be wonderful and fulfilling.
With that in mind, if you’re looking for a curated and green(er) gift list, look no further! I’ve used all of these products this past year and come to love them. These objects bring me joy; perhaps they can bring you joy, too! Check out the minimalist gift guide below.
merkur safety razor
Did you know that the EPA estimates that 2 billion plastic razors are thrown away each year in the U.S.?! Yikes! Shaving culture doesn’t have to been so wasteful when there’s a cleaner, greener, and super chic alternative. Enter this Merkur safety razor — one of my favorite ways to reduce my plastic waste. Made of gold-plated stainless steel, this razor is easy to use and more importantly, easy to clean. I get a really smooth shave without any irritation. And the kicker? I haven’t purchased a plastic razor since 2016. This makes a great zero-waste gift for that special person in your life!
ranavat botanics
This brand is — hands down — one of my favorite skincare brands. Made with USDA organic ingredients and utilizing formulations based in Ayurveda, this line is simply breathtaking. If you want a luxurious, and green beauty gift, this is it! And the best part? Michelle, Ranavat’s founder, has pledged a portion of proceeds to helping women escape human trafficking. Look good, feel good, give good.
ere perez waterproof mascara
Throughout my green beauty journey, I’ve always struggled to find a clean swap for my exceptionally performing conventional mascaras. Ere Perez’s waterproof avocado mascara changed all that for me. An Australian brand whose philosophy centers on supplying healthy, natural makeup, Ere Perez’s products are free from parabens, talc, petrolatum, lead, propylene glycol, BHT, BHA, synthetic fragrances, and paraffin — just to name a few. They’re cruelty-free too! I absolutely love its sleek white packaging, cleaner ingredient list, and performance. This has stocking stuffer written all over it.
widu wooden hair brush
Switching to a wooden hair brush is probably one of the best things I did for my hair. I experience WAY less fall out when I brush it and notice that the oils are distributed from my scalp to my roots much more evenly than when I use a traditional bristle brush. And guess what, this Widu brush is made of sustainably-sourced wood, comes in recyclable packaging, and is completely plastic-free. Quick tip: if you have short hair, choose a brush with short pins, and if you have long hair, choose a brush with longer pins. If you’re looking for a treat yo’ self zero waste gift that is going to last a lifetime, I would put this on your list.
yerba prima tampico dry body brush
Looking for a great way to melt your stress and get your lymphatic system going? Try dry brushing! I’ve been dry brushing for about a couple of years now, and I have to say, it’s a better wake up call than coffee. Dry body brushing has numerous benefits including encouraging cell renewal, removing dead skin, improving blood circulation, and assisting the body with lymphatic drainage. This brush from Yerba Prima is a fantastic natural brush option, with bristles made from the Agave plant. This is my favorite choice for a wellness gift!
vapour organic beauty lip gloss
I’ll admit it — I’m not a gloss girl, but this velvet gloss changed my mind. It’s glossy but not offensively glossy. Long-wearing with a luscious texture, its scent makes me nostalgic for the Lip Smackers of my youth. Thankfully, though, the ingredients in this product are super clean and nourishing. It’s also available in 9 shades; pictured here is the color Crystal — a clear gloss with subtle iridescence.
kiva: loans that change lives
And last but definitely not least, I have to mention that times of celebration remind me to appreciate the wealth of resources available to me (food, shelter, friends, family, to name a few). I am especially grateful for one very important thing in my life — the chance to create opportunities for others. And one fantastic way to do that is through Kiva loans. Kiva is an international nonprofit with a mission to alleviate poverty through community-based lending.
According to their website, “by lending as little as $25 on Kiva, anyone can help a borrower start or grow a business, go to school, access clean energy or realize their potential. For some, it’s a matter of survival, for others it’s the fuel for a life-long ambition.”
I’ve been giving to Kiva since 2010, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop! It’s amazing to know that with a click of a button, you can pass it forward in a meaningful way. Amazing.
FTC: This is not a sponsored post. This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to use them, Mocha Minimalist will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
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