All We Want for Christmas is…
Chloe - Outreach and Events Manager
Wax Buffalo Haymarket Candle:
My love of candles knows no bounds (especially when those candles are made by a women-owned, locally-based business like Wax Buffalo). When I see their unmistakable white X logo, I know that I’m about to smell something incredible. While all of their candles smell amazing, I’m especially interested in their signature line inspired by the city of Lincoln. Their Haymarket scent is a nod to many of the shops downtown, and many of their custom scents were inspired by their love of other local, small businesses.
Clever Fox Planner:
In my quest to find the yearly planner that will help me access the most productive, organized, and happiest version of myself, I stumbled upon this beauty. This Clever Fox planner doubles as a gratitude journal and seems like the perfect place to stash my professional and personal goals and to-do lists while reminding me to stay present. The colorful stickers in the back are an added bonus!
Make it stand out
Few things are more comforting at the end of a long day than a cup of piping hot tea. And if it has been a particularly long, hard day, then it’s time to whip this bad boy out. A manatee tea infuser, or manatea infuser (apologies for the intended pun), seems like just the thing to take my evening ritual to a whole new level. I always say that the perfect gift should simultaneously beg the question: “Why does this exist?” and fill you with an overwhelming and inexplicable urge to possess it. This gift undeniably fulfills both for me. I can only imagine how much this little sea cow would level up my tea drinking game.
Malcolm - Book side and Inventory Manager
Bee's Wrap®:
I usually end up with lots of leftovers and having a reusable option for cling wrap is a lifesaver! This sustainable option is made with a cotton cloth covered in beeswax, plant oil, and tree resin. It is also fully recyclable and biodegradable. Offered in 6 different sizes, you should definitely be able to find one big or small enough to store anything.
Another great thing about Bee's Wrap® is that they are partnered with 1% for the Planet, a network committed to bringing people together to support one another and the planet. To receive certification, a business must donate at least 1% of its annual sales to environmental causes. Not only does Bee's Wrap® do this, but they are also committed to environmental education. From their website: "We also support The Bee Cause, a platform for educating children about the important connection between bees and healthy food systems."
Coffee Bean and Vanilla Scented Soy Candle:
I like coffee almost as much as I like candles so if there's one thing I'm for sure recommending, it's this Coffee Bean and Vanilla soy candle. Offered in 4oz, 8oz, wax melts, and a variety of different scents, I think this one, in particular, is great for cozy winter mornings. I also love reusing my candle jars and these come in the perfect little jars for recycling!
Custom Book Embosser:
Following my trend of Etsy gifts, I absolutely adore this metal book embosser. I prefer to personalize my books with an embosser rather than a stamp because you never have to worry about it smudging or running out of ink. I also just think it's very satisfying to see the design pressed into the paper. This shop offers a variety of designs and you can even add a little box to store it in. If you know a reader they will for sure love this gift!
Aaliyah - Director of Operations and Marketing
Studio Ghibli Kiki's Delivery Service Lunch Bag
I am a Studio Ghibli fanatic, and so I OBVIOUSLY had to include a Kiki’s Delivery Service item in my list. Now all I need is a broom and to dye my cat black… I’m just kidding, kind of.
Make it stand out
Look! It’s a little friend at the bottom of a mug. Who DOESN’T want this for their morning tea?
Washed Corduroy Floor Pillow
My whole apartment is just one big bohemian Pinterest board, so these floor pillows are just fueling my decor addiction at this point. Either way a GREAT gift.
Astrid- Senior Bookseller
Strathcona Stockings:
A pair of socks I wouldn’t be insulted to receive. They’re very fun to coordinate with the rest of your outfits. And who doesn’t love showing the barest hint of their free-wheeling spontaneity at the office? Yes, they’re a bit expensive. But is someone really going to be angry that you bought them one pair of screen-printed, luxurious socks? Trust me: if I get my hints across, this Christmas I’ll be the very proud owner of two (!!!) whole pairs!
Lotion Warmer
Imagine this: it’s the middle of January. You’ve just gotten out of your blisteringly hot shower, and as you dry off, you realize that you’ve forgotten your jar of lotion. Your heart is sinking, but you try to look on the bright side: at least you won’t start sweating again! (You hate yourself right now.) Of course, your lotion on your dresser. By the window. In your less-than-well-insulated house.
Winter is coming. If someone in your life has dry skin, this is the best way to tell them you love them.
Click here to check the shop out!
Flame Tree Notebook
Does anyone really need a notebook like this? No. But when I was an avid journaler, just looking at one of these made me want to gaze at it and run my hands over the glossy, textured cover. I filled it up, and years later, I’ve long since stopped journaling. Coincidence? If it were, I wouldn’t be recommending these to you. Not convinced? Let me put it this way: by the time my writing is good enough to grace these pages, I’ll have won the writer’s equivalent of an EGOT.
But don’t let that stop you!
Teoviona - Café Manager
Chef Set-Hand Forged Damascus Steel-5-Pcs With Leather Roll Kit
This business is based out of the U.K run by a POC. This gift is perfect for
the chef in your family, it’s quite pricey so I’d suggest having a few people
pitch in! I would love to receive this gift, the metal used is very high quality,
everything is hand-forged and no design turns out the same! I love cooking
and cooking with these knives would be amazing!
Gold Hemp Leaf Light Switch Covers and Outlets
This is a Black-owned business based out of New York, the owner is a
strong leader in her community and works with many non-profit
organizations. This gift is also perfect for someone who loves cannabis or
hemp! It’s also perfect for anyone who loves bold unique home decor! I
would love to get this as a gift, it’s quite affordable and I think it’s a very
small change that would make a room look completely different!
In Bibi's Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight
African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean
This book was named one of the best cookbooks of the year by 13 different
Book reviewers! This book is a combination of stories and recipes, I would
be so grateful to get this book as a gift. Not only is it highly recommended, but
it's also written by 2 Black women, who are very involved in their
communities! This book is quite affordable for the content it contains! It’s a
win-win situation if you give this to the cook in your family, they get an
amazing cookbook, you get to try some amazing food!
Kim - Owner
Campy 18oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Travel Mug
So I love coffee and want to have it with me everywhere I go! Though I have many favorite mugs, the handle is what sets this mug apart. I also like the cork-type lining and retro camp look. Also, the top edge is very comfortable if drinking with the lid off. And the lid seals securely.
Masterclass
One of my favorite things to give and to receive is the gift of learning a new skill or growing as a human in some way. The Masterclass series has an amazing lineup of gifted professionals from several fields who will teach and inspire via online classes.
The classes are taught by experts in 11 fields such as music, sports, writing, business, and science, just to name a few. I’ve taken several classes from talented, successful authors - ex. Margaret Atwood, David Sedaris. The authors shared specific, practical ideas. I found the classes both helpful and inspiring.
The NEO Dog Collar
Hands down the best dog collar. The collar has a metal link for the leash separate from the link for the name tag, a handy clasp that locks, and they are made of sturdy canvas in cool colors. BUT what makes it such a great business to support is the story and the mission. The company was founded to support dog rescues.
From the website:
"Max and Neo are different because it was created to donate massively to rescues. It did not start as a dog collar business and then decide to donate a percentage of profits as a way to give back or as a marketing incentive. From day one the question was, how do we donate, what do we donate and when do we donate.
It is because of these roots that you will not see any other company that donates as much or as often as us. We are 100% transparent with what we donate and who we send the donations. Every week we post the list of the rescues that will be receiving our donation box."
