Ready or not, the 2023 holiday shopping season has arrived and will be ratcheting up from the present moment right on up through the end of the year. Accompanied by the inevitable bombardment of ads, the race against the clock, and the stress of gift-giving in general, many of us will find ourselves struggling to navigate this not so unfamiliar territory. But it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems — we’ve put together this guide to help get you on the right track and relieve some of the stress of finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Feel-Good, Do-Good GiftsWith the state of the environment and the effects of climate change becoming more chaotic every day, gifts that champion sustainability are a sure bet this year. This means looking for gifts made out of natural or recycled and recyclable materials. Items made out of materials like wood, stone, cashmere and wool are a good place to start. Another easy way to lean into eco-friendly gifting is to avoid anything single-use; gifts that can be reused, refilled, or enjoyed for many years to come are a much better option for the planet. And don’t sleep on the packaging! The holiday season can be especially wasteful when it comes to packaging, so choosing gifts with packaging made from easily regenerated or biodegradable materials like hemp, mycelium, and cork makes both gift-givers and receivers feel better about the experience.   

Little LuxuriesWe all know the adage: less is more. And while it may be trite, it couldn’t ring any truer this holiday season. As inflation continues to put pressure on the wallets of holiday shoppers, finding ways to save without skimping on those good-gift qualities will be a top priority for many. Take advantage of non-seasonal items with innovative, functional packaging that can be kept as mementos for long after the holiday festivities have come and gone. Look for brands and products that offer customization options (like colors, fragrances, and engraving) to create unique, personalized gifts. You can also get more bang for your buck by cashing in on special-edition or collaborative pieces that up the uniqueness factor, no matter how small the gift.  

Self-Care CultureConsidering the aforementioned climate crisis, the financial anxiety brought on by record inflation, and the general stress that comes with the holidays, it almost goes without saying that we could all use a little extra shot of self-care. And what better way to show your loved ones that you care than by helping them care for themselves? Self-care commodities are a hit in any season, but especially so this time of year. From candles and massage oils, to skincare and body tools, there are myriads of products designed specifically to invoke mindfulness and practice self-nurture. Another great idea is enhancing self-care gifts by adding less tangible complements like guides for breathwork and meditation to encourage maximal respite when we need it the most. Remember that self-care is for everyone, so be sure to get something for yourself while chipping away at that shopping list.  

Phygital GiftingLet’s get phy-gi-tal. The advent of the metaverse has made the distance between our physical and digital realities ever smaller, and the consequent distinguishing one from the other increasingly difficult. And while all of this may sound a bit far fetched and dystopian to some, others like Gen Z and Alpha are unequivocally here for it. Possible gift ideas for these digital natives include make-up kits, hair products, and face decals inspired by avatar aesthetics. Or for your gamer friends and family, skin and eye care products designed to protect from the effects of blue light exposure. You can also use things like QR codes to sneak additional phygital goodies into gifts; the possibilities are quite literally endless.  

Again, don’t let the prospect of gift-giving get you down this year. Remember that everyone is a winner with sustainable options: the givers, the getters, and the environment. Don’t get carried away with spending a lot on large items, look for ways to customize, personalize, and add meaningful touches that don’t require breaking the bank. Keep in mind that everyone appreciates a little self-care as much as you do (don’t forget to include yourself here)! And go ahead and give the unconventional a shot and pick up something phygital for that Gen Z or Alpha on your shopping list.