The holidays are right around the corner and as there are plenty of sustainable and BIPOC-owned gift guides out there already, I thought that it would be nice to provide an alternative experience-based list that you could share with loved ones this season.

Below is a list of 16 conscious holiday gifts and experiences for a mindful holiday season.

Subscription Services

As society moves value away from physical goods into services within the digital realm, more and more corporations are opting for a subscription-based business model. Here are some services that you can consider giving a loved one this season!

1. Subscription Services to Online Learning

You guys know that I’m all about self-improvement and online learning is one of the best ways to go about it. Whether it’s a subscription to Skillshare, Udemy, some other online learning community, or even a subscription to software like the Adobe series, this holiday gift is a practical one for anyone who is hoping to build skills or even further develop recreational hobbies.

2. CSA Subscription 

Support your local farmers and purchase an annual CSA subscription for a loved one! Give them access to healthy and fresh foods while also supporting the local economy.

3. Media Streaming Subscription

Okay, this one is a tricky one because I personally believe that we should all be taking more breaks from our devices, but at the same time, sometimes, entertainment is a really useful way to blow off some steam or spark some creativity. If there’s a streaming service that your friend or a family member has been meaning to get but just hasn’t committed yet, you can do so for them!

Classes and Experiences

Classes and experiences add value to our lives in ways that physical items don’t. A shared experience or memory is one of the best ways to deepen a bond with a loved one.

4. Wine-Making Kit

The perfect gift for a wine enthusiast! A wine-making kit is a hands-on way to experience all that goes into making the perfect bottle of wine; whether it turns out well or not, it’ll give the user a deeper appreciation for the craft itself.

5. Chocolate-Making Class

If you’ve ever tried tempering chocolate, you’ll know that it’s actually not an easy feat! Virtual chocolate-making classes will take your chocolate-enamored friend or family member through the step-by-step process of making custom chocolates for gifting (or simply for eating, if they choose).

6. Classes for Raising Indoor Plants

If you have a friend or family member who has talked about building their indoor plant collection but has also been concerned about accidentally killing them, purchase online gardening classes for them! As a first-time plant parent, it can be comforting to take a few classes so that you understand even the basics.

7. Candle-Making Kit & Online Classes

Candles take at-home self-care to the next level. Gift your friends or family members a candle-making kit and online classes so that they can make their favorite scented candles right in the comfort of their own homes!

8. Sewing Lessons & Patterns

Nothing says sustainable like DIY and upcycled projects! Help your friends and family members take their crafting skills to the next level with online sewing lessons and clothing patterns!

9. Vineyard Tour

Whether you live in a region where vineyard tours are still happening at this time of year or are booking this trip for months in advance, a vineyard tour can be a fun, social-distancing-friendly activity to bond over. Just double-check with your local vineyard and the guidelines that they have in place to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

10. Guided Outdoor Excursion

I was originally going to write “forest bathing” here but I think there might be some gentrification associated with that practice in the states. Instead, gift experience number 10 is a general, guided, outdoor excursion. Escaping into the wild can be a great way to bond, reset, and reconnect with nature.

11. National Park Pass

For your outdoorsy friend or family member, purchasing a seasonal national park pass can be a very practical holiday gift!

12. Glamping Experience

Sign up for a socially-distanced getaway with those in your family unit. A glamping experience is the perfect mix of outdoor excursion and luxury.

13. Wilderness First Aid Class

Another practical gift! (Can you tell that I’m a pretty practical giver?) A virtual wilderness first aid class can equip you with the skills for resolving any minor accidents that might happen when you’re in the wilderness.

Conscious (Physical) Gifts To Invest In

There is a lot of value to be had in physical gifts but I think part of conscious gifting is in considering how long those items will be of use to us. Below are a few suggestions for thoughtful gifts that might support a loved one’s lifestyle or hobbies even years down the line.

14. DIY Gifts

If you’re a crafty individual and know how to sew or make any other item (skincare, soaps, furniture, etc), you can consider creating a DIY project and gifting it to a loved one.

15. Plants or Gardening Accessories

This option goes hand-in-hand with online gardening classes, but I think stay-at-home orders made everyone invest more in their living space. Plant babies have gotten insanely popular this past year so why not consider gifting one to a friend? Easy to raise options like the snake plant, spider plant, pothos are a wonderful way to refresh the home. Additionally, if your friend/family member has already taken up gardening this past year, gardening accessories are always a safe bet!

16. At-Home Fitness Equipment

Now, more than ever, movement and wellness are of the utmost importance. Gifting an at-home fitness set can be a smart way to start off the new year on the right foot.

Which of these experiences and items would you consider giving a family or a friend? Are there any other lifestyle experiences that you would consider sharing?

• G