We all want to be a bit more present when it comes to gifts.

Because the cold, hard truth is that we’ve all gotten gifts we were less-than-enchanted with, and most likely they’re still flopping around somewhere in our homes, or neatly tucked away in the “re-gift” box (if we’re organized.) But regardless of whether they’re flopping or tucked, they still haunt us.

Because we wish we liked them. After all, it was so thoughtful of Suzy to give us a gift! So we guilt-grip it. (I just made that up, but let’s make it a thing…)

Guilt-grip: v. The practice of holding onto unwanted items because they were generously bestowed upon us by a friend or relative, causing conflicting feelings of guilt and obligation.

(Want my advice on decluttering? Here are all my top tips.)

One way to minimize “guilt-gripping” and circumvent burdening others with our generosity, is to become a mindful gift-giver.

I go into more detail about this in the video below, but in a nutshell: being an eco and mindful gift giver isn’t so much about what you give, it’s more so about how you go about divining what your friend or loved one actually wants or needs.

Are there better ways to vote with your dollars, and small vegan businesses to support? Sure.

But if you’re looking for the perfect gift for grouchy Uncle Stew, you might not find it at Rebecca’s Organic Teas, no matter how eco, sustainable and mom-and-pop her shop is. Stew may need a wrench, and secretly want a tub of peanut brittle.

So let’s press pause on the perfunctory gift giving, and go a little deeper.

Here are some ideas…

NON-THINGS: FLASH SALE! 10 Days to a Powerful Morning Ritual Toolkit! USE CODE: VEGGIE50 – Buy in English. Achetez en français. Jitsi (More privacy than Zoom), Marie Kondo Consultant, Gaia TV, Skillshare.* Ellen Fisher’s eBooks,  High Carb Hannah’s Let’s Get Saucy eBook.

THINGS: Fave Organic Matcha* on Amazon, Superfoods can be found on Thrive Market*, Diana Ralys Vegan Skincare* – For all new clients coming from Veggie Magnifique, you get 10% off on all products with the code: veggiemagnifique10 – hooray! Dutch Health Store in Europe: Living Libations*, My Top Life Changing Books, Gunas Cruelty-Free, Vegan Soaps: Earth Paradise*, Black Diamond*, Bergamot*, Will’s Vegan Store.

So whaddaya say? Shall we strive to be a bit more mindful this year in our gifting? If you have an ideas, be sure to leave them in the comments below. I love reading your comments!

Jingle all the way, friends,