9 Gifts That Keep on Giving
‘Tis the season for giving, which means it’s also the season for shopping. And while some people are easy to buy for, others may require a little extra care and consideration for finding something that’s both practical yet meaningful. If you’re in the process of making your list (and checking it twice), something you might consider this year is adding a few items to your holiday shopping list that give back in some way.
Not only can you support local small businesses, but you can also give the special people in your life gifts they will cherish and that will leave an ongoing impact. The best part is that you can find these types of gifts right here in Maury County! Take a look at these nine locally-found gift ideas that keep on giving.
1. ABLE Jewelry, Handbags, and Clothing
ABLE defines themselves as an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty. Deeply devoted to quality in its products and the quality of life it aims to provide, ABLE invests in, trains, and educates women so they can earn a living, break the cycle of poverty, and thrive. ABLE began making hand-woven scarves and has since grown to a lifestyle brand with leather bags, clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Not only are ABLE products highly fashionable, but they are timeless in design, style, and comfort.
Where to Buy: Ye Peddler
2. Bridgewater Candles
Since its partnership with Rice Bowls began in 2010, Bridgewater Candle Company’s customers have helped provide over 11 million meals to children around the world. When you buy a Bridgewater candle, you’re not just purchasing a product, you’re helping change lives. Not only do Bridgewater candles have the most enchanting fragrances and come in the most beautiful vessels, but they are gifts that are making a difference globally. Among the most popular of Bridgewater’s fragrances are Sweet Grace and Afternoon Retreat.
Where to Buy: Smith & York Co., Pink Porch Boutique & Uniques
3. Calyon Wax Co. Candles
Calyan Wax Co. candles are a simple way for you to take a stand against human trafficking in America. With every purchase of their natural soy candles, you are speaking up for brave young survivors on their healing journey and bringing light to a dark world. For every purchase of a Calyon Wax Co. soy candle, 5% of the revenue is donated to trusted and vetted non-profits that have a proven track record of meaningful and effective work serving survivors of trafficking.
Where to Buy: Vintage 615
4. Consignment & Thrift Fashions
From vintage to trendy, well-curated consignment and thrift boutiques can be the gateway to fashionable treasures at half the cost of big box retailers. And, did you know that some consignment and thrift shops weave purpose and generosity into their missions by donating portions of proceeds to charitable organizations? Whether it’s Wear It Well Boutique’s partnership with charity:water or thriftLOVE’s employment platform for those with special needs and/or disabilities, you’ll be contributing to meaningful partnerships that make a difference when you shop for gently used merchandise at your local consignment and thrift shops.
Where to Buy: Glover’s Collective Market, thriftLOVE, Wear it Well Boutique
5. Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are fun experiences to do with the people you love (family, friends, coworkers), but they also provide a wealth of knowledge for attendees to apply at home and pass down through the generations. Through a cooking class or demonstration at Lime & Loaf, you can have a hands-on experience, taste some delicious foods, and enjoy some entertainment that creates lifelong memories.
Where to Buy: Lime & Loaf
6. Headbands of Hope
Who knew a small accessory could make such a huge impact? For every item sold, Headbands of Hope gives a headband to a child with an illness. Inspired by a summer internship at a wish-granting organization, founder Jess Ekstrom saw that a lot of kids loved to wear headbands after losing their hair to chemotherapy. Realizing that there were no businesses that donated headbands to kids with cancer, Jess established Headbands of Hope out of her dorm room in college. To this day, Headbands of Hope has donated headbands to every children’s hospital in America and 15 countries.
Where to Buy: The Faded Farmhouse
7. Historical Framed Photography
If someone you know loves Maury County and Middle Tennessee history, you can give them the gift of framed historical and vintage photography to adorn their walls by visiting Columbia’s W7thCo Gallery. Part museum, part preservation project, the W7thCo Gallery is home to a wonderful, one of a kind collection of photos spanning a hundred years from Columbia and beyond. You can purchase your own piece of history and be a part of preserving this important collection for future generations to enjoy for years to come.
Where to Buy: W7thCo Gallery
8. Houseplants
Houseplants not only add life to a home or work space, but did you know that they offer scientifically-proven mental health benefits? From reducing stress levels to sharpening attention to boosting productivity, giving the gift of a houseplant is definitely a gift that keeps on giving. From large monstera plants to small succulents, you can choose from a wide variety of plant options that can help bring the feel of the islands, the mountains, and everywhere in between right into the space of someone you love. Bonus: find a nice planter or basket to pair with it, and it’s a win-win!
Where to Buy: Hidden Seed Plant Co., Cope Columbia
9. Milkbarn Kids
Inspired by a child’s imagination, Milkbarn Kids apparel and accessories can be described as nostalgic, yet modern; country, yet urban; rustic and yet clean, cool and timeless, and the company believes in our children’s imagination and that imagination inspires all they create. Milkbarn Kids’ original, one-of-a-kind prints and designs showcase a collaboration between founder Stacy Phillips and her 23-year-old daughter, Haley. Every purchase from Milkbarn directly helps Exile International and the children of war to heal their mind, body, and spirit and become leaders of tomorrow in their local communities.
Where to Buy: Lily Jane
All in all, shopping locally and making a difference in the world can go hand-in-hand if you take some time to explore all that your local community merchants have to offer. Hopefully, this list is a good starting point for you to find numerous other wonderful gifts that keep on giving. Here’s to some purposeful shopping this holiday season!
ADAM YORK is the co-owner of Smith & York Co. and Lime & Loaf in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. Learn more about Smith & York Co. by visiting smithandyork.co and Lime & Loaf by visiting limeandloaf.com.