hope&plum’s Favorite Things- A Holiday Gift Guide
For many, the holiday seasons throughout childhood felt cozy, fun, and full of magical moments. However, as the adults who are now in charge of creating that magic, this time of the year can often feel like a stressful loop of never-ending tasks and decision paralysis. If the holidays are feeling complicated, allow us to make it easier with our holiday gift guide! We asked our hope&plum team to share their go-to gifts that bring them the most joy to give to others (and maybe to themselves). So, take a break from the stress, grab a hot cup of coffee and a snack, and let us help you cross at least one thing off of your to-do list!
Things that are important to us: Women-owned, BIPOC-owned, LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Supporting local small shops. Inclusive products/brands. Stores with transparency, sustainable business practices, and good quality items that last and help us limit waste. You’ll see that reflected on this list!
Table of Contents
Gifts Under $20
1- No Tox Life Dishwashing Starter Set, $18
Who: Skye
Why: I am too practical of a human. Cleaning. LMAO EVERYONE NEEDS IT.
2- Lemon Hand Wash from C.O. Bigelow, $18
Who: Emily
Why: Makes a great gift for any holiday party host. Smells like fresh squeezed lemons and leaves hands feeling soft. The perfect gift for anyone, including yourself!
3- Catstronauts (Book Series), $10 each
Who: Candace
Why: Amazing books for middle school kids. My kids grew up on these books and we all love them.
4- Jason Walz - Sci-fi Graphic Novels, $10-$20
Who: Candace
Why: Has a variety for everyone between tween and adult.
5- Candles from Homebody MN, $16-$20
Who: Candace
Why: Amazing handmade candles. Beautifully made, delightful scents and snarky titles. Always buy for my home and a friend.
Gifts Under $50
1- Gift Boxes from Explicit Essentials, $35-$44
Who: Jenn
Why: I have a lot of friends spread out over the country and even across the pond. A small, woman-owned company of sassy, smart, and savvy ladies (sound familiar??), they allow me to pamper my friends from afar with messages I might write myself. I discovered the brand when one of my friends sent one to me, and I love supporting them!
2-Kindle Case, $40
Who: Leighton
Why: Oh this is so fun! My number one recommendation is a Kindle for anyone who loves to read, with a cute case from page. (a woman-owned and founded small business!)
3- Art, Books, Illustrations from Kelzuki, $25+
Who: Candace
Why: Fun and educational prints and books
4- Clixo Magnetic Toy, $20+
Who: Mallory
Why: For the kids/4+ crowd, we are loving Clixo! The possibilities are endless and the kids love building new things from them.
5- hope&plum Flat Bottom Bags, $38 (Place your order by 12/17 to get it in time for Christmas!)
Who: All of us!
Why: A team favorite, we use these beauties for everything from storing snacks, baby carriers, outfit changes, organizing diaper bags, makeup, skincare, and even as a clutch for a night out!
6- Lily Low Skincare, $15-$45
Who: Candace
Why: For yourself or anyone who loves great skincare. (Fragrance-free and Vegan)
Gifts Under $100
1- Live Botanicals Cleansing Oil or Rooted Balancing Balm, $50/$54
Who: Mallory
Why: Something for yourself!
2- hope&plum Fanny Packs, $58 (Place your order by 12/17 to get it in time for Christmas!)
Who: All of us!
Why: These cuties are made from our exclusive hope&plum fabrics, so you can mix and match with your favorite carrier! They can be worn multiple ways and they adjust for different bodies, which makes them the perfect gift for any loved one, whether they babywear or not!
3- Jewelry from Fruity Poms, $60 and under
Who: Sharlyn
Why: Life’s too short to wear boring jewelry! My favorite earrings (felted teddy bears with a pink bow) and beaded necklace (the Gelato necklace) are from this Latina-owned and handmade small shop.
4- Kyrgies Slippers, $89
Who: Mallory
Why: Something for your spouse. About $90 but they last forever!
Gifts Over $100
1- Portland Leather Wallets and Bags, $220 and under
Who: Gianna
Why: For a friend or spouse. They have a lot of leather goods! Plus an almost perfect section $150 and under.
Note: While shopping for nice gifts can feel like tradition or an expectation for this time of the year, remember that it's okay to set your own boundaries around the amount of effort and money you are comfortable spending. There is nothing wrong with a simple, homemade gift or with choosing to appreciate/give new life to things you already own!
Our team at hope&plum put lots of love and thought into this short-list of our favorite shops and products! Whether you are looking for something for yourself, your in-laws, besties, or the kids in your life, we hope our gift guide introduced you to some amazing, new-to-you shops and helped alleviate some of the dreaded holiday stress!
Warmest Holiday Wishes from our hope&plum family to yours!!
