2019 Meaningful Holiday Gift Guide

I'm pleased to bring you my annual Meaningful Gift Guide for the 2019 Holiday Season.

Below you'll find gorgeous gifts for everyone on your list. I hand-picked each item very carefully, based on the criteria that they are all ethically sourced and crafted, and they will delight the lucky recipient.

Purpose

The reason I put this guide together is twofold.

First, my aim is to save you tedious shopping time and help you find gifts with extra meaning for the people you care about most.

Equally important, it's my honor to spread the word about ethical companies and small businesses who are deserving of your support.

All of these products either protect and promote health & wellness, provide jobs and fair wages to the people who create them, and are mindful of our planet and natural resources. Many also donate a portion of their proceeds to noble charitable causes.

Conscious Consumerism

As consumers, we cast a vote for the kind of world we want to live in with every purchase we make.

Making conscious purchases is one of the most impactful ways to effect change in our economy and society, because companies are listening closely to what consumers want, and what they're willing -- and are NOT willing -- to tolerate.

When we support deserving companies that are already making morally impeccable decisions at every level, we are saying loud and clear to the marketplace that we want more of that. 

This is where our power lies as active participants in our economy.

And why it is so important to be conscientious consumers and dig a little deeper to shop with upstanding companies deserving of our support.

My hope is that these gift ideas will allow you to share even more meaningful treasures with the people you care about, because they'll be making the world a better place in a small but impactful way.

*Each of the gifts on this list are also free of animal products and animal testing.*

Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my link. Your support helps make it possible for me to share this information and I truly appreciate it.

Let the excitement begin!

2019 Meaningful Gift Guide

Safer Skin Care & Beauty

Beautycounter

The Jellies - Retail Price $39 ($60 value); Black Friday Deal: $33.15

Guys, I'm pretty obsessed with these tiny flavorful lip glosses. They bring me right back to my teenage years, they keep my lips moisturized for hours (even through a workout) and they add a tiny bit of color and shine.

Formulated with ingredients that don't compromise your health, you can feel equally good about gifting them to your daughters and nieces.

Beautycounter maintains impeccable ethics at every level of business, and I'm extremely proud to recommend them and represent them as a consultant.

Lemongrass Body Set - Retail Price: $49; Black Friday Deal: $41.65

A sugar scrub to exfoliate dry winter skin and an ultra-rich creamy body butter to make your skin glow with health and hydration.

The sweet lemongrass scent is enough to make you want to eat it, but try to refrain. Rubbing these two glorious products into your skin feels amazing.

This is a "can't miss" holiday gift for anyone on your list, and a personal favorite of mine.

Counter+ Skin Care Favorites - Retail Price: $89 ($130 value); Black Friday Deal: $75.65

If there's a person in your inner circle, someone who makes your life easier on a regular basis, this is a wonderful way to show your appreciation.

This amazing gift set features three of Beautycounter's best-selling skin care treatments, plus one brand new product:

• Overnight Resurfacing Peel
• Charcoal Facial Mask
• No. 1 Vitamin C Facial Oil
• Lotus Glow Cleansing Stick (a skin-softening facial cleanser in super-convenient stick form)

I could highlight so many more gifts sets, but maybe it's best to browse the Beautycounter website for yourself. Keep an eye out for come of the lovely choices curated for men and tweens/teens, as well!

If you add Membership to your order (don't worry, it's a loyalty program with NO auto-ship or purchase obligations), and your order is over $50, you'll receive a FREE full-size Overnight Resurfacing Peel (a $63 value), along with other perks (see website or contact me for details).

ZeetaBody

ZeetaBody offers handmade skin care products crafted in Las Vegas by the amazing and radiant Christine Frazzitta, a personal friend of mine. I've been using her products for years now, and highly recommend all of them. Here are a few highlights for your shopping list this year.

Pedicure Kit - Retail Price: $48; Black Friday Deal: 25% off + free shipping + free full-sized product with $125+ purchase

This kit includes a body oil, a sugar scrub, foot soak, aromatherapy spray and a brush or pumice stone, in a carrying case. Your feet will be so happy!

Cozy Soak - Retail Price: $16 for 16 oz; $30 for 32 oz; Black Friday Deal: 25% off

A delightful, therapeutic combination of epsom salts and essential oils to uplift the spirit and ease mental fatigue. Zeeta’s Cozy Bath Salts will warm your bones, revitalize your senses, and help you feel grounded.

Cardamom Spice Body Oil - $17 for 8 oz (sale price $15.30); $55 for 8 oz (sale price $49.50); Black Friday Deal: Additional 25% off the sale price

This Body Oil is a personal favorite of mine! A luxurious blend of warming oils is perfect for winter -- cardamom and orange are known to stimulate the mind and heart, bringing clarity and joy to the user.

The Essential Core

Blue Tansy Facial Oil - $45 for 1 oz

My friend and essential oil expert Stacy LaRow formulates an amazing Blue Tansy Facial Oil with only the finest essential oils, including Frankincense and Sandalwood, which have been revered since ancient times for their skin care benefits.

I own a bottle of this blend, and it's become a treasured part of my skin care regimen. Stacy is selling it now in limited quantities, so don't delay -- pick up one of these little bottles of magic for yourself. Send Stacy a DM on Instagram at @theessentialcore to place an order.

Static Nails

When you're shopping for nail polish, it's a good idea to look for brands that are "8 free" or higher, which means they are free of 8 or more of the most common toxic ingredients usually used by less conscientious brands. Static is also vegan, cruelty-free and made in the USA.

Use my referral link to get a $5 gift card for your purchase.

Liquid Glass Lacquer Grunge Palette - Retail Price: $59 for a set of 5 polishes; Black Friday Deal: $45

When I saw the limited edition Grunge Palette from Static, I knew I had to include it in this guide -- the iridescent metallic jewel tones are just so pretty, and it's rare to find a long-lasting polish in a non-toxic formula.

Liquid Glass Lacquer Rose Gold Edit - Retail Price: $16; Black Friday Deal: $11.50

Who doesn't love rose gold? Inventory on this gorgeous color is already low at the time of writing, so if it's caught your eye like it did mine, don't delay on this one.

Pair these nail colors with the Static Primer & Top Coat for extra-long wear up to 10+ days without chipping ($11.50 each with the Black Friday Deal)

Home Goods

Sin City Candle

Hand-poured in my home city of Las Vegas by a fellow female entrepreneur, these gorgeous candles are made of 100% soy wax, and are scented with high-quality essential and natural oils.

They also feature a patented wood wick that give the candles a subtle crackle when lit, and they have a burn time of 50+ hours.

Let It Snow Candle - Retail Price: $20; Black Friday Deal: Buy 3 candles, get 1 free, plus free 3-day Priority Shipping in the US on purchases over $35

Scents of evergreen and pine. Customize your candle by choosing the jar color (clear, black or white) and the lid color (bronze, silver or black). It's sure to be a home-run gift for the holidays and all year long.

There are too many gorgeous scents to name them all -- browse the website to find the perfect one for yourself or a special person in your life. Highlights: Pumpkin Pie, Cinnamon Vanilla, and Peppermint Eucalyptus.

Grace Ink and Lace

My sweet friend Jessie Sells is an amazing calligrapher and artist. You can find her work on her Etsy store and Instagram @graceinkandlace.

Handmade Customized Journal - Retail Price: $10 for 8x6-in; $12 for 12x7-in

Jess will write a quote of your choice in modern calligraphy on this 40-page blank paper journal. Created just for you upon ordering, and ready to ship in just a few days.

Browse her Etsy shop for a full selection of gorgeous items, including lovely creations for your little ones: Handwritten letters from Santa, ABC cards, and Paper Toys.

East Fork Pottery

Last fall I was in Asheville, NC and had the opportunity to visit the retail outlet of a local pottery I had been following on social media for a long time.

East Fork is an ethical company that makes the most organically elegant ceramic tablewear I've found in a long time.

The Mug - Retail Price: $36

I held one of these in my hand and I'm still thinking about it over a year later. I didn't buy it, but one day it will be mine. You can have one of your very own, too. Made by human hands, these sell out quickly, but East Fork restocks them weekly on Tuesdays, so timing is everything.

Everyday Bowl - Retail Price: $34

This one will probably be your go-to vessel on the daily. A sturdy feel in the hand, and gorgeous in photos.

Cereal Bowl aka Soup Bowl - Retail Price: $32

Sure to be another favorite. I'd love to have one of these for the smoothie bowls I eat nearly every day, or for the lentil soup that gets us through the winter.

Fashion & Accessories

Sseko Designs

This is a company I have recommended and supported consistently in the past. Sseko provides jobs for academically gifted young women in East Africa by selling their handcrafted items here in the US. The women earn tuition for school, which they would otherwise be unable to afford.

The products are incredible and the organization is upstanding and noble. I'm proud to recommend their items to you.

Tibeb Shawl - Retail Price: $119.99; Black Friday Deal: $83.99

I own this scarf and I love it! It's 80 inches long and made in Ethiopia of 100% cotton. It's warm and stunning, and I think you'll love it, too.

I've got more recommendations for you from Sseko in the Jewelry section of this guide (see below).

Nothing New

Nothing New is a sneaker company that makes its uppers and laces entirely of 100% recycled post-consumer plastic. The shoes are really cute, too! Free shipping and free returns. Both men's and women's styles available. Carbon-neutral production.

Plus, if you ship them your used sneakers, you'll earn $20 towards a new pair, and they’ll make sure they don’t end up in a landfill.

Women's Low Top - Retail Price: $95; Black Friday Deal: Free gift with purchase (make your selection at checkout)

High-top version available too!

Quench Activewear

Speaking of using recycled materials, I met the founder and designer behind Quench Activewear at the Las Vegas Yoga Festival. Her name is Angie, and she is one of the kindest people I've met in a long time. She creates soft, silky yoga pants made of 85% recycled water bottles, and the stunning prints are her own original designs.

Snake Vibes Reversible Legging - Retail Price: $58; Black Friday Deal: 20% off with promo code Gratitude, plus free shipping over $70

This is a limited-edition print and it will sell out, because this brand has a loyal and enthusiastic following. They're solid black on the reverse side, so it's like having two pants in one.

Also check out: Aspen Magic Legging, Prism Reversible Legging

Pact Organic

I love this company and their clothes! Pact makes organic cotton, fair trade factory certified clothing with zero harmful chemicals, using processes that rely on significantly less water than conventional cotton.

Plus, they offer ways to recycle or reuse your old clothing, towels and linens. They are doing it right!

Note: Use my referral link for 20% off your first purchase with Pact!

Classic Zip Hoodie - Retail Price: $45; Black Friday Deal: $30, free shipping and free returns

I own a few of these. They are soft, warm and wonderful. I recommend sizing up, because they shrink a little in the dryer. Go get yours, you'll be so glad you did!

Essential Poncho - Retail Price: $45; Black Friday Deal: $40

Look how cute this is! Enough said. A versatile, ethical addition to your wardrobe.

They have men's clothing, too! As well as kids, baby, and bed & bath linens.

Note: Use my referral link for 20% off your first purchase with Pact!

Fair Indigo

"Style with a conscience" is the tagline of this fair trade fashion website. They offer timeless, organic, ethical fashion that's well-made and therefore will endure for years.

Fair Indigo has appeared in my Gift Guide in past years for their beautifully curated finds. This year I'd like to highlight one item in particular, although it's definitely worth browsing the entire website.

Off Shoulder Slouchy Sweater - Retail Price: $79.90; Black Friday Deal: $15 off + Free shipping

It can be hard to find sweaters that do not contain wool. Here's a stylish one made of 100% organic Tanguis cotton with earth-friendly certified safe dyes. Don't dismay if your preferred size and color are not currently in stock -- more inventory will be available in early December.

Black Radical Scholars

Google Is Your Friend Tee - Retail Price: $28

Graphic tees are so hot right now, and so is anti-racism and social justice work. For anyone wondering how to learn more about being a better, more active ally for marginalized populations, this tee is a fun reminder that we have a whole world of information right at our fingertips.

Help support the efforts of my friends behind the brand Black Radical Scholars and pick up a friendly reminder tee to help spread the word. Printed on an ethically made t-shirt.

Thirty One Bits

This is a company that searches the world to find skilled artisans, and provide them with dignified job opportunities and access to the global market.

Openweave Market Bag - Retail Price: $52; Black Friday Deal: 30% off with code FRIDAY30

Melie Bianco

This company sells premium vegan leather handbags using fair trade principles. They operate using a profit sharing model for the people who make their bags, and they are committed to crafting high-quality products while being mindful of the environment.

Skylar Black Tote - Retail Price: $134; Black Friday Deal: 40% off + free shipping with promo code BFCM40

I just about melted when I saw a photo of this bag. It's not easy to find beautiful vegan bags that are well-made, and this one checks all the boxes, in my mind. I may have to splurge on this one soon, and the Black Friday deal makes it easier. If you spend over $150, you can use a promo code for an even bigger discount -- 50% off with code BFCM50.

Jewelry

Sseko Designs

As mentioned above, this is an organization that supports young women in East African and helps them earn tuition so they can attend university. They have a full range of clothing and accessories, and the full website is worth a browse. But I'd like to highlight some of my jewelry faves for you in this list.

Druzy Bar Ring - Retail Price: $39.99; Black Friday Deal: $27.99

This is so lovely! Adjustable band and elegant, subtle druzy stone.

Silver Brave Bracelet - Retail Price: $24.99; Black Friday Deal: $17.49

I have this in gold tone, and now they offer it in silver. It's so fun to choose your charms and make this bracelet your own unique fashion piece. I get compliments on mine all the time!

Tortoise Resin Bangles - Retail Price: $54.99; Black Friday Deal: $38.49

I love the interlocked look of these two resin bangles. A classic tortoise style makes this set a lasting, timeless addition to your wardrobe.

ABLE

Local + Global is the motto of this fair trade fashion company that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty. They invest in, train, and educate women so they can earn a living, break the cycle of poverty, and thrive. 

ABLE offers fashion pieces of all kinds, but it was their jewelry that caught my eye first.

Ear Hugs - Retail Price: $38; Black Friday Deal: 25% off sitewide + free U.S. shipping with code HOLIDAY25

Available in 14k gold fill or sterling silver. These earrings hug the lobe and are timeless, understated and elegant.

Also check out their Personalized Cuff Bracelet & their Floating Shapes Necklace (I especially love the rectangular one!)

Check back over the next few days (and even weeks) -- as I find more awesome gift ideas, I'll be adding them to this list.

I hope you've enjoyed this year's edition. Happy shopping and happiest of holidays!