As you can probably imagine, with moving and all, my Christmas shopping is going to be quite last minute this year but I LOVE giving gifts that are thoughtful to each person. I'm also a HUGE fan of homemade gifts and gifts that make a difference. So here's my personal HOLIDAY GIFT SHOPPING GUIDE! It's fun, easy, and thoughtful.
1.Sweet Treats
Every year I usually make some sort of canned item- jams or pickles. This all started about six years ago when a lady from church taught me how to can. I'm so grateful because I love it and they make great gifts! (Thanks Chris Kinon! xo). This year I'm going SIMPLE, yet delicious...Homemade Caramel Sauce and cookies. |
| Recipe/Photo Source: Mel's Kitchen |
This year I'm going Gluten-Free with my baking.
Hope you like these ones!
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| Gluten Free Iced Cherry Cookies |
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Flourless Dark Chocolate Expresso Cookies w/ Butterscotch chips2. Gifts that give back |
- 31BITS: Okayyy so I'm pretty much obsessed with these beaded beauties! They are just so darn cute & trendy! So here's the scoop: these are handmade by jewelry designers in Uganda. Each woman has a story of suffering that they've joyfully overcome. What an inspiration! Every purchase you make helps them to receive fair wages & supports their family. (aka fair trade)
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| 31Bits |
- GoInternational: This next one is dear to my heart. When I was in college I had the best roommate in the world (besides my sweet friend, Lisa)... Christa! For one, we had the coolest apartment in Tulsa because I can guarantee NOBODY had a zebra couch, hand-painted furniture, butterflies hanging from the kitchen ceiling and an ASTRO TURF kitchen floor! And yes, it was purposefully laid there by us with flowers glued to it. There was no mistake in any of this decor. In the time we spent together, Christa became a friend, a mentor and someone I respected. So although I do not get to see her much with us living so far apart, I'd like to give a shout out to her and her hubby's ministry. Christa and her hubby, Greg are the founders of GoInternational, a christian-based missions organization that leads groups of young adults all over the world on short term trips, which is something that has greatly impacted my own life and my husband's. Currently they reside in Ecuador with their adorable son, Zion. For the holidays, they are running a campaign: Add One. Check out their website for more details!
- Next, for all you coffee-addicts out there! Have you heard of Three Avocados?!! It's a non-profit coffee company that provides CLEAN WATER and HOPE to the people of Uganda. Also, it's high quality 100% Arabica coffee! Mmmm. Go buy some for a friend ;) ...or yourself!
- Last charity fave is The Love Alliance. I came across this great organization a few years ago at a Christian music festival. They had these cool postcards on their table that said "Remember the Poor", "Remember the Thirsty", etc. Since then I've followed them through email. Their goal is to educate individuals on social justice issues and then put their knowledge to work with community groups, monthly action projects, partnerships and events. Also, they've got some pretty rockin' threads at their store!
3. Great Beauty buys
- Mary Kay has a great holiday look book out with lots of affordable pampering gifts for everyone on your list! I'm a fan of the Satin Hands & Lip exfoliator treatment. These are amazing during the winter! Go here to see more & receive free shipping online.
Hope you got some great ideas for gifts! Have a great Christmas!
XO Kate
