Gift Guide: For the Grab Bags and White Elephants
Holiday gift exchanges like grab bags and white elephants aren't just fun—they can also reduce waste by replacing the tradition of buying individual gifts for everyone at your gathering. This year, let's skip the novelty gag gifts. Here are our top picks, all under $30, for gifts people will genuinely appreciate and want.
An Upcycled Travel Pouch
We partnered with Flo's Slow Fashion to bring you these beautiful travel pouches. Each pouch is one-of-a-kind, handmade from excess upholstery fabric. Instead of letting these small pieces of fabric go to waste, we're giving them a new purpose! (Fabric content will vary). Bonus points if you fill the bag with sustainable toiletry items based on your grab bag budget!
Kelp Cove Soaps Paired with Bamboo Soap Dish
Kelp Cove Soaps makes all-natural soaps in small batches with organic ingredients. The soaps are handmade by a local science teacher who struggled with allergens from traditional soap bars for years. They are palm-oil free (due to environmental concerns), scented only with essential oils, and colored naturally. You can't go wrong by bundling a nourishing oatmeal bar and an exfoliating salt bar with this Bamboo Soap Dish from our shop. We'll both be vendors at Howell's Holiday Market and Colonial Nursery Christmas Market, so come visit us and grab both!
Rustic Strength Epsom Salt Soak
Give the gift of relaxation with this pure Epsom Salt Soak from Rustic Strength. This 100% magnesium sulfate is unscented, hypoallergenic, and perfect for soothing baths or gentle exfoliation. We offer this soak in a refillable 16-oz glass jar for $12. Refills cost $7 through our store or local delivery service. Tie a festive ribbon or twine around the jar to make it gift-ready, or use your own jar for an even more sustainable option. It's a zero-waste approach to self-care that keeps packaging out of landfills.
Bamboo Nail Brush
A bamboo nail brush from our shop is a simple but thoughtful grab bag gift. Made with natural sisal bristles and a bamboo handle, it's perfect for keeping nails clean and gently exfoliating hands. The brush is completely plastic-free, biodegradable, and made in the USA. At just $9, it's an affordable option that checks all the sustainability boxes without compromising on quality or function.
An Ornament Exchange
Another idea to consider is an ornament exchange where everyone brings an ornament, creating a meaningful tradition. Encourage thoughtful choices like locally made pieces, personalized designs on upcycled items like oyster or sea shells, or thrifted choices. Ornaments become part of your holiday tradition and are used year after year. Each time you pull them out to decorate, you'll be reminded of the friend or family member who gave you that special ornament. It's a simple swap that keeps giving long after the party ends.
