Final Friday's Finds for November 2020
Each month, I share some “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” of what I’m using, loving and finding can boost my productivity while bringing comfort and sanity amidst the hectivity of life. This month, although the concept is the same, I’m switching things up a bit in honor of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Particularly for locally-owned and -operated businesses, this time of year is absolutely vital to make ends meet, and I’m making a conscious effort to support those small businesses, entrepreneurs and local teams. Here are some of the ways I’m envisioning to shop small and support local:
At-Home Facial Supplies – Help your gift recipient pull her hair back with a Leopard Headband or a Button Headband from Headbands of Hope, include a quality, natural cleanser from True Botanicals and, then, add in an Activated Charcoal Detox Mask or a Moroccan Clay Mask for Acne + Hyperpigmentation. An effective routine for good skin care can help prevent acne, treat wrinkles and keep your face looking gorgeous, which is essential for feeling your best and conveying your optimum self to others. One is never too young or old to get this fine-tuned.
Hot Cocoa Charcuterie Board – Y’all, 2020 has challenged us to find comfort in creative ways, and hot cocoa charcuterie boards are a new trend that I think will stick around as an annual tradition. Start with some gourmet, artisanal hot chocolate, like the Aztec Spice Sipping Cocoa, that can be paired well with a bottle of Kahlua and local toffee, such as Chapel Hill Toffee, or Peppermint Caramels. Consider adding a locally-focused mug and marshmallow mug toppers.
Celebration for 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment – It’s hard to fathom that it has been only 100 years since the US constitution was updated to protect women’s right to vote. The North Carolina Museum of History has plenty of goodies to continue the celebration, such as a coffee mug, a catchall tray, a Phenomenal Women Tote, a puzzle and some socks. Yet, as it’s 2020, why stop there?!? You can honor the first woman elected Vice President with this “That little girl was me” shirt, remember all the rights that women had protected by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with RBG stickers and support the USPS with this Women Vote Enamel Pin.
An Accessories Bundle – Although “You’re never fully dressed without a smile”, you can never go wrong by gifting the creations of local artists, particularly when your purchase serves multiple purposes by helping women in need along with your local community. ABLE is an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty; they offer the Mare Phone Wallet, Jenna Mules and Selam Backpack that I truly love. The Painted Pearl is owned by the amazingly fabulous Courtney Frye, a self-made jewelry maker / designer who started her company in the fall of 2012 out of a need to boost her self-confidence with affordable accessories when her postpartum body couldn't get that boost on its own. Whether it’s a pair of statement earrings (like the Pandora Earrings, Snow Leopard Earrings or Greta Ginkgo Double Dangles), something creative yet suitable for everyday (like the Serena Split Studs and the City of Oaks Acorn Earrings) or any of her necklaces, the gift recipient will be impressed and feel super special with something well-made to dazzle. There’s even an Earring Envelope subscription option.
Safety and Security Kit – One of the many lessons learned during 2020 is the value of being healthy, and you can share your love for a gift recipient by ensuring that person stays safe and secure amidst all that life throws at us. Due to all the time we spend on our mobile devices, it’s vital to have tools for keeping our technology clean, like a PhoneSoap and Well-Kept Screen Cleaners. The Hand Sanitizer Kindfill by Humankind is fantastic, especially the ones that include eucalyptus or grapefruit essential oils. The Painted Pearl hand-strings the Everyday Neutral Mask Lanyards that make it easy to keep your mask clean while temporarily removed for eating or drinking. Pairing Hand Defense Hand Wash Infused Buffers with Spongelle’s Honey Blossom Hand Cream will ensure your recipient’s hands are thoroughly cleansed while staying hydrated. Plus, adding ZipPockets from ThePureBag® offers durable, antibacterial protection in fun colors. Likewise, as many of us are spending more time working from home and with temperatures dipping during this autumn season, it might be nice to include the Get Lean set from Crossrope.
Technology Toolbox - Depending on whether your gift recipient uses a PC or Mac, Android or iPhone, you’ll want to consider ways to boost efficiency, including battery phone cases, cable protectors and cord organizers. For an iPad-user, the ZAGG Messenger Folio 2 keyboard is super helpful. For anyone who has felt the pain of being short on ports for plugging things into your computer, you know the value of HyperDrive. For anyone that could potentially be without electricity during natural disasters such as hurricanes and thunderstorms (i.e. anyone alive), consider adding a luminAID 2-in-1 Phone Charger.
Sanity Saver – Whether it’s due to grief for all that’s been lost this year, mental and Zoom fatigue or stress about being unemployed, those on your list need some goodies to help with peace and tranquility. Consider Dr. Ebony’s My Therapy Cards along with a gift subscription to Calm or Headspace. There is great relaxation value in pairing a Sweet Grace candle with the 52 Lists for Happiness Book or Emily McDowell & Friends’ journal offerings. The many flavors of shower steamers have become popular due to their aromatherapy powers. Then, maybe a bottle of Lavender + Mint Linen Spray would make the perfect finishing touch for this gift.
If all else fails, consider an ornament to commemorate all that we’ve experienced this year. There are truly some memorable options that are sure to remind us of our strength to overcome in the years ahead.
How are you making a concerted effort to support locally-owned and -operated businesses this holiday season? What would you add to this clutter-free gift-giving guide? Anything helping you boost productivity?
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