Dear Empowered Reader,
As the holiday season approaches, I find joy in discovering curated gift lists. They help me focus on quality products thoughtfully recommended by trusted sources. This year, I’m excited to share gifts that embody care, quality, and transformative experiences.
I’ve compiled a selection of items and experiences I genuinely love. These are heartfelt recommendations with no affiliate links, just sincere suggestions to inspire your gift giving, whether for friends, family, or even yourself. Art of Presence Journal: Aligned Enchantment: 100-day Self-Reflection Journal: This beautifully made journal, created by Rachel Gilbertson, is a wonderful tool to cultivate presence and reflection with its artful prompts and design. I use this journal every Monday during Rachel’s Mindful Mondays online sessions, which helps me center and set an intention for the week. It’s a gift that encourages mindfulness and aligned enchantment. Discover it here: artofpresence.org/alignedenchantment.
Taylor & Co Boutique: A few years ago, a friend introduced me to Taylor & Co, a thoughtfully curated boutique founded by a mother-daughter nurse duo. They specialize in handcrafted, all-natural self-care products and services with a focus on health, wellness, and holistic healing. Their products are made in Minnesota using natural ingredients. I have tried their face bar soap, which is great for my sensitive skin, the hydrating body oil, and the menthol pain and migraine relief balm. A friend of mine loves their candles, and we both enjoy going to their in-person fitness classes. Check them out at https://taylorandco.boutique/shop/.
Content Bookstore: Support local bookstores by gifting books from independent bookstores. These stores often carry carefully curated selections that spark imagination, curiosity, and a love for reading. Supporting independent bookstores sustains small businesses and preserves unique, community-focused spaces for discovering new authors and unique titles, making your gifts thoughtful and meaningful. I recently bought my nephew a unique calendar from Content, and he loved it, a win, especially since shopping for a teenager can be tricky! Explore their collection at https://www.contentbookstore.com/.
Sweet Land Farms: I have personally purchased and love giving their soap, lotion, and chapstick as gifts. These high-quality, nourishing products are handmade with organic ingredients by a small, family-run business. If you’re near or visiting Minnesota’s North Shore, you can also stop by the farm to pick fresh organic blueberries. They are absolutely delicious! Supporting Sweet Land Farms is a meaningful way to share thoughtful gifts while backing a sustainable brand and a former colleague of mine, sweetlandmn.com/online-store
Gifts of Experience
I believe in the power of experiences as gifts. They create lasting memories and personal growth that transcend material items. My husband and I have decided to focus on the gift of experience instead of material things, from traveling together to sharing meals at restaurants we’d normally skip. This practice keeps the spirit of giving alive in our relationship.
Here are a few ideas:
One of the most meaningful gifts you can give is time and connection. Consider taking a loved one out for a special tea or coffee date, an opportunity to slow down, share conversations, and create lasting memories.
You might also organize a small gathering of friends or family, whether for a cozy winter potluck, a walking meetup, or a mindful group activity.
Personally, I host an annual Winter Solstice party, which has been a wonderful way to welcome the new season of light with warmth, community, and celebration. These shared experiences have been a fun way for me to make sure I spend time connecting with my friends during a busy time of family commitments.
Empower Possible Online Course: Give someone the chance for personal and professional transformation by gifting my signature online course, crafted specifically for change-makers (Career Crossroads, Empower Possible). Host a Mt 10 Retreat: Provide the gift of rejuvenation and connection by organizing a Mountain 10 retreat for friends. These retreats seamlessly merge nature, reflection, and empowerment, perfect for deeper bonds and renewal (https://empowerpossible.com). An Affirmation:
My thoughtful offerings create ripples of joy, extending far beyond the moment of unveiling.
Reflection Questions: Personal Values What values do you hold most dear? How do these values influence your gift choices?
Relationships What is the significance of the person you are gifting? How has your relationship evolved?
Memorable Gifts What is the most meaningful gift you have received, and why? How did that gift impact your relationship with the giver?
Future Aspirations What do you hope to achieve in your relationships in the coming year? How can your gifts support these aspirations?
Whether you select a tangible gift or an enriching experience, the essence of gifting can build meaningful connections and purposeful intention. I hope these favorites inspire your holiday giving with heart and intention.
Take care, dear reader,
Julie Founder, Empower Possible |