It's that time of year when people keep saying "it's that time of year"...so you know what that means... holiday shopping. As an eco-conscious person, I try not to buy stuff for myself or others that isn't needed, but sometimes it's nice to #treatyoself or a friend to a special present.

Ashlee Piper mentions in her book "Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet" that Americans, on average, spend 55 minutes a day looking for things**...um, what!? That translates to about 2 weeks a year of looking for stuff. I don't know about you, but I'd rather enjoy doing things (or relax), than look for them! **stats cited in book

So...if you are shopping for prezzies this holiday season, I encourage you to shop small, thoughtfully, and woman-owned. Check out some of my favorites below that offer vegan options for the animal lover in your life.

Miakoda

This sustainable slow fashion brand makes THE comfiest clothing. No lie, sometimes I turn their clothing inside out and wear it again when I really don't want to do the laundry...aka every week.

Two of my most worn pieces are their Brami and their Zero Waste Headband. These headbands are made from leftover and scrap fabric. I recommend grabbing yourself two... one to wear out for days your hair doesn't cooperate, and another to keep your hair out of the way when applying a face mask.

Bell Mountain Naturals

Speaking of facemasks... I can't get enough of Bell Mountain's Pink Theory Clay Mask. I'm usually that person who switches skincare products like it's nobody's business, but this is one mask I keep coming back to over and over again. Not only does it work great while still being gentle, all of the company's packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Their products are never tested on animals and are always palm-free! Pottery idea: make your own bowl to mix your mask in with our ceramic clay kit.

Covet + Lou

Okay, you've been warned... when you shop for a gift at this online women's boutique expertly curated by Tina Burgos, it's impossible to not buy something for yourself. My favorites are their playful, organic cotton checkboard towels from Baina, smokeless incense from Bodha, and teas featured in the pantry section.

 

P.S. if you live near Newton MA, stop by their gorgeous store to browse in person and meet their adorable shop pup.

Pottery with a Purpose 

Whether you snag some tea and incense from Covet + Lou or indulge in some you already have, our pottery kits make the perfect complement. You can handcraft your very own ceramic mug using our Beginner Ceramic Clay Kit or Hot Cocoa + Clay Kit which comes with a vegan hot cocoa bomb, or skip the trip to the kiln and mold an incense holder with our Beginner Air Dry Clay Kit.

SOKO

Soko's jewelry is not only beautiful, it's also ethically made by artisans in Kenya who earn more than 5x an average artisan worker. I rarely take off my day-to-day jewelry, but when I do it's to put on my Tulla Outline Threader Earrings and stacking rings.

The Sleeping Candle

This local-to-me candle brand is run by a sister team. Their handmade candles are all vegan and made with soy wax. It is really hard to find taper candles that are made from soy wax. Because soy wax is soft, most candlemakers use a mix with a large amount paraffin. On their website, they offer a range of shapes from classic options like their bubble candle to fun options like their Statue of David candle.

Try your hand at making your own personalized home décor and candle holders with our Candle and Clay Pottery Kit (nationwide shipping available), which comes with a custom taper from this brand. Or if you are local to Boston, swing by their booth at SOWA Winter Market, and grab one in person!

Fun Fact: The Sleeping Candle is located near two of my close friends, so instead of having the candles shipped to Pottery with a Purpose, I pick them up when I visit my friends! Getting new candles, less shipping, seeing friends. Win- Win-Win.

The Knotty Ones

If I wasn't already obsessed enough with this knitwear brand, for their holiday sale the customer gets 20% off and an extra 20% of the profit goes to the knitter of the garment. The Delčia sweater has been top of my wishlist for a while now. It's a classic style with a twist that is made with 100% Fair Trade Cotton.

In Good Co Shop

This Southie-based (aka South Boston for non-Massholes) shop features unique handmade goods from small makers (including us!!), but you don't have to miss out if you don't live nearby. On their website you can order their bestsellers. My two favorites are the Spark Boobie Mug, perfect for those of you that don't want to make your own with our Hot Cocoa + Clay Kit, and of course, a ring featuring my fav word, the "Fuck It" Wrap Ring. If you love jewelry, home decor and accessories with irreverent vibe, In Good Co has your gift covered! 

May 11 Hair Oil

I was introduced to this hair product by a cousin years ago, and have been a faithful user ever since. May 11 is organic and vegan. It helps add shine to my wavy, frizz prone hair while being free from silicone, parabens, and sulfates. Another bonus, it doubles as a deep conditioning treatment.

inFlower

Perfect for the floral lover in your life. These ain't your grandmas dried flowers ya'll. Steph's floral designs are funky, colorful, and are sure to bring a smile to your face. I love that each one is unique - and that I don't need to change any water.

 

Have you seen our PwaP x inFlower Flower Vase Pottery Kit? It includes everything you need to sculpt and decorate an air dry vase to display the included custom mini bouquet. Get this bestselling kit right here.