It’s almost the holiday season, and perhaps someone you love is a hard-working changemaker. So you want the perfect activist gift.
Let’s review the ways you can celebrate them for making the world a better place. Spoiler alert: You may want these gifts, too.
Last year, I focused my holiday gift suggestions on sustainability. Sustainable gifts do not harm the environment. That means they minimize the use of resources and use those that are renewable. In addition, sustainable products are fairly produced. Manufacturers do not exploit workers or animals. Workers receive a fair wage and work in safe conditions. Plus, they exploit no animals in the production process.
That is a tall order, but fortunately, there are many ways you can be sustainable in your gift-giving. Check out the tips in my sustainable gift-giving post.
This year, I focus on activist gifts that don’t require a purchase. (But don’t worry – I’ll have some regular gift ideas at the end.)
The Best Activist Gifts That Don’t Require a Purchase
When you decide what your changemaker would like most, consider how much they care about their cause. Is there an activist gift that can make their impact stronger? Perhaps there are ways you can help them improve their performance.
Help Them Improve Their Skills and Knowledge
People who volunteer to make a difference in the world want to impact their cause. To do that, they need the right skills and knowledge. Here are ideas:
Curate information for them on the best training opportunities.
Tutor them in foreign languages or other skills they need.
Help your activist’s self-care by curating a playlist of uplifting songs or videos. Or take them along to a yoga or meditation class.
The Best Activist Gift
The best gift of all is to thank your activist for the work they do. How motivating is it to be reminded of the change you’ve made? Make sure that happens for your activist.
Tangible Activist Gifts
Sometimes a tangible gift is the best solution. So, if you are going to buy, ensure your presents are locally sourced and sustainable.
Local Bookstores
My Southland Books photoshoot with Matt Hardenbergh (RIP dear friend.)
Shop in your local bookstore for books and other gifts to help your activist improve their knowledge.
This time of year, especially, many bookstores carry beautiful calendars and planners, some with a local spin; irreverent socks; bumper stickers; vintage posters; mugs and pencil pouches; board games and jigsaw puzzles and plush toys; T-shirts and totes; literary-themed tea towels and oven mitts. All of it chosen with care by people who know their communities.
My local bookstore is Southland Books. As Margaret predicted, they have gift items in addition to new and used books. Attached to the bookstore is a cafe where you can sit and read or meet with friends. I’m a fan for so many reasons, one of which is that they hosted my first book signing. So fun! Another advantage of local bookstores is the customer service. I wanted a copy of a book out of print, and they tracked it down for me. You might even get asked to pose in a photoshoot.
Here are book ideas for your changemakers.
Adults
Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein. I applied Marie Kondo’s tidying to my work process. I found it extremely helpful in reducing how many papers I keep and how many apps I use.
Shameless plug: Don’t forget that my book, The Happy Activist (formerly What’s On Your Sign?), can help your activist become more effective and motivated. And my book with Mental Health activist Trish Lockard is an easy read and great stocking stuffer: Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism: No activism degree required–Use your unique skills to change the world. At Life At The Intersection Books, we donate the proceeds of our sales.
Did you know that you can search on Etsy for local artisans? I searched in my area and found a local artist who offers print of a town landmark – the Capitol Theater.
Google Search
Sometimes a Google Shopping search will yield stores in your area that will be perfect for your shopping.
Gift Cards
Gift cards may be perfect for someone who struggles to stay afloat. Most changemakers are volunteers. In addition, even professional activists don’t make a lot of money. So, they will welcome gift cards for groceries, gas, and restaurants.
Consider buying gift cards from local businesses, particularly those owned by people of color. Many small businesses are struggling, and supporting their businesses is a way to do your part to help income equality.
Donations
Your activist will appreciate a donation to their cause.
If you are lucky enough to live near a national or state park, see whether they have a store.
I live in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and when I browsed their online store, I found interesting options such as The Fireflies Book.
We are fortunate to have a yearly ‘show’ of fireflies that blink together in the park. Seeing the synchronous fireflies is on my bucket list.
The Equal Justice Institute
The Equal Justice Institute challenges racial and economic injustice and provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in jails and prisons.
Four-Star Charities
If you have a particular cause or nonprofit in mind, you can check whether Charity Navigator rates them highly.
For example, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is a Charity Navigator 4-star charity, which means their financial accountability and transparency are stellar.
For someone who is agnostic or an atheist, this is an interesting gift option.
A Certified B Corporation is a for-profit organization with a strong focus on corporate social responsibility.
Here are a few certified B Corporations to consider for your shopping.
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods offers crafts and goods from around the world. Their sourcing process is fantastic:
Every design we carry incorporates elements of creativity. We look for goods that: Serve a purpose Solve a problem, Stun us with their beauty, Are handmade with exceptional craft and skill, Use unusual, reclaimed, or recycled materials, Are made without leather, feathers, or fur, Make us wonder, “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?”
Patagonia
Patagonia sells outdoor clothing, but I find it interesting that their website homepage focuses on their strong social responsibility.
Consider how and what you give this holiday season. Pass along cherished gear; share knowledge or try something new with a friend; repair their favorite jacket; donate to a good cause. Here’s to the joy of giving on a living planet.
Patagonia’s core values include understanding how they can eliminate the ecological impacts of their process and product. Patagonia is a leader in sustainable fashion. And your changemaker can send their used items to the store to be renovated or recycled.
How To Steer Friends and Family Toward Sustainable Gifting
Let’s look at giving from a different perspective – the gifts you receive from friends and family.
Although steering others’ gift-giving sounds selfish, we’ve all received a gift that was off-target for our values. A tchotchke for a minimalist or a Bible for an atheist. Complaining isn’t the answer, of course. Honor even an off-target gift. Then regift those things discreetly and move on.
But you can be ready for when someone asks what’s on your wish list.
Tell them about a brand or store that promotes giving back and explain why it is so awesome.
Suggest an alternative to a gift. Say, “I’ve got everything I need, but I would love to meet you for coffee and catch up.”
Ask for a donation to your cause.
Family gift-giving traditions seem set in stone sometimes but consider suggesting a change. A dollar limit on gifts, for example. You may be surprised to discover others supporting that idea, too.
If your family is open to new ideas, limit gifts to homemade, recycled, or upcycled items and see how creative everyone can be.
A lovely tradition to start is to write a note about your appreciation for each family member.
Gift-Giving is Joyful
I hope you find the perfect gift for your activist, and maybe for yourself, too.
