A Cyclical, Seasonal Gift Giving Guide
This one’s different
As the barrage of such-and-such percent off emails came storming into my inbox this past week (and they just keep coming, don’t they?), I started to wonder about a different flavor of gift giving. What would a cyclical, seasonal minded gift guide look like?
So that is what you have here, today. My stab at a cyclically minded guide, both for lovers of the seasons and those who follow their body’s rhythms.
You will find no affiliate links in this post because you will find no links at all. I’m not saying you should buy any one specific product from any one specific brand. Instead: find, forage, make, share and buy small where ever you can. And don’t forget the waste free wrapping!
A basket.
You can’t go wrong here, really. You can find lots of nice ones at thrift shops and antique places, in my experience. Fancy it up with a bit of ribbon, maybe.
Candles.
Preferably of natural materials, scent free. I’m partial to straight beeswax. Find a local maker or dip them yourself. (You might purchase a special color—maybe red—for those who bleed to burn during menstruation, to mark that time.)
A mobile.
Made of found and foraged things, like driftwood, branches, and shells, tied together with twine or transparent fishing line.
A plant, animal, star, or mushroom identification guide.
There are lots of great ones out there, especially at small book stores and book sales. Find a nice old one, well loved and ready for more adventures. Make sure it’s applicable to the bio-region of the person you’re gifting to.
A vase.
Look for them at the thrift store, antique shop or get one made by a local artist. They’re good for bringing flowers, branches, and greenery—depending on the season—into the home.
Good, thick socks.
For cozy times and outdoor adventures.
A book on cyclical living, bodies, or the more-than-human world.
Check out my “resources” page.
Salves & other potions.
Find a local, bioregional herbalist or make some yourself (if you know what you’re doing with herbs). All sorts of salves could be good: for dry hands, for menstrual cramps, for wounds, for good smells, etc.
Binoculars.
If they are a keen nature observe. (I’ll admit, I’ve got a wee telescope on my list and I really hope someone gets it for me.)
A cookbook that inspires seasonal eating.
Again, find this at a used bookstore or independent bookseller if you can. In my mind, bonus points for cookbooks with notes from previous use.
An experience.
Perhaps: a massage, bodywork session, sound therapy, new hike, or a visit to a nature center. Or, a class in: herbalism, foraging, art, cooking, fermentation, flower arranging or breathwork. Maybe go along yourself and give the gift of your company too.
Seeds.
Find local, BIPOC, and indigenous seed sellers if you can. Or get brown paper seed packets and share some of your own saved seeds.
A new journal.
And maybe new writing implements too. (I’m partial to writing in a red pen during my bleed, so you might include that if your gift is for someone with a womb.)
A handmade ornament for their tree.
Perhaps include your name and the year somewhere on it, so they can remember you in years to come.
A moon cycle calendar.
I’ve seen several good ones from small artists, but you could also make one yourself perhaps.
Digitizing old family photos.
For family in particular. Perhaps also get them printed and framed, to honor the life and death cycle, and your family.
Homemade fire cider, kimchi, pickles, or jam.
Whatever your speciality is.
A birth chart reading.
If they’re into that sort of thing.
A source of warmth and cozy.
One of those microwave heating bags—for the neck or head—or a proper old fashion rubber water bottle. Great for menstruating folks, yes, but really everyone can benefit from a little radiant heat.
A handmade wreath.
Use foraged greens, sticks, pinecones, berries or maybe dried flowers if you have them.
An IOU.
For a warm meal when they are in need of it. If you want a physical item to go along with this, perhaps include hand sewn fabric napkins or a thrifted set of unique vintage silverware or dishes.
I absolutely love all of this!! The coupon for a warm meal is so original! And I would love to receive any and all of these ❤️❤️ I also love the idea of writing in red ink during your bleed - may have to try this soon.