I am focusing on mindful gifting this holiday season. For the first time, my goal for the holidays is to simplify. To enjoy the time with my family, to experience the festivities through the eyes of a toddler, and to rest this very pregnant body. To not take on more than I need to, not buy just to cross a name off my list, and not overspend.

I am going to treat my Christmas shopping as I do my regular shopping: mindfully, and with the purpose of purchasing something that will last, is made well and ethically, and adds value to the recipient’s life.

Will I be completely successful? I doubt it. I have a feeling, that as usual, I will be rushing out, trying to find the one or two last minute gifts that I forgot about or just couldn’t find. But, I am starting now, so I hope to avoid the mall, big box stores, and rushing out on December 24.

As, I said here, mindfulness and conscious consumerism are the first steps to creating a more ethical wardrobe, and this applies to Christmas shopping lists.

**This post is as turning into a sort of a pep-talk to myself as much as anything else! Simplify, Jess! Create memories, Jess! Don’t over-shop, Jess!

So, what’s my plan? And how can you join me?

9 Tips to Mindful Gifting this Holiday Season:

1. Make a plan.

And stick to it. Ok, this might be the hardest part. But, a good gifting plan will go miles to keep things simple. A little research will go a long way to finding better gifts. Make a list, decide how to go about it, and try your best to stick to it. Need some ethical ideas? Take a look at my gift guides.

2. Ask.

You know what you need or want this year. So does everyone else. Sometimes, just asking is the best way. Yes, we all love to surprise our loved ones with the perfect gift, but often the perfect gift is something we would never think of.

3. Keep it simple.

Every year, I find myself thinking, “Well, I got the kids this last year, I have to think of something better.” Guess what, I don’t. Either they don’t remember the gift, or if it was really awesome, they still have it and love it. And if this year’s gift isn’t quite as awesome, well… it’s not a competition.

4. Consider a gift exchange.

I have four siblings and four sibling-in-laws. For years, it was getting a little over the top. About ten years ago, we stopped getting each other gifts, and opted for a white elephant. This year, we are simplifying with the kids too. They are all drawing names, and getting one gift. We went from eight niece and nephew gifts to just one. And it will be a better gift, I can almost guarantee it.

5. Make it yourself.

Remember the days of mixed tapes and collages? Your friends loved those! Channel your high school self, and make something. This year, I am making (or at least trying to, we’ll see…) one of those chunky arm knit blankets that are all over Pinterest for Alex. I will either make something that keeps him warm or make something that makes him laugh. Either way, worth it!

6. Gift an experience.

My friend Ellen has seven siblings. And with all the nieces and nephews that comes with seven siblings, she is the most thoughtful gift giver. Each year, she gives each of them a gift certificate entitling them to a day with Ellen. Through the years, she has taken them skiing, hosted slumber parties, gotten mani-pedis, and gone to the theatre. She gives the kids a super fun Auntie E experience, and she gives their parents a day or night off (now that is a gift!).

7. Start a tradition.

We will be away for the holidays this year, and likely every other year. And it is the first Christmas that our little guy will possibly have memories of. So, we decided that every year, we would have a family Christmas dinner before Christmas. I will make something special for dinner, we will exchange homemade gifts, and if Santa has to drop off a large gift, this will be the night that he does it.

8. Consider re-gifting.

Yes, I know, the rules of etiquette completely frown on this. But the rules of ethical style say re-gifting is awesome! Done right, re-gifting is a great way to pass along something that you may not have use for but is perfect for someone else. We received a toy from a friend last year who said, “we got this twice, but it is much nicer than anything we could have bought, so we are re-gifting it.” I thought it was just so thoughtful, and our little guy loves it. I have received the most delicious bottle of wine, a great sweater dress that I lived in for months, and super cute boots. And loved them all.

9. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

This time of year can be so stressful. Give yourself a break, take a deep breath, remember it doesn’t have to be perfect, and if you end up at the mall ten minutes before it closes on Christmas Eve, know that I’m probably there with you. Ugh, not again!

Most importantly, remember this season isn’t really about the gifts. It is about the time, the memories, and the feelings. Spend time enjoying your family, creating new traditions, and being present, probably the best tip on mindful gifting this holiday season…. Like I said, this is as much of a pep talk for myself.

Want some ideas for more ethical and mindful gifts? Take a look at our gift guides, or head over to the shop.