Holiday Gift Guide for Out of the Box Presents
Story by Cassie Hepler, submitted photos
Once upon a time, a long time ago a little toe-headed girl loved wrapping presents and putting elaborate bows on top. She spent hours curling ribbon and making that Christmas tree have an excellent photo-worthy aesthetic way before the social media boom. Fast forward to nowadays and that blonde now calls the gift-giving holiday Present’s Day (because let’s be honest, that’s what it is) and has for a long time… Nowadays I think a lot of people see the importance of giving experiences and memories over endless trinkets however we still need “stuff” to live and enjoy life. It’s a balance of not getting sucked into over consumption but still enjoying things that make your life easier – and more fun or delicious. So I’ve crafted a strange little list that has peaked my interest over the past year. You should see some of the things people send me (I usually post stories on Instagram so if you’re not following me, you’re missing out). These were my favorites throughout the year. Enjoy!
Cococlectic Craft Chocolate Subscription Boxes
This year, send loved ones (or friends and colleagues) the gift of small-batch American made craft chocolate starting at only $42.99. Cococlectic is the perfect gift for any chocolate lover like me! Boxes feature only American chocolate makers who make their chocolate using the bean-to-bar process from scratch with nothing more than cacao beans, sugar and cocoa butter. The chocolates we feature are vegan, non-GMO, fair-trade and ethically sourced. They also do not contain any soy, gluten, dairy or nut, but they may be produced in a facility that handles these ingredients.
Fabrizia Lemon Baking Company
Fabrizia Lemon Baking Company incorporates their award winning Fabrizia Limoncello into a lineup of baked goods. Each holiday gift box includes a variety of lemon inspired desserts from their renowned limoncello cookies, lemon loaves, biscotti and more! Fabrizia Spirits, the leading limoncello producer in the United States, launched Fabrizia Lemon Baking Company in 2020 as a way to extend their passion and “zest” for lemons, limoncello, and the Fabrizia brand in a way that everyone, including non-alcoholic beverage consumers, can enjoy.
I Heart Dogs
It’s true, I love dogs AND cats! Crazy, right? So it makes sense to support both sides of the animal spectrum with this adorable tree topper from I Heart Dogs (and they have plenty more dog lover items to go around). Light up your holiday with the lights from this beautiful Angel Topper, honoring your pups long past. Not only are you spoiling yourself and Rover, this company gives back to the pet community. It’s a win-win!
Blingsting Self Defense
Because girls want to have fun and stay safe, this is your go to glitterati deadly duo! In a perfect world we’d like to think that we can just jump on the subway, or go on our Hot Girl Walk with our headphones in on a trail, unbothered, without a care in the world — but unfortunately, that is nothing more than a fantasy in this societal climate. Blingsting, the nation’s leading provider of trend-driven self-defense accessories has the perfect gift for friends, mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, and everyone in between. If you’re not packing, this is your best bet alternative!
Pantuss Aromatherapy Warming Slippers
I live in fuzzy slippers in the wintertime! To reach ultimate desired comfort, you take out the insoles and heat them in the microwave. The dried lavender flowers and flax seeds create a calming, relaxing aroma and when you insert them back into your Pantuss slippers and slide your feet in, that is when you reach the pinnacle of relaxation. Pantuss was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during a cold winter back in 2012. Pantuss’s owners, two sisters, designed their products to be a perfect combination of comfort, design, and aroma. Almost instantly, families started buying Pantuss throughout the country. They are also handmade from eco-friendly, sustainable materials!
Coo Moo Jams
From our friends in California comes Coo Moo Jams, a perfect way to spice up your jams anytime of the year! With a wide variety of jams that will give your taste buds the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and of course, spicy. There’s nothing better than a charcuterie board loaded with delicious meats, cheese, crackers, and Coo Moo Jam… trust me I tried it and now can never go back to basic old jams with no kick!
Minelab Metal Detectors
Treasure hunting outside fun for the whole fam! For over 35 years and with a team of over 50 engineers, Minelab’s hand-held metal detection technology has been hailed as the best in the world and offers a range of products for beginners and experienced detectorists. Every product that bears the Minelab® badge is built rugged and precise. Adaptable to any season, they’re durable, reliable, and more capable of finding gold than any other brand on the market. We tested out the Vanquish series in Lake Havasu but only found soda tabs and hunks of metal on the beach, maybe better luck in California!
OSD Beauty
If you get lizard skin like me, this is a blessing especially the creamy coconut scrub! Created with simple self-care in mind by the founders of Icon Swim, OSD Beauty empowers you to feel good in every way. By giving you the tools to pamper yourself and give your body gentle and loving attention, you’ll start to feel good inside and out. “OSD” stands for “Only Skin Deep” and is the core of what this beauty brand is all about. OSD encourages all women to also believe in an all-encompassing beauty and not just a superficial or subjective one. By taking care of your outer beauty in a way that feels good, you’ll also be giving care to your emotional and mental health too.
Maui Vera Sunscreen
Keep your skin safe while basking in the backyard with sunscreen from Maui Vera. It’s the new name for spa-quality sun protection and clean healing that’s reef-safe and made to take care of your skin and the planet. Its organic, chemical-free offerings are essential for sun worshippers. Also, if you plan on traveling to Hawaii, they are outlawing a lot of chemical and terrible for the environment sunscreens and sprays. Heads up, this is on the safe and accepted list for that trip to Maui next year!
Empty Provisions Footwear
The perfect sandals for any adventure! Empty Provisions Footwear is an ethical line of footwear that is committed to designing and producing items that are sustainable, comfortable, and stylish. After noticing a gap in the market for shoes that are modern, cute, and durable while being kind to the environment, founder Chrissy Durden sought to create a brand that followed these goals and ideals. Every shoe is designed in Somerville, MA and crafted by hand in small batches in central Maine with the materials also being sourced locally.
Urban Originals
The perfect vegan bag to hold the kitchen sink! Urban Originals creates drop-dead gorgeous bags that are Uber practical, without using any animal leather. I fooled many people this summer with my boho bag which got tons of compliments. The brand is 100% cruelty-free and vegan. Urban Originals uses the finest quality vegan leathers and recycled materials where possible and works to very low chemical requirements. So when you buy Urban Originals, you can feel as good as you look.
Aricove Weighted Blanket
For that pinned down comforting feeling, give the gift of luxurious comfort with Aricove’s weighted blankets. These best selling cooling weighted blankets are created with natural bamboo fiber, superfine glass beads, and hypoallergenic microfiber, perfect for people who are hot sleepers. Aricove’s Signature double-diamond design also ensures that ya’ll will get the best body-contouring comfort whenever you needs it. Mom will love that they are machine washable and dryer safe!
Hex Small Fire Pit
Hex Small Fire Pit from Colsen Fire Pit is perfect for the pyromaniac in your life! Give the gift of an outdoor retreat in the comfort of her your home with Colsen Fire Pit. These pits are light and easy to transport so you can move them anywhere, and feature a stylish modern design. Colsen Fire Pits hand makes innovative home and garden products that improve any home. The modern, portable designs go with today’s decor and offer an easy way to stage an inviting atmosphere for quiet moments and the brand recommends using 70% or 91% Isopropyl alcohol as fuel for a clean burn, found easily at any pharmacy or grocery store.
The Art & Science of Drawing
Delving back into my artsy fartsy roots of painting and drawing, this easy to follow sketch guide offers step by step instructions easy enough for a 10 year old to follow (we tested this theory)! The Art & Science of Drawing by Brent Eviston is a perfect companion for someone wanted to poke around and learn more. The nice thing about drawing and painting, it’s like riding a bike. Once you get back in the groove, its game on!
Women’s Kittery Shibori Boot
Believe it or not, this is my first pair of snow boots in years! I think I have an ankle pair at my aunt’s on the East Coast as visiting in winter backup but these are much taller and best yet, fuzzy and fashionable. Always a fan of Sperry and their outstanding quality, you know any footwear you get from there is going to last a long time. Featuring textured shibori uppers and a faux fur trim for style and microfleece lining and an artic rubber outsole with heat retention technology and poly laces with D-ring lacing system. Best yet, these will fit any foot and calf with the adjustable sizing!
