Thinking Fruitful: 2014 Good Gift Giving Guide

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Here’s the deal, guys.

Gift giving: I love it. It’s a blast. It’s happening at Christmas in less than a month!

I’m not saying this to freak you out. I’m saying this to make you think about how you can do some good with your Christmas shopping.

Sure, maybe your family doesn’t do gifts and that’s fine. But if (like me) you just can’t help but show your love by gift giving, here are some options that won’t leave you feeling like a materialistic monster.

I’ve got ideas for all of you internet shoppers, as well as local ideas for you North Carolinians!

Online Shopping

JOYN– I know I’ve mentioned JOYN before, but they have such a nice selection of handcrafted things that I’ve got to highlight them again. This organization is really changing lives, empowering the men and women in India that make their beautifully crafted goods.

Fruitful Fave: this clutch for $24

Toms– It might be cliche by now to still like Toms, but I still enjoy supporting all the good that they are a part of worldwide. And now with the Toms marketplace, you can get so much more than shoes.

Fruitful Fave: this guy’s tee for $34

Naptime Diaries– This shop has some of the most beautiful, inspiring prints and other goodies to encourage you throughout the year.

Fruitful Fave: this print for $14

She Does Justice– I love the name and mission of this group: “a stylish way to give back.” From headbands to scarves, this shop makes shopping fun and rewarding.

Fruitful Fave: this scarf for $23

 

Local Shopping

Gather– This place is a great excuse to visit downtown Cary. The shop is stock full of locally-made goodies (from bath stuff to shirts to cards and food products), and you can even get a killer latte or chai while you’re shopping.

Fruitful Find: this peppermint bark for $12

Southern Season– I don’t even know where to start with this place. Imagine going to a fancy grocery store with rows and rows of food products that you could spend hours looking through. This Chapel Hill spot is a great destination for gifts for food lovers.

Fruitful Find: this loose leaf tea selection from $3-7

Furbish Studio– I actually haven’t been to this place yet, but it’s on my list. I’ve heard they have some great local gifts, like barware and tons of unique home goods. You can also shop online!

Fruitful Find: this holiday glass set for $24

NC Made– What could be a better gift to give to someone you love than a taste of your home state? NC Made offers a variety of gift boxes that feature some of the best artisan goods that come from our great state.

Fruitful Find: this snack box for $52

If you live in the area, you might want to look through these local food gift ideas from The News & Observer, then check out my gift giving guide from last year if you live in Northwest Arkansas.

Where else do you like to shop for your Christmas gifts?