Gift Guide for the Holiday Season

As the year is barreling towards the holiday season, many of us are trying to make decisions on the holiday gifting season. What items should I get for my spouse, family, friends or teacher.  Will they arrive in time? Shouldn't I support local? What does supporting local mean to me? Does that mean I only buy items from a local business that makes and creates items here locally? Or does that mean I purchase an item(s) from a friend who reps a product(s) from a larger organization. I feel any and all the above our important questions to ask.

I will try to make my purchases where it will have the most effect on my local economy. I will purchase items from local artisans or markets. I will purchase items from friends who rep a product line that I value, knowing the money they earn from my purchase will be put back into the local economy. Especially during these new times, we need to be supportive of each other and of our local businesses. Only together can we all thrive. 

In the vein, here are a few gift items for the holiday. 

•  Bedtime Basics: Setting the stage for a goodnights sleep is so important for our bodies. Sleep supports our immune system, helps to clear and reboot our brains. It helps with weight control and boosts our moods. The list goes on. For me, I like having a good book, comfy pjs and complete darkness when I sleep. I also love to use Beautycounter's Overnight Peel and Supreme Cream on my face at night. Since I have started using their products the quality of my skin has improved. It is less splotchy and stressed. This holiday season you can purchase both items in gift set for your favorite person, Clean Dreams Set.
• Cold Winter Days: In the northern climates, winter can be so harsh on our skin and hands. The constant washing  and use of hand sanitizers has done a number on my hands. So using the Clean Scents Hand Cream Trio has been a life saver. I love that it fits so nicely in my bag. I also love how purchasing this set along with the Beyond Gloss Mini Vault makes a great gift item for teachers, friends and even stocking stuffers. My favorite color is Cinnamon Shimmer. Plus your lip will thank you for keeping them moist and healthy. Another recommendation for dry skin in the winter, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. This will help your skin stay healthy and support your bodies detoxing process. 
• For The Girl on The Go: who always wants to be put together and have all her personal needs covered.  She will have her favorite warm beverage in a sustainable mug like above, my favorite is from Vida Pour Tea right here in Greensboro. If you want to get your favorite girl on the go a nice new hand bag check out the Greensboro Curb Market on Saturdays or at their two, Made4 the Holiday's Arts, Crafts & Pottery Markets on November 14th and December 5th this is where Handbagz and Gladbagz earth friendly fashion will be. I love her handcrafted handbags. They are the best!! Make sure you girl has her lips covered with Beautycounter's new Clean Swipe Hyaluronic Lip Duo in translucent and warm rosy pink. Both balms are formulated with ultra-moisturizing murumuru and mango butters that keep lips happy and healthy-looking.  You can even split this package up for 2 gifts. 
• At Home Mani & Pedi:  is a fun gift to give or receive or even give yourself. Who hasn't often thought I really need to get to the nail salon but either don't have time or are not really comfortable doing it during these times. One of my favorite birthday presents I received from a friend is a manicure kit. So many times I have used it at home or on the road and always think of my friend who gave it to me. Because she was thinking of me, taking care of me with out me realizing it. Heck I wasn't buying one for myself and I actually should have, because I use it ALL the time.  On that thought who has thought they need to take care of their nasty looking feet but procrastinate because A: it's winter and who is really gonna see my feet or B: ugh it'll be so much work. Why don't you give that person or yourself the gift of a luscious exfoliating kit from Beautycounter - Solemates Exfoliating Duo (check out this before and after)
• For the Man: in your life grab him a case of his favorite fermented beverage from a local brewery or cidery. Here are a few of our favorites: Bull City Ciderworks, Southend Brewery, Oden Brewery and Ginger's Revenge, ya that last one is in Asheville.  Or if he is living the alcohol free life pick up a case of kombucha from Susan's Table at the Corner Market. Then grab him the Counterman Collection, and if it's sold out grab  him the items individually. My husband LOVES the Charcoal Body Bar  and he has tried plenty of bars of soap over the years and this is the best! He even takes it on business trips. 
• A Night Out:  If you're a mom of young children I bet you're in need of a night out, heck if you have been being really good at social distancing I bet a night out or in is on your holiday list. Give the gift of experience, a gift certificate to a local restaurant, here in Greensboro we have a quite a few to choose from. Then grab the Good Glitz Duo to give yourself that special holiday look for the occasion. This set I love, I even used it to help with my costume for Halloween.
• At Home Spa Day:  who hasn't want to go to the spa, but doesn't have the funds or time. Grab the Good Scents Bath Oil Trio and give yourself a nice soak in the tub and grab a bottle of clean crafted wine for a nice relaxing bath. Heck use one bottle for yourself and gift the other two. Then finish the experience sampling Countertime Regime in the mini size for anti-aging skincare. This regime is my all time favorite. It has made a difference in my life. 
• For The Trendy Teen:  that age where parents, aunts, uncles and  grandparents all wonder what the heck should I get my favorite teen. Well we all know they LOVE Amazon Gift Cards, heck who doesn't love one of those. LOL A new fancy phone case and airpods will always be a hit. Heck help them clean up their skin with the Counterstart Cleanser & Moisturizer, my daughters favorite or help them get ready to go out with the Ready, Set, Makeup Trio.  This last one is a great way to introduce them to clean, sustainable makeup.