I believe in our power as consumers to make an impact on our world.
That’s why I put together a gift guide – to help make it easier for busy parents (and anyone!) to shop thoughtfully. If I can help you route $5 (or $50!) from a big box store to a local business, it will make my day.
A few reminders, though:
- You don’t have to buy gifts.
- Most people (especially us millennials) just want quality time, rest, and financial stability during the holiday season – and in general. We don’t want our loved ones splurging or going deeper into debt to buy us things. Inviting loved ones over for dinner, or sending a thoughtful card – these are wonderful gestures that don’t involve gift-giving.
- To the grandparents reading this: I say this lovingly but bluntly, your kids don’t want stuff. For themselves, or for their kids. We’re already struggling to stay on top of life’s clutter and navigate climate grief as it is. 🫠 If your kids have asked for specific things, that’s fine; otherwise, consider gifts like memberships, experiences, or consumables.
- Homemade gifts (treats, crafts, etc) and thrifted/secondhand gifts are also wonderful.
- Please shop small. ❤️ Small businesses are struggling more than ever. You will not find Amazon links here. You can support small/independent businesses in person and online!
Nothing here is sponsored or affiliate, with the exception of Bookshop, for which I am an affiliate*. This list is comprised of all all authentic recommendations of businesses I personally know and love, or suggestions from my IG community!
For Babies
Listen, babies truly don’t need gifts – they are going to have a ball playing with the tissue paper pulled out of bags and delighting in shared family time.
That said, if you are looking for a fun & helpful gift for a baby and their parent, these are great options:
- Silicone teether toys!
- any of the adorable options at The Little Seedling
- Star teether
- more options from Ark Therapeutics
- Board books!
- secondhand from Better World Books / Thriftbooks
- or new from Bookshop (here’s my family’s favorites)
For Toddlers (1-3)
- Silicone teether toys!
- any of the adorable options at The Little Seedling
- Star teether
- more options from Ark Therapeutics
- Puzzles!
- lots of cute ones here!
- Bath toys
- Dress-up costumes
- Easily thrifted, or plenty of great choices at Sarah’s Silks
- Board books, or hardcover/paperback books to read together
- secondhand from Better World Books / Thriftbooks
- or new from Bookshop (here’s my family’s favorites)
- empty cardboard boxes
- gift card to zoo, aquarium, etc
For Kids (4+)
- Membership to zoo, aquarium, etc
- craft kits
- eco play dough
- art supplies
- puzzles
- lots of cute ones here!
- memory & flash card games
- some options at Bookshop
- books, books, books
- secondhand from Better World Books / Thriftbooks
For Expecting & New Parents
- coupon for babysitting (seriously, the most precious gift of all)
- frozen meals or restaurant gift card
- an amazing local option for new parents: Mothering Meals
- postpartum support funds (!!)
- photography session
- local: Tiana Lashae Photo (she did my website photos!)
- a MASSAGE
- parenting books or classes
- postpartum support funds (putting this on here twice because…do it)
For Crunchy Folks
- anything from herbal shop White Pine Rising (opens 11/19)
- Personal favorite: her herbal first aid kit – I used it all summer long
- the herbal tea blends are also amazing
- beeswax candles
- found locally at Argus Farm Stop
- also found at White Lotus Farms
- seed packets:
- homemade goodies
- plants
- adorable critter dryer balls (bees! penguins! ladybugs!) at BYOC
For Anyone
- cozy socks from Maggie’s Organics
- books from your local bookstore, Thriftbooks or Bookshop
- board games
- find these locally at Upkeep Games or Kiwanis Thrift Store
- consumables (jams, chocolate, honey, coffee, tea):
- found locally at Argus Farm Stop
- also found at White Lotus Farms
- and Arbor Farms Market
- gorgeous soap bars at BYOC
- homemade goodies
For Ann Arbor folks
- Gift cards to any of our amazing local businesses that serve parents
- Gift cards to local restaurants / coffee shops
- Rawaq Coffee
- Juicy Kitchen (a great way to support them during their closure!!)
- First Bite
- Chela’s
- Tmaz
- Vertex Coffee
- Sweetwaters
- Argus Farm Stop
- Palm Palace
- and so many more!
- Memberships to favorite spots:
- Holiday markets to shop from a variety of local vendors:
- Sunday Artisan Market at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market
- Kindlefest
- Tiny Expo at the Ann Arbor District Library
- Ypsi Artisan Market at the Ypsi Farmers Market
Again, remember that gifts are just one way to show love and connection this season. For most people, your presence is valued above all. ❤️
If this guide helped you in any way, I’d love to know! Shoot me an email or a DM.
*I earn a very modest affiliate revenue if you purchase books through Bookshop. All affiliate revenue helps fund sliding scale consults for parents in my practice.
Integrative Lactation Care 
Leave a comment