A Meaningful Holiday Gift Guide: 25 Things to Love for People You Love

Plus exclusive discount codes from some of my favorite small businesses.

One of my favorite things to do for the past 15+ years is to put together gift guides to help people find things they love. I will just go ahead and say, I’m pretty good at it by now!

This year, I know the holidays feel different for different people.

Some people are not in a holiday mood. Some people are tightening budgets, or skipping gifts completely. Some people want to take advantage of every single Black Friday deal, because who knows what things will cost next year. Some people want to exclusively support women-owned businesses or indie makers. Some people need to shop on Amazon or Target so they can make their budgets work.

I will just say: No judgment. And don’t let anyone else judge you for doing what’s right for you.

With that, I’ve put together a variety of gifts that I think are meaningful to the people we love and I hope you find something perfect.

Bonus: Some of my favorite small businesses have generously created exclusive discount just for readers of I’m Walking Here. 💫 Please support them!

I do include a few affiliate links here and there (I assure you the commissions I make are negligible and never impact my recommendations) — but I have decided I don’t want to take affiliate commissions from small businesses, so I’m passing those discounts to you.

One more thing: It was strongly suggested to me that I put this gift guide behind a paywall, to build my paid subscribers. I really would like more of you to become paid subscribers. But I’ve decided to keep this guide public for everyone.

If you value the time and love I’ve put into my guide — and the rest of my posts — I hope you’ll consider an annual subscription, currently 20% off (just $5/month!).

Or hey, just buy me a coffee through Venmo.

With that…

---

25+ Meaningful Holiday Gifts For People You Love

I’m sorting these generally by category, but hey — mix and match! Teens like things adults like. Men like things women like. I like everything here. (Just saying.)

Meaningful Gifts for Kids and Teens

Kindness Crayons | Art2theExtreme
The perfect message for our time on the perfect gift for creative kids— or kids at heart. If you see other handmade rainbow crayons like these, it’s because they’ve knocked off Nicole. Support original makers! (I’m also a big fan of her personalized name crayons.)
💫 Use code HolidayLiz for 20% off your entire purchase

Personalized Treat Box | SugarWish
From a favorite women-owned business, I send these all year long and my kids love them! Kids receive a notification by email, card or text — then fulfill their own sugar “wish” by choosing their favorite treats, which arrive beautifully boxed soon after. It’s like giving a gift card, but with way more gift to it. Huge hit.
💫 Use code LizWish for $10 off your purchase through 12/25, 1 per person

Bath Bombs with a Personalized Friendship Bracelet Inside | Mameni Beauty
A new family-run business from a wonderful friend and entrepreneur with a huge heart. You can customize the scents, colors, and even the words on the bracelet.
💫 Use code LizHoliday for 20% off your purchase or shop through the link here.

L. Frank Baum’s Original Wizard of Oz Series | Bookshop.org, Amazon
We’re all celebrating Wicked season, the perfect moment to expose kids (of all ages) to the magical L. Frank Baum series that started it all. The 100th anniversary first edition reissue (Amazon, Bookshop.org) is a great entry — but the best of the 14-book series, hands down, is the third title, Ozma of Oz (Amazon, Bookshop.org). My own kids will fight you on that and I’ll back them up.

A Symbolic Species Adoption | WWF
An annual tradition in our family for many years, the kids would each pick a favorite animal to “adopt” and we’d keep up with the conservation efforts through the year.

PS All experience gifts are meaningful for kids! Take them to see real animals, a museum…you name it!

Laptop or Water Bottle Decals | Karen Hallion Art
Massachusetts artist Karen Hallion has created an enormous roster of inspirational hero art, which make amazing, affordable decals from your kid’s favorite character or IRL idol. You can also find select designs as wall art, pins, or coloring pages.

Personalized Name Necklace | PeggyLi
This AAPI-owned jewelry biz is a longtime favorite, and she gives back to terrific causes. There’s so much to love on her site but this is a great gift for kids.   💫 Use code WALK20 for 20% off your purchase

Adopt a Public School Classroom | Donors Choose
Work together with the kids to pick a cause they care about — STEM? Art? Athletic facilities? A gift card can help them adopt a classroom and make a real difference. Plus they’ll love getting thank you notes from the kids and updates from the teacher throughout the year.

See more of my favorite gifts for teens here

---

Also see:

---

Meaningful Gifts for Women Who Need a Little Extra Love Right Now. Men Too.

Personalized Gourmet Ice Cream Delivery | eCreamery
Does ice cream heal? I’m going with yes. From another women-run business I’ve recommended since they launched, their ice cream flavors aren’t just PHENOMENAL, the packages can be customized. Choose from holiday pints, a self-care collection, or personalize the pints with your own photos and titles. PS They’re great for kids too.
💫 Use code Liz10 for 10% off orders through 12/31. Not valid with other promos.

Mental Health Mantra Bracelets | Presently Bracelets
Designed by a friend and her sister who both suffer from OCD and anxiety, each mantra is based on cognitive therapy techniques that help reset thought patterns. I wear one every day that reads It’s Okay to Feel How I Feel. There’s also a new collab with ESPN reporter Lauren Sisler using the mantra, I’m In Love With My Story. Amazing.
💫 Use code LizHoliday for 20% off your entire order, 1 per customer

We Will Rest! The Art of Escape | Amazon, Bookshop.org
From Tricia Hersey, this gorgeous book is designed to give the gift of rest and escape from grind culture and systems built to exhaust us. Yes.

See more of my book recos for everyone on your list at my bookshop.org storefront.

A Custom Family Portrait | Henry James Paper Goods
Artist Kadie Foppiano created a portrait of our four kids (obviously not shown here) a few years back, and it’s one of our most treasured posessions. She’s a delight to work with, and wow, can she get specific with the subjects! Whether it’s her family by blood, choice, or pet adoption — this is a beautiful way to remind someone they’re loved.
💫 Save 25% off eligible orders sitewide for a limited time

A Year of Calm (Literally) | Calm App
I don’t know how I’d sleep (or calm down or slow my breathing) without it. Calm Premium really is worth the price; or get the Family Plan, especially if teens are involved.
💫 New members save 50% off the Premium Plan through Black Friday

Sugarwish Holiday Cheers Box | Sugarwish
While I’ve sent plenty of traditional Sugarwishes to adults, they now offer adults-only treats. They get a card, email or text, and can customize their box with a choice of wine bottles, wine-tasting minis, or non-alcoholic mocktail mixers.
💫 Use code LizWish for $10 off your purchase through 12/25, 1 per person

Weather The Storm Necklace | Peggy Li
Peggy Li has a whole category of jewelry that gives back, and I love this necklace — the design, the meaning, and the fact that 25% of profits are donated to the good work of World Central Kitchen.
💫 Use code WALK20 for 20% off your purchase

Veselka Potato Pancakes | Goldbelly
If her comfort food is less sweet and more savory (and salty and oil and fried), this right here is my go-to. Since they’re indigenous to Ukraine, I highly recommend you have them them from the iconic NYC institution founded by two Ukrainian refugee brothers 70 years ago. Trust me, these potato pancakes are not just for Hanukkah.

Tikkun Olam Keychain | Emily Rosenfeld
I’ve been a fan of this Massachusetts artist for a long time, who always makes wonderful handmade Hanukkah gifts. This pewter keychain contains a spinning orb with the Hebrew phrase Tikkun Olam, or “Repairing the World”— a reminder for all of us to heal what ails us, take action, and work towards peace.

Unisex Fleece-Lined Sock Slippers | Verloop
This AAPI woman-owned label makes so many gorgeous accessories and home goods, and I’m all over these fleecy, cozy, lined socks in colors that will brighten any day. Unless she’s wearing them while hibernating under a heavy blanket. Which is understandable.
💫 Get free US shipping on purchases $50+

Bliss Body Butter in a Gihugic Pump | Amazon
It’s not from a small business, but it was my happy scent for years, and now the product is back! They make a body wash as well. Plus, great sale.
💫 51% off and use coupon code 10BFPRESALE for an additional 10% off through Black Friday

See more of my favorite beauty faves here

Personalized Message In a Bottle Premium Salt Soak | Mameni Beauty
The combination of warm water, organic essential oils, and time to herself may be just what she needs. Your personalized note inside makes it an extra sweet surprise.
💫 Use code LizHoliday for 20% off your purchase or shop through the link here.

---

---

Meaningful Gifts for Women Who Want to Burn it All Down Right Now

Fascist Tears Vodka | Republic Restoratives
If you’ve seen their ads on social, it’s not a gimmick. I have been partaking of the Madam Bourbon Whiskey, in honor of our Madam VP, and it’s quite delicious. I’d be willing to give this one a try, especially with a portion of sales supporting vote.org.

Hand-Embroidered Sweater | Lingua Franca NYC
The original sustainable, 100% cashmere, hand-embroidered sweaters from Rachelle Hruska’s shop are an indulgence, which is why all the fancy people have them. Hot tip: The hand-embroidered sweatshirts are a (relative) steal.
💫 Use code Thanks25 for 25% off sitewide during Black Friday Week only

Uterus Mug | Art Altered
A reminder of one of the little things we’re fighting for these days. As if she’d forget. This small business makes everything locally in Albuquerque. Add some of her favorite coffee or tea. She’ll need it.
💫 10% off through Nov 30

Abalone Shell Pocket Knife | Martiny Saddle Co
A friend of mine gave me one (thanks Cara!) and while I’ve never owned a pocket knife before, I kind of love it. I tracked it down to this shop — turns out they’re crafted by Nancy Martiny, a badass maker out of Idaho known for her custom saddles.

Audre Lorde Quote Art | The Joyful Fox
The words we need right now. Even if we’re afraid of everything.

A Gift Box from Penzey’s | Penzey’s
I’ve been a fan of their top-notch herbs, spices (the cinnamon!), and seasoning blends since long before Bill starting putting it all on the line in an effort to make the world a better place. There’s even a January 6 box with a peace sign on it. Penzey’s gives back so much to good causes, it’s a gift that reminds her she’s not alone in the fight. And that there’s always time to take a break for baked goods.

A Donation to the Smithsonian Women’s American History Museum | D.C.
Even better, plan a visit there. While we still can. (Too soon? Sigh.)

Similarly, make a donation in her name to a cause she cares about. Like:
- an abortion fund
- support for immigrants and refugees
- support for LGBTQ youth
- the fight for racial justice
- dismantling antisemitism and bigotry
- a public school classroom in need
- environmental protections
- emergency food relief
- maintaining ethics in government
- support for women candidates

That may be the most meaningful gift of all.

---

Please leave a comment if you found something here you love! If there’s something you’re still looking for, let me know. No doubt there will be more gift guides. (Did I mention how much I love doing this?)