Slow living is never more delicious than during the holidays. Copper pots of cinnamon sticks, clove, and orange peel simmer on the stove. A wood fire burns in the hearth. Steaming cups of cider & cocoa always close at hand along with creamy batches of homemade eggnog with a drop of smoky bourbon. Balsam fir and dulcet carols. Royal icing and gingerbread. Spiced cakes and succulent roasts. Hand-knit sweaters and homemade wreaths.
And, and, and….OR does this sound more familiar: a hectic freight train called CHRISTMAS barreling at you as you try to pull it all together in time for the holiday party, for Christmas morning, for last minute shipping deadlines. I know all too well what that pressure is like. Which is why in this year’s annual Local Milk Gift Guide 2018 I’ve done all the hard work for you and curated a selection of over 150+ gifts for him, her, and the little ones so you can spend your time with a bit more holiday zen and a bit less zoning out on Google combing the internet for the perfect gift. Because the gift of slow living is the best gift we can give ourselves. For even more ideas after you peruse this guide make sure to also visit our past gift guides from 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Also, I made a gift for YOU for the holidays: 2 FREE Lightroom editing presets for desktop and mobile so you can edit your photos like a pro for your blog, Instagram, or brand. They’re the two most popular presets from The Instagram Collection, and one is dark & moody while the other is bright and poppy! I hope they save you time creating beautiful visual stories & help you get a little more slow living during this busy season!
| Minimalist Home Gift Ideas |
Gifts for the less-is-more, quality over quantity home—beautiful, functional objects of use and art.
- Matte Black Vase
- Hans Napkin by Blockshop
- Moon Dish
- Vitruvi White Stone Diffuser
- George Mirror
- Painted Sketchbook by Moglea
- Brass Cup
- Beeswax Woman Candle
- Natural Leather Coasters
- Equinox Print by Rebekka Seale
- Copper Box
- Swallow Tail Rug by Blockshop
- Arches Print by Blockshop
- Andalusia Rug by Cold Picnic
- Bedside Carafe in Smoke
- Solid Brass Bookend
- Ceramic Watering Can
- Wabi Sabi Welcome by Julie Pointer Adams
- New Form Print by Riikka from The Poster Club
- Desert Bells by Katherine Moes
- Mountain Blossom Furoshiki Cloth
- Sojirushi Kake Chohou Broom
- Chunky Woven Blanket
- Ceramic Container
- Abstract Brass Mobile
| Slow Fashion Gift Ideas |
Loungewear, statement earrings, comfy (yet stylish) shoes, and bold accessories—gift ideas for the girl with the capsule wardrobe.
- Mara Romper by Elizabeth Suzann
- Baserange Bell Basics Underwear
- Small Bauble Ear Cuff by Faris
- Golandrina Caftan
- Lune Earrings by Crescioni
- Capote Coat by Lauren Manoogian
- Patchwork Zippered Wallet from Goodwin
- Alabaster Gaucho Hat by Clyde
- Terracotta Earrings
- Pink Fuzzy Slippers
- Marbled Peach Ring from Goodwin
- Babouche Black Leather Slippers
- Sailor Pant in Tobacco by Jesse Kamm
- Brussels Earrings by Eesome
- Mock Neck Body Suit by Land of Women
- Milo Jumpsuit by Ilana Kohn
- No. 6 Pull On Shearling Boot in Smoke
- Outline Earring
- Arc Necklace by Crescioni
- Closed Toe Clog by Zuzii
- Mustard Linen Robe
- Sparrow Scarf by Blockshop Textiles
- Oak & Leather Pump by Wal and Pai
| Gifts for the Intentional Kitchen |
Form and function reign in the intentional kitchen—handmade ceramics, sustainable basics to help do away with kitchen waste, quality ingredients, and inspiring cookbooks.
- Walter Water Filter
- Tarala Ceramic Bowl
- Rosti Mepal Storage Bowls
- Kishibori Shoyu
- High Vibrational Beauty
- Colleen Hennessey Clayworks Serving Bowl
- Soma Water Pitcher
- Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook
- Speckled Ceramic Casserole
- Blush & Terracotta Salt and Pepper Grinders
- HEA Ceramics Lady Mug
- Brass Trivet
- Carafe
- Notary Ceramics Teapot
- Handmade Twist Trivet
- Dining In by Alison Roman
- Bread Proofing Basket
- Terracotta Tea Towel
- Japaneasy by Tim Anderson
- Berti Utility Knife
- Pink Marble Nesting Bowls
- Blush Kitchen Utility Set
- Mushi Nabe Donabe Steamer
- Noble Handcrafted Black Truffle
- HG Seashore Honey
- Ojas Cookbook by Nera Kehar
- Stagg Electric Pour Over
- 3 piece Gold Flatware
- Sacred Sister Tisane
- Usurai Glasses
- Brass Cake Server
| Wellness & Self-Care Gifts |
Beauty starts on the inside—and we have you covered with gift ideas from spiritual practice to skin and hair care to fitness.
- Binu Binu Soap
- Austin Austin Bergamot Juniper Shampoo
- Oribe Dry Styling Kit
- Pink Mountain Salt
- Aesop Marrakech Eau de Toilette
- Beechwood Flat Brush
- Yin Adaptogenic Powder
- Golden Thread Tarot Deck
- Outdoor Voices Spring Legging
- Soma Water Bottle
- Sea Sponge
- Wooden Spoon Herbs Mushroom Cocoa
- Jade Gua Sha Facial Toner
- The Neat Matcha Sticks
- Palo Santo White Sage Incense
- Make Beauty Terrazzo Bronzer
| Gifts for Babies & Littles |
Gifts beyond the plastic: beautiful, sustainable toys and clothes for kids and babies from the coziest winter coat to a felted CSA box to an heirloom quality play kitchen (that we got Eula this year!)
- Bacabuche Teddy Coat
- Cinq Bamboo Bowls
- Wooden Rainbow Stacker
- Bobo Chose Socks
- Space Princess Doll
- Buds Along the Path Coloring Book
- Father’s Factory Wooden 35MM Camera
- Milton and Goose Play Kitchen
- Meet Georgia Art Book
- Hazel Village Ada Doll
- Banwood Balance Bike
- Kalinka Knit Romper
- Andean Drum
- Ship Shape Quilt
- Bacabuche Kimono Gown
- Knit Feminist Crown
- Belle Enfant Romper
- Kids Clog by Zuzii
- Olli & Ella Wicker Shopper
- Grandpa Whale
- Dayhike Booties
- Kids Oxfords by Zuzii
- Pom Bonnet
- What do Grownups do All Day?
- Wooden Tool Kit
- Rocking Sheep
- Rubber Ducky
- Warhol Crayon Collection
- Felt Veggie CSA Box
- Ferm Modern Dollhouse
| Gifts for Him (or Her) |
From whiskey to coffee to records and more—we’re got you covered on ideas for men. The record player is one of the best that doesn’t require a whole system, and the whiskey and coffee are Matt Lud (my resident beverage expert) approved as the best out there. I’d be happy to receive almost everything on this list myself.
- Ember Mug
- Angora Knit Beanie
- Kinto Travel Tumbler
- Playing Cards
- OFS Smoked Salt
- Pradel 1920 White Knives Set
- T. Rex Electric Warrior on Vinyl
- Record Cleaner
- Project Debut Turntable
- Drink Stones
- Stranahan Diamond Peak Black Label Whiskey
- Extra Large Ice Cube Tray
- Copper Flask
- Ceremony Coffee
- Japanese Brass Folding Knife
- Folding Comb
- Merkur Steel Safety Razor
- Beechwood Shave Brush
- Apple Airpods
- Makr Landscape Wallet
| Stocking Stuffers They’ll Actually Be Happy to Get |
Let’s be honest: most stocking stuffers end up in the bin. This year, take the less is more approach with gorgeous gifts in a small package.
- RMS Lip to Cheek Color
- Parisian Truffles
- Zero Waste Scrunchie
- Brass Hair Pin
- Hand Forged Brass Tea & Coffee Scoop
- Natural Bristle Toothbrush
- Linen Dish Cloth
- Merino Wool Dryer Balls
- Metal Corner Bookmark
- Brass Chopstick Rests
- Wooden Spoon Herbs Anxiety Ally Tincture
- Down and Out on a Yacht
- Fort Standard Brass Bottle Opener
- Wooden Dinosaur
- Le Labo Camphor Balm
- Hiba Wood Oil
- Pink Peppercorn Chocolate
- Gold Foil Matches
- Sibilia Brass Key Chain
- Tonkatsu Ramen Puzzle
Disclaimer: This post contains a few affiliate links though the vast majority are not! No one can buy their way into this gift guide, and it isn’t sponsored. The only way to get into this guide is for me to think something is awesome! Affiliate links just mean if you like what I picked out and go buy it, I receive a small commission from the seller that goes towards keeping this blog up and running! Thank you for all your support & happy holidays! xo
My name is Beth, Elizabeth Evelyn to be exact. A native Tennessean, I was born in the South.
I am the author behind Local Milk Blog.