Enji’s Top Holiday Picks For The Family: Part 1
The holiday season is upon us and it is that time of the year to be thankful for all those in our lives. Although the holiday season is traditionally about family meals and warm wishes it is also a wonderful time to show those we love how much we appreciate them. This week Enji wants to help you find the perfect gift for those in your heart by making a local gift guide. Today we present to you the top 10 gifts local to Califorina to give to the strong women in your life. Come back all week long as we continue to show you our top picks for the rest of your family members.
Recycled and Upcycled Finds
Sage Larock: For the woman who is always at the beach (even in the “brutal” San Diego winters…):
I wouldn’t normally put swimwear in a holiday gift guide, but it’s San Diego and we get to enjoy beach weather all year. I love Sage Larock for a lot of reasons, starting with the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability. They make all their gorgeous swimsuits and dresses in LA and many of their pieces (like the bikini pictured) are made from upcycled fishing nets and plastic debris so they help keep plastic out of our oceans too. Between their modern designs and ocean friendly ethos, this gift is sure to delight the beachy people in your life. $78 (top and bottom sold separately)
http://www.sagelarock.com/shop/cannes-bikini-top-white-6rlfb-lnxk8-adc73-ne8tw
Upcycled FairTrade Fitness: Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective’s signature leggings make the perfect sustainable gift for the fitness fan. Their clean silhouettes are made for all shapes and sizes, fit amazingly, and have a very luxe feel to them. Their fabric is made from recycled plastic water bottles (about 25 water bottles are recycled to make the fabric for one pair of leggings) in their FairTrade facility in Taiwan and their clothes are sewn at a FairTrade certified factory in Vietnam. $68
https://www.girlfriend.com/products/indigo-girlfriend-legging-mid-rise-4010-mb
Gifts That Keep Giving:
Future Glory Co.
I’ve been in love with Future Glory Co’s modern and distinctive bags since I first saw them a couple of years ago. Not only are they the original designers of the ring handle bag, they hand craft all their pieces in San Francisco and give back to local Bay Area organizations. Between their signature minimalist design and commitment to their community through their apprenticeship programs and charitable giving, this bag is truly a gift that helps create new opportunities and a brighter future. $375
https://futureglory.co/collections/current/products/sienna-mini-in-noir?variant=38550548553
Enji Studio Jewelry:
Who doesn’t like a little sparkle for the holidays? Our Sanem Pendant is sleek, modern, and versatile for day and night wear (maybe for that NYE party). Each pendant is handmade in our Carlsbad studio, black rhodium plated, and hand finished for a unique ombre look and the three flush-set diamonds add just the right amount of shine. This necklace is made from recycled sterling silver, Canadian diamonds, and gives back to local organizations that work to stop domestic violence and human trafficking and organizations making mining safer and more environmentally friendly, making it a gift that also gives to others. $298
(visit our shop)
Organic Essentials:
Quintessentials Aromatherapy:
Quintessentials is a local San Diego company supplying aromatherapy body sprays, yoga mat sprays, custom essential oils, and more. Not only do their products smell amazing, they are all made locally in small batches using only organic ingredients. They believe that what we put on our bodies is just as important as what goes in, so you’ll never find parabens, preservatives, or any of the other nasty ingredients you find in mass produced perfumes and sprays. Room and body sprays start at $16 and you can see them at local holiday markets too.
https://www.quinntessentialsproducts.com
Holiday Cookies with A Conscience: Thrive Market
For the chef who loves cooking with organic and healthy ingredients, a year membership to Marina del Rey based Thrive Market would make a great gift. Think of it like an online Whole Foods meets Costco with affordable prices on healthy, organic, vegan, Paleo, FairTrade, etc kitchen staples. And for every membership sold, Thrive Market donates a membership to a low-income family, teacher, veteran, or student by working with nonprofits like Feeding America. Also check out their selection of sweets for stocking stuffers or make your own like these: https://thrivemarket.com/blog/8-homemade-sweets-that-make-awesome-holiday-gifts (and trust us those almond butter cups are pretty tasty.) Annual Membership $59
Beautiful and Cruelty Free:
Dwell Satchel by Matt & Nat:
For the vegan loving woman, this cruelty-free satchel from Matt & Nat is the perfect pop of color. From the Dwell collection, the bag is soft, yet textured and rich creating a classic finish and can be worn crossbody with adjustable and removable strap. $140
http://mattandnat.com/shop/collections/dwell/gloria-sm-henna
Vegan Beauty by Axiology:
Strong, lipstick-loving women always need a tried-and-true red in their collection and this shade from Axiology goes well with most skin tones. All of their products are also cruelty free, perfect for the conscious and kind beauty devotee in your life. $30
https://www.goodcubed.com/collections/brands-axiology/products/lipstick-fundamental
FairTrade Finds:
FairTrade for Winter:
Dressed up or dressed down, this sweater from The People Tree is a cold weather essential, even with our Southern California definition of “cold”. The chunky roll neck is super-cosy and means you can leave your scarf at home and the fabric is super soft and machine-washable too. It is also made of certified organic FairTrade cotton and is sewn in a FairTrade factory in India. $95
For the home:
These planters from Citizenry are modern, minimal, and each one is unique, highlighting the natural differences in the marble patterns. They are also all handmade by artisans in Morelos, Mexico in a FairTrade certified environment. Style, it with succulents, or use it as a wine chiller (it’s versatile like that). $95
https://www.the-citizenry.com/collections/lighting-decor/products/puebla-marble-planter
If you are looking for more local San Diego stores, check out these stores who support their surrounding communities.
https://artelexia.com/ Has ton of Frida Kahlo inspired items and vibrant colors. You can find traditional Latin inspired products, and the store has an authentic feel. You will find many handcrafted home decor, art and gifts.
https://www.shoppigment.com/ This store has various San Diego artists, and focuses on art and handmade items. This shop is recognized for design savvy gifts, flora and furniture. They Also carry stationery, candy, jewelry, apparel and many other items.
https://simplylocalsandiego.com/ Simply Local was born out of a need to give local artisans a prominent retail location to show case their creations. You can find a variation of items on their store.
https://www.milkhandmade.com/ This quaint store has handmade goods from local and independent designers. From bath products to apparel there is a little bit of everything.
https://globalgoodspartners.org/ As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Global Goods Partners (GGP) is committed to providing sustainable jobs for women—widely proven to be the key to community development and family wellbeing.
http://www.withlovegift.com/ This boutique has a darker, more mature feel. Stocking their shelves with handmade goods and accessories. You can find antique decor and unique gifts.
https://loveandaesthetics.com/ This store focuses on an authentic apothecary feel, with a darker and gloomy edge of love. You will be welcomed with unique gifts in home, decor and bath and body.