Recently I was delighted to be interviewed for Canvas Rebel Magazine. It was great to talk about what I find most rewarding about being a creative and understanding that success isn’t a straight line. I’d love for you to read the article (it’s super short!) and let me know what you liked best! I’m learning a lot as I’m claiming my Artist Self in addition to my Coaching Self.
One thing I’ve learned in 22+ years in business is that you’ve got to have a vision for whatever you’re creating—a relationship, a new business, a move, a house project, or a piece of art.
This vision applies to your holiday plans as well. This can be a stressful time of year for folks between travel, family, budgeting, and more. But, if you keep it simple and get back to the basics, you’ll navigate it with more ease.
Gift-giving is an art. Some people are naturally good gift givers and others struggle to find “the perfect gift” for someone they care about. Here are a few quick tips to make this process easier for you:
1. Know your recipient. What are their likes and dislikes? Do they love to travel? Are they an avid reader? Do they have a favorite sports team? Do they adore jewelry? Find out what their hobbies, passions, and interests are and then tailor your gift-giving to that. Read Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages—Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Tangible Gifts, and Physical Touch—they are easy to understand. The key is making sure you give someone what THEY want, not what YOU want!
2. Make a plan. When you budget your time, money, and energy accordingly, you’ll enjoy holiday gift-giving a lot more!
a. Make a list of everyone you need to buy for. Consider family, friends, work colleagues, neighbors, teachers, etc.
b. Determine your overall budget. Then, a budget per person. Remember that some of the best gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money—frame artwork from your child, write a poem, make a coupon book for free hugs, or walking someone’s dog.
c. If you need to ship gifts, buy them early so you aren’t in a rush to mail them.
3. Buy meaningful gifts. Whether it’s books, crystals, clothing, or jewelry—one of the best ways to do this is to shop small businesses and support makers. I’ll give you examples from my Sacred Celebrations store, however, you can apply this to any of your favorite local artists or makers. Think about how you want them to feel and choose a gift that’s appropriate for that!
a. For the special women in your life – Give a rose quartz bracelet to remind your mom, sister, or BFF that you love and adore her. Remind her to practice self-care and express unconditional love for self and others! ** TIP: Buy one for ALL of the women in your family or friend group as a way to say “I love you ALL and let’s keep our love connection strong!”
b. For your entrepreneur friends – Choose from aventurine for prosperity to carnelian for creativity to moonstone for new beginnings! ** TIP: Great gifts for fellow business owners that you mastermind with!
c. For the chaotic friend – You know the one, that is always juggling a million things and needs to be reminded to slow down. Onyx, tiger’s eye, and hematite are all great for grounding and stabilizing. **TIP: These are also earthy stones that make great gifts for men. I’ve made a few men’s bracelets but they’re not on my website yet. Email me if you’re interested!
d. For your child’s teachers – Howlite and white jade are both calming and soothing stones and can serve as a great talisman for teachers to remind them to stay cool and collected in the middle of chaos. ** TIP: Invite your child to help choose a gift for their teacher so it has extra meaning!
Have fun with your holiday gift-giving! And let me know if I can help, you can always email me with questions!
Cheers!
Elizabeth
P.S. I’ll be having a Black Friday Sale, so watch for a few extra emails than usual from me next week!
