As you work on your list and then check it twice, here are a few gift ideas for those naughty and nice vegans, vegetarians, and animal advocates on your list. Remember, no matter how much you pout, and regardless of how tempted you are to cry, Santa Claus is coming to town.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas. It’s the best time of the year. Of course, in the City of Angels, snow is unlikely, but why not have a cup of cheer anyway? VeganDish makes mugs, bowls, serving pieces, and more stamped with “Vegan.” Pair the mug with a yummy fair trade and organic coffee for a java lover. For someone with a sweet tooth, how about Sweet & Sara Marshmallows and cocoa. Methinks the person under the misteltoe will have more than one reason to offer up a kiss.
If the person on your list spends their weekends going over the river and through the woods, tickle their adventurous spirit with a To-Go ware tiffin and a copy of The Vegan Table. The tiffin is great for lunches, picnics, roadtrips, and more. The stainless steel is easy to clean, and you can even use the dishes for cooking over the campfire. For an extra special touch, fill the tiffin with Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies from the Vegan Table and listen to the mmm’s resonate throughout the room.
Chestnuts roasting on open fire? Check. Jack Frost nipping at nose? Check. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir? Absolutely. Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright. Turkeys are so fun that way. That’s why this holiday season, why not brighten your holiday by adopting a turkey (or a pig, sheep, donkey, or goat…) in the name of your favorite vegan at an animal sanctuary? Farm Sanctuary has an adoption program, in which you can sponsor a sanctuary animal for the year, providing food, medicine, bedding, and care to the animals. In exchange you’ll receive an adoption certificate and color photo. Not ready to commit to a whole year? One time sponsorships are also available.
If the person on your list enjoys settling in for a silent night, light their home with A Scent of Scandal candles made by brother and sister team Ari Solomon and Heather Brancaccio. These sassy hand-poured soy wax candles come in a variety of scents (including three scents whose sales benefit Farm Sanctuary, Sea Shepherd, and Kind Green Planet). The candles sport scandalous names and come in 8 ounce tins. Their burn time is 30-35 hours, which means this gift would be great joined with soothing music, a lavender pillow, bath salts, or a cozy robe for your favorite animal lover for many calm and bright evenings.
Santa, baby, I forgot to mention one little thing. A ring. And I don’t mean on the phone. For the jewelry-lover in your life, check out Christy Robinson designs. Christy has been a jeweler since 1993 and an animal advocate since 1996. She works in 14 karat gold, sterling silver, recycled aluminum, or copper and donates a portion of her proceeds to various animal charities, including United Poultry Concerns, Compassion Over Killing, Vegan Outreach, and Sea Shepherd. In addition to purchasing a couple of her traditional designs, I contacted her earlier this year on this custom sheep design. Christy was so easy to work with, very creative, and helpful all along the way. Her pieces are a spunky way of advocating for the animals while also being subtle and sweet. Christy is running a holiday special (on her website only) through December 25th in which if you order $75 or more you will receive a free “Go Veg” peapod pendant in recycled aluminum with a 16″ sterling chain.
If you don’t want to brave the malls or are looking to pare down this holiday, handmade is always lovely. How about printing out a favorite quote and framing it, like Saint Francis’ prayer or Gandhi’s “Be the Change”? Or go really simple (but meaningful) and offer up an all-vegan holiday celebration. Honor the season of charity, mercy, and compassion by having a fully compassionate dinner, in which no one has to suffer for loved ones to gather near and celebrate the spirit and meaning of the holiday.
