Shop small & impact BIG this holiday! These last 2 years have been quite the trying time, to say the least. If you are fortunate enough to give gifts this season, please consider shopping small and shopping local. 

Many small businesses rely on holiday sales to send them on through the year, and this year especially it’s more important than ever. When you are supporting a small business, you are supporting a DREAM and helping continue someone living their passion. So much intention, thought and love goes into small businesses, and shopping small makes the biggest difference. 

We have curated a list of some of our favorite small businesses, and small brands for you to get some inspiration from. Everything in this gift guide is created intentionally, so you can feel good about what you are purchasing. We hope that this season brings you love, happiness, and positivity.

We hope you have an amazing holiday!!

 

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER:

United By Blue - anything and everything is a win.

Mafia Bags Backpack - I have had the same Mafia Discover pack for at least 8 years now, it has traveled with me on every trip, and been my lifesaver in numerous countries whether it be carrying my farmers market veggies, trekking it with me to the beach, or shoving all my clothes in it as a carry on. They are durable, up cycled, and an incredible buy for the holidays.

Khordz Mugs - Your new favorite mug that will make a difference. Khordz goal is keep plastic out of landfills, off the beach, and out of the ocean. Khordz mugs are also amazing for your adventurer and outdoor enthusiast. 

Swell written by Liz Clarke - Captain Liz Clark spent her entire youth dreaming of sailing the world and surfing remote waves. When she was 22, she met her mentor Barry Schuyler who helped turn her dreams into reality. In 2005, Liz set off on her 40-foot sailboat from Santa Barbara, California, as captain of her 40-foot sailboat, Swell, headed south in search of surf, self, and the wonder and learning that lies beyond the unbroken horizon. Throughout the book, Liz tells incredible stories of wild waves and constant challenge of life at sea, relationships of the good, the bad, & the ugly & of nature’s marvels. Liz captures her journey in such vivid detail, you feel as if you are practicall there with her. Through her journey she shares with you her love of the sea, sustainability and the generosity of human kind. We have read this book about 12 times, it is our favorite

 

FOR THE OCEAN LOVER:

Project Hiu Stewart Mask- Project Hiu’, is an initiative which aims to provide alternative income to fishermen in one of the largest shark fisheries in Indonesia, and the world. By hiring the shark fishing boats and locals that man them, they sought bring the fisherman in a very different role. Tourism. A natural, alternative income that simultaneously and effectively protects sharks. Project Hiu is founded on the recognition that the very solution to saving sharks, lay with the men raised to kill them. 

The Happy Sea New Limited Edition Apparel - All of these tees are created with intention and love. These babes are hand screenprinted in Outer Banks, NC and donate to Orca Conservancy. We have limited quantities and are not reprinting these designs so if you love one, don't sleep on it :) 

Found At Sea - All of Found At Sea Collectives Jewelry is handmade in Bali, Indonesia using ethically sourced sterling .925 silver. By purchasing a Found At Sea Collective piece you are supporting shark conservation and taking a stance against shark fishing.

Adopt An Orca via The Whale Museum - My sister did this for my 25th birthday and wow it was seriously one of the best gifts I have ever received. By adopting one of these unique whales, the proceeds will support the stewardship of these endangered Southern Resident orcas, and the Salish Sea ecosystem.

 

FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY GURU:

Color It Green Gifts - Located in Fernandina Beach, FL. The shop nearest and dearest to me. Anything and everything in this shop will leave you filled with love, and light. Shop a variety of American made, locally made, small artisan brands. 

Lunch Skins Plastic Free Starter KitThe Starter Kit replaces two of the world's greatest plastic pollutants: the plastic bag and the plastic straw. You receive 25 Compostable + Unbleached Non-Wax Paper Sandwich Bags & 25 Long-Lasting Biodegradable Paper Straws.

Manda Sunscreen - Reef safe, chemical free, and mineral based.

A Yoga Membership to a local studio.

One World, Zero Waste Store - Located in Tequesta, FL their shop is meant to promote, teach and help others live a naturally sustainable lifestyle. 

 

FOR THE TREAT YO-SELFER:

Driftaway Jewelry - One of our favorite gals in the whole world, and one of the only jewelry brands that we wear. Anything from Driftaway will leave you drifting and dreaming all holiday. 

Wolven - Sustainable tops and leggings, need we say more?

 

Kosmixx - My sister the queen, who creates resin art, upcycled embroidered clothing, and jewelry. DM her for more info! 

Sea Natives - Grumpshine Candle - A candle created to bring the tropics into your home in hope that it inspires you to be intentional in every aspect of your life. 

 

FOR THE DOG LOVERS:

ResQ Dog Brand Bandanas - The only bandanas Koast wears! 10% of all sales are donated to spay and neuter programs in the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Every bandana is handmade with love in North Florida. 

Cycle Dog High Roller Dog Ball - A dog ball that can last the test of time, created with up cycled post consumer recycled materials.

 

STOCKING STUFFERS:

The Happy Sea Stickers - Perfect for your water bottles, cars, bicycles, phone cases and more. They're all UV and waterproof so they can go literally anywhere! 

Root Natural Soap Shampoo Bars - Skip the plastic in your shower and try a shampoo bar! These babes last 90 washes and are handmade with love in North Florida.

Sundream Coffee - Each bag of coffee purchased, a pound of trash is removed from our oceans and beaches. (& who doesn't love coffee?)

 

 

GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS GOOD FOR THE PLANET:

  1. Wrap your gifts in reusable materials in a basket, a little wooden box or a pretty cloth. 
  2. Consider upcycling news print or packing paper. Try to avoid using tape and instead secure the packages with biodegradable rafia, cotton string or anything else that is biodegradable or compostable. 

Last year we wrapped all of our gifts in packing paper, then colored different designs all over the wrap with crayons. It's meaningful, & adorable. (whether you can draw or not, it's the thought that counts.) 

 

We hope you all have an amazing holiday! 

 

xoxox, OP


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