The year is 2020, and we are in the midst of a global pandemic – something I don’t think anyone would have guessed at this time last year. And it’s hitting me hard. Since March, our lives have changed – we aren’t going out as much (if at all). We have seen loved ones lose jobs and, get sick, perhaps even lose their lives. We woke the F up and took a stand for the injustices in our country, because Black Lives Matter.
And perhaps our own mental health took a nose dive, as we were forced to adjust to this new normal. I know mine did; and if I’m being honest, I’m still not “myself.” It now takes even more of an effort to take care of myself, so that I can be my best for my family. One day at a time.
So this year, I decided to create three Holiday Gift Guides, one of which is self-care focused. In that guide, I put together a curated list of all of the things that I love and use, in order to look and feel my best. From the perfect bath time essentials, to my fav cozy sweatshirt, to my fav cookbook and delicious nut butters…this is a list of all the things that help me live the best version of myself. Especially during this pandemic.
The next Holiday Gift Guide is for all the men in your life. I decided to make a men’s gift guide because I personally think that men are super hard to buy for, and right now I’m trying to make it easy for you to find gifts for the men. Plus, Greg created this years men’s guide, so let’s all shop from it and show him some love!
The last Holiday Gift Guide is to support women-owned, BIPOC, and Armenian-owned businesses; because by now we’ve learned the importance of shopping small, supporting women and BIPOC. As a proud Armenian, I also included my favorite Armenian-owned businesses.
I hope you enjoy the 2020 KALEJUNKIE Holiday Gift Guides, and use the to check off gifts for everyone on your list. Because even if you aren’t seeing friends and family in person this year, that doesn’t mean you don’t send a gift – wink wink!
In 2020, self-care took on a whole new meaning. We all learned that taking care of ourselves is paramount – that we need to love ourselves and do all the things that make us feel the best versions of ourselves, because life is short.
I know it’s totally subjective, in that, what I deem to be self-care things might not be the same things that come to mind when you think about self-care. But that’s why this is my holiday gift guide – I get to share with you all the things that I personally love, use, and believe help me live a happier life. From my favorite cookbook, to my favorite cozy sweater, my coffee milk frother, these are all the little things that make my days better.
Take a look around and let me know what you think. There’s 30 different gifts on this list, of all varying price ranges. I think you’ll find something for everyone!
This year, I tasked Greg with picking out the gifts for the Kalejunkie Men’s Gift Guide. One, I have been absolutely buried with work and needed to delegate a task (ha!), but more importantly, Greg has great taste – and he’s practical – which means that you won’t find frivolous things on this list. There are a few main stream items, but you will also find a few small-business items that he loves and supports – like Studebaker Metals, from his hometown in Pennsylvania!
Of course I weighed in as well and added a few of the things I’m going to get for him for Christmas this year, so between the two of us, you will find a list of 21 specially curated gifts of all price points.
Now more than ever it’s important to shop small, and support women-owned and BIPOC businesses. Shopping small literally keeps people in business; it keeps families afloat; and it allows people to continue pursuing their passions. So many small businesses have been impacted by this pandemic. And it’s always a great idea to support BIPOC businesses. I also included a few of my favorite Armenian-owned businesses.
As a proud Armenian, it’s important for me to support my own people, and to share some amazing products and businesses they built from the ground up.
If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s that we are all in this together. Love and support ALL people, everywhere.
I hope you guys enjoyed these gift guides as much as I loved putting them together. They take hours and hours, and are truly a labor of love! Make sure to leave a comment below and share your favorite items! Happy holidays!
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