My Favorite Pictures of 2016

I try to do top tens at the end of the year. This is a top 13, just because I don't want to fight it shorter. The Boy is not impressed.

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Tree Toppers

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

from Tinworks

We bought our tree topper on Etsy 7 years ago when we moved in together. It basically looks like an oven mit, but I love it and I bet we will never change it. Tree toppers are the kind of thing most of us will only buy once or twice in our lifetime, so it is worth it to spend a little more on something special that will last all that time. Etsy has so many options, but here are some of my favorites:

Kentucky Reclaimed (Kentucky) makes beautiful reclaimed wood stars that would look perfect on a rustic Christmas tree.

Kissa Design (Detroit)has the coolest collection of these paper tree toppers. I have never seen anything like them,

Tinworks (South Carolina) makes stars and angels that seem old and precious, somewhere between a tintype photo and a suit of armor, but I can see them working on most trees, and they feel like an heirloom.

The Stencil Laser (Indiana) makes these super sharp and minimalist stars. I think this also has that cool trendy side, but the wood makes it look like it could fit on a more traditional tree as well.

Me and She Studios (Philadelphia) these stars are so light and airy, and I think they make look great in a small apartment where you don't want to cramp the space much more. Another sort of different style.


Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer...

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

from Meadow Tea

This week we watched one of my favorite Christmas movies- Elf! Best thing Will Ferrell ever did, and now a namesake movie for the world's cheeriest baby (so appropriate). We usually watch it while we put up Christmas decorations, because it is bright, spirited, and has a great soundtrack (Brian Setzer Orchestra doing the Nutcracker Suite is the best). If you are also a fan, you aren't alone and a bunch of people on Etsy are selling cool Elf-inspired stuff (like this adorable mug)! Look it!

Cleopatra Candy (Alabama)- These earrings really capture the manic joy of this movie. They have oodles of kooky earrings in their store. Love the idea but don't want Will Ferrell's crazy eyes hanging off your ears? Check out the sweet earrings from Erin etc,

from Dainty Dirtbags

Dainty Dirtbags (Columbus, OH) sells all sorts of hilarious t-shirts (including ones honoring the Beloved Barb), but their commitment to Buddy the Elf might be my favorite. Check it out if you need a special decorating shirt every year.

from Strong Girl Clothing

Strong Girl Clothing (Arizona) also makes some of my new favorites. Perfect for the woman who loves a holiday theme shirt (because you are awesome).

Sweet Littles Inc (Florida) makes onesies. Kind of like the Elf-themed t-shirts,but smaller.

Widdershine and Bones (Georgia) is a store entirely devoted to Peter Pan and Elf hats. Because we live in a truly strange and wonderful world. I think these are adorable, and maybe the elf party can overtake ugly sweater parties. Bad news everybody, ugly sweaters are over.

If I can find Elf presents on here, you can definitely find the gifts on Etsy that you want to buy loved ones. Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Don't Buy Nestle, Instead Try...

This blog series "Don't Buy... Instead Try..." intends to point out some of the most egregiously unethical, wasteful, and environmentally ridiculous companies out there. Instead of dwelling on their considerable awfulness, the series will focus on the other options you have for purchasing.

Every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want. 
Every single purchase is political.
 Every single purchase has ethical ramifications, and 
every single purchase should be approached with a spirit of stewardship. 

We can change the world by refusing to fund extreme greed, the mistreatment of other human beings, and the trashing of the environment. We need to stay aware of the many choices available to us. Will we get it right every time? No. But if we all make little changes, we can send companies a new message, that consumers will show up if they do the right thing. 

When I think of Nestle, I think of Tollhouse cookies, the yellow bag, pouring chocolate chips into cookie dough (or just eating the dough out of those tubes- did anyone else do that in college?) It feels like a pretty wholesome activity, and there is something all-American about it. Can't you just see the ad with the mom and her kids baking in an all white, perfectly clean kitchen?

But that isn't the truth. Nestle isn't just delicious chocolate chip cookies. It's more like cookies and pure evil (which sounds fun, but trust me, it isn't).

Nestle (a Swiss company) is truly one of the nastiest companies out there. Just this week, they have upped the nastiness once again in Michigan, so it felt like time to bring this one back.

They are openly campaigning AGAINST water as a human right (they asked to change the wording) so they can profit on water-deprived areas.

from Daily Kos

They have stolen water from California's poorest communities during droughts, only to package them in environment-wrecking plastic bottles going straight to landfills. You can read about this here, here, and here. If you only want one taste of how sketchy and nasty they are, read about how their staff of dirty public officials. Listen to the accounts of people living in the places they are taking water from. It is not hyperbole to suggest that this company is an enemy of the American people, as well as most citizens of anywhere.

Their noodles had 17 times the permissible amount of lead in them (in 2015. Mostly this controversy was in India and five African countries).

They were charged for using child labor for their chocolate in 2005.

Their supply chain used forced labor in Thailand to make their catfood. So essentially, slaves were being used to make catfood (can anyone say their cat is worth someone being a slave?)

 Boycotts have been coming up against this company since the late 70's when they actively promoted powdered formula in third world countries (because they don't make money off of breastfeeding, but they can gauge the poorest populations for formula). They are cartoon villain levels of evil, and we keep giving them our money.

You fund this nonsense. You fund this evil. Let that set in for a second.

The reports we have are from what they have been caught doing, so it's crazy to think of what they might still be getting away with. Not only is this company anything but All-American, it is actively exploitative of our country and its resources. This is not ok. Can we as Christians stand for people's basic human rights being denied to them? Can we as Americans stand for our water being taken from our people to make these bastards cheap money?  I don't think so, and we don't have to.

Nestle also owns Carnation, Gerber, Nespresso, Purina, tons of the mainstream cereals (including Cheerios outside of the US), Dreyers, Skinny Cow, Drumsticks, and Haagen Dazs, and a bunch of candy bar companies. They also own basically everything in the frozen food section- Digiornio Pizza, Lean Cuisine, Hot Pockets, and Stouffers. They also own 30% of L'Oreal, which includes Garnier, Maybelline, Lancome, and the Body Shop. Basically, they are sneakily taking in a lot of your money. They own a lot, so it can feel like they are unavoidable.

Other options always exist! Rather than funding giant umbrella companies like Nestle, we can practice better stewardship of our country and our Earth by choosing to give our money to someone else.

No American should be giving Nestle/Carnation/Gerber a penny. They are literally trying to steal our water from us.

Now this company is big (it also includes Gerber since 2007, Carnation, Purina,  Nespresso/Nescafe, and KitKat, among others) and I am not going to be able to cover every base, but I want to show that you can always find multiple options better than these bottom feeders, Dr Evil, nonsense-doers. I will throw out some ideas for some of their stuff

Don't buy Nestle Chocolate Chips, Instead Try... 

You can still use that recipe, but improve on it with slightly less evil chocolate chips.

1. Something Local- Does your local chocolate, baking, or grocery store sell chocolate chips? Well, it is time for a delicious experiment, my dear. The best thing you can do is shop local, and you might find what you have is pretty special. Not sure what local chocolate you have? I made a giant list of local chocolates which continues to grow!

2. Sunspire- Made in America chocolate chips. Organic, vegan, and fair trade sources, so you never have to feel bad about your cookies again. I haven't really seen them in stores, but you can buy them on Amazon.

3.Tropical Source Chocolates- I can't speak to these much, as I haven't tried them, but they are produced in the US and have generally positive reviews. If you feel brave and try them, please let me know how they are!

4, And if all else fails (or time is ticking too quickly), buy Ghiradelli- I hate to say this, because this once American company is now owned by Lindt (also Swiss). From what I can tell, they are still made here, but the money trickles up to Switzerland, not here. But they are still not Nestle, and they are in most grocery stores. Also, the price is pretty comparable, and I find people love the Ghiradelli chips.

from aquagrade.com

Don't Buy Nestle "Pure Life" Water, Instead Try... 

The name "Pure Life" makes me want to punch someone in the face. What could possibly be pure about a product that steals water, tries to take away water as a human right, and makes a ridiculous and unnecessary amount of trash? Pure evil?

ALSO, they also own Poland Springs, Arrowhead, Calistoga, and Ice Mountain.

1. A Reusable Water Bottle- If you are somewhere where tap water is safe to drink with some filtering, then you never need a plastic instatrash water bottle ever again. No, I mean it. If you want a couple you don't mind losing, reuse ones you already have. But we all can lean primarily on a reusable water bottles. Liberty Bottles is an American treasure and continues to employ American workers to make their reusable bottles. I love this company. For reusable and durable plastic bottles, Camelback makes their bottles in China, but Nalgene has a very similar feel and they are made in the US (I think in Rochester, NY). Lifefactory bottles are made in the US (sleeve and cap) and France (the glass), and I love my glass bottle from them.

2. A Water Filter- Soma water filter is plant-based and Made in the USA. It's the big winner! You could also get a Pur water filter dispenser or a pitcher version (Origin- USA). Even Britas are made in China (they have a stainless steel version now) but they still kick the crap out of those one time use plastic bottles. If you want more options that aren't Made in China, BWT makes their water filter pitchers in Austria, so you know the labor is ethical, but the trip is much longer. Still, in all of these cases, Nestle doesn't get your money.

3. Belu- If you have to get a bottle of water for some reason, Belu is based out of the UK, so not great for patriotism, but they are still your best bet to feel good about. Belu uses ethical materials (glass and recycled plastic) and partners with Wateraid. So basically, instead of stealing money from people or trying to take it away as a human right, this company puts their profits to providing water. Suck it, Nestle, what kind of Pure Life are you living anyway?

4. And if you are at the gas station- Blech, we have all been there. First, always get the largest one you can, because tiny bottles are the devil's playground. Second, cross Pure Life, Arrowhead, and Poland Springs off the list of contenders. Even if you are buying Aquafina, it is still better than Nestle. This is a worst case scenario, but it is going to happen at some point, so better to be honest about it.

from imgarcade.com

Don't Buy Gerber Baby Clothes, Instead Try... 

I just addressed this in my post on Carters, but here are a few highlights-

1. Used- Baby clothes get used for such a short time and most of it is perfectly good when the first baby finishes it. Find your consignment/ yard sale/ hand me down options and let that take up the majority of your baby's wardrobe. You can find super cute stuff (including Gerber, though honestly the Gerber things we've owned did not wear well. It's for very lanky babies, and two of their onesies ripped on us), you can save tons of money, and you can save that much more from landfills. Used clothes for babies is a no-brainer.

2. American Apparel- Simple onesies and soft pants, adorable hoodies, and the basics you need to make that used stuff look adorable and put together.

3. Etsy- You want to buy someone a really cute outfit set for their baby shower? I know where you need to go- Etsy stores sell the most adorable outfits that you won't see again and again on other kids. Plus, you can buy something very specific to the parents rather than the same old stuff.

from michiganradio and their somewhat hilarious piece on Gerber's Michigan "roots"

Don't Buy Gerber Baby Food, Instead Try... 

Yes, we all associate Gerber with that All-Americanbaby eating out of little glass jars. That's not what this company is anymore. As a side note, if you are going to buy baby food, avoid pouches at all costs. Of course, Gerber makes these not completely safe (The BPA substitute is proving to be worse), bad habit-forming, environmental blights. Our kids are going to spend their adulthoods trying to figure out how to clean up these "conveniences" that really don't save time and waste our money. Skip the pouches completely, Gerber or otherwise.

To replace those little glass bottles:

1. Make your Own! I was shocked just how easy this was. You make mass amounts of steamed carrots, puree them, and house them in the freezer until it is their turn. I know it depends on your time availability, but I promise you, it really is worth doing if you can find the time. We bought this Made in the USA tray to store our food, but we honestly mostly just used the jars from when we did have to buy food.

2. Earth's Best Organic- This baby food company is owned in the US by Hain Celestial Group. The food is well-reviewed and loved, and we slowly shifted to them for baby food and formula as we went on through parenting our first baby. We will stick to them the next time. Happy Baby is also still owned and made in the US, but they mostly deal in pouches, so I am not impressed. Still, if that is your deal, you can check them out.

from gotchocolate.com

Don't Buy Carnation Instant Breakfast, Instead Try... 

This one was tough for us, because those breakfast drinks were a staple in our diet for a few years. That being said, they aren't particularly great for anything. Eat a vitamin and a piece of fresh fruit, and you have probably done yourself a favor. Also, the Earth a huge favor. That being said, if

1. Amazing Grass Green Superfood- Grown and sold out of a farm in Kansas, this boost could replace what you miss from Carnation Instant Breakfast. I have no idea if it is gross. My best guess is yes, because none of this stuff tastes particularly great.

from Chocolate Buttons

Don't Buy Butterfinger, Kit Kat, or Crunch, Instead Try...

Once I heard a story about someone breaking open a Kit Kat and maggots swarming out. Just remember that the next time they sound tempting. Maggots. 

1.Your Local Chocolate Company- If you want to support the US, start in your own backyard. Candy is one of the most locally-specific products we have, and there are candy and chocolate companies in every state. I even compiled a list of them for you! I know our local Daffins makes a crisped rice bar that is way better than a Crunch Bar, and in Seattle, we can find about a million candy bars more interesting. When you are getting ready for a car trip, trick or treaters, or a craving, plan ahead and pick up something legit and American. 

2. Clark Bars, Junior Mints, Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, Jelly Bellies, Russell Stover, and Tootsie Pops- These are three that you can buy in the check out line that are still made here. Hersheys and their army of bars is headed to Mexico, but if you check labels, some of those outlier bars are still made in the US. Need more info? Check out USA Love List, who have multiple awesome candy lists including all the things you can find at Target! 

Could I keep going? YES! In fact, maybe we can tackle ice cream, dog and cat food, frozen food, and makeup in a second Nestle post. Bottom line- these guys are jerks. Jerks that have dominated our grocery store shelves and taken advantage of our people partially because we have let them.

Is this one a big pain in the butt to do? Yep. It took us a long time to totally work them out of our consumer diet, and I am not sure I will ever get over the sadness from no more Haagen Dazs chocolate ice cream.

But if anything is worth taking against, it's companies like these. Time to get creative so we can stop giving them a penny. They don't deserve it. If you want to read more about my Buying American for One Month Challenge, check here. If you want more shopping ideas, check my Giant List of Lists here.

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Green Christmas- My 2016 Christmas List

Ok, here is another Christmas list! I think we can get blocked and need inspiration for gift ideas. I also think it is easy to feel like everything is Made in China out of cheap plastic, but you can find eco-friendly options for most things on your list. This is my list.

from oh little rabbit

Holiday Tea Towels or Pillow Covers- I used to buy holiday-themed decorations at places like Target, and though I do support their respect for the LGBTQ community, I wish they sold more eco-friendly options for shoppers. Now some of our tea towels are looking rough, and I would like to get some holiday decor that is a little more subtle to replace them. I love the tea towels (and everything else, frankly) from oh little rabbit. I also think pillow covers are a cool way to decorate, because they don't take up much room but can change the effect of the room.

Arbor Day Thank You Cards- My dream now is that I would never write another thank you card that didn't also fund planting a tree. The Arbor Day Foundation sells Give-a-Tree cards that I want as my stationary.  Wouldn't that be awesome? Think of how much gratitude and good air one person could produce in a lifetime! On the other hand, it's an expensive goal. So I would love the help. Blank thank you cards would make a truly fun gift.

Casual Dresses that will Last- I love a dress, but chasing toddlers doesn't lend itself to much fanciness in life. What I would really like are more t-shirt, tunic, or simple casual dresses, but I am trying to avoid just buying the thing at Target that will only last a short time. Simka Sol has some pretty tunics. I also love thief and bandit, though that is getting really expensive (but would hopefully get a lot of use. Used is also good!

from Lovely from Lindsey

Stocking Holders- We have stockings that we love, but right now they just end up on command hooks somewhere. I would like to be able to show off the beautiful gifts we were given, so stocking holders are the only decoration I am really thinking of. I think my favorite are these simple, modern blocks with letters from Lovely from Lindsey. Our stockings have a lot going on, so I prefer the simple ones. Ezze Blocks makes really simple ones with a photo clip that you could maybe change up every year? I think there is potential for this idea.

from Homme Sur La Lune

This Bag- Who doesn't want some Leslie Knopeness like this? Most people? Oh alright, but I think it is the coolest. I have lusted after this all year.

Donations- Ugh, this year, there is no object I want nearly as much as I would like our environment to not be completely destroyed by a president elect who prioritizes other concerns way over the Earth. I think a donation to the NRDC, the Sierra Club, or a local, grassroots environmental effort like the Stop DAPL protectors would make a kickass gift.  I know this sounds lame or over the top, but I really can't think of anything I want more than to push the momentum in a positive direction, because we have a scary four years ahead of us.

from Amazon

Cookie Sheets- Our sheet pan with a rim was a hand me down from my mom, and it is looking really really rough. I would like a cookie sheet from USA Pan with a rim to replace it once it bites the dust completely.


Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Green Christmas: A Traveler's Wishlist

This is one of the Christmas lists from last year, but all of the links are updated and on point. I still think Paige's list has lots of great ideas on it! Plus, now she travels for work all of the time, so the description fits her better than ever. 

Paige Greene is an adventurer. She has traveled to see us in California and Seattle, and I love to hear about her adventures. Paige has noticed some things about her trips though:

"I realized that when I travel, I am basically an eco-terrorist. My goal is always to take things with me that I can throw away or leave behind so I have more space in my suitcase; hopefully on my next trip I can avoid that practice and just learn to use the space I have."

I love that she is thinking about this, because I am trying to figure it out as well! Paige put some awesome gift ideas for travelers like her on her Christmas gift list:

Re-useable Travel Bottles
Headphones
Packing Cubes
Luggage Tags
Walking Shoes
Ostrich Pillow

I love her ideas, and I think a lot of these suggestions would make perfect Christmas gifts that the receiver can enjoy over and over again. As per usual, Paige will do a good chunk of the talking, and I will chime in.

Bottles for Shampoo, Body Wash, Etc.- "Usually I end up buying cheap plastic ones at a dollar store (almost always made in China) and then I throw them away at the end of my trip. I know there are some silicon ones out there that look pretty nice. The cuter the better, because if they’re actually worth something than I won’t feel like I need to throw it away! Bonus points if I can put them in the dish washer."

My Ideas- First of all, Paige, I have obsessed over this same issue! I get why we use tiny bottles when we travel, but those tiny bottles create so much pointless waste. Why not get something refillable and just put in the shampoo you already like and use? And why don't hotels put in the pumps rather than those tiny obnoxious bottles? We can do better!

from amazon

There are plenty of great options- these ones look the cutest to me. I love the bright colors (that can help keep the different contents straight) and the wide openings, so no one has to waste bunch of time trying to get the shampoo back out. There is plenty of variation on this basic setup, and I am willing to guess most come from the same factory. It's not a perfect solution, but if a person uses these instead of travel shampoos every trip, I think the plastic saved would be perfect. This one is called a Vital Travel Buddy, and they come in cooler colors.

We actually got a set of these last year for Christmas (as did Paige) and they have turned out pretty handy? We brought them with us on a big trip, and it was too long for them to last the whole time. I would recommend traveling with them inside a bag (we use biobags) in case the hard top pops off the soft body. It happened to us once, so learn for our foolishness.

Eco Tools makes travel bottles out of recycled plastic, which makes a lot of good sense to me, though they would be harder to squeeze, and how would you differentiate one from another? When you gift these, maybe do it with some stickers to add on!

The Boy bought me these for my stocking last year. They are awesome. Definitely recommend if you are going this route.

If you use hard soaps and shampoos (I have been working on this), you can also get Go Tubbs which are completely recyclable and hopefully keeps you from the tiny dove soaps and all that packaging.

from amazon

Headphones- "This is more an ethical issue I have than an environmental one. I would like a nice, sturdy pair of headphones that can cancel jet-noise (I am somehow always right by the engine). Who is making American-made headphones that aren’t ridiculously overpriced?"

My Ideas- I recently bought 2 different pairs of headphones that use less plastic and more Earth-friendly materials. The big winners turned out to be House of Marley headphones, which are made of FSC wood, recycled plastic, and recyclable materials. They even come with really smart storage pockets (especially for travel). They are pretty dodgy about where they are manufactured (it looks like China?), so I am not super optimistic about that, but they seem to me to be the best of a bunch of junky options. The on-ear option is also gorgeous to look at, and they make it with eco-friendly materials.

We also tried Symphonized NRG headphones as well, but I thought House of Marley came out as the winner.

For long flights, SleepPhones look like the most comfortable option for headphones, and they consist of all recycled materials!

Packing Cubes- "Because an organized traveler is a happy traveler. Plus, this is one more tool to help avoid the end-of-trip-purge."

from Ouch Pouch Shoppe

My Ideas- I honestly had pretty bad luck trying to find packing cubes made of recycled material or even made in the US, but I am not giving up! Blue Ridge Overland Gear sells eco-friendly packing cubes all made in the US, so they are the big winner! Beckel Canvas Products makes some luggage pieces that I think would work well for this purpose as well.

I did find tons of great travel pouches, which I think could definitely make a traveler both happy and organized. I would suggest Ouch Pouch Shoppe as a first stop, because you can get tons of variation in size to find what works for you. The other really great place to start looking is Maptote, who has pouches in all sorts of sizes. Some are pretty sweet and cute, like this floral pouch. I like these simple pouches from Archival Clothing (I like all their bags, but the pouches help in this case).

from rockcycleonline

from Off Chutes

Luggage Tags- "To replace the cheap plastic ones the study abroad office hands out to freshmen." 

My Ideas- This is such a fun Christmas gift, because you can find any luggage tag out there! Small, practical, and you can find one that perfectly fits the traveler in your life that you love. I have two I love so much (and are both recycled!) that I can't decide which I would pick- this glamorous Michael Bolton tag (I can hear him singing about Captain Jack Sparrow) from rockcycleonline and these bright, eye-catching (which is important!) geometric tags from Off Chutes. 

from Wanderlust Woodworks

You can also buy leather tags from RSVP Handcrafted, Holtz Leather, and Wanderlust Woodworks (this one reminds me of Paige). This one is made of recycled wood. You can even get tags made out of sailboat sails! Don't see one that fits? No problem! There are tons on Etsy to browse through.

Shoes- "Toms are great, but they don’t have a lot of support. I need something that doesn’t scream “tourist” but still has the comfort of a tennis shoe."

My Ideas- I feel like a good walking shoe that doesn't look like a tennis shoe is a pretty wide category, and it can be tough, but I did find a few options. I can't vouch for the long term comfort of these beyond the reviews, but you know what works for you (or you can ask the traveler in your life).

Toms are beloved by people who have them, and their one for one arangement is pretty cool, but they are criticized for not using fair trade labor practices. If you want some casual shoes with more developed and ethical approaches to their factories, I would suggest Oliberte or Sole Rebels. Check out their Urban Runners. Natural World prioritizes eco-friendly shoes as well.

from zappos

The Munro American is mostly a work shoe, and I think the black looks that way, but I like the maroon color. If it can stand up to a long work day, it can probably stand up to a long walking tour too!

If you want to do something a little more girly, I did find Made in the USA ballerina flats. Tic Tac Toes makes plain leather flats that look adorable and i bet would greatly outlast all those pairs I used to buy at Payless (oh Payless cheap shoes, I really will miss you).

Frye's American-made shoes are mostly known for their boots, but they do sell a few designs of lace up leather shoes that might be a grown up alternative to the Chucks that a grown man could wear all the time. Still has a slightly playful feel, but a little more mature for sure. Again, not cheap, but they are leather not canvas, so they will probably last a lot longer

As a side note, if you are the kind of person who wants some straight up walking or tennis shoes, shop New Balance! They are the only athletic shoe company that still manufactures in the United States, so the shoes haven't traveled long distances. They have had some weird moments politically lately, so I feel a little split, but if you believe in American manufacturing, they are your shoe. These ones are so ugly I find it endearing. I imagine them with a 1980's power suit.

Ostrich Pillow- "I can’t believe there isn’t someone on etsy making these! I don’t care how dorky they look. If I’m on a red eye, I will do whatever it takes to get some sleep."

from 6sqft.com

My Ideas- Whoa, Paige. You actually use this? I had to look it up, and I feel I am appropriately horrified/ filled with awe and respect. You do you. I also don't understand how the hand part helps. But I also agree, sleep is always worth silliness. That being said, I can't find anything like this on etsy (or anywhere else for that matter), but I did find one gem of a travel pillow.

from biomed design

This biomed design travel pillow doesn't have the pizzazz of an Ostrich pillow, but it does promise cervical support, and whose cervix couldn't use a little more support? Bonus points for weirdness. It also does look pretty comfy and might support your head a few different ways because of its shape, so it has some flexibility depending on how your traveler likes to sleep.

A Few More Gift Ideas for the Traveler in your Life

from Push Pin Travel Maps

Travel Maps- I think this gift idea kicks ass. When you love to travel, you are always plotting your next trip and reminiscing about trips before. I love these pushpin maps, that a traveler can put up on their wall to track where they've been and dream of where they will go next. If you have a traveler, domestic or international, I think this is a perfect gift for them. My favorite are Kristin Douglas Art maps, which are fun to scratch off and look absolutely beautiful. She is one of my Etsy favorites.

This map, from Push Pin Travel Maps, has that super fun side, but it also comes in more subdued, adult colors. I think it might make a perfect combination to have up on a wall. I also LOVE this flat, graphic version from Rasure Prints LLC in black and an "adventure awaits" white version from Paper Planes Prints. Map Republic sells a brighter, more playful version. JW Designs has a really wide variety to choose from too.

Luggage- Yes, It's perhaps on the obvious side, but if the person you love has a bag on its last legs, you might be able to ease it into retirement. Luggage, as a rule, is crazy expensive, but it is also almost always in thrift shops. You might be able to find a bag that only needs a teeny bit of coaxing to be awesome.

from Tough Traveler

If you can't find anything on that level used (or you are looking for a big spender type gift), you can also find every option you would need made in the US. For large duffels and rolly bags, you can get great options from Tough Traveler (I bought one of these bags as a gift a few years ago, and I think it went over pretty well). Filson sells all sorts of American-made bags (roller and duffle) at a higher price point. If you want to have a heart attack or you discovered gold in your backyard, check out the rolling luggage from Ghurka.

For travel bags and duffle bags (like a carry on), Equinox sells sportier eco-friendly duffles between 40 and 100 dollars. Duluth Pack also sells  gorgeous duffel travel bags and garment bags. Wood and Faulk makes leather and canvas duffle bags and totes- on the steep side, but they might be great if you just want one very reliable bag to keep forever. 

From millscanvas

For travel backpacks and small totes  (a personal item), I love these "flight bags" from Wm J Mills Canvas. It's 140, so not cheap, but you can poke around and find some other bags as well. Backpacks from Topo Designs in Denver, Colorado come in around the same price point, but it might be just what your seasoned traveler needs. I also love the Chester Wallace backpacks and totes, which are handmade in Portland, Oregon and look tough enough to withstand lots of travel. Duluth Pack sells travel packs as well.

Lens Sleeves- If someone travels with a nice camera, this gift could help them keep their lenses clean while in transit. Simple idea, but it makes a big difference! 

Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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