The holiday season is officially upon us, and Christmas is just around the corner! In this gift guide, we’ll begin by focusing on mindset, offering tips for cultivating inner peace during this busy time. Next, we'll highlight the benefits of supporting local artists and makers, and then dive into a curated selection of popular items that are perfect for gifting. Stay tuned to find something for everyone on your list!
Cultivating Inner Peace During the Holidays
The holidays are meant to be an amazing time filled with cheer, nostalgia, and the spirit of giving. It’s a time of year to reflect on what matters most, spend time with loved ones, and celebrate life. At times, we may feel ourselves comparing our gifts, parties, and experiences to those of others. In the modern world, it's easy to fall into the trap of online comparison. The internet can be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it’s a great place to find inspiration, shop for gifts, and share memories. Conversely, the ads can be rampant, pushing us to spend more and more to achieve the ‘perfect’ holiday experience.
Thankfully, we always get to choose how we perceive the holiday season, whether overwhelmed with stress and comparison or overfilled with joy and gratitude. Daily meditation, journaling, and yoga help cultivate a sound mind and balanced nervous system. If you can find the time, remember to care for yourself this time of year and show yourself the same love you give others.
Shopping, traveling, and being around family can be a lot. But it can also be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. We hope you take time to savor the moments with loved ones and remember that you are good enough as you are. A successful holiday season isn’t measured by the money you spend but by the memories you make.
Supporting Small Business and Local Artisans
Shopping at Hunter Gatherer means supporting a small business with a big heart. When you shop here, you're helping to uplift fellow small business owners and talented artists whose products we proudly showcase.
We carry items from local Kauai jewelry makers, clothing designers, skincare founders, and many other creatives who can reach a larger audience by being sold at our shop. Every sale brings us joy for our business and the artists who get to thrive doing what they love.
We also carry artwork by wonderfully skilled makers off island. Pottery, for example, is something we don’t have an abundance of on Kauai, so we have sourced some of the most epic pieces we can find from potters on the mainland. Brands such as Mt. Washington, Jessica Wertz, Jen E Ceramics, and Demetria Chappo have been very loved recently.
Within the past week, we have received beautifully crafted items from Bali. Our shop owner, Dave, went on a trip to visit small villages where local people handcrafted items, such as gorgeous woven bags, bronze statues, and silk sarongs. He brought back many treasures to share with us here on Kauai.
We make an effort to carry eco-friendly, sustainable brands with ethical production practices. This is important because everything affects our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. From the clothing you put on your body, to the food you eat and the literature you consume, it all has an effect. We believe if you purchase high-vibe items, that energy will stay with you and call in more abundance.
Think of how incredible the simple joys of life can be. Sipping coffee from your favorite mug, the luxurious feeling of putting on a velvet blazer, or adorning your skin with hydrating serums. Sure, you could buy a mug from a chain store, a jacket made from synthetic material, and a chemical-based skincare serum, but that has an effect.
Some studies indicate that microplastic can enter your skin through clothing, and it’s no question that toxic products can be worse for your health than no skincare routine at all. All of this to say, if you’re going to shop make it count. Instead of buying a ton of ‘average’ gifts for people, get them one or two really thoughtful presents that will bring joy and wellness for years to come.
Sustainably Made Gifts for Women
Whether you’re looking for your wife, sister, mother, daughter, or auntie, we have something they’ll love! Women of all ages and stages find gems they can’t live without at Hunter Gatherer. From one-of-a-kind jewelry to lavish skincare, handmade clothing, and more, there’s much to explore at our shop.
We often liken it to a treasure hunt, as you might first land on our website or walk into the store and only notice a handful of items. But as you relax into the experience and begin exploring, you’ll uncover the vast amount of beautiful offerings that lie beneath the surface. Be sure to peek into all of the jewelry cases, and take your time in each room as there’s always more to discover.
Below, we are showcasing five brands that you should definitely check out this holiday season, but there are really far too many to count, so be sure to visit our website and shop to explore further.
Rainbow Gems Kauai
Rainbow Gems Kauai was founded by Amalia Ruck. She is a fine gemstone jewelry artisan based here on island. She is on a mission to empower people through the art of adornment. Many of the stones she uses have unique metaphysical properties that can be used for healing and general well-being. Some pieces we currently have available are Baby Tanzanite Hoops, a Peach & Chocolate Moonstone Ali'i, and Moonstone Sunset Lei.
Bahgsu
Bahgsu Jewels is a family-owned business rooted in love. They draw inspiration from travel, mythology, and respect for wild, natural forces. Their pieces use consciously mined stones; their designs are original, hand-carved, and handcrafted. They make gorgeous jewelry for both men and women. We recently got many bracelets, rings, and necklaces, so now is the time to shop.
Lau Botanicals
Lau Botanicals is a Kauai-made, organic skincare brand. It was founded by a holistic esthetician who found a passion for skincare as her mother suffered from psoriasis and sister battled acne. Lau Botanicals uses only the highest quality ingredients and follows eco-friendly operating principles.
Their goal is deeper than to promote healthy skin, but to encourage healthy living that honors the environment. We currently carry their Goddess Body Oil, Garden Nectar Serum, and Island Glow Serum. Stop by the shop to test them out for yourself!
Songsaa
Songsaa Face & Body Oil is made locally in Hanalei. Penny, the founder, was raised by Cambodian refugees in California. She made her way to Kauai in the late 1990s and later went to the New York Institute of Aromatherapy in 2014 to pursue her passion. Her work is inspired by ancient wisdom and respect for her lineage. These skincare products satiate, repair, and protect the skin while awakening our innate sensuality, inherent wisdom, and connection to everything.
Riverside Tool & Dye
Riverside Tool & Dye makes gorgeous clothing that is great year-round but especially fitting during the holiday season. Their velvet tops, robes, and blazers give off festive vibes while being lightweight enough for the island lifestyle. All their clothing items are hand-painted or hand-dyed, making each piece entirely unique.
They use natural fibers & small-batch processes inspired by traditional Japanese dyeing techniques. We have some of their products listed online, visit our shop for the full experience.
Ethically Produced Gifts for Men
Whether you’re shopping for an adventurer, chef, self-care king, businessman or fashion lover, we have men’s gifts that cater to every type of personality. For the adventure seeker, we have hand-crafted surfboards, outdoor gear, and inspiring novels to encourage their daring spirit.
For chef’s we have a whole kitchen section filled with top of the line ingredients and stunning pottery for plating the dishes. When it comes to self care, we have bath salts, moisturizer, and cologne.
For business professionals we have unique office decor ranging from Doug Britt paintings, to sola cubes, and rare crystals. Finally, for fashion lovers we have awesome accessories and beach-inspired clothing.
There are so many amazing items to explore, but to keep it simple we will be highlighting five brands we love to get you started with holiday shopping for the men in your life this year.
Santa Fe Stoneworks
Santa Fe Stoneworks is a family-owned business founded in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They craft state-of-the-art knives, suitable for collectors. Their products are made from natural gemstones, wood, and stainless steel, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style. Many of their creations are inspired by Southwestern or Native American aesthetics.
Native Americans believed that the gift of a knife symbolized an exchange of trust and mutual respect. With this in mind, a knife from Santa Fe Stoneworks makes for a great holiday gift both from a functional and sentimental perspective.
Artwork by Doug Britt
Doug Britt is a renowned local artist who has been painting on the Hawaiian Islands since 1974. Britt graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute with honors in 1979, returning to his paradise of inspiration in Kauai shortly after. His fascination with living a creative life on a remote island subliminally finds its way into his abstract imagery.
Doug’s paintings incorporate the travel icons of Hawai‘i and are riddled with undertones of playfulness and humor, always exploring the contradictions of island life. His original pieces add character and warmth to any room.
Sola Cubes
Sola Cubes are beautiful natural elements preserved in resin. the name “Sola” can be expressed by the Chinese kanji 宙, which means “universe.” These small cubes hold an entire universe within them. They can be arranged and combinedin various patterns to inspire sensitivity and learning. Sola Cubes add a touch of natural elegance to any space, serving as both captivating decor and a source of inspiration.
Crystals
Crystals come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can find one as unique as the person you’re shopping for. One beautiful stone we currently have available is an Agate Sphere with Quartz Druzy.
Agate is the stone of inner strength and stability, while Quartz offers protection from negative energies. The pairing of Agate and Quartz Druzy symbolizes infinite potential and perseverance through times of transition. This captivating piece not only enhances any space but also brings a sense of calm and balance, making it perfect for home or office decor.
In addition to the Agate Sphere, we offer a variety of other stones, including Amazonite Hearts, Lapis Palm Stones, Quartz Crystals, and more. While a curated selection of crystals is available online, an even greater collection awaits you in-store.
Mescalito Cologne
Mescalito Cologne is made with 100% sustainable wild-harvested plants & trees. It includes notes of Palo Santo wood, pinōn pine, mezcal, and desert cedar. Each bottle tells a story of sustainability and connection to the wild, making it not just a cologne but an experience of the rugged outdoors distilled into a timeless, wearable fragrance.
Eco-Friendly Gifts for Children
When it comes to finding thoughtful gifts for the little ones, why not combine playtime with sustainability? We are excited to share some of our non-toxic, eco-friendly gifts for children.
Whether you have a toddler in need of a rattle, or an elementary schooler who loves to read, we have options for a range of ages. Explore toys, books, and face masks, all designed to spark curiosity and joy. Below are a few of our most popular children’s items.
Grimms Wooden Toys
Grimm’s is a family-owned business that sustainably manufactures high-quality wooden toys. Their products are made of alder wood and stained with non-toxic and all natural water-based color. Their rattles and rainbow puzzles have been a huge hit, and can double as home decor thanks to their sleek and elegant designs.
Children’s Book
We have many children’s books available, but three that have been especially popular lately are 50 Things to See in the Sky, Punky Aloha, and Surfery Rhyems. 50 Things to See in the Sky is a handy guide that teaches the science behind topics like why the sky is blue, sun dogs, and the solar eclipse. It features a fun glow-in-the-dark cover and is perfect for anyone with a curious mind.
Punky Aloha is for a younger age range and follows a girl named Punky on a mission to find butter for her grandma’s famous banana bread. Punky starts shy, but with the help of her magic sunglasses, she begins to gain confidence and make friends. Last but not least, Surfery Rhymes is a book of surf poems and drawings for all ages.Explore these favorites and more in our collection of uplifting children's books!
Face Masks by East End Press
East End Press is a creative print and design studio in Bridgeton, Glasgow’s East End. They make colorful, handmade paper products using entirely recycled paper and FSC-certified wood. Their animal masks are screen-printed on recycled cotton greeting cards and come protected in biodegradable cello sleeves. Super cute and fun, these masks let kids dress up as their favorite animals!
Conclusion
We wish you a lovely and fulfilling holiday season! Take time to savor the little moments, honor yourself, and embrace the joy of giving in a way that feels good. Supporting local artisans and choosing sustainable, ethically made gifts enhances your holiday experience and helps make the world a better place. But at the end of the day, it's not about what you buy. It's the thoughtfulness you put into showing your loved ones how much you care. Happy holidays from the Hunter Gatherer team to you!