How to Plan a Thoughtful Holiday Season: Simple Gifts, Local Shopping & Meaningful Moments

The holiday season is almost here, and for small businesses like ours, it’s one of the busiest and most joyful times of the year.

At Silly Bean Soap Co., we spend the season prepping for holiday markets, making handcrafted products, and helping folks find gifts that truly matter. It’s a busy time, but it’s also meaningful work—because we get to be part of your gift-giving traditions.

This year, we’re focusing on intentional gifting, simple moments, and thoughtful choices that support small businesses and bring real joy to the season.

Here’s how you can start planning a thoughtful holiday season—with gifts and moments that leave a lasting impression (and no clutter behind).

1. Choose Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to holiday giving, more isn’t always better.

Consider giving fewer gifts this year, but choose items that are:

• Useful (things your loved ones will actually use and appreciate)

• High quality (crafted with care, not mass-produced)

• Meaningful (gifts that tell a story or support a purpose)

  
  

The result? Less stress, more connection, and fewer forgotten trinkets gathering dust.

2. Give Consumable Gifts (Not Dust Collectors)

We’ve all received gifts that ended up in the back of a closet or donated after the new year. That’s why consumable gifts—like food, skincare, candles, or experiences—are often the most appreciated.

Some ideas include:

• Small-batch soaps or lotions

• Local honey or artisan jams

• Hand-poured candles

• Homemade treats or baked goods - YUM!

• Gift certificates for local restaurants or services

  
  

Consumable gifts are thoughtful, practical, and don’t create clutter.

3. Support Local and Small Businesses

When you shop small, you’re doing more than checking off a list—you’re helping a real person behind the product.

Whether you’re buying handmade soap, freshly baked bread, or one-of-a-kind crafts, supporting small businesses means your holiday dollars do double duty—bringing joy to your loved ones and keeping local communities strong.

4. Focus on Moments, Not Just Stuff

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things at all.

Consider giving:

• A shared experience (like a coffee date, cooking night, or hike)

• A handwritten letter or thoughtful note

• A day of volunteering together

• A cozy night in with candles and conversation

  
  

The holidays are about making memories, not just making purchases.

Final Thoughts: A Season of Meaning, Not Madness

We know the holidays get busy. But with a little planning, you can choose a path that’s both joyful and thoughtful.

Focus on quality over quantity, choose consumable and useful gifts, and make time for connection over chaos.

At Silly Bean Soap Co., that’s exactly what we’re doing this year. We’re grateful to be part of your holiday traditions and to help make gift-giving a little more

meaningful.

Love the skin 'ewe' are in!

Charlene