My husband and I just got married last month. We debated for weeks on how to do our registry! If we’re being honest, there were some things we could really use starting off our lives together, but we also were hesitant to send out a traditional registry because we didn’t want anyone spending their money (e.g. valuable energy) on things that didn’t serve a purpose and “check the boxes” of purposeful gifting. There were several things that we just didn’t know where else to purchase so we ended up with a couple of items from Target or Amazon. We created a unique registry called Blue Print that allowed us to add items from all over the web and customize our list rather than get pigeonholed into registering at Target or Bed, Bath, and Beyond. So we had 1 or 2 items from Target and then a couple of “Fund” categories as well as group gifting (we needed a couch). The key is a couple higher quality items rather than a hundred cheap pieces (hello new brides who end up with 3 crockpots and 5 spatulas…) Things like the bedspread and sheets we added were all eco-friendly and organic. But then there were others, like the couch, that we couldn’t justify spending several thousands of dollars on to hit all of the boxes. So we got a less expensive one that will last us a good, long while and in the meantime we can save up for a good quality bed because what we sleep on is our priority. Just do the best you can!
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Filter your purchases through these lenses:
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One of the things I have struggled with has been knowing how to communicate to people how to buy gifts for me (after I insist they don’t need to and they insist that they do…giving is a funny thing). I’ve come to find a few questions that allow my loved ones to ask themselves in order to purchase successfully for themselves or for people they love!
The tricky thing with these points is not that there aren’t brands that are available, they are just less accessible than your run-of-the-mill Target shopping experience. When you purchase through those filters, several things happen.
- You have to think twice about why you’re buying it. You may need to read the labels, seek out more information, and ask yourself “Do I (or ‘they’ if you’re purchasing for another) really need or want this item? If so, does this hit as many of those boxes as possible?” You will rarely find products that fit ALL of those criteria, but it does allow you to make better decisions that empower you, the brands that you shop, and the people they employ. Your money is power and is the best way to spark change that you have. Shopping is not bad- it’s a tool.
- You pick quality over quantity. Choose items that will LAST. In most cases, you don’t need multiples (not talking about silverware here, more like blenders, tools, electronics, etc). You can get 1 really high quality item for the same price as a couple of lesser quality items but this one will be better and longer lasting. Cost really does reflect value most of the time.
- You get to purchase locally or from a small business. This one is a double whammy. Not only can you ask more in-depth questions about their process and materials, but you also get a relationship. You build intimacy with the company and you know that when you’re purchasing your hand-crafted table from Jesse in Idaho, you are putting food on his table. You are empowering his creativity and dream of having his own company. You’re giving him the energy (e.g. money) to stay closer to home and teach his children a trade skill. You feel different when you are supporting a company like that and you also are rewarded with a high quality item that is one of a kind.
- You are furthering your health and the health of every single person who enters your home. This is huge for me. I don’t want someone to come to my home and have an inflammatory response to some candle I’m burning or a cleaning product I used earlier that day. I want people to feel welcome in my home and at peace. When you purchase something that you have carefully thought through and have filtered, you are not likely to have someone have an allergic reaction upon breathing the air in your home because you are purchasing quality and health. You can give them a warm, cozy blanket to curl up in that a mamma hand made and is able to stay home with her kids because of your purchase. You can offer your guests delicious, nourishing foods and drinks because you are already in the habit of making those decisions for yourself. It all overflows each time someone crosses through your door frame. Do you give them health and peace?
“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
William Morris
What is my priority and can I wait on this item in order to purchase a better one down the road?
Why are you purchasing the item?
- Is it Eco-friendly and/or reusable .
- Will it last a long time?
- Is it Fair-Trade (meaning no child labor, fair wages, good working environments, etc.)
- Is it as Toxin-Free (no synthetic chemicals, fragrances, colors) as possible
- Do I find it to be beautiful or useful and will it enrich my, or someone else’s environment?
- Does it further my health or the health of those I care about?
Is this item high quality and will it last a long time?
Am I supporting ethical business practices that empower people?
It takes that extra bit of thought, but it doesn’t take extra money, just money spent wisely. Be a conscious consumer changes how you think about everything. You’re doing better for yourself, your family, the environment, and the global market. It’s no small thing. You are changing the world.
Does this purchase contribute to my health and the health of the people I care about?
Rosewood Health 