🎁 SWD's Official Winter Gear Holiday Gift Guide
For the next couple of weeks, I'm going to share holiday gift ideas that feature our local community, plus books and workout gear that I can personally recommend. I hope this helps you rethink gift-giving as we go into spendy season!
Let's start off with winter gear. Over the years, "winter gear" has held different meanings. 12 years ago, it would have meant the best ponytail hat for running. Over the years, while I still love being outside when it's cold, my approach and needs have changed. I want softness, coziness, and low lighting.
💡 Low, Cozy Lighting
It's not a health benefit, because there is no scientific evidence they actually do anything, but salt lamps are extra cozy and comforting because they look like nature, not just a lamp.
Also, consider fairy lights, which line my bookshelves at home. Even my humidifer has a low/soft light option that is perfect for winding down, so if you're thinking of getting someone a useful appliance, look for one with soothing lighting that won't be too bright at night.
🧦 Cozy Socks
These are life. I could talk for hours about socks I love and why changing socks during your day can be life changing! In fact, I probably did talk in detail about them with some of you recently.
Feetures and Darn Tough are my favorite winter brands because their merino wool options are super soft. You can find these at Gearhead Outfitters or Fleet Feet, both in Lincoln Square.
🧥 Cozy Sweatshirts
Ponnopozz has the cutest cat sweatshirt - in store on Damen or shipped via the website. These are size-inclusive!
🫧 Skincare
I can't recommend Illume enough! As soon as a hint of cold weather hits, I am loading up on my shea butter, Vaseline, and Aquaphor. My facecare routine is pretty solid, but I knew I could make a small change here or there, so I visited my friend Dean at Illume.
During the facial, we talked about a moisturizing toner, which has been a nice addition. We also talked about sunscreen (I DON'T USUALLY WEAR YEAR-ROUND. DON'T TELL ANYONE!) and if someone would have told me that it could smell like summer in November AND give me a nice moisturized glow, I would have started using it sooner. 😄
If you're not sure about which skincare to gift someone, consider purchasing a service or package for your loved one. The studio is near mine, at 4525 North Ravenswood, suite 201-7.
🥶 Face coverings and other cold weather essentials
I love a multi-functional face covering/neck gaiter. Buff brand is soft with merino wool options, too. Hot hands hand warmers are useful when it's really cold. You can use these in your pants, shoes, gloves, or even upper back/neck. I usually buy a few at a time and hand out to any of our neighbors in need or folx working for StreetWise.
There you have it! I hope this guide helps you celebrate a more locally focused holiday this season. Money we spend in our communities stays in our communities, so don't miss this opportunity to stuff those stockings and shop local.
With you as we shop thoughfully,
Dana