I think we all agree that this year has been anything but ordinary. Even though most of the remarkable things that have happened in 2020 have been rather negative, we are approaching the time of the year that simply injects you with positive vibes. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 creative ideas what to give to your loved ones as Christmas gifts that they could enjoy even in the safety of their houses.
We believe that the times have passed when buying cheap seasonal things that will never find use after the holidays was okay, bringing this year the main focus of Christmas gifts on to sustainability and creativity. 2020 has made us all reconsider our values and find beauty and joy from the little things, so the presents do not even need to be super expensive. Sometimes the tiniest gifts or even little kind actions are the ones that stay in our hearts the longest.
As we are never writing these blog posts just to promote, but rather discuss and highlight topics that are close to our heart and close to the essence of Korlekie. None of them are part of actual promotions, but just ideas that have caught our hearts. We hope that this little list might help you find the best presents for your loved ones, bringing them joy and happiness that will last for days, or even years.
What does Christmas mean to our creative director Beatrice Newman:
“Christmas to me is a time of reflection and relaxation. A time to celebrate the year’s achievements no matter how big or small and enjoy the company of family and friends. Christmas is the gift of happiness that goes beyond presents. It appreciates what we have and how far we’ve come and is also a hope for an even brighter and better tomorrow.”
Something Beautiful for Themselves
- Jewellery
During times of confusion like this whole year has been, a piece of beautiful jewellery might just be the present that gives a bit of joy in their life. Even when we’re stuck to spend the holidays in our homes, those earrings or necklace could be used to give some spark to the Christmas dinner. Here are two amazing jewellery finds from brands that know how to be responsible and simultaneously support the societies in need.
Yala Jewellery creates ethically produced modern African jewellery while supporting the African communities by promoting and reviving their traditional craftsmanship. We are IN LOVE with their earrings that would fit perfectly with our knitwear! Furthermore, all of their customers are purchasing ethically created jewellery that is eco-friendly and created to last.
Solitude the Label is an Amsterdam-based brand that uses among other materials recycled gold and silver to create timeless longlasting jewellery and accessories. Again, we truly admire their leather bags and customised jewellery that would suit for every occasion. The brand is working towards becoming fully circular with their production, using customers’ old jewellery to create new products for them that will last a lifetime, which we are very much amazed by.
- Hair Accessories
Why stop with jewellery if there are other ways to make yourself feel more festive? We recommend giving a try with interesting headpieces or hair accessories, whether it is a statement piece like our newest empowering headpiece or just responsibly produced smaller accessories. Either way, it is a great present for someone who loves to experiment with different hairstyles.
Etsy is a great place to support small start-up companies who produce sustainable hair accessories. You can literally find hundreds of options of upcycled or zero-waste hair clips, hairbands, ribbons, scrunchies and so much more. As a bonus, most sellers on Etsy offer free delivery within the UK, so you can receive your presents with no extra cost and no harm to the environment.
For people who love to experiment with bigger statement pieces, we introduce our newest product Korlekie Tiara Crown Headbands. It is the perfect accessory for women of every ethnicity who wish to feel like royalty when wearing our crown pieces. The headband, which can also be worn as a choker, is hand-made using traditional crafts techniques and made in the UK without creating any excessive waste during the production. It is the perfect crown for queens all over the world!
Something Timeless to Wear
A Cosy Sweater
During the cold winter months, the thing to cheer up your loved ones might just be a piece of beautiful warm knitwear. Whether it is something exclusive like our amazing statement puff sleeve jumper or this crochet lace jumper for a bit warmer nights, it might be just the thing they need to keep them warm in this chilly weather. Just make sure you choose it from a brand that produces its products ethically and with a minimal effect on the environment like we do.
An Occasion Dress
Or maybe your wife, daughter, mother or sister has been dreaming about a beautiful dress that she could wear for her special occasions? Here is a breathtaking fringe dress example from our collection to her very formal events or a bit more modest but still eye-catching metallic handknit dress with crochet floral hem. These outfits will surely make every woman look like a true queen and feel the warmth of supporting sustainably and ethical brand in their heart.
Something to Eat
A Lovely Meal
Food and dinner parties are what Christmas is made for. What could be better to sit around a table with your loved ones and enjoy an incredible meal together? Sometimes that is much more appreciated than actual presents. Here are some inspiration meals and treats from Korlekie’s heritage of Ghana and Sicily, taken by our creative director when visiting her home countries. On the left, you can see two amazing dishes from Sicily and on the right the more modest but still tasty treats from Ghana, Africa. Why not instead of buying lots of presents you are not sure people even need, just get together for a dinner party in real life or even via Zoom? We’re sure your friends and family would love every minute of it.
Something Straight from Your Heart
Easy Craft Projects
Or maybe you would want to create something straight from your heart and made by your own hands? Here are three of our favourite finds of crafts you could do: a warm chunky knit blanket for those cold evenings, an adorable sleeping mask for Sunday mornings or a repurposed tote bag made from an old T-shirt for weekly shopping trips. We are sure your loved ones would be delighted to receive something so unique and lovely.
Home-Made Treats
DIY ideas can be expanded into treats as well, to make something for your foodie friends. How about a home-made mulled wine jar, a cute little jam jars or yummy salted caramel sweets for the little ones? These could be great presents for people or families whose wishes you are unsure of, because who could resist some amazing treats that you have made yourself!
Something to Experience
An Online Experience
We all have relatives or friends who seem to have it all and are always the hardest to find presents to. What about giving them a treat of something to experience? A great idea during this Christmas season would be an online course that they could do from their homes, an opportunity to learn or develop their skills in something new. Goodhabitz or OpenLearn are great resources for online courses on wide-ranging topics. Or why not enjoy something with your loved ones by purchasing tickets to an online concert of your prefered artists? For example, Billboard is publishing weekly lists of both paid and free online music events after the second lockdown wave, from where everyone can find something for their music taste. Just pour yourself a glass of wine or a hot cup of tea and enjoy the experience from the safety of your living room.
A Good Book
Allowing your imagination freely flow while following a well-written book is a true vacation for the mind. We think that in the middle of everything that is currently happening in the world, everyone should give their mind some rest and what could be better for it than reading? The designs and the whole essence of Korlekie have always been a little bit influenced by magical storylines where everything is possible, such as The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S.Lewis or magical folk stories from A 1001 Nights. From another side, we are captured by classical authors like Edgar Allan Poe, where mystery meets romance and results in stories that need to be finished before you put down the book. Whichever genre your loved ones prefer, surely a good book fits in their gift bag perfectly.
We truly hope you enjoyed our gift ideas for this holiday season and found something for every person in your gift list. However, our all-time favourite present for your loved ones would be just taking your time to be with and talk to them. Sharing the struggles of the year or discussing all the ups and downs with people around you is the best gift you could ever give to them. Whether it is via Zoom call, text messages or phone calls, connect with your friends and family to enjoy the holidays together so that no-one would feel alone.
