December favorite things
Here we are in December. Wow! I’ve really enjoyed writing up my favorites every month, highlighting interesting, incredible, sweet and personally “wanna have ‘em,” items and the people who make them. I hope you’ve found some favorites among my choices.
Maybe some of my December picks will end up on your gift list.
1. My mouth literally waters just looking at the offerings from the Black Box Dessert Club. What a terrific concept—delivery of one scrumptious, made-from-scratch-by-hand treat a month. Many of the ingredients are organic and all come from artisan chefs hand-picked and vetted by the shop’s owner Letitia Elizabeth. Not only is she passionate about working with sustainably run companies, but the club’s signature heavyweight black box and packing material are made from 100% recycled paper. What’s not to love?
2. When I was a child, I went to camp every summer. Each June we’d shop at “the camp store,” in NYC for my gear. I remember having a special affection even then for gadgets and one of my favorites was my collapsible plastic cup. When it rained, I can remember lying in my bunk opening and closing the cup. There was something mesmerizing about. OK, I was a strange child and easily amused. Be that as it may, I was excited to see this stainless steel version of my old favorite available at Life Without Plastic. This one is even better than the original since I can attach it to a wallet or backpack and keep it from being lost in the deep dark recesses of my purse. The downside? It’s made in China, but hopefully at a factory where people are treated and paid properly. Also, they call it a “mug” for some reason. I’d call it a cup and definitely would like one for when I don’t have my water bottle with me.
3. My colorful pick of the month is this batch of felted wool balls. I see so many uses for them. For one thing, years ago I was given a very small purse covered in these. It really was too small for me to carry much in other than my credit card and a key or two. I couldn’t even fit my glasses. Ever since, I’ve wanted to make a larger purse covered in these wonderful little gems which is why I purchased a batch from Sarah’s Material Evidence shop. (You know I’ll share my creation once I’m finished.) They also can be strung for a necklace, used to make a banner, and sewn or glued to a lampshade or any other object you’d like to decorate. Sarah also offers the best in wool felt that she sources directly from the makers.
4. This stunning menorah is made from a recycled white oak stave from a French wine barrel. You don’t have to celebrate Hanukkah to want one of these beauties for your table, but if you happen to know a Jewish couple getting married soon, wouldn’t this make the most meaningful wedding gift? Its design is modern, clean and elegant, yet it would fit with any decor. (Hint, hint to anyone who’s interested in buying one for me!) It’s from Stil Novo Design and is only one choice among their beautiful creations.
5. I’ve had my share of Christmas collections over the years. For awhile I was totally into snow people. But this guy is making me think I should start up with Santas. Here’s a perfect doll to launch a collection. He’s made from a recycled sweater with recycled buttons and trim crocheted by Nancy Gobee of Nancy’s Workshop. Of course, any Santas I choose to collect would follow the recycled theme. On the other hand…I’m trying to live more simply so collecting anything isn’t in my future. I’ll just have to enjoy window shopping!
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.
