Gift guide: Thoughtful gifts for nature lovers
This holiday season, consider these five gift ideas for friends and family who love nature and the outdoors | Photos courtesy of brands
After years of being cooped up at home, many have undeniably discovered a greener part of themselves—be it through a shift to the plantito/plantita lifestyle or through a greater appreciation of nature and the great outdoors.
This holiday season, while nothing can quite come close to the true gift that is Mother Nature and her beauty, here are some ideas you might want to check out if you’re planning to give something to your green-loving family and friends.
One of a kind terrarium
For the return-to-office plantita
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Why they’ll love it: Terrariums are like the green thumb starter pack: It doesn’t take too much space, already has great “landscaping,” a healthy amount of greens, and it’s low maintenance. For your plantito or plantita friends who now have to return to the confines of their white-lit offices, a little comforting pocket of greenery would be much appreciated.
Taking a whole potted plant to work might not be the most ideal, especially if they’re not blessed with a window-side table. Terrariums are a great alternative in providing that green touch. Plus, they’ll thrive even without direct sunlight or too much water.
Bonus: You can even put tiny figures or toys inside the terrarium to really personalize the gift. It will also be a cute and entertaining way for the recipient to enjoy viewing this little pocket garden.
Where to get it: Moss Escape on Instagram
Philippine forest landscape maps postcard set
For the curious adventurer
Photo from Cynthia Bauzon-Arre website
Why they’ll love it: Nature is definitely a part of any trip to the Philippines given our rich biodiversity and landscape. Loved ones who are hoping to discover more about our country’s land may appreciate these forest landscape maps illustrated by Cynthia Bauzon-Arre. Made in collaboration with Forest Foundation Philippines, each map features a region of the country and the various flora and fauna, agricultural products, Indigenous communities, and ecotourism sites.
While these oversized postcards can definitely be used as such to send sweet messages, it can also be posted and displayed as cute wall decor. Or, read it and let it inspire your next vacation to the Philippines.
Bonus: A percentage of the proceeds of these map postcards are donated to various non-government organizations and communities dedicated to protecting these forest landscapes.
Where to get it: Cynthia Bauzon-Arre’s online shop
Water-resistant bag
For the fashionable hiker
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Why they’ll love it: This mini pack is not only cute, it’s functional, too. Made of water-resistant material, it’s compact but can carry up to two liters. It also has straps and hooks that make it suitable for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Bonus: Its bucket shape and various colorways also make it a versatile bag that can be used even on casual adventures around the city.
Where to get it: naturesfolk.co
Season-inspired scented candle
For the meditative friend
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Why they’ll love it: This limited edition scent is, as the name suggests, inspired by the changing of the seasons. It’s a uniquely Filipino scent, too, as it brings to mind the dewy, cold breeze blowing through the Cordillera mountains. According to the brand, it carries notes of fig, pine, neroli, kalachuchi, green tea, citrus, and oud.
Lighting this candle will surely transport one to the peaceful mountain views of the north. A great way to unwind and meditate as the year ends, too.
Where to get it: Saan Saan Studio, Brixton, Pasig City
A convenient sunscreen stick
For the always on-the-go friend
Photo courtesy of Nature Republic
Why they’ll love it: The holidays also mean we’ll always be out and about—for errands, gift-shopping, get-togethers, and vacations. And with the rush and hustle, we might forget to do some parts of our routine, especially skincare. For friends who are on-the-go, a sunscreen stick would make for a very useful gift. It’s portable and can fit in any bag, and since it’s solid, you won’t have to worry about accidentally having the sunscreen’s contents squeezed out all over your purse.
It’s also easy to use: Just swipe it several times over your face then spread with your fingers to evenly apply.
Bonus: Nature Republic’s sunstick has SPF50+ and is made from aloe, so not only is it effective in protecting against the sun, it’s also smooth and powdery to the skin. Plus, it has a soothing scent. Definitely making it something you’d enjoy applying and reapplying throughout the day.
Where to get it: Nature Republic
