Slow Living Gift Guide
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The countdown to Christmas is dropping fast and it’s time to finalise the shopping. I don’t know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to gifts. Love—when I know the perfect gift to express my love for the special people in my life. Hate—when I have no clue what to give and I’m anxiously joining the Christmas shopping rush.
Here is a list of gift ideas to inspire you. This list follows a slow living theme, because I have loved my slow pace of life this year. I have discovered new loves and tools that have helped me let go of the stress of my past life and embrace a slow pace of life. Here are gifts that will inspire you to embrace a slow living lifestyle.
slow living consumables
Gifts that encourage us to sit quietly and enjoy tastes, smells and images of beauty.
Chocolate (because chocolate is best enjoyed slowly)
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
Shortbread, biscotti, brownies, or any other sweet treat to enjoy with your cuppa.
A thermal mug that keeps your drink hot (or cold) so you can enjoy it slowly.
A gratitude journal. I love this one that gives you a line a day for the whole year.
This wall art, because everyone needs a reminder to ‘be still.’
slow things to do
There is something very therapeutic about doing something with your hands while your mind has time to wander. I do my best praying with a crochet hook in my hand and a blanket slowly growing on my lap. I have also discovered the value of doing something mentally challenging at the end of a busy day to give my brain something useful to do. Doing a crossword puzzle (or something similar) in the evening helps me sleep.
Crochet, knitting, macrame. The crafts our grandmothers used to do are back in fashion. There are countless YouTube tutorials available for anyone wanting to learn.
A bullet journal with brush pens, washi tape and stickers. I’ve switched from a planner to a bullet journal this year, and these supplies will be on my wish list for Christmas.
Paint by numbers. My favourite lock-down activity. You can get some really pretty ones now.
Colouring in book and pens/pencils. There is a reason these are still popular.
Puzzle books like sudoku or crosswords. I discovered I love these codewords puzzles.
While I’ve linked to adult examples above, all of these activities are suitable for children as well. Teaching our kids to enjoy slow activities is a blessing that will benefit their whole life.
slow books to read
I’ve read some great books this year about the need for us to slow down and rest. Here are some favourites:
Simplifying Rest by Lisa Rowell. This is a 28-day devotional I had the privilege of being on the launch team of.
Sacred Rest by Dr Saundra Dalton–Smith. I met Saundra (on a Zoom meeting) recently and was extremely impressed. The book is based on Isaiah 30:15, “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.”
Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner. Murray and I listened to this book in the car on our travels. It tells the story of Erin transforming her busy and stressful life to chase after a slower pace. It is an honest and inspiring memoir.
All is Calm: A Christmas Devotional Celebrating Peace by me, Christine Wood. I had to add a little shameless self-promotion because everyone could use a bit of calm in their Christmas.
Save with Jamie by Jamie Oliver. Because food that cooks slowly tastes better.
Journalling Bible. I have this one. I can write notes, draw pictures or letter scripture. This helps me slow down and engage with the Bible in a personal and creative way.
slow music to listen to
Peace by Bethel Music. This album has blessed me so much in the last couple of years. It is the soundtrack to God ministering to my soul. And now there is Peace Vol 2!
I clearly need more slow music to listen to. Let me know your favourites in the comments.
slow experiences
Because the best gifts are time we spend together making memories with the people we love.
A day at the beach
Hiking
Sailing
Fishing
Skiing
Canoeing
Doing anything out in nature that makes you a little bit sweaty & dirty, makes you laugh with people you love, and makes you go ‘Oh, wow!' at the beauty around you.
I hope you are inspired to give something slow to those you love this Christmas and enjoy some slow moments with them. Enjoy your slow pace of life this Christmas and all next year.
Happy Christmas shopping!
