The Art of Gifting: Pick Presents that matter with the brafe.space Community

As the holidays draw near, it’s the perfect time to take a slack moment, some space to rethink our approach to gifting. Let’s shift away from fleeting consumerism and embrace presents that inspire, support important causes, and carry meaning in their essence. Dive into this curated guide featuring ideas from the brafe.space community— that promise to make your gifting truly special.

Books That Spark Inspiration 📚

Books have the power to change perspectives, spark dialogue, and inspire action. These thought-provoking reads are perfect for those passionate about justice and empathy:

  • Lieben by Emilia Roig: This groundbreaking book challenges the social constructs of love, relationships, and hierarchies, guiding readers toward a world where love is liberating and inclusive.

  • Stoppt Ableismus by Anne Gersdorff and Karina Sturm: A must-read for understanding and dismantling the pervasive barriers of ableism, offering both insights and actionable steps toward inclusion.

  • Empathie und Widerstand by Kristina Lunz: A stirring exploration of how empathy fuels resistance against oppression and inequality, urging readers to combine compassion with activism.

The Gift of Giving: Supporting Causes That Matter ❤️

Sometimes, the most meaningful gift is the one that empowers others. These impactful organizations, led by visionary individuals, are driving positive change:

For Truth in Journalism

  • Correctiv (Shammi Haque, Jean Peters): A non-profit newsroom committed to investigative journalism, exposing corruption and injustice. Donations support fact-based reporting and empower independent journalism.

  • Karakaya Talks (Esra Karakaya): A platform celebrating diverse voices, tackling societal taboos, and fostering inclusive dialogue. By supporting Karakaya Talks, you’re fueling conversations that build bridges.

For Human Dignity

  • GoBanyo (Gülay Ulas): This remarkable initiative provides mobile showers for people experiencing homelessness, restoring dignity and offering care. Your support helps ensure everyone has access to basic hygiene. You could also buy the GoBanyo Body Wash. 100% of the revenue goes directly to the organization.

  • Statefree (Christiana Bukalo): Focused on advocating for stateless people worldwide, Statefree raises awareness and provides community and resources for those without citizenship.

  • Viva Con Agua (Carolin Stüdemann): Dedicated to universal access to clean water, Viva Con Agua uses art, music, and sports to fund water and sanitation projects globally. A gift here directly supports life-changing initiatives.

Purposeful Products: Gifts with Stories 🌿✨

For Beauty and Self-Care

  • No Planet B Upcycling (Sebastian Wölke): This creative brand turns upcycled materials into eco-friendly cosmetics. Perfect for those who want their beauty routine to care for the planet.

  • 4PeopleWhoCare (Marc Seipel): High-quality, sustainable body care products that nurture both the skin and the earth.

  • Teethlovers (Alexandra Petrikat): Eco-conscious oral care with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Who says dental health can’t be chic?

  • Vyld (Ines Schiller): Redefining menstrual care with seaweed-based products that are both natural and planet-friendly.

For the Home and Handcrafted Goods

  • Kiyo (Jonathan Knyrim): Advocating for slow and sustainable furniture, kiyo builds interior items that blend functionality with timeless design, perfect for those who treasure unique home pieces.

  • Folkdays (Lisa Jaspers): Fair-trade treasures from around the globe, ranging from fashion to home décor, each item supporting artisans and their communities.

  • Project Tres (Carla Maria de Souza): Handcrafted jewelry and accessories that empower female artisans in India and Kenya to create independent lives long-term.

For Kids and Families

  • Tebalou (Tebogo Nimindé-Dundadengar): an online store offering inclusive toys, books, and games that celebrate diversity, ensuring every child sees themselves reflected in their play.

  • “Als Ela das All eroberte” by Raul Krauthausen and Adina Hermann: A beautifully illustrated children’s book celebrating diversity, imagination, and the boundless curiosity of young minds.

For Rest, Reflection and Inner Connection

  • Seelchen (Sven Oliver Pink): Thoughtfully curated self-care products that nourish the soul and invite moments of tranquility.

  • Upon Bench (Mike LaVigne): Minimalist meditation benches designed to create spaces of calm and reflection—a perfect gift for mindfulness enthusiasts.

You could even consider gifting a very own foundation to another person. With bcause (Susanna Krüger) everyone can open their own foundation and support the cause they are most connected to.

Spaces That Build Connection 🤝

Gift experiences that foster collaboration, creativity, and community:

  • Eeden Hamburg (Jessica Louis): A vibrant co-working and creative safer space for humans to deeply connect, collaborate, and innovate. Consider gifting a membership or an event pass to this inspiring hub.

  • Anigo Spaces Berlin (Mary Ivic): A multipurpose space promoting multiperspectivity and collaboration. A great gift for anyone seeking community and fresh ideas.

  • ROOTS Berlin (Naima Nazir): A nonprofit organization uniting the BIPoC community through creativity, holistic well-being, and knowledge exchange. ROOTS Berlin strengthens self-confidence, combats racism, and fosters artistic potential.

This Christmas Season, let’s redefine what it means to give. Choose gifts that hold a deeper meaning and the potential to connect to the person receiving. Every item on this list tells a story, uplifts a cause, and contributes to a brighter future. Let’s make this holiday season one that truly matters.

Happy holidays and joyful giving! 🌟🎄

Anna