GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK 2021 HOLIDAY GUIDE

Posted on November 22, 2021 by MichaelaSGuzy

Just when you thought nothing could be more insane than 2020, 2021 happens. At OhThePeopleYouMeet, even when times get tough, we turn to the power of positive thinking. We learned a lot over the past year and a half, oftentimes, the hard way, but here we are standing stronger, more sustainable, safer + savvier than ever before. For the tenth year in a row, OTPYM has curated a wish list with gifts that are created by entrepreneurs + small businesses from across the globe who are going the extra mile to make a difference and offer us something truly special this holiday season. This year we focused more on a holistic sense of well-being, that mind, body + soul connection AND experiences, not stuff…unless of course the stuff was handcrafted by a local designer we met when traveling who are sustainably employing many in their community. 

This list is inclusive for all, no matter how you associate. Our guide falls into four categories: Shop Local, Self Care, Human Connection + Sustainable/Responsible Travel. By purchasing one of these items or services, you are supporting artists, yogis, cancer survivors, animals and the vegans who love them, doctors who protect us + make us look fabulous, writers, designers, teachers, sustainable travel companies, indigenous people and just plain do-gooders who want to make the world a better, more sustainable place for all of us. OTPYM’s social media manager, Julia Rainwater, has also secured some pretty sick discount codes, so why not shop small and give a gift to someone you love, even if that person is yourself. We’ve all earned the right for some extra special self love to ring in the new year. After all, you can’t be your best self for others, if you aren’t taking care of yourself. We made it! 

Wishing you the happiest, healthiest + holistic of holidays!

Michaela + The OTPYM Traveling Team

G-LOCAL: SHOP SMALL

#1 The Maasai Square Bag

by Anna Trzbenski

Anna Trzebinski has been building her brand in Kenya since 2001. As she says, “It’s Authentic, it has a Story, a Truth and a strong Ethos.” Each piece is individually handmade by the local Kenyan women she employs with the finest raw materials. Her collection includes garments, and a range of accessories from exotic leather bags to beaded sandals, feather-trimmed shawls. These are authentic indigenous designs of native cultures from all over the planet that inspire Anna. However, she says the crafts and traditions of the Maasai and Samburu tribes lie at the heart of her creativity.

  • The Maasai Square Bag With Long Handle In Choco Brown Leather: $ 1,450.00
  • Diamond design tone on tone beading in browns/golds with cow horn accents.
  • Handle drop 42″, height 13″, width 18″, depth 6″.)
  • Use code STUDIO25 at checkout for 25% off your purchase.
  • SHOP NOW: https://AnnaTrzebinski.com/bags/ 

WATCH: OTPYM’S Sleeping Around Safely in Nairobi, Kenya featuring an interview with Anna Trzbenski.

 

#2 THE GLADIATOR BRACELET 

by Mulberry Mongoose

A team of seven courageous Zambian women + one gentleman reflect the grace and ruggedness of the unique South Luangwa Valley in Zambia in each piece of jewelry they hand craft. Their workshop is located on a well-worn elephant path in the park; they source local materials including coins, feathers, seeds, wood and even snare wire meant to illegally poach wildlife and turn it into jewelry with meaning = Beauty from Brutality.

With every piece of jewelry sold, Mulberry Mongoose give back a portion of the proceeds to help fund anti snare patrols and have contributed over $122,000 USD to conservation. They have won attention from celebrities and leading publications including National Geographic, British Vogue + Marie Claire. 

Living up to their name: The mongoose is an animal found in the African bush. They survive by being a community, one mongoose keeps watch while the others feed for example. Similarly, Mulberry Mongoose grows as a business by caring for their environment. Mulberry is a British color and represents how they strive to be as professional and fashionable as any Western business despite the challenges of operating from within this Zambian national park. 

The Gladiator snare bracelet is hand crafted from repurposed poacher’s snare wire and the sale of each piece is donated back to anti-snare patrols to protect Africa’s iconic wildlife.  

Free shipping on orders placed through 12/10/21.  SHOP NOW:https://MulberryMongoose.com/

 

#3 SCARVES OF EVERY COLOR

by Manale International

Ethiopian-born New Yorker Manalè Dagnew is the Creative Director + Founder of Manalè, and Manalè International. In 2017 Manalè was inspired to use her fashion background, combining the timeless beauty of Ethiopian art +  textiles with her mission to better support the country’s rural communities. Her goal is to make a positive impact on the livelihood of children in rural Ethiopia by dedicating proceeds + support towards rebuilding the Dil-Ayen School children’s school in Gonder, Ethiopia. The heart and soul of the Manalè fashion for philanthropy brand are born from a love of creating authentic beautiful, eco-conscious apparel and accessories, aimed at inspiring individuals to look beyond products that have an everlasting life-enhancing quality. Manalè strives to provide all clients with an individual shopping experience through authenticity and responsibility.

When you wrap yourself up in a Manalè International-designed scarf, you’ll feel more than the soft silk, wool, and super-fine voile against your skin – that’s because each exquisite scarf is empowering a young child in Ethiopia to go to school.

Inspired by the colors and ancient motifs of Abyssinia, and lovingly crafted using the finest fabrics in Italy and India, the fall/winter 2021 collection comes in vibrant fuchsia, dusty rose, emerald green, deep blue, and subtle sea foam – each piece telling a unique story from a country steeped in a rich culture and colorful history.

Use the code GondarAngels for 10% off your purchase 11/22/21- 12/15/21. Note that 30% of your purchase goes straight to the Dil-Aven School project in Ethiopia. SHOP NOW: https://www.ManaleInternational.com/

WATCH: OTPYM’s InspirationStation episode 107 featuring an interview with Manalè Dagnew.

 

#4 MEXICAN DESIGNERS 

by Caralarga (pictured), Tuluminati, Adela Artesana, BM Tulum + Omnia

The local people + cuisine aren’t the only things we love about Mexico. The local fashion in places like Tulum + Merida is what keeps our #TravelStyle on its A-game! Some of our favorites include: Ixixi K Underwear found at BM Tulum, Caralarga (jewelry + ornaments as pictured above), Adela Artesana (clothing for all), Tuliminati (hats)+ Omnia Tulum (women’s clothing). We love how we look + more so that we are supporting these small business owners + the people they employ. 

SHOP NOW:

WATCH: OTPYM’s Sleeping Around Safely mini-sodes from Tulum and Merida, Mexico featuring many of the Mexican Fashion Designers.

TAKE CARE OF YOU, BOO

#5 MIND, BODY, SOUL:

ONLINE OR IN-PERSON YOGA CLASSES

by Damn Good Yoga’s Founder + Badass Breast Cancer Survivor

Sarrah Strimel Bentley has recently re-launched her wildly popular weekly online yoga class, “Sunday Service”, but this time it’s in service to her new foundation.  As a recent breast cancer survivor, she isn’t able to carry her own children and requires a surrogate to begin her family with the love of her life, James.  They are lucky enough to be able to afford the $150,000.00 it takes to have a baby through surrogacy, but so many breast cancer survivors are not. A Damn Good Life brings the gift of a total surrogacy journey to young breast cancer survivors and their partners who do not have the financial resources themselves to realize the dream of having a family after their diagnosis made it impossible.  And now, 100% of all class fees from “Sunday Service” will go directly towards A Damn Good Life.  Class can be booked through her website, www.damngoodyoga.com and is held every Sunday morning via Zoom at 10am EST.  

“It’s like seeing my therapist, a revival meeting, and a butt kicking workout, all wrapped together in one yoga class”. She continues to chronicle her experience through Instagram @DamnGoodYoga to raise awareness for other young women and been the face of Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaigns for: Talbots, Bloomingdales, Nature’s Bounty, Ford Motors, and ABC News.  Her personal motto is, “when walking down a road you didn’t expect to be on, you have two choices. To walk down it in fear, downtrodden and heavy. Or to strut down it, looking around at all the joy amongst the unknown.  Choose the latter!”

DETAILS:

WATCH: OTPYM’s InspirationStation episode 96 with Sarrah Strimel.

 

#6 LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN:

OPUS PLASMA FACIAL

by Dr. Robin Blum, Central Park Dermatology, NYC

Of course we had to include our favorite dermatologist, Dr. Robin Blum of Central Park South Dermatology. We wouldn’t trust just anyone to put little hot needles on our faces in the name of wrinkle reduction except her! 

One of our favorite #BehindTheScenes skincare secrets is the Opus Plasma Facial. As we age, sadly our bodies stop producing collagen so this Opus Plasma treatment stimulates collagen production and is less invasive + less down time vs. your average laser beam. Dr. Blum uses the cutting edge technology by Alma Lasers. Even after just one treatment you’ll leave looking and feeling younger! 

Dr. Blum is offering OTPYM friends, followers + fans an exclusive discount: 20% off the Opus Plasma Facial if booked before 1/31/22! BOOK NOW: Online https://www.cpsderm.com/ or call 212-969-9655

WATCH: OTPYM’s Founder, Michaela Guzy getting an Opus Plasma Facial from Dr. Blum.

 

#7 SKINCARE ACTIVISTS:

NATURAL, VEGAN, REFILLABLE + SUSTAINABLE SKINCARE

by Hear Me Raw

Skin care is self care! Launched in 2020, HEAR ME RAW was created to face a new, changing world. It is shaking up the industry and going beyond ‘clean beauty’ with just four technologically advanced, multi-purpose skincare masks + treatments that are powerful (see and feel it working right away), natural (vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free + worry-free), sustainable (unique packaging system with reusable/refillable glass jars and lids and recyclable refill pods), and beautiful (doing what’s best for your skin and your world). It’s all you need for naturally healthy, beautiful skin.

Use Code OTPYM25, for 25% off your entire purchase (one use per customer, expires 12/31/21). SHOP NOW: https://HearMeRaw.com/

 

HUMAN CONNECTION

#8 SPEAK YOUR TRUTH:

HUMAN DESIGN BLUEPRINT + WORKSHOP

by Erin Claire Jones

Erin Claire Jones uses Human Design to help thousands of individuals and companies step into their work and their lives as their truest selves and to their highest potential. Her work as a guide, coach, and speaker has attracted a growing community of over 140,000 people who turn to her teachings for practical tools, digestible tips, and deeper self-knowledge they can access to live with greater ease and authenticity every single day. 

What is “human design,” you ask? Human Design is a synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern science that sheds light on a person’s energetic makeup, as well as specific tools they can use to live at their happiest, healthiest, highest potential. It doesn’t change who they are; it teaches them who they are. It offers insight into what’s possible, and highlights the significance of understanding and living as the fullest expression of themselves.  Erin’s insights are highly sought-after because they make Human Design pragmatic, tangible, accessible — and immediately applicable to everyday life.

By putting this tool to work in her own life, Erin is showing the world a new way of work, a new path toward success, and a new perspective on living as you truly are.

Use code OTPYM for 10% off the Blueprint or a spot in the next Flow Workshop.

SHOP NOW: https://ErinClaireJones.com/

WATCH: OTPYM’s InspirationStation episode 121 featuring an interview with Erin Claire Jones.

 

#9  FOR YOUR HEART:

CREATE THE LOVE CARDS

by Mark Groves

Dating or getting to know someone? Connect deeper, Love better with the curated questions designed to spark meaningful communication + strengthen relationships. Deck consists of 80 dating question cards created by Human Connection Specialist Mark Groves. Every card includes one of “Mark’s Remarks” to help guide your experience. Four card sections allow you you to choose the depth of your discussion – from Foreplay to Too Much Information!

Single? Are you feeling stuck in the past? Healing from a breakup? Or maybe questioning your path? Mark Groves is a Human Connection Specialist + Speaker whose purpose is to help individuals + companies step into their most authentic, effective, loving selves by way of his bold, no-BS relationship guidance. He answers these tough questions in his “Create The Love” online courses. 

Mark brings complex, academic concepts + research to life in a fun + relatable way, empowering teams + companies to transform the way they work, produce, and relate. Each curated course is jam-packed with content and exercises prepped by Mark Groves, all designed to cultivate real and lasting change. With all growth comes a little discomfort, but you can journey through your work from the comfort of your couch, coffee shop or cabana (hey, why not dream a little). You’ll receive course materials straight to your inbox, plus emails from Mark to keep you inspired, in-check and on-track. 

Use code CREATETHELOVE50 FOR $50 off any Create The Love Course (Coupon expires May 23, 2022; Cannot be applied retroactively/to a previous purchase; Excludes Relationship Starter Course; Not applicable on payment plans)

SHOP NOW: https://CreateTheLove.com/courses/ +  https://CreateTheLove.com/cards/

WATCH: OTPYM’s InspirationStation episode 117 featuring an interview with Mark Groves.

 

# 10 NO MEANS YES TO YOURSELF: 

THE BEAUTIFUL NO: A BOOK + ONLINE COURSE

by Sheri Salata

 Sheri is the author of the best selling book: “The Beautiful NO: And Other Tales of Trial, Transcendence and Transformation”, and an inspirational transformation guide. She is also the former Executive Producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show, CO-President of Harpo Studios and OWN TV.

Sheri is an award-winning storyteller + an inspirational transformation guide through The Pillar Life, an inspirational life-guidance brand that she co-founded. Her Amazon Editor’s Choice Best Memoir and an Apple Must Listen audiobook has touched thousands of readers and inspired them to reimagine their lives and become worthy stewards of their own wellbeing. 

In her book, Sheri’s talks about  turning what could have been a devastating “NO” into her former role as Executive Producer of Oprah Winfrey Show, and how she pivoted yet again to take control of her own personal  transformation + write her first best selling book.

SHOP NOW: https://SheriSalata.com/books/

WATCH: OTPYM’s InspirationStation episode 106 featuring an interview with Sheri Salata.

 

SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES WHEN YOU TRAVEL

#11 TRAVEL WITH INTENTION:

INTENTIONALIST GIFT CARDS + GUIDES

by Laura Clise

Intentionalist is an online guide to intentional spending that supports small businesses and diverse local communities. Intentionalist make it easy for you to find local restaurants, bars, gyms, shops, and more owned by women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ, families, and disabled people. Beyond serving as a directory, Intentionalist supports community connection through business profiles based on interviews with local business owners, and meet-ups that provide the opportunity to meet them and learn about the stories behind their businesses.

It all starts with everyday decisions about where we buy a cup of coffee, work out, or pick up a birthday gift. Whether you identify as a localist, activist, or just a good neighbor, Intentionalist helps you contribute to the businesses that keep our communities vibrant and diverse. 

Speaking of a cup of coffee, Intentionalist has just launched their “Community Blend” Coffee in partnership with Fulcrum Coffee. Their blend includes whole beans from Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Colombia, and East Java, roasted in Seattle by Fulcrum Coffee Roasters. This celebration of diversity in their coffee blend makes it easy to support these local communities from your own home each morning! 

Intentionalist’s motto, featured on the above pictured tote, is “Spend It Like It Matters,” because quite frankly, it does! Small businesses are so important to the social and economic fabric of our communities. From bookstores and restaurants, to stores that have sustained families for generations, local businesses are part of the heart and soul of the places where we live and work- they’re places where we come together, whether to make new connections or celebrate longtime friendships. Local businesses bring cultural diversity, contribute philanthropically, and they simply make our communities better! 

Use code OTPYM15 to receive 15% off the “Spend It Like It Matters Tote”

SHOP NOW FOR THE BAG, COFFEE, GIFT CARDS + GUIDES: https://Intentionalist.com/store/

WATCH: OTPYM’s Sleeping Around Safely in Seattle, WA mini-sode for a sneak peek of our interview with Laura Clise, founder of Intentionalist.

 

#12 TRAVEL DOES A WORLD OF GOOD:

CRUISE TO ALASKA

by Norwegian Cruise Line

When you sail to Alaska, you are supporting all the Alaskan Indigenous communities you visit in each port. Why NCL, you ask? Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. strives to give back to the communities it sails to. Recently, during Norwegian Encore’s return to cruising, a double ribbon cutting ceremony took place at Icy Strait Point to officially open the new Wilderness Landing pier and the first of two gondola systems to be completed as part of a joint investment between Norwegian Cruise Line and the Huna Totem Corporation. The new Wilderness Landing provides additional forest and beach areas for visitors to explore the natural wonders of the destination. With the opening of the new high-speed Transporter Gondola, guests have easy access to Icy Strait Point’s first pier, Adventure Landing, where the Historic Salmon Cannery dating back to 1912 and other local attractions are located. Once completed later this summer, the Mountain Top Gondola will take guests to the top of Hoonah Mountain at 1,600-feet of elevation, where miles of new hiking trails and scenic vistas await.

In addition, The Mill at Ward Cove in Ketchikan is a development by Ward Cove Dock Group, LLC in partnership with NCLH to build a two-berth cruise ship dock and corresponding Welcome Center and Passenger Transit Facility. The Mill at Ward Cove is the first step in creating a world-class tourism destination in Southern Southeast Alaska that promotes the heritage and adventurous spirit of the region through an immersive experience.

Just in time for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday deals season, Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed details on its “Greatest Deal Ever” and unveiled sailings through summer 2024, providing guests more options to plan their dream cruise vacation well in advance. Starting on 11/16/21, NCL are offering travelers 70% off the second guest fare and seven free offers, a value of up to $4,250. The seven free offers include free open bar, free specialty dining, free shore excursions credits, free WiFi, discounted rates for friends and family, free roundtrip airfare for the second guest, and will receive a $250 CruiseFirst certificate to use towards a future cruise. The “Greatest Deal Ever” is available on all departures, all itineraries and all published voyage dates from 2021 through the recently released itineraries through summer 2024. 

 For guests looking to experience a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, NCL is debuting its “Fire and Ice” voyages on Norwegian Spirit on 6/12/22 followed by a second sailing on 10/3/22. These unique cruises offer an open-jaw itinerary sailing to and from Honolulu and Vancouver, visiting the tropical islands of Hawaii and beautiful towns of Alaska. For a complete list of the new itineraries, visit www.NCL.com

WATCH: OTPYM’s Sleeping Around Safely in Alaska mini-sode from the first domestic NCL cruise post the pandemic.

 

#13 TRAVEL WITH PEACE OF MIND:

TRAVEL INSURANCE

by Allianz

With projected record holiday travel numbers, I think it’s safe to say we’re all ready to get back out there! However, traveling in a post-pandemic world comes with a whole slew of new things to think about that we never had to consider just two years ago. That’s why we don’t travel without Allianz Travel Insurance! They now offer Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, which covers losses because of Covid-19 and gives you peace of mind when traveling. 

Allianz just launched their new single trip plan which offers:

  1. Proactive flight delay benefits; like no receipt travel or baggage delays
  2. Emergency Medical benefits – you don’t even have to file through your insurance first – Allianz takes care of it all!

Put protection at your fingertips with the TravelSmart app by Allianz. It is free to every traveler, you don’t even need a policy + works internationally. The app provides:  

  1. Real time flight updates + boarding gate info  
  2. International Hospital Search with nearby, pre-screened medical facilities in an emergency
  3. Local emergency numbers
  4. Rx and First Aid Terms in 18 languages

SHOP NOW: https://www.AllianzTravelInsurance.com/travel/annual

Additional Resources:

THANK YOU!

Thank you for supporting small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them, local communities + for giving yourself some extra special self care this holiday season!

Pack a bag (and a mask) + journey on with us,

Michaela + the OTPYM Traveling Team