Last-minute gifts for the good human

For my fellow millennials, a gift guide that eschews big box, big corporations, opaque supply chains and "fast" products. Instead, beautiful, high-quality gift ideas, created by people doing their best to consider their inputs and impacts carefully.
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Last-minute gifts for the good human Block Shop for Newsweek

Ever since the millennial generation was baptized, I've been distancing myself from it, for fear of being branded a lazy, matcha-latte-drinking snowflake. Retailers can afford nothing less than a full-throated embrace of my generation: avocado-obsessed millennials may have less disposable income than their parents, but what nickels we can rub together we tend to spend on products with a conscience. According to a 2015 Nielsen report, 73 percent of millennials are willing to spend more on brands that demonstrate a commitment to social or environmental responsibility. The pressure on companies to satisfy these woke consumers' demands has changed the way brands interact with their customers. Transparency and purpose are no longer a bonus, but a requirement.

So, for my fellow millennials, a gift guide that eschews big box, big corporations, opaque supply chains and "fast" products. Instead, beautiful, high-quality gift ideas, created by people doing their best to consider their inputs and impacts carefully. This is the work of makers, activists and impact entrepreneurs. Of women changing industries. Of scientists demystifying ingredient lists. You'll find speciality items, everyday treasures and upgraded versions of the stuff you didn't even know you could upgrade. From plant medicine posing as hot cocoa to matching his and hers shoes made by artisans paid a fair wage to bras designed by (ahem) people who actually wear bras, these are gifts good for anyone and worthy of discerning millennials. Just don't call me one if you see me in public.

There is perhaps nothing more rewarding after a holiday shopping marathon than slipping into a bed covered in linen. I switched to linen sheets a few years ago and, without getting too hyperbolic, I cannot imagine my bed without it. Plenty of big brands carry linen, but quality can vary. You’re in the clear with Cultiver, a woman-owned Australian textile purveyor that creates linen goods woven from European flax in a variety of dreamy colors, yarn-dyed without bleach or peroxide and softened only with natural enzymes. Founder Nicolle Sullivan believes in the simple principle that the things we use the most frequently should also be the ones we enjoy. Snuggle up with a new duvet set this holiday season and make someone’s night after night after night. Duvet sets: $220 and up. www.cultiver.com Cultiver for Newsweek