It is that time of year again when we ask, “How is it already Thanksgiving? Christmas is a month away!” The shopping anxiety can peak! I want to spend the next few weeks helping you simplify your shopping and spark creative and practical suggestions for those loved ones on your list.
“A Feng Shui guide to gift giving?” you ask. Yes! First and foremost, it is essential to set up a budget and time frame for purchasing all the gifts we need to buy. Once the budget is set, select a time when you will have energy and focus. Make sure you eat before you go and set an intention for yourself on what you want to accomplish. Have fun, call a girlfriend and take the day off and have a blast shopping! Or, if you don’t love to shop, consider hiring me as your personal shopper (or if that doesn’t fit in the budget have someone you know who loves to shop shop for you) or shop online.
Next, from a Feng Shui perspective, the golden rule is to always ask the following questions when buying a gift:
Does it serve a purpose?
Do they have a need for it?
Do they have a space for it?
The key is to buy gifts that people will enjoy and serve a purpose. When in doubt a simple gift card to a favorite store, or an Amex gift card is an ideal present. Also for that person in your life who is looking for that next step in life consider a Virtual Feng Shui consultation as the perfect gift card.
Lastly, the principles of Feng Shui will assist your shopping tactic by helping you evaluate the essence of the person you are buying for.
The 5 elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal – can be translated as symbolic representations of our essence as individuals. In Feng Shui, I teach clients how to dress in a way that reflects their personal elemental energy and build a wardrobe and new style that is based on their essence. Once we know the essence of the individual, buying that ideal gift is a snap!
This week, I will focus on the water essence. The water element represents someone who is independent, a free spirit, spiritual, and artistic. The water gal marches to the beat of her own drum. She sees herself as a unique individual with her own creative style. She values doing her own thing and having quiet time to herself. Therefore, she needs her own space and time to create, write, meditate or do yoga.
Water gals love vintage items, homemade artistic goods or artisan designs and products. She loves items that reflect her uniqueness. She appreciates gifts that have meaning and spiritual significance.
Here are some gift ideas for the water essence:
Jewelry
I love the AmberTortise Collection by Crista Grasso, www.ambertortoise.com
A unique piece I love is the Whimsical Dragonfly Necklace in Citrine Crystal.
In his book, Animal Speak, Ted Andrews shares that Dragonflies remind us that we are light and that light can be powerful. “Let there be light” is the divine prompting to use the creative imagination as a force within your life. Life is never quite the way it appears, but it is always filled with light and color. The dragonfly can help you to see through your illusions and thus allow your own light to shine forth. It brings the brightness of transformation and the wonder of colorful new vision.
The Citrine Crystal can help increase self-esteem. It can block negative energies and help clear the mind.
Another line I love is Holistic Fashionista, by Angel Quintana
If your water gal likes to stand out and have her own look this choker is the ideal necklace for her!
Beauty Products
Does she love make up? Or pampering herself with beauty treatments?
My favorite and wear all the time is Pratima Skincare, www.pratimaskincare.com. It is an all organic and natural skin care and beauty product line that uses 100% pure herbs, roots, plants and minerals. I also highly recommend their spa services.
My favorite is
Another fabulous line of all natural eco-friendly products is, Tarte Costmetics. Check out this fabulous lipstick collection from Tarte, www.tartecosmetics.com
Is your gal an artist, crafter or cook?
Scour the many wonderful homemade, unique gifts that can be found at www.etsy.com. You will find, artwork, unique household or office items, clothing and accessories.
This framed wall art from Mother Teresa is ideal for the philosopher, spiritual gal who is reflecting on inspirational quotes.
One of my absolute favorite stores is Anthropologie. They sell everything from clothes, accessories to housewares, books and stationery.
Does you water chi gal love to cook? What about an apron? This fun cherry apron will inspire her in the kitchen!
If you have specific questions about a particular gift recipient please ask below and I would be happy to share with you more ideas or places.
So, I hope I have inspired you as you shop for those water people in your life! Next week I will tell you about the Wood Pioneer Gal. Stay tuned!
Remember, for any person on your list, a perfect gift is a certificate for one of my Virtual Feng Shui session! PS- I do personal shopping! Send me an email for more information!