Holiday Shopping During Economic Upheaval

In this time of economic uncertainty, it is especially important to be mindful of the ways in which we spend our hard earned dollars. Between tariffs, the threat of inflation and so many people not receiving paychecks because of the government shutdown, the holidays are already being deeply impacted for so many people.

Here are a few things that I have been considering to navigate this difficult time:

1) If you shop online for convenience, but are concerned because of all of the stories about delivery people collecting tariffs at the time of delivery, or hyper-inflated costs at checkout, then one thing that I have been doing is ordering products online and then picking them up in store. This way I get them much faster, and if they add additional taxes/tariffs one can simply return the product on the spot. So far, I have only been charged the cost that was indicated when I made the online purchase.

2) Shop locally. It helps to support local businesses in your area, and you don't have to wait for your purchases to be delivered to your home.

3) Give experiences, rather than things. Bring your loved one to a museum, a botanical garden, a concert, etc. If these things are more expensive, then see if other people want to contribute to the gift and attend the event with you. 

4) Shop big sales before the holidays, and shop early. Retailers are also worried about the economy, and they want to incentivize us to shop.

5) Do secret santa gifts in your family, and set a realistic budget.

6) Shop discount retailers, and shop early since many people will be doing the same thing.

7) Make gifts for the people on your gift list. If you are an amazing baker, then bake special treats for the people on your list. If you love to make soaps, then make special soaps to give as holiday gifts. You could have a lot of fun creating these goodies for the people that you love, and you don't have to go into debt doing it.

8) Avoid getting yourself into debt to get through the holidays if you are being adversely impacted by these precarious economic times. If you are more concerned about paying the rent/mortgage, health insurance and putting food on the table, then tell your loved ones that you aren't able to do gift exchanges this year. Plan special time together, but find creative ways to minimize the amount of money spent.

What is your advice to weather these uncertain economic times during the holiday season?

Baylis & Harding Affordable Luxurious Favorites for the Holidays

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If you are seeking affordable luxurious finds for the holidays, then my go-to is always Baylis & Harding hand and body products. Their hand and body products are perfect stocking stuffers, and they are delightful treats in your bathrooms over the holidays. Your family and guests will be delighted by them, and so will you. 

Baylis & Harding Goodness Natural Hand Washes ($5.99 each for 16.9 oz. from Target): are perfect gifts for the holidays, because they are affordable and sustainable luxury washes that are a joy to use and they smell utterly delectable. Furthermore, they leave your hands soft and moisturized, rather than dry and stripped.

About the Baylis & Harding Natural Hand Washes,

Inspired with the environment in mind, our Goodness collection is kind to the skin with 98% naturally derived ingredients and organic extracts, as well as also being kind to the planet with a 100% PCR bottle and recyclable pumps and caps through Terracycle.

The declared 95% biodegradable actually refers to the percentage of the formulation which is ‘readily’ biodegradable and will biodegrade quickly and completely within 28 days. However, the remaining ingredients will biodegrade within the waste water processing system but as they do not biodegrade within 28 days the brand does not include them in their on-pack claim.

Dermatologist approved (mild & gentle) and made in England with love, Goodness is also dye free, paraben free, silicone free and uses a mild coconut-derived surfactant as an alternative to SLES, making it SLS/SLES/ales free.

Left to Right: Rose & Geranium and Sea Kelp & Peppermint

Baylis & Harding Rose & Geranium Natural Hand Wash is the perfect pick if you love the aroma of freshly cut roses with a slight twist of geranium.

According to Baylis & Harding,

Experience a sense of natural ‘goodness’ with the new Baylis & Harding Goodness collection. Our Rose & Geranium luxury Hand wash is packed to the brim with a 98% naturally derived formulation consisting of organic extracts and essential oils which each have their own wellbeing benefits.

Baylis & Harding Sea Kelp & Peppermint Natural Hand Wash is an altogether uplifting and refreshing blend of peppermint that is softened by sea kelp.

According to Baylis & Harding,

Experience a sense of natural ‘goodness’ with the new Baylis & Harding Goodness collection. Our Sea Kelp & Peppermint luxury Hand wash is packed to the brim with a 98% naturally derived formulation consisting of organic extracts and essential oils which each have their own wellbeing benefits.

Left to Right: Lemongrass & Ginger and Oud, Cedar & Amber

Baylis & Harding Lemongrass & Ginger Natural Hand Soap is a delicious blend of Lemongrass that is tempered by the spiciness of ginger, and it has a beautiful complexity to it.

According to Baylis & Harding,

Experience a sense of natural ‘goodness’ with the new Baylis & Harding Goodness collection. Our Lemon grass & Ginger luxury Hand wash is packed to the brim with a 98% naturally derived formulation consisting of organic extracts and essential oils which each have their own wellbeing benefits.

Baylis & Harding Oud, Cedar & Amber Natural Hand Soap is a rich, creamy and warm blend that is so luxe that it is hard to believe that it could be as affordable as it actually is. It is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.

According to Baylis & Harding,

Experience a sense of natural ‘goodness’ with the new Baylis & Harding Goodness collection. Our Oud, Cedar & Amber luxury Hand wash is packed to the brim with a 98% naturally derived formulation consisting of organic extracts and essential oils which each have their own wellbeing benefits.

Baylis & Harding Elements Hand Washes are new gorgeously aromatic hand soaps that are sumptuous, luxurious and incredibly affordable. At a mere $3.97 for 16.9 oz. bottles, you will feel as though you are using extremely pricy luxe soaps that should be reserved for only the most special occasions. Each Hand Wash has a complex fragrance profile, and each one is striking and lovely. The formula thoroughly cleans the skin without ever stripping it, and the aroma delights the senses.

According to Baylis & Harding,

This new line embraces interior design trends with stylish marble, stainless steel and wood effect bottles meant to be displayed in your bathroom or kitchen. Cruelty free and paraben free, each vegan hand wash will leave your hands feeling invigorated and beautifully fragranced. Each formula is also kind to your skin, thanks to Vitamin E’s added moisturizing benefits. These 500ml luxury cleansing hand washes have 4 different, fresh and modern fragrances, offering style without the spend.

NEW Luxury Hand Wash • Perfect to add a touch of class to your bathroom or kitchen • Gorgeous new fragrances • Designs inspired by the elements • Cruelty free, paraben free, Made in UK • With add Vitamin E • 

About Baylis & Harding,

Founded in 1970 in the Heart of England, Baylis & Harding is a family business which has grown from humble beginnings to become an award winning, international success. Beautifully made, beautifully packaged and beautifully fragranced, Baylis & Harding create gifts that are opened with delight and products to make your home feel more wonderful.

Baylis & Harding Oud Wood and Bergamot Luxury Hand Wash ($5.19 for 16.9 oz. from Walmart): "A dynamic spicy citrus fragrance featuring a vibrant pink pepper, saffron and gingerbread accord over a solar woody base, bringing a unisex touch to a masculine note. This luxurious hand wash will leave your hands feeling invigorated and beautifully fragranced."

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate, Parfum (Fragrance), Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta.

Baylis & Harding White Tea & Neroli Luxury Hand Wash ($5.40 for 16.9 oz. from Walmart): "Mouth watering and refreshing notes of citrus and pear notes are combined with a delicate rose and freesia bouquet on a bed of ambery woods, musks and tonka. This luxurious hand wash will leave your hands feeling invigorated and beautifully fragranced."

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate, Parfum (Fragrance), Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Limonene

Baylis & Harding Fresh Lemon and Mint Luxury Hand Wash ($5.45 for 16.9 oz. from Walmart): "This citrus herbal creation features orange, lemon and lime in the top and leads to orange flower, basil and fresh herbal accords. This luxurious hand wash will leave your hands feeling invigorated and beautifully fragranced."

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate, Parfum (Fragrance), Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Limonene.

Baylis & Harding Dark Amber & Fig Luxury Hand Wash ($4.94 for 16.9 oz. from Walmart): "A blend of deep amber, cedar and fig notes infused with nourishing Vitamin E. This luxurious hand wash will leave your hands feeling invigorated and beautifully fragranced."

Ingredients: Aqua (Water Eau), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate, Parfum (Fragrance), Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexyl Cinnamal.

Baylis & Harding Goodness Natural Body Washes ($7.99 each for 16.9 oz. from Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target): Available in 3 scents (Oud Cedar & Amber, Lemongrass & Ginger and Sea Kelp & Peppermint), and this vegan line offers plant-based formulas with organic extracts, and they are housed in bottles that can be fully recycled. These delectably aromatic body washes feature a lovely lather that does not strip or dry out the skin. Baylis & Harding products are very luxurious, but surprisingly affordable.

Features:

- The 98% naturally derived formulation is 95% biodegradable and packaged within a 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) bottle.

- Dermatologist approved (mild & gentle) and made in England with love

- Dye free, paraben free, silicone free

- Uses a mild coconut-derived surfactant as an alternative to SLES, making it SLS/SLES/ales free

Goodness Natural Body Wash line is available in three different scents: Oud Cedar & Amber, Lemongrass & Ginger and Sea Kelp & Peppermint.

According to Baylis & Harding,

Goodness is an innovative, affordable and sustainably luxurious vegan collection that is kind to skin and kind to the planet. Each Body Wash is inspired by nature with carefully blended plant-based formulas, using only the finest, natural organic extracts and essential oils.

Inspired by nature and created with the environment in mind, Goodness is an innovative, affordable and sustainably luxurious vegan collection that is kind to skin and kind to the planet.

Each Body Wash is inspired by nature with carefully blended plant based formulas. Available fragrances use only the finest, natural organic extracts and essential oils to deliver a 98% naturally derived formulation that is 95% biodegradable, packaged within a 100% PCR (post consumer recycled) bottle. Dermatologist approved (mild & gentle) and made in England with love, Baylis & Harding’s Goodness line is also dye free, paraben free, silicone free and uses a mild coconut derived surfactant as an alternative to SLES, making it SLS/SLES/ales free.

Goodness’ luxurious fragrances include:

Lemongrass & Ginger (for a fresh burst of natural energy): "A perfectly matched compilation, with a rich heart of ginger and lemongrass, expertly blended with black pepper, citrus and bergamot for added freshness. Underpinned by nutmeg and cinnamon for spicy undertones, this sensory explosion is generously enriched by no fewer than ten essential oils; lemongrass, lemon, lime, orange, eucalyptus, nutmeg, patchouli, cedarwood, cinnamon, geranium. For an invigorating bathing experience, the formula’s organic orange extract can help awaken your senses, while lemongrass essential oil is known to uplift and its organic black pepper extract rejuvenates the body and mind."

Sea Kelp & Peppermint (for a moment of calm): "Refreshing and calming, a beautiful fusion of the ocean meeting an English garden. With simply refreshing top notes of peppermint, green tea and sea salt, coupled with sea kelp and underpinned by cedar and amber. The beautifully fragranced collection is bolstered by the addition of essential oils of peppermint, orange, aniseed, lemon, petitgrain, to nourish and enrich the skin. The formula’s organic green tea extract is known to help detoxify the skin, while its peppermint essential oil refreshes the mind."

Oud, Cedar & Amber (aromatic and uplifting): "Richly decadent, woody and refreshingly aromatic. Helping to brighten the skin, a blend of citrus fruits with herbal notes and strong woody undertones add depth to this fragrance from the new Goodness range. Enriched by lemon, patchouli and sandalwood essential oils, this aromatic experience is not to be missed.Working together in harmony, organic oregano can be used to purify and cleanse the body as patchouli essential oil helps clear the mind along with sandalwood essential oil which helps boost mental clarity."

Overall Assessment: Affordable luxury is just what everyone needs during these tough economic times!

PR Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

HOW TO NAVIGATE HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES

While the holiday season is a wonderful time to be with our loved ones, it is also a very expensive time of the year. This year, amid the unprecedented high cost of goods and services, people are trying to navigate this season without going into tremendous debt. As I contemplate this difficult economic time, where gas and groceries are most expensive than I have seen in my lifetime, I have given some thought about how to do this as affordably as possible. Here are a few things to contemplate:

1) Consider making this a far less commercial and gift-oriented holiday. If finances are especially tight this year, it might be worth broaching the topic with family and friends. My guess is that they will care less about the presents and more about spending time with the people they love.

2) Buy less, and spend less, but if you are shopping in-store and online– consider shopping really early. Retailers and e-tailers are worried about the current economic forecast, just as we are, and as a result we can expect heavy discounts going into the holidays.

3) Shop locally. This isn't just a good sustainability practice, but it is also an important way that you can support your local businesses and economy. The added bonus is that you won't have to worry about whether or not the gifts will arrive on time. However, if you are shipping them, you should plan on doing that early to avoid any potential delays.

4) DIY gifts. Making DIY gifts can be a very thoughtful and meaningful way to give gifts. It can be expensive, but there are also affordable ways to make things that the people on your list will enjoy. Lean into your skills! If you are a wonderful baker, then make some of your baked goods that your loved ones with enjoy over the holidays.

5) Instead of purchasing things, purchase or create experiences. Making memories that last a very long time can easily be achieved if you buy tickets to museum exhibitions, concerts, plays, musicals, facials, manicures, pedicures, etc. That way you can spend the day with your loved one and treat them to something that they might not do for themselves. These things can be expensive, but you can split the cost with other people in your circle, and give these gifts together. 

6) Purchase a subscription or membership. If you know this person would love a subscription to the New York Times, Spotify, Netflix, to a museum etc., then this is the type of gift that they can enjoy all year long. Once again, if it is an expensive subscription or membership, you can split the cost with someone else who is planning to give that person a gift.

7) Gift Cards. I usually don't buy gift cards because they seem a bit impersonal, but truth be told a lot of recipients prefer them since they can purchase exactly what they want or need. This is also far more sustainable than buying them something that they will end up returning or not using.

8) Secret Santa Gift-Exchange. If you have a large family, then you might discuss having a Secret Santa gift exchange. The rules are simple: everyone in the gift exchange submits their gift wishlist, and then each participant draws a name that includes that loved-one's wishlist. You buy them a gift from their list, and then the recipient has to guess which member of the group is their Secret Santa.