The Art of Gifting plus a few tips and ideas for mindful Christmas Gifts this year

By |Published On: November 16th, 2020|
Christmas gifts ideas

Now is traditionally the time of the year when we start planning Christmas, buying gifts and visiting our families around the world. But, of course, this year things are a little different! Many of us aren’t daring to think that far ahead, and yet all the decorations are starting to come out and we’re slowly allowing ourselves to get into that warm and fuzzy Christmas feeling.

I personally want to hold on to the idea of having a normal family Christmas holiday; writing letters to Santa, tree decorating, Christmas gifts, Christmas movie marathons, mulled wine sipping with the neighbours, homemade hot chocolate and of course cookie swaps.

With the exception of one, these are simple rituals that can be organised last minute. But the one exception is Christmas gifts. Especially at times like these, I feel that taking the time to put together a thoughtfully curated gift for someone you love and care for, and deliver it to their door with a handwritten note inside, is something really special!

So, instead of making a list of suggestions on what you can buy and send as a gift this Christmas, I’ve decided to write about the art of giving gifts. I’m going to share how you can infuse this special act with purpose, appreciation, love and respect!

Christmas gifts for her

I recently found a fabulous company called Viollaz on the internet and was absolutely enchanted by their brand aesthetic and philosophy of gifting. Later I was surprised to find that Valeria, who founded Viollaz a few years ago, lives in Luzern and personally sources most of their products, which are made ethically and with responsibility to the environment. Valeria started Viollaz after moving to Switzerland, with the intention to share gifts that tell stories and create soulful connections between people.

When it comes to gifting this year, Valeria says, “We firmly believe that in 2020, with all its challenges, even more should be given – from the heart”.

My hope is that the following interview with Valeria will inspire you to organise your Christmas gifts with even more intention and care than ever before.

Valeria Viollaz

Tsitaliya: What makes the perfect Christmas gift?
Valeria: Simplicity, functionality and creativity, it is the magic of the perfect gift.

Tsitaliya: How do you think this year has changed the way we look and buy gifts?
Valeria: I think this year has been particularly hard for those who live far from their extended families, parents and grandparents, which is why I see more and more people willing to surprise and send something as a symbol of their love and respect. I have already several personalized gifts organized this season, something that last Christmas wasn’t planned so ahead of time for example.

I also notice people have started appreciating more refined details, handmade decorations and high-quality products. I’ve planned some surprises, products from local and sustainable brands for my regular customers at the end of November, beginning of December. Some will be limited edition and others will keep a season as I normally do.

Radice Rose Water

Tsitaliya: What gift have you personally received that touched you and will you remember forever?
Valeria: I received a gift box some years ago, which is totally memorable to date for its prestigious, simple manner of presentation.
The box was wrapped in a black velvet fabric with a gold ribbon bow next to a white paper card and handwritten in black ink. Perfectly simple, sober and very elegant.

Tsitaliya: Why did you decide to create gift boxes? What led you to that moment in your life to start this type of business?

Valeria: Just like many other businesses, I started Viollaz because I needed something that I couldn’t find on the market at the time. I wanted to make a special gift that combines quality, craftsmanship and emotional response. I was looking for something luxurious, finely crafted and with personal touch! Well, I couldn’t find it. That’s how I started Viollaz with the mission to make gift giving easy, fun, but also purposeful and thoughtful. I combined my skills as a product stylist and my passion to discover interesting sustainably made products and here I am. At the same time I have a family and my daughter which I try to balance with my work life.

Tsitaliya: Can you share a little more about some of your product selection? Last year I ordered a Mom’s Gift Box to try out the products and I loved your choices!

Valeria: Ah yes, I remember, there were three products in the box and one of them was Radice Distilled Rose Water. I love this product because of several things:  it is made following an ancient tradition, the distillation of rose petals and its fragrance notes are magical, personally, when I use this product it is a ritual that transports me to another time and space.

Then the candle: Nothing is more rewarding than lighting a candle for minutes and being able to thank life for the little things it gives us every day, health, peace and love, which we often forget.

Valeria: The Glow exfoliation is a very noble product. Before selecting any product for my store I not only love the care of your brand aesthetically speaking, but I also like to investigate if the suppliers work kindly with the planet, I consider that today more than ever we must take it into account and make us all aware.

the glow cleansing clay
Viollaz Gift box
Mom Gifts

Tsitaliya: Let’s talk about motherhood and entrepreneurship – how do you make it work for you and your family?

Valeria: Motherhood is an extraordinary path of constant learning; nobody teaches you to be a mother. I always had companies and today working with my family is a totally different rhythm and reality. But teaching my daughter the values of work seems to me to be excellent in every way.

I have a special sound on my cell phone when a box is sold, and she already recognizes it and is very happy. She helps me pack the boxes or control the orders when they arrive at the atelier, and I love being able to do it together.

Tsitaliya: What is your self-care ritual?

Valeria: My daily natural juices, my evening reading and my cream rituals.

Tsitaliya: Besides your family, what three things would you take with you to a desert island? 

Valeria: My book, sunglasses and a nice natural chiffon scarf.

Tsitaliya: Finally I want to ask for any tips where to buy nice wrappers and cards for Christmas?
Valeria: Sure, in your own home!
To make your gift even more memorable and sustainable, I suggest wrapping your gifts in natural fabric. “Wash some bedding and throw it in the dryer to soften and wrinkle, then you can color it at home with some natural product that we have at home such as blackberries or cinnamon and with some string or silk thread you can achieve a perfect closure and more forgiving than any fashion paper.

Tsitaliya: Thank you for your time and for more gift ideas and packages this Christmas and beyond go to www.viollaz.ch

Find Viollaz on Instagram as well!

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About the Author: Tsitaliya Mircheva

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Tsitaliya is a writer and fashion journalist for more than 20 years. She founded Mums in Heels 10 years ago and keeps growing and evolving together with her community or fashionable mums and responsible consumers. Fashion and Wellness are her most favourite topics to write about.