The holiday season is full of exciting choices—and an opportunity to celebrate more sustainably. That’s why we reached out to Elana Gabrielle, an illustrator and maker known for her eco-friendly practices, to share her tips for thoughtful, planet-friendly gift-giving and of course curated shop picks.
To start, sustainability is an important value and source of inspiration for your brand. How can gift-givers shop with the environment in mind during the holiday season?
Shopping with the environment in mind during the holiday season is all about thoughtful choices that reduce waste and celebrate sustainability and handmade goods. Look for timeless, reusable pieces made from natural fibers or handcrafted by artists and makers for gifts that truly last and are meaningful to the receiver. For wrapping, swap disposable paper for the beautiful and eco-friendly Japanese Furoshiki method using a bandana or tea towel, turning your packaging into part of the gift!
Elana Gabrielle's Forage Bandana wrapped using the Furoshiki method.
What gifts would you pick for the following gift recipient categories?
Art collector - For the art collector, framed prints or framed textiles are perfect gifts that double as timeless treasures. I like to think of them as wall jewelry—they add personality, pull a space together, and truly make a house feel like home. For an extra touch, mix and match sizes for a dynamic and curated gallery feel! Shop Prints
Plains print by Elana Gabrielle in Gallery Natural
Gardener - The Fields Bandana, Forage Bandana, Cherries Bandana, and a floral print make a thoughtful bundle for any gardener. These multifunctional bandanas are perfect for keeping hair tidy in the garden, tying around the neck for sun protection, or even spreading out for a quick picnic. They can also double as lovely wraps for fresh-cut flowers. With their vibrant, earth-inspired colors and playful designs, they’re the perfect blend of practicality and style for backyard adventures! For a fun gift wrap alternative, try wrapping the bandana around a nice pair of garden shears, gloves, or a few packets of seeds!
Chamomile Print Framed by Elana Gabrielle
Beach Comber -The Tides Bandana, Sun Meadow Print, Marsh Birds Print, and Estuary Linen Tea Towels make dreamy gifts for beach lovers, tide poolers, bird-watchers, and sun-seekers alike. The bandana is a perfect coastal companion for keeping hair tamed in the breeze, laying out for seaside picnics, or gathering special treasures like shells and stones. The linens bring the magic of the coast to the table, making any dinner—beachside or at home—a cozy and enchanting experience.
Estuary Linen Napkins by Elana Gabrielle
Desert Lover - The Desert Bandana, High Desert Bandana, Pastures Print + Bandana, and Saguaro Print are perfect gifts for any desert dweller or admirer. These bandanas are trusty companions for sun-soaked hikes, horseback rides, or exploring desert landscapes. Pair a bandana with a thoughtfully framed print to bring the beauty of the outdoors indoors, keeping good memories and adventures close and special.
Pastures print by Elana Gabrielle framed in Gallery Walnut
Entertainer - Every entertainer, host/ess and food lover needs a good set of table linens! Whether a full set of napkins or a trusty tea towel kitchen companion, unique and festive Tea Towel and Napkin sets add warmth and a touch of personality to every gathering. The Tomato Tea Towels and Clementine Napkin sets are some favorites! A good framed print for the kitchen never hurts either :)
Clementine Tea Towel by Elana Gabrielle
Pen Pal - A bundle of greeting cards, washi tape, and stickers offer endless creative possibilities for heartfelt letters and personalized notes. It’s a delightful way to keep snail mail alive and thriving, and the perfect gift for anyone who loves to add a little something special to their notes and good wishes.
Blossoms Washi Tape by Elana Gabrielle
What are some brands you’re loving right now local to Portland and beyond?
I love Livia Zoe Studio Ceramics, APT Herbals, Wildcraft Studio for fun classes and workshops, Amsha Baskets, OLO Fragrance, Caminito blankets, Case for Making art supplies and watercolors! I also always love walking through neighborhoods and finding sweet local shops nearby for all sorts of beautifully curated goods and treasures.
Photo courtesy of Caminito featuring their Tierra Vuelta and Luna Siesta Blankets
Where can shoppers find your work (online and in-person) this holiday season
You can always find my work online at elanagabrielle.com and on Instagram @elanagabrielle, and I’ll be popping up in Portland at the Portland Bazaar winter market in December! Hope to see you there, or to wrap up some gifts for you and your loved ones from afar!
Elana Gabrielle is an illustrator, maker, and designer of printed textile and paper goods for the body and home. Using natural fibers and renewable materials, each design is created with form and function in mind. The shapes and colors are inspired by wild and varied landscapes, from foggy beaches to desert dunes, and invite a mindful connection with the natural world both in the home and out in the wild.
