NOW LIVE

There Is No Joy in Amazon

If you have a shopping need, and you know exactly what you want and know exactly what you are willing to pay for it, there is almost no better alternative to Amazon. As millions of people experience on a daily basis, Amazon is unrivaled in matching known desires with satisfactory outcomes in the most efficient manner. It’s technologic magic. The problem is that once you start to stray away from this equation, the magic is gone. 

Amazon Prime Day is once again upon us, promising endless aisles of deals and items you “can’t live without,” which got me thinking about how these promises break down when you have a gifting need. The absence of a great online marketplace tailored to the unique needs of gifting certainly has influenced how we’ve built To&From, and how we think about the kind of experience we are building. We have focused our curation on wonderful brands that share our belief that retail isn’t just about an efficient transaction. We deeply believe that consumers are craving a different kind of experience and hope that To&From delivers just that. We curate with intent, focusing on products from brands that support causes we care about – the environment, under-represented founders, and making the world a better place.

When you need an efficient shopping experience and aren’t looking for joy, Amazon is just fine. But if you’re looking for something special, check out these great gifts below. 

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KATE MCLEOD

$66

A great gift for a mom or mom-to-be, this body routine set is free of plastics, reusable, and includes products with waterless formulas, all designed to reduce carbon footprint. 

 

VON HOLZHAUSEN

$100

Protect the planet, and their laptop with this snug, secure AND vegan MacBook Portfolio, perfect for the jet-setter in your life. 

ESKER BEAUTY 

$85

This Zero-Waste candle is hand poured, soy based, and infused with woodsy base notes of Cedar, musky Palo Santo, and sweet herbal Rock Rose. Each Plantable Candle includes plantable Seed Paper and a Soil Pod, perfect for the eco-warrior in your life. 

ALICE RISE

$64

Featuring a 14k gold filled hoop and Japanese glass beads, these unique and effortless earrings are handmade using low-impact, traditional methods. 

Optional gift wrapping is available for this marketplace favorite. 

YIELD

$85

An uncompromising marriage of function and beauty, this Glass French Press is an evolution of the classic press pot. Well crafted, easy to use, and makes a wonderful cup of joe. 

JILL BURROWS

$148

These are the slippers they’ll practically live in. Inspired by a Moroccan babouche, made distinctly modern, they’re the proper house shoes that will make them feel chic no matter what else you’re wearing, perfect for your WFH friend.

RUMPL

$125

A must-have for world travelers and hikers alike, this weatherproof, all-season blanket was made using 60 recycled plastic water bottles. And judging by its 3K+ positive reviews, you’ll want to get one for yourself too. 

PARKER CLAY

$248

This best-selling luxe leather backpack is ready for their next adventure. Stylish and super-durable, it can be worn as a backpack, or converted as a tote. 

Each purchase provides 12 hours of empowerment to Parker Clay’s team in Ethiopia.

EAST FORK

$80

Looking for a housewarming gift for your cinephile friend? Look no further than this handmade versatile and equally stylish bowl. 

OMA THE LABEL

$66

Carefully handmade using meticulous detailing and thick gold plating, this elegant piece will suit any fashionista’s wardrobe perfectly. 

MATERIAL

$35

As featured in Bon Appetit, Epicurious, The New York Times, and more, these colorful BPA-free cutting boards are made entirely of kitchen plastic scraps and renewable sugarcane. A great budget-friendly gift!

JOHANNA HOWARD HOME

$199

A stylish addition to any home, this art deco graphic throw was featured on Oprah’s O list as a favorite from a black-owned business. 

All photos are from the respective brands included in this post. Our Gifting Intelligence™ was used to select each product. To&From may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.