1. Browse With Ecosia

This one has been top of our New Year’s resolution lists the last couple of years, but with very good reason! Switching your search engine to Ecosia is so incredibly easy and something almost everyone can do. Using the profit they make from our web searches, Ecosia are committed to planting trees within the communities and areas of the world that need them the most.

When it comes to the health of our planet, trees are absolutely critical in the role of reducing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere – because they absorb it back into the ground and release oxygen back into the air. As of the date of this editorial, Ecosia have planted over 100 million trees. Spread the word and make the switch!

2. Save Water When & Where You Can

97% of Earth’s water supply is salt water while only 3% is fresh water. But out of that small percentage, only 0.5% of it is drinkable. The rest is either too polluted for consumption or is trapped in glaciers or under the Earth’s surface. With a world population nearing 8 million and 790 million people without access to clean water, we have to start thinking about water usage more. By reducing our water usage, we cut back on the pumping of water, which directly contributes to greenhouse gases.Next time you steam or boil vegetables, instead of throwing that precious water down the drain, save it and use to water your house plants.

Also you can read our guide to drought resistant plants here! 

3. Finally, Get That Bike

We have loved seeing fewer cars out on the streets and more people on their bikes. During the shutdown air pollution in London was recorded at its lowest since 2000. We would like to see this last. Plus, it is one of the best forms of exercise that is built into our daily commute. Make sure to pick a bike that has a long life, whether that is from an independent bike shop or bought secondhand.

4. Eat Locally

If you’ve been following REV for a while, then you have probably already heard us go on about our love for farmer’s markets. It is the best way to shop your veggies organically, locally, and seasonally. This way you are avoiding partaking in pesticide pollution and shipping pollution. Plus, you are supporting local farmers and clean agriculture that protects our soil and our water. 

5. Only Buy It If You F*cking Love it

While this has always been our motto, the last year has reaffirmed that we don’t “need” much to be happy. We live in a world that overproduces and overconsumes. It is time to switch to a way of shopping that is more thoughtful and considerate.

Researching brands, their sustainability, and locality before each purchase. We like to ask a few questions before supporting brands. Where is it made? Are their workers paid and treated ethically? Are their materials natural or made from plastics? Next time you decide to shop, make sure you know the answer to these questions! 

6. Change Your Energy Provider

Switching to a green energy provider can greatly lower your carbon footprint. Bulb is a fantastic green gas and electricity supplier here in the UK. They use 100% renewable electricity from solar, wind, and hydro. Plus, their gas is 100% carbon neutral. Their gas comes from a mix of renewable sources, such as farm and food waste. By using Bulb, you are lowering your carbon impact by around 3.4 tonnes of Co2 a year. They are even cheaper than standard UK providers, it’s a win-win!

You can also find solar energy for your home in the States with Arcadia and get a discount through our co-founder HERE! 

7. Get Wise About Food Waste

A couple of years ago we were shocked to learn that food waste is one of the biggest threats to the health of our planet. According to OLIO, an area the size of China is used to grow the food each year which is ultimately never eaten. In addition to the questionable morality of this, an important environmental concern is also raised. When food waste ends up in landfill, methane is released as it decomposes. Methane is 23 times more dangerous than carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming [source: OLIO].

As shocking as these facts might be, there is some good news! Since a significant amount of food wasted is generated by us, in our homes, this means we have great power to make a difference simply by reducing and sustainably managing our own personal waste. Something that is possible for most of us to do is to start composting our food waste at home. If you don’t have a food waste bin, write to your local council to request one!

We also recommend trying out OLIO, a free sharing app which allows users to share and donate unwanted food and other household items with neighbours. You will even find local gardeners looking for extra compost!  Read some more of our hacks for making use of household waste here.

8. Holiday Closer To Home

Flying has become a norm for those who are privileged enough to afford air travel. However, it is something we must deeply question. According to ATAG, flights produced 915 million tons of Co2 pollution in 2019. We understand some have to travel for necessary reasons, but we urge you to reconsider how you travel post-COVID-19. Can you pick a holiday that is closer to your home? Can you get there by train or boat instead? Stay tuned for eco-travel tips and where to holiday within the UK.

Read our guide to UK staycations here!

9. Support Sustainable Restaurants

As restaurants begin to open here in London, it is important to support some of our favourite sustainable spots around the city. Read about the sustainable restaurants we’ll be booking after lockdown here!

According to FareShare every year 1.9 million tons of food is wasted by the food industry in the UK. The fact of the matter is that most restaurants don’t operate with the environment in mind, they operate with pure profit in mind. For us, sustainable restaurants are those who buy locally and work seasonally so things don’t have to be shipped in from around the world. 

Five of our favourites…

Native

Spring

Silo

Café Dubuis 

JOY

10. Reuse & Reuse Again

Give things multiple lives so that the energy that went into producing it was well worth it. When you finish your candles, reuse them for storage! We like to keep our cotton pads, pens, and makeup in our old candles. Lots of sustainable beauty and cleaning companies have refill options, so you only have to invest in packaging once. Also there are more refill options than ever before, Namsu is one such brand we love stocking that has refillable options. 

What Makes a Good Healthy Family Dinner?

A healthy family dinner is one that blends balance, taste, and practicality! I prefer to eat seasonally – supporting my local farmers to see what they are growing instead of buying produce and ingredients from too far away. Supporting organic and biodynamic farms, means your produce contains far more health benefits than conventional veggies and meat. I always opt for local and organic meat, wild fish from my local day boats, and local grains where possible! For my family, our meals need to balance affordability, speed, and the ability to please even my 3 year olds palate but not be boring for my husband and I.

Easy Healthy Dinner Ideas That Families Actually Eat

Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or special ingredients. Here are a few recipes and chefs that I adore: 

Lemony Chicken + Orzo with Fennel and Broth by Julius Roberts 

I love anything Julius Roberts makes! His Chicken and Orzo dish is just a crowd pleaser that the whole family and guests always love. It is flavorful, warming, and filling! Make extra for an easy leftover lunch too.

https://www.juliusroberts.co.uk/recipes/chicken-orzo

Crispy Miso Rice & Tofu Bowls by Deliciously Ella

Rice bowls are always so versatile and malleable – you can easily swap ingredients or the protein if needed. This crispy miso rice tofu bowl is easy to make and the greens can be replaced for something more toddler friendly. It is also a great meal to make some of the elements in advance, and serve up for quick dinners or lunches throughout the week.

https://deliciouslyella.com/recipes/crispy-miso-rice-and-tofu-bowls/

Beet & Chickpea Coconut Curry by Gaz Oakley 

Beets are very much in season right now making them inexpensive to find. I am lucky to have them growing on our farm in abundance so I have been making Gaz Oakley’s recipe in large quantities for the freezer to bring out for an easy midweek meal. This meal is perfect on a cold night when you need something nutritious, filling, and warm.

https://www.gazoakleychef.com/recipes/beet-chickpea-coconut-curry/

Chard and Ricotta pasta for Dylan by Anna Jones 

There is nothing better than a simple pasta, and this one from Anna Jones is wonderful for children and adults alike! The greens can be swapped out with anything seasonal, and if you use wholewheat pasta it gets some extra fiber in. If you can head to the farmer’s market and get some local greens to make this dish with then all the better!

https://annajones.co.uk/recipes/chard-and-ricotta-pasta-for-dylan

Meatball Tagine by Bon Appetit 

Serve with a side of couscous or quinoa, and I promise everyone will be wanting seconds! This meatball tagine is one of my rotation recipes that I top with a lemony yogurt and fresh herbs. I sometimes hide some spinach in this dish so that the kids (and us) get extra greens!

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/meatball-tagine

Butternut squash soap by House and Garden 

No winter week is complete without a bowl of soup! We have more squash than we know what to do with thanks to a great farm harvest this year so various squash soups have been on the rotation. The kids love a blue cheese grilled cheese to dip inside the soup too! We love to make extra of the soup to freeze or bring out for a quick lunch.

https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/recipe/butternut-squash-soup

Walnut and Beetroot Tart by House and Garden

My husband always keeps homemade pastry dough in the freezer for a quick dessert or savory tart. You can always keep store bought pastry on hand in the freezer too! Throwing various veggies and cheese onto a tart is just a no brainer but this walnut and beetroot tart is one of my personal favorites – a combination that works so well. 

https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/recipe/walnut-and-beetroot-tart

How to Plan Healthy Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Planning is the secret to consistency. We like to both meal plan and meal prep on the weekends, so that weekday dinners feel easier and quicker. We rotate out meals so that there is variety!

Make-Ahead and Meal-Prep Dinners That Simplify the Week

Make-ahead dinners are a lifesaver for families. Casseroles, baked pastas loaded with vegetables, and big-batch soups can be cooked on weekends and reheated on busy nights. Marinating meats ahead or pre-chopping veggies also speeds things up. Even preparing components—like cooked grains or roasted vegetables—gives you building blocks to assemble different dinners throughout the week.

FAQs About Good Healthy Dinners for Family

What are some good healthy dinners for a busy family on weeknights?

Simple meals such as sheet-pan chicken, mushroom tacos, and vegetable-packed pasta are great because they cook quickly and use minimal ingredients.

How can I plan healthy family dinners that everyone will eat?

Choose meals with familiar flavors, offer customizable toppings, and rotate a few weekly staples so dinner never becomes repetitive.

What budget-friendly healthy dinner ideas work well for families?

Beans, lentils, tinned oily fish, seasonal produce, and whole grains help lower grocery costs while still delivering nutritious meals.

What are good make-ahead healthy dinners for meal planning?

Soups, baked pastas, slow cooked meats and casseroles are ideal because they store well and can be reheated without losing texture or flavor.

A Healthy Family Dinner Recipe from Taylor!

Adrien’s Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Seasonal Vegetables – 

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Pear ssamjang sauce :

150 grams doenjang / miso

30 grams gochujang

1 pear / apple, coarsely grated

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 spring onion, finely sliced

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 tbsp vinegar

1 tbsp sesame seeds

1-2 heads lettuce

1 cucumber, julienned

2 carrots, julienned

5 spring onions, julienned

300g rice

800g of pork collar steak / mince / tenderloin

Coriander, finely chopped

Instructions:

To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a bowl. This can be made in advance and will store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Separate the lettuce leaves and wash them. Arrange on a platter with the julienned carrots, cucumber, spring onions.

Cook your rice and barbecue / pan fry your pork to your desired doneness before encouraging your guests to build their lettuce wraps with a small spoon of rice, some vegetables, pork, sauce and coriander.

Turning Rainy Days Into Meaningful Moments

Rainy days can transform an ordinary afternoon into magic, as long as you have the right mindset and a few activities ready. Children live within the natural cycles of the universe, which is an ebb and flow of in-breaths and out-breaths. Like all beings, children need moments of energetic bursts, jumping and exploring outdoors, and equally, moments of calming and rejuvenation indoors. When we enter a rainy day with this mindset, it can be a reminder that recharging ourselves can be joyful and brilliant, if we do so with patience and zeal. I hope this guide blends creativity with practicality, offering low-stress ideas parents can set up quickly while supporting learning, connection, and fun.

Skip the Screens!

When the sky turns gray, many families see an increase in restlessness. Try turning the rainy day into a moment to slow down and create space for quality time together. Reducing screen reliance is a real struggle, one that I too face, especially on long, raining indoor days. These simple indoor activities can be done with parent involvement, or independently, supporting creativity and cognitive development without requiring elaborate setups.

When things feel hard, and the sun is hiding behind a rain cloud, remember that sometimes children need a nudge to get started with their play. If I sit down with my children and begin helping them with a set up (with dolls, cars, legos, any toys), they will follow suit. Slowly I can get up and walk away, leaving them to play for hours. A bit of imaginative spark can also help children free play. A very simple puppet play, or a story, can guide them into the imaginative world of dragons, fairies and lead them to create a world of their own. And when the fun is all played out, just a gentle reminder that we are only human. Offering a bit of screentime on a rainy day should not make even the most Waldorf of Mamas feel as though they have failed. We all have moments when screentime can offer positive breaks and educational content. I try my best to offer shows and movies that are aligned with my values and ideas on life, while also choosing low-stimulation televisions and limiting the amount of time my children are on screens. 

Here is a list of Low-Stimulation Television Options that are Mama Approved ~ 

• FernGully: The Last Rainforest

• Song of the Sea

• Little Bear

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• Charlotte’s Web – Real Actors

• Brambly Hedge – Youtube

• Ponyo 

• Paddington Bear – Real Actors

• Stuart Little – Real Actors

• Julie Donaldson The Gruffalo – Not Low Stimulation but morally good

• Disney’s Tinker Bell – Not Low Stimulation but morally good

• Franklin 

• Once Upon a Forest

• The Borrowers – Real Actors 

• Thumbalina 

• The Secret of Kells

• Faeries

• Anne of Green Gables Kids – Youtube

• Berinstein Bears – Treehouse Direct on Youtube

Beeswax Modeling Clay 

Some activities are classics for a reason. Indoor scavenger hunts, blanket forts, and simple science experiments tend to keep kids absorbed because they feel both familiar and exciting. Craft areas are another easy indoor activity which encourages creativity without needing much supervision. One indoor activity we love on a rainy day is Beeswax Modeling Clay. 

A rainy day is the perfect time to offer your child warm, aromatic beeswax for modeling. Beeswax is a secret, eco-friendly mom hack for keeping little ones entertained anywhere. One summer, while stranded on an island near Portland, Maine, a small bag of beeswax kept a group of children happily busy for over an hour. 

How to Model with Beeswax~

Warming the wax is part of the fun. Start by holding it between your hands or under your arm, or warm it briefly in the microwave for a few seconds or on the stovetop for a few moments

Once it’s warm, create. Begin with storytelling to spark imagination and inspire your child to mold fairies, mushrooms, forest creatures, or natural objects. Then let your child shape and mold their ideas with the non-toxic, eco-friendly beeswax.

A Child’s Dream Beeswax Modeling Clay

Rainy Day Basket

Another simple idea for your home is dedicating a small basket to rainy day activities. In our home, this basket lives up in a tall cabinet, and is not played with unless an adult brings it out. Keeping these activities for special occasions, (such as a rainy day, or I often will bring this out to a restaurant), keeps them extraordinary and creates excitement.  The beeswax clay lives in this basket, along with a few special puzzles, nature cards and some special stones for counting or creating patterns. 

Rainy Day Game

Our favorite rainy day game is called Acorns are Hiding

It goes like this ~

Have your child, or children sit in a circle together on the floor. Close a small acorn, or something special of your choice, in your hand. With eyes closed, begin singing the Acorn song. Guide the children to close their hands into tight fists. While singing, transfer the acorn or special object to one of the children’s hands and gently remind them to keep their hands and eyes closed. Once the song is over, the children open their eyes and guess which child has the Acorn hiding within their hands. This is a simple “hiding” game that brings lots of fun. 

Acorns are hiding, hiding, hiding, Acorns are hiding everywhere. Sharp eyes will find them, bright eyes will find them, Acorns are hiding everywhere.

Activities on a Budget

If you don’t have a basket with special games, here are a few simple, inexpensive ideas for a rainy day with littles. Remember, that there is magic in the mundane. 

• Drink warm tea together
• Finger knit
• Make cookies
• Build a fort
• Dress up 
• Go outside in the rain and jump in puddles
• Tell a story ~ Or read a story aloud like The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh 
• Take a bubble bath

One Last Rainy Day Activity ~ Playing with Magic Wool

One of the earth’s quiet gifts is the soft, gentle fleece of the lamb. Wool carries a kind of everyday magic—warmth from a living creature, lightness from the meadow air, and the promise of becoming anything a child’s imagination whispers it to be.

Place a deep basket of wool before young children and watch as they sink their hands into it, letting play arise as naturally as breathing. A tuft becomes a drifting cloud, a tiny bird, a friendly forest sprite—whatever their dreaming hearts decide. A simple story shared in a warm voice, with a small wisp of wool shaped into a fairy or a snowflake, can kindle this play even further.

Tales such as Rumpelstiltskin or The Three Spinners remind us how long wool has been woven into human stories. Children delight in the whole journey of wool—carding the raw fleece, washing it clean, twisting it into yarn, shaping it through wet-felting, and, as they grow older, discovering the quiet concentration of needle-felting.

There are endless possibilities waiting in a single basket of wool. And on a soft, rainy day, when the world feels hushed, it is the perfect time to gather the wool, sit together, and follow wherever the magic leads.

________________________________________________

Stormwinds send the clouds a-whirling

Rain comes rushing, swishing, swirling

Raindrops downwards dance and spatter

Pitter patter, pitter patter. Jarman 

– S. Jarman

Explore Jordan’s other Waldorf Inspired Activities for Kids!

Fall baking recipes with apples

Children’s books for Autumn

Coloring activities for children

1. What are the best dinner party ideas for hosting guests at home?

We always think that the most thoughtful ideas for hosting a dinner party come from focusing on natural materials, seasonal decor and ingredients, and choosing a simple theme that can range from the formal to the simple! For this example of a dinner party, we hosted a Friendsgiving that focused on winter florals and greens, cozy linens and sheepskins and organic versions of all our favorite Thanksgiving foods and wines.

2. How do I plan a simple but elegant dinner party at home?

We love to imagine how the night is going to flow before guests arrive so we can think of how best to plan. For instance, thinking about what you want to serve as welcome drinks and appetizers should be your first consideration. Then think about the number of guests you are having and whether you want to do individual servings or a big family style meal with platters. Finally, consider how filling the food is  that you’re going to be serving so you can then consider if a light dessert and tea feels right, or something richer to end the meal.

We also feel that planning should include thinking about what ingredients you can get seasonally, locally and ideally organic. Why should you think about having organic food at your dinner party? It’s a great topic of conversation as so many of us are interested in health and small business now. We deep dive into some talking points on this subject here!

3. How can I decorate my home for a cozy and welcoming dinner party?

When it comes to decor we often think simple is best – in the summer that could be vases overflowing with local wildflowers and in the winter beautiful evergreen branches that can often be foraged in nearby woods. The most important element is often lighting, and we suggest simple beeswax candles for the perfect warm light that is all natural. We love these unique candles from Gloam Goods for that.

Also, when it comes to tableware we really don’t think you can do better than linen napkins and tablecloths. Vintage plates are always a nice touch too – don’t be scared to mix and match if you need to! Choosing a color theme should make this easier – oftentimes we will lean towards neutrals and pastels to let the food shine!

4. What are fun themes for a dinner party at home that guests will enjoy?

Themes can help to guide your menu, decor, and music without becoming overwhelming. 

Options we love include:

Solstice celebrations – Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter!

Friendsgiving – it’s just Thanksgiving, but with your friends! Here are some tips on hosting Thanksgiving we love as well. 

Wine tasting – we think doing a deep dive into the beauty of wine can be a wonderful celebration of taste, and our favorite vineyard to work with for something like this is Avaline, who have all organic and low sugar wines you can feel food about!

5. What dishes are easiest to serve for a stress-free home dinner party?

We love things that are simple to prepare but truly satisfying to eat – also as much as you can make ahead of time is ideal! 

For instance we love the Pissaladiere tart from Julius Roberts, which is a light yet beautiful puff pastry tart that you can prepare and bake before guests arrive to serve slightly warm.

A beautiful and seasonal salad is always great as you can prepare the greens and vegetables, as well as the dressing, ahead of time and then dress the salad when you are serving dinner. Along with a salad we love a simple main course like an organic roast chicken or a seasonal lasagne that you can simply pull out of the oven when hot and keep warm until it’s time to serve. 

For desert, a simple fruit tart like this one from Alison Roman is perfect as you can swap out fruits for anything that is in season when you have your party!

Also to get rid of any leftover food or scraps sustainably we love using the Mill at home compost machine for effortless zero waste dinners!

FAQs

How far in advance should I prepare for a dinner party at home?

We highly recommend doing all of your menu planning and shopping the day before a dinner party – head to your local farmer’s market and see what you can get locally and seasonally first and foremost! Starting with anything baked the morning of the dinner party can help set you up for success, and we love even setting the table with our morning coffee. Things that area freshest like greens, flowers, dips, etc. should be prepared last!  

How many dishes should I serve at a home dinner party?

We think beautiful trays of appetizers upon arrival, a light salad, main meal and light dessert often make the perfect array of dishes for any dinner party! 

How do I make guests feel comfortable when they arrive?

First of all we love to make sure a good play list is on – we find that jazz or bossa nova is great for dinner parties. Then make sure drinks are on hand as people arrive and you are free to serve appetizers and speak to everyone so they feel personally welcomed by the host. 

What time should a dinner party start?

Anywhere between 6-7pm is common, but we sometimes will start as early as 5:30pm in the summer if we want to take advantage of being outside before night falls. 

How do I keep the party flowing smoothly?

Serve each course with gentle pacing, keep drinks refreshed, and create natural conversation breaks using music or brief transitions.

Hands-On Activities Make Birthdays More Meaningful

Whether you’re celebrating at home or throwing a large party, incorporating Meaningful Birthday Activities for Kids can be part of the fun and the tradition. Birthdays are a time for celebration, hopeful futures, achievement, and anticipation for the year ahead. Candles with a fire flame, the unwrapping of small gifts, the taste of a sweet cake, and hearing adults in unison sing, “Happy Birthday” are all small traditions that we use to honor birthdays in our home.

When we offer children the opportunities to create simple, inexpensive and unsophisticated creations, we invite them to show pride in their accomplishments and their “hand-made with love” creations. 

Baking with my young children is an activity I find particularly meaningful. In my family, I baked with my mother, and she baked with her mother, bringing our culture and traditions full circle. This is a ritual I hope to honor and pass on to my little ones. Baking for birthdays is especially meaningful, as we create a sense of wholeness, spend quality time together, and bring new memories to life.

Joy in Birthday Baking

Baking with littles is messy, magical, and the smells and flavors create memories that will last a lifetime. Baking is one of my favorite birthday activities for kids that you can do with your children to include them in the celebration. Whether you choose a classic cake, rainbow cupcakes, or sugar cookies, baking teaches patience and care. 

Birthday Baking Ideas:

Cupcake Decorating: Set up bowls of frosting, sprinkles, and fruit toppings.

Cookie Painting: Using food coloring, allow kids to “paint” their own cookies.

Party Favors: Wrap cookies in paper bags for guests to take home.

Easy, Party Favor Baking Activity for Kids

This year, for my little one’s birthday, we chose to bake sugar cookies as a birthday activity. There is a golden rule for birthdays that I love: Only invite as many people as your child is old to the party. 

In this case, my child was turning four, so we invited four friends. Before the party, we chose a Simple and Easy Baking Recipe for Kids, sugar cookies, and prepared them together from start to finish. 

My daughter rolled the dough and used star cookie cutters to shape and form the cookies. After baking, we placed the cooled cookies in small bags to take along to our ocean-themed pool party as party favors for our friends. 

This activity was simple, inexpensive, and allowed me the opportunity to be present and spend time with my daughter on the morning of her birthday, with a fun activity she loved. Creating these moments of wonder and magic takes little preparation and can be done on a dime. Here is a very simple sugar cookie recipe below that we love to make at our home. 

Simple Kid-Friendly Sugar Cookie Recipe

(Make 5 Dozen Cookies)

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

¾ tsp  baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

3 sticks of butter (1 ½ cups)

3 tablespoons coconut oil

1 ¾ cups coconut sugar

1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk 

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay compostable parchment paper on cookie sheets.

In a mixer, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

In another bowl, cream butter, coconut oil, and sugar until fluffy (3-5 minutes). Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and mix until combined.

Slowly fold in dry ingredients. This is a wonderful step for little hands to help with.

Save extra dough by freezing or keeping it in the fridge for 3 -5 days.

Roll out working dough with rolling pins, using flour if sticky. Using cookie cutters, cut cookies into desired shapes.

Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 12 – 14 minutes. Cool and serve. 

A Note on Birthdays for Small Children 

Planning birthday celebrations for young children can be daunting. There are many things to consider: traditions, party invitations, games and activities, entertainment, decorations, and gifts. I recommend Ann Druitt’s book, The Birthday Book, which goes in-depth on all things Birthday. Making earth-conscious birthday decisions, like avoiding plastic toys and party decor, and choosing easy, stress-free options, can make birthdays much more enjoyable.

A few birthday notes I love ~ 

Try making your own birthday wrap with used fabric or by allowing your child to decorate old newspaper. Making a paint stamp with a potato or apple is a wonderful, inexpensive birthday activity that can be used to stamp cards and handmade wrapping paper. 

Make handmade gifts. I try to think ahead and plan my children’s birthday gifts far in advance so they can be functional, practical, and meaningful. A little rhyme that helps me limit gift giving through birthdays and the holiday season: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. 

For party decor, I found a lovely box in which I store birthday decor for the year. My box includes paper streamers, beeswax birthday candles, a wooden birthday ring, handmade birthday crowns for each of my children, and some compostable balloons. Keeping these decorations, rather than throwing them away each year, allows me to feel more eco-friendly and earth-conscious about decorating and celebrating.

This year, I didn’t fuss over handmade invitations or mailing letters. I didn’t even waste my time creating e-card birthday card invites. I simply group texted my child’s friends and invited them to a local pool where we could enjoy cake and swim. My advice: lower the pressure on yourself by making it as simple as possible. So often, we mothers and caregivers put too much pressure on ourselves for such things. Remember, the point is for everyone to have fun. 

In Waldorf Education, it is often practiced that the birthday child wears a silk cape and a crown while they blow out their birthday candles. Another tradition is the telling of the Rainbow Bridge Story, or sometimes, the child’s own Birth Story. This is a special addition to birthday traditions and something we love to do in our home. 

Home-made birthday cakes are always more delicious and special. Don’t cut corners here. 

The most special gift you can offer your child on their birthday is your time and presence. 

Final Thoughts on Birthday Activities for Kids

I do hope these birthday notes and this simple activity can help make your next birthdays enjoyable for all. These simple traditions — lighting a candle, telling a story, recalling the child’s journey to earth — hold such quiet beauty. They remind us to pause, to see the wonder in the growing child before us, and to celebrate not with grandeur, but with reverence and love.

May these moments become touchstones for your children, memories they carry in their hearts as they grow — reminders that they are seen, cherished, and surrounded by warmth.

Explore Jordan’s other Waldorf Inspired Activities for Kids!

Fall baking recipes with apples

Children’s books for Autumn

Coloring activities for children

Mindfulness Activities for Kids~ How to Start the Day in Balance

How we wake shapes the tone of our day. In our home, mornings are viewed as sacred beginnings, times to greet one another with love, warmth, and slowness. Instead of rushing into the day, imagine gently waking your child with a song or soft light. This simple ritual builds a sense of safety, rhythm, and belonging. 

Our favorite way to celebrate the morning is with a lie-in, the act of remaining in bed after it is time to get up. Not all mornings allow for such a special time, but when time does allow, these are some of my most beloved moments in motherhood.

Mindfulness for kids isn’t just about being still, or having quiet time, it’s about helping children build emotional balance, focus, and self-awareness. By starting the day in balance and integrating routine, structure and simple activities, mindfulness can become a joyful part of your child’s daily rhythm. 

Why Mindfulness Matters for Children

Children today face constant stimulation with screens, schedules, and social energy. In Waldorf education, we take away the rush. Slow, thoughtful mornings with intention help build a foundation for a full and meaningful day. This may mean going to bed earlier, so your little one can wake earlier with more time to prepare before nursery school or activities that day. Allow for plenty of time for lie-ins, morning tea, and hair brushing, without rushing.  Mindfulness offers a healthy pause.

Practicing Mindfulness can~

• Manage stress and big emotions
• Improve focus
• Strengthen empathy and self-regulation
• Foster gratitude and inner calm

By integrating mindfulness into everyday moments, especially mornings, children learn to create their own peace. 

Click here to learn more about Thich Nhat Hanh’s pebble meditation for Young Children

Morning Structure and Routine

We cuddle together with a story as the sun rises, gently waking from our night’s sleep. As we stretch our bodies and make our way to the kitchen, one way we create mindfulness is by keeping a meal routine. Waldorf Education offers insights on why routine and rhythm is so vital for child development. When we give our children a routine which is dependable and structured, we take away stress, unnecessary worrying or wondering “what’s next?” and we create a flow that is easy going, with less  tantrums and the ever-so unwanted – “No”. 

A dear friend once offered me the most priceless advice; to try implementing a morning menu routine with my wee ones. Just like magic, the morning menu eliminated morning tantrums, disputes over “what’s for breakfast”, or the often, “I don’t like that”. Together with my family we created a breakfast menu which everyone agreed upon, with healthy balanced meals and alternating grains. These small steps in creating routine together can make a huge difference in creating mindful, calm mornings. 

One of my favorite ways of creating ritual is with teas – I personally drink Yerba Madre’s loose leaf organic tea in the morning for a gentle and natural boost to give me the energy to see the children through a meaningful morning.

Mindfulness Activities for Kids We Love In Our Home

Beyond mornings, mindfulness can be woven into play and learning:

Breathing Bellys: Have your child place a small toy or crystal on their belly and watch it rise and fall as they breathe.

Calm-down Jars: Create an eco-friendly swirl jar by combining a ratio of 1/4 tsp of all-natural mica powder with 1 liter of tap water in an old jar. Add a natural food dye if you’d like, special rocks, crystals- all optional, then glue on the lid. Invite your child to tip the jar back and forth and watch it swirl. Beware of using glass mason jars. I have found and used old, recycled water bottles for safety purposes, and tried wet felting a cover for a glass jar, making it less likely to break or crack. Both work well.

Creative journaling: Encourage drawing or writing about feelings before bedtime in a special journal or composition book. Setting aside a special book, and perhaps a special pen or pencil, can make this time feel important and purposeful. Using a sand timer can also help guide your child in taking their time, and dedicating thoughts and meaning into their work.

Each of these activities nurtures presence and emotional literacy, skills that support lifelong well-being.

Starting the Day with Mindful Activities for Kids

Mindful Wake-Up

Wake your child with a song. Before jumping out of bed, invite your child to cuddle in and read one story before you wake in your bed. Starting the day by looking out the window for signs of the season can also be a gentle way to wake. 

Yoga

Yoga is often the first activity we think of that fosters meditation and mindfulness. I personally find it very difficult to practice yoga with my children. It is hard for me to enter peace and meditation with littles at my side, needing my guidance and direction. When I practice yoga with my littles, it is truly for them, not for me. However, I am sure to practice with seriousness and grounding, to demonstrate to them the poses and the quiet which yoga requires to be beneficial. I suggest trying just a few poses with your child, then about 2 minutes or less of total stillness, or meditation, with a guided story or verse. Placing low expectations on our yoga routine and accepting that this is not a time for my own practice, has helped me integrate yoga into our morning ritual.  I love the book, Moonbeam: A Book of Meditations for Children by Maureen Garth 

Breakfast Menu

Try creating a breakfast menu to make mornings easier and ensuring meal time is balanced and healthy. Creating a Balanced Breakfast Menu that follows Rudolf Steiner’s guidance of alternating grains helps establish a nourishing and predictable rhythm for children each morning. This gentle consistency supports healthy digestion, a sense of order, and a feeling of harmony that carries into the flow of the day. I personally turn to Earthy Andy’s Plants Over Processed cookbook often for plant based breakfasts my children will love. 

Hairbrushing & Dry Brushing

Hairbrushing is a wonderful way of connecting with your child of any hair length or gender, and offering healthy, positive physical touch. The calming, meditative practice of hairbrushing for young children is gentle, providing rhythmic strokes which create a soothing sensory experience that helps children feel grounded and secure. I find it essential to nurture my connection and provide warmth, inviting stillness, presence, and a quiet moment of care as we flow into the day.

Dry Brushing is another wonderful meditative practice for young children and adults. Dry brushing stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping to eliminate toxins within the body. It is very common for the lymph system to become stagnant, which can play a part in weakening our immune system and causing an unwanted cold from toxins sitting in the body. For young children, dry brushing is especially beneficial because it gently stimulates circulation and supports the developing sensory and nervous systems through rhythmic, nurturing touch. The steady strokes also help children feel calm, centered, and more at home in their growing bodies, fostering a sense of warmth and well-being.

Reve En Vert here shares the Natural Benefits of Dry Brushing for the Skin.

Positive Affirmations

A favorite book of mine is Wonderful Ways to Love a Child by Judy Ford. In it, Ford shares simple and thoughtful ways that we can provide love to children. She shares many positive affirmations which are uplifting and can be life changing for a young person. A simple, I love you, You bring me happiness, or You are Smart, each morning can improve self-confidence and move mountains for your little one.

Family Rituals of Mindfulness

The best mindfulness habits start with modeling. When parents or caregivers join in, children feel supported and safe exploring quiet moments. Remembering to be lighthearted, and to laugh, has helped me weave these rituals into our family. 

For more ideas, you might explore related topics on Rudolf Steiner’s work in meditation and inner development, known as Anthroposophical Science. These methods guide individuals toward self-awareness and conscious spiritual growth. Through consistent inner work, such as concentration, reflection, and reverent observation, Steiner taught that one can cultivate clarity of thought, moral strength, and a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimensions within everyday life. 

Learn how to practice Rudolf Steiner’s Six-Fold Path Meditation Exercise

Explore Jordan’s other Waldorf Inspired Activities for Kids!

Fall baking recipes with apples

Children’s books for Autumn

Coloring activities for children

Critical Thinking activities for kids

Fort Building ~ A Critical Thinking Activity for Kids

In our modern, uncertain world, it is essential to teach our children to think critically and independently. Critical thinking is simply developing the ability to ask why, how, and what if. With a little inspiration, we can create environmentally cautious,  inexpensive, simple activities in our homes to encourage Critical Thinking Activities for our Kids. One of my favorite ways to encourage confidence and problem-solving is fort building. I hope to guide you in creating this imaginative activity in your own home. 

Critical Thinking Matters!

Critical thinking empowers our children to: 

• Build confidence
• Imagine and Create
• Develop resilience and empathy
• Strengthen decision-making

.

Fort Building ~ A Meaningful, Critical Thinking Activity for Kids

Our wee ones are literally creating their own physical bodies. When we offer children the materials and freedom to make houses and structures, we are allowing them to mirror this lived experience of growing into one’s own body. At our home, we value fort and house building as a critical thinking activity that can be done indoors or outdoors. We love using simple, eco-friendly materials and creating layouts that encourage our children to blossom and problem solve. 

With a small amount of materials, freedom, and the right motivation, a child can transform a kitchen or a closet into a sturdy and creative fort. The materials and amount of support we provide for our children determine the expansion of their critical thinking. Critical thinking helps young children learn how to solve problems, empowering them to make thoughtful decisions. It nurtures curiosity, independence, and confidence, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. I am always surprised at how strong, smart, and able my own children are! They are imaginative thinkers and able to make thoughtful decisions and choices, using their free thinking skills to make structures using little materials. 

To inspire fort building with my littles, I like to tell them a story or read them a book about imaginative building. 

I recommend stories like Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran.

How to Create an Imaginative Fort Building Activity 

Materials for Curating Critical Thinking Fort Building ~

Freedom

Clothespins or fort clips

Sheets

Silks

Movable furniture like chairs and stools

Short Rope 

Play Stands wonderful, but optional 

Rather than doing the work for them, offer your child the materials, the space, and the freedom to dream and build — trusting their own wisdom to shape a sturdy roof, a welcoming door, and perhaps a cozy nook within. My children will often ask for my assistance and direct me where to lay a sheet or silk, and instruct me on how they would like their fort constructed. To weave a bit of magic into their creation, we love to add gentle touches like soft lantern light, fairy light strings, books, sheepskin, pillows, and silks for dressing up, inviting imagination to blossom and the spirit of play to unfold. 

Shop Jordan’s Essentials for Creating Critical Thinking Activities for Kids

Bella Luna Toys Play Stands

Sarah’s Silks

Adapting Activities by Age

Ages 2–4: My littles love gathering the silks, filling the baskets and helping make the inside of the fort cosy and snug. Gathering stuffed animals and pillows for the fort can be a great task for wee ones. It is breathtaking to stand back and observe the young child at work and in play. I am always pleasantly amazed by how capable my little ones are at building a sturdy fort. 

Ages 5–7: For older children, encouraging logic puzzles and hands-on problem solving helps develop their critical thinking skills. We can curate the environment and the task for our children so they can receive an ample amount of problem solving and an improved growth mindset. Try encouraging your child to build a fort under the kitchen table using a sheet or invite them into a closet space and challenge them to use the broom and a kitchen chair. Children love these small “challanges” and they will be pleased that you are allowing them to do this work without adult interference.  I am always so impressed by my children, their resilience and their creative innovations. 

Puzzles are a wonderful way to nurture critical thinking in young children as they invite focus, patience, and problem-solving through hands-on discovery. Each piece encourages observation, spatial awareness and perseverance as children learn to see how parts come together to form a whole.

In our home we choose Wooden Puzzles in particular which beautifully reflect the Waldorf philosophy as they are made from natural materials that engage the senses. Wooden toys over plastic toys offer warmth, texture, and a connection to the living world. These eco-friendly toys not only support sustainable values but also foster a calm, grounded play experience that strengthens both thinking and feeling in the child.

Explore Bella Luna Toys Selection of Wooden Puzzles from Grimm’s Spiel & Holz Collection

Being Together, a Gentle Reminder 

Critical thinking is a lifelong skill, but more importantly is the time we spend with our littles. These moments together are what create belonging and purpose which deepen our lives and connect us to one another. Challenging your children to build forts on their own is a wonderful skill and certainly is beneficial for their confidence and critical thinking skills. However, silently observing their play is part of a Waldorf approach to parenting and has many benefits. We can learn about our children thoughtfully by watching their play. When we observe silently, it shows our children that we trust them, we have faith in them and we can hold the space while they make mistakes and solve problems on their own. Taking the time to enter their fort, read a story inside, quietly gaze up in silence at the flickering lights or sing a seasonal song; these are the most meaningful moments we can create for our children. I gently remind myself, and you, to harness these moments and hold them close.

Explore Jordan’s other Waldorf Inspired Activities for Kids!

Fall baking recipes with apples

Children’s books for Autumn

Coloring activities for children

How to Cook Fresh Green Beans: Simple Techniques and a Delicious Recipe

Growing green pole beans in the hoop house is a specialty on our family farm. The heat of the hoop house in our Northeastern region gives us crisp, colorful goodness through the autumn months. Cooking sustainably can be as simple as cooking local vegetables that are in season, using methods that avoid over-processing the food.  I prefer to make beans as simply as possible for my little ones, centering on the crispness and natural flavor. This approach to how to cook fresh green beans is simple, quick and children love it. 

I hope to guide you in ~

• Choosing organic, local produce
• Sustainable cooking tips to reduce waste and ways to minimize toxins in the home
• Preparing and cooking fresh green beans
• Suggest simple, encouraging ways to encourage your little one to try cooked beans

Learn more about growing pole beans in a hoop house here with Jean Martin Fortier
.

Choosing Organic Fresh Green Beans 

There are many reasons we choose organic, local produce. One reason organic agriculture lives so close to my heart is because of the important role it plays with my parenting. Supporting local agriculture and sustainable living is a lifestyle choice which demonstrates love and appreciation to the natural world to my family. Our educational philosophy, rooted in Steiner’s Waldorf Education, puts substantial focus on parenting through imitation. By demonstrating healthy, sustainable eating, I believe I am enchanting my children with these same values. In parenting, we strive to inspire our children to eat produce which is in season and we believe doing this has many health benefits, both for our bodies and our planet. Eating locally reduces waste, supports local farms and families and builds community. Eating organic minimizes toxins in our food and honors our home planet. 

Other benefits of choosing local, organic beans include: 

Full Flavor: Fresh local beans are naturally sweet, with a crisp bite.

Higher Nutritional Value: Fresh beans contain vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber and plant-based antioxidants.

No Waste: Shopping at your local farm implies no packaging, no preservatives.

Learn more about eating Organic with the inspirational Jean Martin Fortier here on his podcast.

Sustainability in the Kitchen & a Note on Water

In our Maine home, we use all natural cookware to reduce toxins and minimize harmful PFAS. I avoid using plastic kitchenware and instead use wooden and stainless kitchen tools. I also make sure we compost everything we do not eat and all veggie scraps – this has been so easy with the addition of a Mill food recycler in our home! 

Water is a vital part of our human makeup. We are thoughtful and conscious about the water we drink and use for cooking, all part of our sustainable, healthy  lifestyle. In our home, we feel it is significant to have both clean, purified water, as well as water that is a high 9.5 pH. 

Water with a higher alkalinity offers many benefits, like enhanced hydration, antioxidant properties and improved digestion. Many at-home machines can provide on-demand high pH, which works great for families or individuals looking to prioritize alkalinity. There are also glass, bottled alkalized water options which can be more cost effective. 

Purified water which has been tested and non-treated is free from toxins and harmful added chemicals and bleach. All over the world natural springs offer filling stations, local municipalities have purified water exchanges and at-home purification systems can be purchased to ensure truly, clean drinking water. 

Cora’s Favorite Non-Toxic Cookware 

Jordan’s Favorite Alkaline Water Ionization Machine

Prepping Fresh Green Beans

1. Simply snap off the stem ends to compost. This is a fun task for small hands. Including your child in this purposeful work is a great afternoon activity. Children are more likely to try food that they help prepare.

2. Gently rinse the beans in a strainer with cool water. When we buy organic produce, leaving a bit of dirt can be beneficial. These minerals and microbes can increase immunity and aid in digestion. Leaving spots and bruises on our imperfect vegetables also plays an important lesson for little ones, showing them that the natural world is not always perfect and wrapped in plastic. The imperfections in life can be beautiful.

Recipe: How to cook Fresh Green Beans

Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 10 min Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

Filtered, alkalized water

Garlic

Maldon flake salt

Good olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the green beans by taking off the stems on each end – this is great job for children! 

Heat olive oil on a medium heat and then add in the garlic.

Add the green beans and cook until brown but still crisp (5-6 minutes). 

Remove from heat and season with Maldon Flake Salt.

Drizzle over some Le Marké Balsamic Oil to finish (optional)!

Simplicity connects us to Mother Earth

Fresh green beans require only good ingredients, a little time, and attention to flavor. Sometimes the most simple preparation is the most delicious and in this case, honors this humble vegetable. 

There are many ways to inspire healthy eating with little ones. A simple suggestion is to include your children in the gathering, preparation and cooking process.  If your child can tag along to the local market, allow them to choose and gather the fresh beans from the farmer. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you have surely seen the remarkable love and care that children uphold as they harvest the beans directly from the gardens. Allowing your child to help snap the tips and place the beans in a bowl for rinsing can be a fun hands-on task for young ones. Children learn through imitation. If your wee ones see their family enjoying fresh, healthy vegetables, they too will become curious and eager to explore these foods alongside you. Continue offering foods, even if they are not successful the first time. Sometimes it takes many times of seeing fresh green beans on the plate for your little one to try a bite. Lowering our expectations is also a gentle reminder that has helped me immensely as a mother. Rather than expecting my child to eat a plate of green beans, I simply strive for them to eat one, perhaps two beans. This, in my eyes, is a success. 

Preparing the beans in this simple way will ensure your child can taste the earthy, crispy, sweet bean without unnecessary flavors and spices, allowing them to develop a taste and love for the pole bean vegetable. 

Discover more Seasonal Recipes here with Julius Roberts.

Read about transforming your child’s “No” into “Yes” with Faith Collins in her book: Joyful Toddlers and Preschoolers.

Read about why we should be eating organic food here! 

We are thrilled that Mill was able to help us keep this recipe even more low impact by recycling all of Jordan’s food scraps and waste efficiently in her home kitchen. Learn more about why we love the Mill food recycler HERE!

A Return to Ancestral Skincare

Before modern lotions filled with synthetic ingredients, our ancestors turned to what nature provided—tallow. Derived from rendered animal fat (typically beef or lamb), tallow was once a skincare staple prized for its nourishing, long-lasting moisture.

Today, as more people seek clean, sustainable, and regenerative skincare, tallow has made a remarkable comeback. And it’s not just nostalgia—there’s science behind the revival. Plus, tallow is often a waste product but with the strong benefits of tallow, it feels a shame and unsustainable to waste it! When it comes to the best tallow for skin, we are loving Summer Solace because they use bi-product while simultaneously honoring Indigenous wisdom around using animals! 

.

What Makes Tallow So Beneficial for Skin?

1. Bio-Compatibility with Human Skin

Tallow’s molecular structure closely mirrors the oils naturally found in human skin. This means it absorbs deeply without clogging pores—offering balanced hydration that feels light yet protective.

2. Rich in Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamins

Grass-fed tallow is packed with:

Vitamins A, D, E, and K — powerful antioxidants that support skin repair and elasticity.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) — known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.Stearic and Oleic Acids — naturally strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.

Together, these nutrients create a rejuvenating, anti-aging blend that helps soothe dry or sensitive skin. This Profound Facial Oil is some of the best tallow for skin that we have found when it comes to creating a healthy glow at any age! 

3. Supports Skin Microbiome Health

Unlike synthetic moisturizers that can disrupt your natural skin flora, tallow nourishes the skin microbiome, encouraging a healthy balance that protects against irritation, redness, and environmental stressors.

4. Long-Lasting Moisture—Without the Plastic Bottle

Because tallow is solid at room temperature, it can be packaged plastic-free, stored easily, and lasts for months. It’s a low-waste skincare solution that aligns perfectly with sustainable living values.

Eco-Friendly and Ethical Considerations

When sourced responsibly from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, tallow is a byproduct of the food system that would otherwise go to waste. This makes it an upcycled, zero-waste ingredient—a true win for regenerative beauty.

Look for local farms or small-batch brands that emphasize ethical sourcing and transparent production. Supporting these producers helps close the loop between agriculture, beauty, and sustainability.

This is why we love to support Summer Solace Tallow, a regenerative tallow line rooted in sustainability and incredible formulations. Founded by Megan Bre Camp, Summer Solace Tallow is a family run business from Oakland California. They craft slow-made, nourishing tallow-based products and homegoods using organic, regional, and regeneratively sourced tallow. 

Summer Solace is different from other tallow brands on the market. They are the only regenerative suet tallow brand on the market, and everything is handmade and handpoured. Unlike whipped products that introduce air, creating a false sense of volume and potential for bacteria buildup, their hand poured balms deliver maximum purity and effectiveness. Summer Solace’s balms are intentionally firm and concentrated to ensure nourishment that lasts without fillers or shortcuts.

How to Use Tallow in Your Routine

Face Moisturizer: After spritzing the skin with the Lavender & White Lotus Toner (an organic face mist), apply a pea sized amount of tallow to damp skin. Start with a small bit of tallow as a little goes a long way! Summer Solace has a lot of different tallow balms to pick from, depending on what you are after for your face. We love the Lavandula Balm, which is a tallow balm infused with lavender, golden champa, and calendula. You can use this balm all over your body and hair, but it is fantastic as a face moisturizer as it reduces inflammation, deeply hydrates, and is the perfect base for makeup.  Shop face here! 

Face Oil: On damp skin, apply a few drops of the Emanations Profound Face Oil – a deeply nourishing face oil with champa, tuberose, white ginger lily, calendula, acai fruit oil, and of course regenerative tallow. This hydrating face oil is full of ingredients that repair the skin by reducing inflammation, boosting hydrating, and supporting the skins natural elasticity, firmness, and overall resilience. This is the best face oil for all skin types. Shop face here! 

Body Balm: Soothe dry hands, elbows, and heels naturally with one do-all balm. Summer Solace produce a lot of different regenerative tallow balms for different applications! The TraumaBalm warming muscle rub is fantastic for everyone to have on hand to treat sore muscles. Inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, this balm is infused with essential oils and herbs that promote warmth and circulation. The balm is also infused with Onda Oil (regenerative CBD) and menthol, which work together to soothe soreness deep in the body. A wonderful full body, multi-purpose body oil is the Mountain Song Body and Hair Oil, which works wonders on the skin and also the mind thanks to the beautiful smells of petrichor, gardenia, and honeysuckle. This oil is a grounding and aromatic botanical blend that is inspired by the mountains of Vietnam and evokes the feeling of sun-warmed rocks, damp mountain paths, and blooming alpine gardens. This oil gently balances and softens the skin, and leaves the skin hydrated and supple without feeling greasy. Shop body here! 

Baby Care: Ideal for sensitive skin without artificial additives. The Baby Soft Family Balm is the perfect gentle balm for the whole family – babies, toddlers, growing bumps, etc. If you are sensitive to essential oils or scents, then you can use this balm on your entire body and face as it is sensitive enough to treat a diaper rash. Our Head of Brand Partnerships, Taylor, has been using this balm on her 2nd baby since she was born to treat dry skin, rashes, and diaper rash. It instantly calms redness and over time, reduces rashes and soreness. Shop baby here! 

Lip Balm or Aftershave: Restores moisture and reduces irritation. The Summer Solace balms are multi use skincare products that can be used by all. You can use all their balms as lip balm, but they also have lip balms that you can easily pop in your pocket or bag on the go. The Cardamom & Blood Orange Tallow Lip Balm is bright and warm and the best lip balm for chapped lips! Caring for a beard or post shave is essential to avoid redness, irritation and ingrown hairs. The Masculin Feminin Tallow Balm is a unisex, herbaceous and woodsy balm that repairs the skin, calms redness, and boosts skin resilience. Shop balms here! 

A little goes a long way, and the results are both visible and enduring.

The Future of Tallow Skincare

As clean beauty continues to evolve, tallow stands out as a heritage ingredient reimagined for modern sustainability. It bridges ancient wisdom with today’s values of minimalism, transparency, and regenerative living.

By choosing tallow-based products, you’re not just caring for your skin—you’re participating in a cycle of responsible, earth-conscious beauty.

Why We Love Summer Solace So Much!

We love using Summer Solace Tallow because not only is it regenerative but the brand is incredibly transparent, meaning their sourcing is laid out very clear. Their amazing sourcing and formulations result in a very potent and powerful product that works wonders on the skin, hair, and body. All of their products are incredibly unisex and multi-functional meaning you need less products in your daily lineup as you can use their balms and oils across the whole body and on the whole family. It is truly the best tallow for skin we have found!

1. Sustainable Home Gifts

Perfect for: Anyone who loves enjoying time at home, drinking good wine and eating good food! 

Jospeh Phelps Wine: Joseph Phelp’s produce fine wines from Napa Valley and have recently switched over to regenerative farming on the vineyard. Their sustainably made wines are delicious and luxurious. They are the perfect wines to gift to your inlaws, the host of a holiday party, or to your partner who loves fine wine. Consider gifting a trip to their beautiful Napa Valley Estate, where you can try the wines onsite through their collector’s tasting, founder’s tasting, or pair your wine tasting with their wonderful tasting menu with local ingredients. Discover them here! 

Summer Solace Candles: The perfect sustainable gift for anyone home lover is this beautiful non-toxic candle from Summer Solace .Cradled in a handcrafted, natural clay vessel, the Smoky Black Tea Tallow Candle offers a meditative, resin-rich fragrance that evokes the scent of wood smoke, sacred rituals, and ancestral hearths. A deeply grounding blend of Choya Loban, Omani Frankincense, Vetiver, and Moroccan Cardamom, it delivers an enveloping warmth that soothes the senses and quiets the mind. This is an heirloom-quality candle that pairs artistry with ancestral care.

Yerba Mate from Yerba Madre: Yerba Mate is a a tree of the holly family that is native to the Atlantic Forest of South America, and has been consumed by the indigenious peoples for thousands of years. Yerba Madre produce regenerative Yerba Mate that is thoughtfully processed into different flavors in their cans or glass bottles. Their Loose Leaf Bags are naturally caffeinated and the perfect gift for a coworker, as a stocking stuffer, or for a tea lover who has never heard of Yerba Mate before.

Organic olive oil from Flamingo Estate: Flamingo Estate’s range of regenerative and organic products are some of our favorite gifts. The Organic Olive Oil from Flamingo Estate is from a fourth generation Olive farmer who specialises in creating rich polyphenol oil. This olive oil is grown and produced in California and is vibrant in taste with pepper notes balanced by softer fruit. Listen to our podcast with Flamingo Estate founder Richard here! 

2. Regenerative Beauty & Wellness

Perfect for: The self-care enthusiast.

Natural Skincare Products from Kleos and Klea:  We love this line because it’s a great gift for everyone with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids. When skin is cared for like the body, with nourishment and healing it will function optimally. Kleos and Klea’s products are intentionally formulated to offer 100% good for you ingredients, that help restore balance, support healing, and reveal healthy, radiant skin. Discover the full line, including a perfect discovery set, here! 

Summer Solace Tallow Face Oil: The rise of tallow skincare has caught a lot of attention, and we love supporting Summer Solace. They are a regenerative tallow line, who create some of the best tallow skincare on the market. Summer Solace’s Emanations Profound Oil is a deeply nourishing face oil for any skin type. It is a lightweight face oil but deeply restorative and calming – the perfect gift for the skincare lover in your life. Shop tallow for face!

Summer Solace Tallow Body Oil: Gentle on the environment and your skin, the Mountain Song Body / Hair Oil from Summer Solace is a beautiful tallow body oil. Blended with regenerative suet tallow, reship oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, sesame oil, and more to deliver loads of hydration to the skin or hair. Shop tallow for body!  

DIY Natural Spa Set: Combine Epson Salts, organic essential oils, dried botanical flowers from your local farmstand in a resuable jar for a a personal low impact gift.

3. Organic Clothing Staples

Perfect for: The nature lover meets ethical fashion enthusiast.

Industry of All Nations Jacket: Gifting a cozy jacket for the holidays is a no-brainer unisex gift. One of our favorite unisex brands is Industry of All Nations. They have an array of unisex jackets that would suit everyones tastes. The LA based brand makes the Nube Corduroy Jacket, that is a wonderful option for both men and women. It is a jacket that could be shared by a couple too! 

Industry Of All Nations Sweatsuits: An organic cotton sweatsuit is a wonderful gift for anyone in your life who wants to be warm and casual, but with style. Industry of All Nations are known for their organic sweatpants and organic hoodies. The brand makes an array of colors and styles in their sweats collection – something for everyone. Their unisex sweatsuits are made and dyed in different parts of the world depending on the color as they use traditional and sustainable processes to ensure the result is truly incredible but without the negative impact environmentally. 

Explore Industry of all Nations here! 

4. Sustainable Tech!

Perfect for: The practical eco-minimalist.

Mill: Composting at home when you live in a city has been made easy thanks to Mill. Read here about the Benefits of Composting! Mill have created chic and easy to use at home composting machines that turn your food waste without any odor, into garden ready compost. If you do not have a garden yourself at home, Mill will pick up your compost grounds to donate to local farms. Try it risk-free and get $75 off at mill.com/rev.

Backmarket: Phones, computers, smartwatches, and more are always very popular holiday gifts for the whole family. Continously buying new tech items each year is just unsustainable, so look to Blackmarket for premium refurbished tech. Everything you find on the website is verified refurbished by B Corp Verified Back Market, which means refurbished devices that have been inspected by industry professionals. Support Blackmarket this holiday season to help extend the life of devices, fight electronic waste, and challenge throwaway culture. Discover them here! 

5. Local & Ethical Experiences

Perfect for: The person who values memories over materials.

Stays at eco Hotels like 1 Hotel: Every 1 Hotel around the world is deeply rooted in making sustainable travel beautiful, comfortable, and seamless. With hotel locations in New York, West Hollywood, London, Tokyo, South Beach, and more, 1 Hotel offers unique hotel stays all over the world. Giving the gift of ethical travel with 1 Hotel is perfect for those in your life who love to travel but conscious about sustainability, farm to table dining, and clean spa experiences.

Farm-to-Table Dining or CSA Memberships: One of the best gifts to give to the foodie and chef in your life is a membership to a local CSA or to purchase an organic farmbox from a nearby farm. The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano is a fantastic option for their Harvest Box along with The Regenerative Farm Box from Flamingo Estate. Click here to find your local CSA options! 

Facials with Clean Products in Los Angeles at Surya Spa: Nestled in the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica is Surya Spa, which is a wonderful destination for amazing massage and facials in Los Angeles. The spa is rooted in ayuveda and they take a holistic approach to health and beauty. Surya Spa is perfect for anyone, but they are especially suited for pre and postpartum moms who need a bit of selfcare. Gift the new mama in your life a treatment at Surya Spa this holiday season!

Eco Retreats like Bloom Farm in Pennsylvania: Nestled in the Pennsylvania country side is the beautiful Bloom Farm, where you can escape for guided yoga and meditation practices, farm to table meals from an array of chefs, and a moment of calm to emmerse yourself in nature with guides walks, saunas, and cold plunges. A great gift for couples!  Listen to our podcast with Bloom Farm founder Sam here! 

6. Creative DIY Gifts

Perfect for: The maker or budget-conscious giver.

Homemade Jams, Candles, Bakes or Soaps – we love the idea of giving homemade gifts, and they are always a much more affordable present option too! One of our favorite things to bring to a holiday gathering is a beautiful cake, and Jordan’s apple cake is perfect for decorating and making your own!

Upcycled Ornaments made from fabric scraps or repurposed wood.

Handwritten Letters in Seed Paper Envelopes — a gift that literally grows.

Final Thoughts: Give with Purpose

An eco-friendly Christmas is about connection, care, and conscious celebration. Every sustainable choice — from wrapping gifts in fabric to supporting local artisans — brings us closer to a circular, mindful holiday season.

Remember: the best gift is one that gives back.

For The Dressy One: Swedish Stockings

Just launched on Rev – Swedish Stockings have the most beautiful collection of ethically made, winter hosiery. As the weather gets colder, a pair of sustainable tights are the perfect practical yet chic gift this holiday season! Conventional tights are one of the most frequently discarded items in our wardrobes, with so many ending up in landfill every year. That’s why its worth spending a little more on a good quality pair that lasts longer and feel better – it also means fewer replacements, which is better for you and for the planet!

For The Wellness Enthusiast: Wilder Botanics

Another collection we’re loving at the moment is Wilder Botanics, a natural wellness brand designed to heal the body inside and out. From calming bath soaks and luxurious body care to aromatic tea blends and natural, healing tinctures – there’s truly a perfect gift for every woman!

For The One Who Loves To Garden: Seeds

We love the idea of seeds as gifts – there is something so hopeful and beautiful about it! We think that gift ideas for women should absolutely include something that represents growth, and what better than a seed for that?

We love shopping for seeds from small, sustainable growers. In the UK, we love Milli Proust for this and in the States, we love FEDCO seeds!

For The Chic Dresser: Dāl The Label

Timeless, grounded, and responsible – dāl’s foundations are built off a regenerative philosophy that places artistry, fashion, and commerce inside a circular, sustainable business model. Founded by Lebanese-American creative director Dana Mortada, dāl works exclusively with small factories based in their home of Los Angeles, remaining diligently hands-on throughout the manufacturing process and exercising quality control on both product and ethics.

For The One Who Loves to Cook: An Alison Roman Cookbook

We at REV are huge fans of cookbooks – there is something really incredible about physical books, the physical act of cooking, and the joy of serving a homemade meal to our loved ones.  One of our favorite chefs and authors is Alison Roman, who always finds a way to make cooking fun and interesting! We love that she has simple, plant forward meals and a love for beans that we adore.

For The Special One: Skydiamond

Skydiamond is our newest ethical jewellery line on Rêve En Vert – the world’s first carbon-negative diamond! They alchemise their diamonds in England by harvesting carbon from the atmosphere to hold it forever in a diamond. Skydiamond combine carbon with hydrogen from rainwater captured in the Cotswold countryside. Their entire process is powered by their own renewables provided by their sister company, Ecotricity.

Gifting Skydiamond this holiday season would be a truly meaningful gesture, especially for those seeking to embrace conscious living in all aspects!

For The One With Sensitive Skin: Toups & Co

There aren’t many clean, nontoxic, and sustainable tallow brands on the market today who are providing incredible skincare, bodycare, makeup, and babycare. Toups & Co are actually doing it, and their ingredients are some of the best out there. What makes the brand so unique is their usage of grass fed beef tallow – a star ingredient whose benefits are a page long.

Toups & Co is a one stop shop if you’re looking for gift ideas for women that help with their clean beauty routines – from serums, to balms, to high coverage concealers, to lipsticks in fantastic shades. Their formulations are so thoughtful and designed for even the most sensitive of skin types. Toups & Co have some wonderful holiday gift sets this year which makes choosing what to gift super easy!

For The Romantic Dresser: Christy Dawn

If a woman in your life is a fashion lover, Christy Dawn is the best brand for gifting some of the most sustainable items of clothing on the market. As Christy Dawn grows, they’re evolving from sustainable to regenerative. All of their new collections are made from regenerative cotton and naturally dyed. Christy Dawn is deeply connected to their farm and farmers, and a supply chain of local craftsmen who practice traditional and organic techniques that replenish the health of the soil, the planet, and the people. Their farm-to-closet initiative allows them to make beautiful dresses that are good for your skin and good for the Earth. Everything the brand puts out is just stunning, timeless, made to last, and incredibly comfortable – all things one should be after in a clothing purchase!

Listen to our podcast episode with Christy Dawn here!

For The Nature Lover: A Farm Stay or Dinner

There is nothing better than a trip with the notion of meaningful gift ideas for women – it’s the possibility of creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend time together, learn a bit more about Mother Nature, and we think that supporting small and regenerative farms is a way to give back at the same time that you can enjoy time away.

We are in love with Callisto Farm in the Hudson Valley, where you can book into the amazing fully renovated farmhouse, do farm tours, explore the farm shop or event book in for a private farm to table dinner!

For The One Who Loves To Entertain: Westbourne Oils

We are all huge fans of entertaining here at REV, and one of our favorite things to have on the table is always a set of Westbourne regenerative oils on the table! Founded by the incredible chef Camilla Marcus, Westbourne produces Organic 100% Pure Avocado Oils that are incredible to cook and finish with! Plus they look beautiful in the kitchen.

Listen to our podcast episode with Camilla here!

Why coloring activities for kids are so important:

Coloring is a simple yet deeply meaningful activity for the young child. When a child puts color to paper they are creating beauty, expressing emotion, and giving shape to imagination. Through this creative act, their fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination quietly strengthen, while they express their feelings, tell stories, or imitate real life, through their coloring.

A child’s drawings often mirror the stages of their development. In the early years, you may notice whorls, spirals, and gentle circle forms that seem to echo the rhythms of nature itself. Over time, these evolve into bold blocks of color, stars, shapes, and eventually, figures and symbols. Encouraging your child to draw a full figure, to color in the ground beneath their stick person’s feet so they are not “floating,” or to shade the sky so it’s no longer white, helps nurture their sense of wholeness and connection to the world around them. When we encourage the child to fill the page, it is a grounding experience for the young child and encourages them to spend ample time on their coloring.

Activity 1 : Eco-friendly coloring activities for kids with Beeswax Crayons

Take 5 minutes to be fully present with no distractions.

Read a story together (a Grimm’s Fairy Tale or one from Therapeutic Storytelling by Susan Perrow).

Encourage your child to picture the story in their mind (no screens, no illustrations.)

Bring the Story to Life:

Use white paper (watercolor or copy).

Offer 3 – 4 beeswax crayons, stick with primary colors

Provide a soft coloring surface, like a stack of magazines

Ask your child to draw what they remember from the story

Save your child’s best coloring pages and make them into a book. This makes a wonderful gift.

Activity 2 : Eco-friendly coloring activities for kids with Kitpas

In traditional Steiner schools, children use only beeswax crayons, but at home, we like to try other materials — my children love Kitpas.

Go for a walk and let your child collect nature treasures — a pine cone, stone, shell, or a leaf. 

Come inside and offer the Kitpas for a creative activity.

Invite your child to paint their found item.

Kitpas are non-toxic, vibrant, and can be used on windows, bathtubs, sidewalks, and more.

Try this~ Draw  on watercolor paper ,then offer your child a brush and a small glass of water — the colors will transform into watercolor paint and come alive.

Final Takeaways on coloring activities for kids from Jordan:

Block crayons invite the child to move color across the page in wide, flowing gestures, while stick crayons and pencils guide the fingers into the delicate, fine motor precision needed later for handwriting. Both tools have their place in fostering coordination, patience, and artistic confidence. When we offer the three primary colors in their purest form, the child experiences the wonder of blending them, discovering secondary hues and witnessing transformation.

Coloring builds not only skill, but also self-assurance and confidence. Making the gesture to admire their work, whether it be hanging it on the refrigerator, framing it, or binding it into a little book, these are easy ways to show love and encouragement.

Learn more about Jordan and Waldorf Activities below!

Waldorf Inspired Children’s Books for Autumn

Meet Jordan Fountain! 

Pippa and Pelle in the Autumn Wind – Daniela Drescher

One of the most beloved artists in our family is Daniela Drescher. Her books are portals into an ethereal, whimsical universe that feels both magical and inviting, a place I wish I could step into myself. The Pippa and Pelle series is among our favorites. These charming board books make wonderful seasonal gifts, perfect for a pumpkin basket or as a stocking stuffer. Their small size and enchanting illustrations allow children to explore them independently, even before they can read, offering a gentle introduction to the beauty and rhythm of the autumn season.

Autumn Story: Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem

We love the stories of Brambly Hedge because of their coziness and the magic that unfolds in the mouse community. In this story, the mice prepare for the season’s harvest, capturing the busyness of autumn life. For children, this book is particularly enriching because the detailed illustrations encourage careful looking and invite discussion around gathering food and preparing for colder months. In our home we find this offers a natural way to understand the cycle of the season and discuss more deeply the preservation of food, the garden’s harvest and how animals alike prepare for winter.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s My Favorite Things – Illustrated by Renee Graef

Quite literally one of our favorite books, My Favorite Things can be sung slowly and sweetly, guiding children through some of life’s most magical and comforting gifts: the copper kettle, warm apple strudel, and brown packages for opening. The warmth and simplicity this book offers makes it perfect for fall, as the days grow shorter and cooler. The song My Favorite Things has long been a cherished lullaby in our home, often sung before bedtime or when one of our children is unwell. Last year, we had the joy of supporting our local community theater by attending a live performance of The Sound of Music, where this beloved song was beautifully performed by a local actress. It was a wonderful way to bring the story alive and connect our family with live arts in the community.

What Happens in the Autumn – Suzanne Venino

Books with real photography offer children a rich and tangible connection to the natural world. What Happens in the Autumn presents images of maple leaves frosted with morning dew, milkweed pods, acorns, composting leaves, and local wildlife, accompanied by educational text. The book highlights the splendor of North America’s Eastern autumn, with dazzling golden and crimson leaves. Supporting National Geographic through books and magazines is a cherished practice in our family. We subscribe to National Geographic Kids and enjoy exploring its content together through activity by creating collages, reading aloud, and discovering fascinating facts. This shared learning fosters curiosity and wonder, and we are deeply grateful for the gift of such rich, seasonal exploration.

The Apple Cake Story – Nienke van Hichtum, Illustrations by Marjuan van Zeyl

In this charming tale, an old woman searches for apples to bake her apple cake, trading goods with neighbors and townspeople until she finds the perfect fruit. This story beautifully illustrates the values of community, cooperation, and exchanging one’s gifts to meet a need. Through vibrant illustrations, the essence of autumn comes alive, showcasing the season’s colors and harvest bounty. This story holds special meaning for our family, as apple cake is a beloved Waldorf tradition and we visit our neighbors to pick apples for our apple cake. It gently introduces children to the importance of helping others, civic-mindedness, and asking for support when needed. The book even includes an apple cake recipe, making it a perfect companion to apple picking and seasonal baking, creating a shared rhythm and ritual with young children.

Wild Child – Lynn Plourde

This seasonal story is part of a series celebrating the rhythms of nature. In this tale, the Wild Child is Autumn herself, guided by her mother, Mother Earth, through the fullness of the season. The illustrations are vibrant and abstract, capturing the movement, joy, and golden essence of autumn. I love sharing this story with my children because it introduces the concept of impermanence, the idea that seasons come and go. Autumn will awaken, play, and eventually rest, giving way to Winter. For young children, understanding these cycles can be new and sometimes challenging, often leading to the question, “What comes next?” Through stories like this, children develop a deeper awareness of nature’s rhythms, creating a sense of continuity, wonder, and connection to the natural world.

Autumn by Gerda Muller

Part of a cherished seasonal series, Autumn invites children to pick apples, jump into golden piles of leaves, and observe the subtle changes in nature. This board book encourages independent exploration and imaginative play, while gently fostering a connection to the natural world. It helps young children develop observation skills, a sense of seasonal rhythm, and an appreciation for the small wonders of nature.