Search for "Giving"
Simplify the Holidays
Campaigns | May 31, 2017
Helping Your Kids Embrace a “More Fun, Less Stuff” Holiday
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | November 7, 2017
New Dream's Edna Rienzi shares six tips for how she gets her family on board with a simpler, yet more meaningful, holiday season.
A Light at the End of the Black Friday Tunnel
Blog | by Dave Evans | November 11, 2016
The Black Friday shopping frenzy has become extreme enough that even a handful of retailers themselves are protesting against it.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify: Tips for Avoiding Holiday Stress
Blog | by Terra Wellington | December 11, 2013
Actress, author, and environmentalist Terra Wellington shares her tips for keeping the holidays simple and stress-free.
Give What Matters—Your Loved Ones Will Appreciate It
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | September 2, 2015
Read an excerpt from Rachel Macy Stafford's (also know as the Hands Free Mama) beautifully written new book, and learn how her daughter Natalie taught her to let go of societal expectations and her perfectionist tendencies and give the gifts that really matter in life.
How Do You #SimplifyHolidays?
Blog | by Wen Lee | December 10, 2013
Join the movement to Simplify the Holidays! Check out this photo slideshow from New Dream staff, board, and allies.
Do We Need to Sacrifice Communities in the Name of Progress?
Blog | by Addison Del Mastro | February 12, 2013
As environmentalists, we sometimes forget that a green energy company is just that—a company.
Kids & Commercialism
Campaigns | May 31, 2017
Is It Wrong to Want to Give Your Children What You Never Had?
Blog | by Kelley Dennings | December 16, 2019
A strong advocate of experiences over gifts, Kelley talks about her own struggles with trying to make holiday memories less about what’s under the tree and more about spending time together.
May My Children Be Givers
Blog | by Bellamy Shoffner | February 7, 2018
Bellamy Shoffner, editor of the online magazine Hold the Line, shares an eye-opening experience that led her to deepen her social justice work and step up her family's efforts to give more to their community.
Real Celebration: Guinevere's Potluck Baby Shower and Mother Blessing
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | May 19, 2015
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how Guinevere's friends and family came together for a potluck baby shower and mother blessing where the main event was the sharing of heartfelt blessings and advice.
The Changing Nature of Wedding Gifts
Blog | by Caitlin Frauton | March 17, 2015
Caitlin Frauton is the owner of DIY Wedding Mentor, which provides affordable wedding-planning services for couples who are planning their own weddings. Caitlin started DIY Wedding Mentor after she and her husband planned their own DIY wedding and realized that couples needed more help when it came to DIY weddings. In this post,
Caitlin describes the changing nature of wedding gifts as many couples are reaching out to their loved ones to ask for direct support with the wedding instead of expecting traditional wedding gifts as they focus on long-term financial goals instead of adding more "stuff" to their lives.
Myths About Mother Earth and Why They Matter
Blog | by Kim | April 29, 2009
Who Gives a Sheep?
Blog | by Edna Rienzi | October 29, 2014
After several years as a wedding photographer, Danielle Calhoun had begun to feel frustrated with the excessiveness of the weddings she was documenting. A trip to photograph West African orphanages cemented these feelings of uneasiness and frustration. But, rather than give up and quit the entire industry, Danielle decided to harness the amazing potential of the wedding market.
Christmas* in June: A Gentle Nudge to Help You Start Planning Your Alternative Gift Fair Now
Blog | by Shara Drew | June 13, 2018
Take advantage of your time and energy during the summer months to set the stage for a more meaningful holiday season for your community.