The SoKind Blog
How a Gift Registry Is Being Used to Build Relationships and Strengthen Communities
by Edna Rienzi | January 12, 2016
Who knew that a gift registry could be used to sponsor a refugee family, create support systems for those suffering from illness, and get teachers the supplies they need? Our SoKind users continue to amaze us with the ways in which they're using SoKind to strengthen their communities and build relationships. Read on for inspiration!
Real Celebration: Toronto Neighbors Rally Together to Sponsor A Syrian Refugee Family
by Edna Rienzi | December 9, 2015
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how a group of strangers in Toronto are using SoKind to support a refugee family and strengthen their neighborhood community along the way.
How to Ask for the Gifts You Really Want This Holiday Season
by Edna Rienzi | November 23, 2015
Do you feel overwhelmed with your family's holiday gift-giving traditions? Check out three ideas for a more meaningful celebration. Here's to more fun and less stuff!
Give What Matters—Your Loved Ones Will Appreciate It
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.
Introduction to the SoKind Celebration Series
by Edna Rienzi | June 1, 2015
Welcome to the first installment of the SoKind Celebration Guide, which we will bring to you as a weekly blog series. This series is designed to serve as a resource for you regardless of whether you’re planning a wedding, a baby shower, a birthday party, a holiday celebration, a graduation picnic, or a backyard barbecue. Although we have focused on weddings, baby showers, and birthday parties throughout the series, most of the ideas and tips can be easily adapted for any type of celebration.
Real Celebration: Guinevere's Potluck Baby Shower and Mother Blessing
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.
Dishing the Love, Potluck Style
by Holly Minch | April 15, 2015
In this post, Holly Minch describes her experience as a wedding guest at a potluck wedding and her new-found appreciation for this catering option as an opportunity for friends and family to actively participate in the celebration. Read on for more details about this "extended family dinner" wedding as well as for practical tips on pulling off a potluck wedding with ease.
Danielle and Michael’s Baby Boy’s Brit Milah
by Edna Rienzi | April 1, 2015
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how Danielle and Michael encouraged their friends and family to provide them with the gifts they really needed and wanted for their baby boy, Avi.
The Changing Nature of Wedding Gifts
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.
Guest Registry: Curated by Jen Boulden
by Jen Boulden, Host of JenBTV.com | February 12, 2015
In the Guest Registry series, SoKind asks our friends and supporters about their favorite SoKind gift ideas. The result? A collection of creative and inspiring guest registries! Enjoy.
Cathy and Stephen's Multicultural San Francisco Wedding
by Edna Rienzi | February 9, 2015
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how Cathy and Stephen incorporated their cultural heritage and their love of their hometown throughout their wedding.
Maria and Reggie's Relaxed, Budget-Friendly Wedding
by Edna Rienzi | February 9, 2015
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how Maria and Reggie focused on what was important to them, and allowed others to step in and use their natural strengths to help the couple celebrate their big day.
Top SoKind Holiday Books for Children
by Edna Rienzi | December 8, 2014
We know so many Americans are tired of the commercialization of the holidays and want more of what matters ...not just more stuff and stress. But, in the midst of all the commercials, lists for Santa, and shopping trips, how do you get your kids to appreciate a simpler, more meaningful holiday? We've compiled a list of our favorite holiday books that we hope make it easier for you to communicate your values and desires to your kids. Happy Reading!
Overcoming Party Pressure: SoKind Tips for a “Good Enough” Birthday Party
by Edna Rienzi | November 4, 2014
Last month, SoKind celebrated a big milestone — its one-year anniversary! As a gift to you, we've gathered our favorite tips for hosting birthday celebrations that focus on more fun and less stuff...more joy and less stress...and more love and less waste. Read on for celebration inspiration and practical tips.
Who Gives a Sheep?
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.