This may be kind of ironic, because I help you find great deals on “stuff”, but I think SoKind is an awesome find. Maureen sent me the link and said it could be “blog-worthy” and I agree. SoKind is a “fully customizable registry service for any celebration—allowing you to create truly unique and meaningful registries.” What does that mean? You create a registry with the gifts you want. You can ask for anything: home cooked meals, babysitting help, trips/house swaps, donations to charities that you care about, knitting lessons… anything you want.
They say, “Today’s gift-giving culture has become ever more commercialized, fueled by ads, fads, and glitz. Here at SoKind, we know that your favorite gifts don’t always fit in a box. SoKind allows you to create a registry focused less on stuff and more on family, fun, and friends.” Through SoKind, you can register for gifts of time, experience, skill along side of traditional material gifts and even secondhand items. The registry is completely customizable, so the possibilities are endless!
It is as easy as 1-2-3. They say:
1. Get inspired: Take some time to think about what kinds of gifts reflect your values and would help improve your quality of life. For inspiration, check out these SoKind gift ideas and sample registries.
2. Create a registry: Now that you have an idea of where to begin, click here to start your registry. For each gift, include as much helpful information as possible for your family and friends. You can upload an image and link to the website where it can be found. If you want only locally made products, you can mention this in your description. If you are registering for home-cooked foods, include any dietary restrictions or allergy information. Check out our sample registries if you need some extra guidance.
3. Share with family and friends! Spread the word about your registry by sending a personalized announcement to your guests. SoKind keeps track of what gifts have been given and who signed up for each (or, keep it anonymous if you prefer to be surprised!). Send thank you e-cards quickly and easily through SoKind.
This is such a cool idea and is also great for gift-givers who may not be in a position to spend a lot of cash on gifts, but want to give meaningful gifts. SoKind says, “here’s to a day filled with more fun and less stuff; more joy and less stress; more love and less waste!” I agree and I will add, here is to getting the things that you value, not what people think they “should” give you. The husband and I still have gifts from our wedding that we have never used – and we are almost to our 11th wedding anniversary.
SoKind is a project of The Center for a New American Dream. They seek to “cultivate a new American dream—one that emphasizes community, ecological sustainability, and a celebration of non-material values.” Follow SoKind on Twitter or like them on Facebook to keep up as they grow.
What do you think? Would you try this? What would be your first non-traditional request?
Hey Chicago friends – don’t forget this weekend is OpenHouse Chicago and it is FREE! Great chance to see and learn about cool architecture all over the city! I went to Open House in NYC several times and was delighted to find that there is a Chicago weekend, too. The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago is a free public event that offers behind-the-scenes access to 150 buildings across Chicago. You can ”explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods—all for free. 150 cool places. 48 hours. Go.”
Last year, Stacy and I checked out the Tribune Tower, MDA City Apartments and the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum. Maybe this year I will check out some things closer to home or use my “Members only” benefits to check out 1871 or others!
And in case you want to splurge and be a part of history…in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Stuart Weitzman 5050 boot, Gilt.com is launching a digital pop-up shop which will include iconic and limited edition styles. The 20 piece Anniversary Collection features the classics, as well as designs in an array of unique materials including zebra haircalf, sea crystal snake calfskin, black goosebump nappa and prune woodsnake. Prices range from $598 – $890; the Swarovski pave boot is $10,000 and there are 10 styles exclusive to Gilt.com. The digital pop-up shop featuring the 20-piece collection be available for 20 days only on www.5050bootcamp.com – 20 Years, 20 Styles, 20 Days Only.
[Yes, I think this is a strange mix with the SoKind registry story, but that’s how I roll! Something for everyone and these boots have perks ;)]
It’s Friday, so here are some great deals I found this week:
- Rue La La always has awesome deals. A Finds’ fave is back Canyon Ranch! These deals are not as good as some I have gotten, but if you are headed to Vegas, check out the spa club for $50 off on a service ($75 – normally $125!)
- The Clymb is having an AWESOME 90% off sale on great brands for apparel and gear. Stow some stuff for the holidays!
- Speaking of holiday gifts to stow, Gilt City great deals on the Pig of the Month Club for your favorite carnivore. They still have 44% off of the “UN-wined” spa treatment at the Valeo Spa in Chicago (which I heard is fab) or 56% off of the “Couples Connection”. What do they have in your city? Go check!
- Get 20% off of Lifebooker Loot deals purchased with their app for beauty, spa and fitness deals in your city with the code APPDEALS.
- Fab is having a clearance – up to 60% off on all of the coolest new designs for you and your home!
- Save 25% on a case of new KIND Healthy Grains Bars with code 48HGB
- Get a free Sandalwood roll-on perfume and free shipping with $50 purchase at Beautorium a new go-to online spot for all natural cosmetics.
- Get 20% off sitewide and free shipping with the code Secret20 at Shoes.com through 10/30
- Get 30% off at Kate Spade with special friends and family code FALL13FF.
- Get 30% off of fall sale items at J Crew with code FALLSALE through 10/20.
- Get 30% off of new fall items from Banana Republic with code BRFALL through 10/20
- Get 35% off of new fall items or an additional 25% off of sale items at the Gap with code GAPFALL through 10/19.
Still Available:
- Newton is having a daily shoe giveaway through 11/8!! (instant win and daily entry – today the winner is not me!)
- Get 20% off on your first purchase from Fabletics – the new athletic clothing site from Kate Hudson and the folks at JustFab (Get BOGO on 1st shoe purchase and all shoes $39.95!)/FabKids.
- New customers to Modcloth get $20 off of $50 purchase (and $20 shopping credit for each friend they refer, too!).
- Promote intelligent consumption with Lole Women’s Yellow Label Program, give a coat & get 50$ OFF a new one!
- Check out great gear deals and local/travel deals at Zozi.
- Need a vacation? Get 15% off on your Luxury Link trip purchase with code FALL15 (plus 3% cash back with ebates) through October 21.
- Save 20% on purchases from Costume Supercenter ! Find your most amazing Halloween costume yet with more than 20,000 costumes and accessories to choose from and free shipping/free returns! Use promo code HUGE20.
Chicago ladies (and gents), don’t forget you get $10 off your first service at Pretty Quick with code ericafinds through 11/1.
That’s all for now! I am headed to Chicago Ideas Week and Open House Chicago this weekend. What do you have on tap?
PS. Don’t forget my Peanut Butter & Co Squeeze Pack giveaway!
