‘Tis the season to be jolly, right?

However, during the past year, Walmart has been blasted for child labor and Target contributed to anti-gay efforts. Thoughtful consumerism that contributes to a sustainable local economy is much more likely to bring peace and joy this holiday season.

Here are a few gift ideas from Oakland-based businesses that are part of Oakland UnWrapped, Oakland Grown's online sales initiative.

• A friend interpreted the symbol on this pendant like this: Give your loved one an opportunity to tangibly touch their own god-presence: all-powerful, all-present, all the time.

• Why send the usual boring holiday cards full of penguins and snowmen? Blac Gurlz Ink carries luscious queer images full of ethereal goodness. Plus, owner Spring Opara is as fierce and sweet as her product line.

• Don’t want your gift to create more clutter? A thoughtful alternative is to give your family the opportunity to exercise and improve wellness with a gift certificate from California Canoe and Kayak.

• Don’t forget about the geeks this season! It’s the obvious choice, easily identified before it’s unwrapped, but geeks never get tired of books … so you can’t go wrong. Take a look at the selection from Diesel Books online store. 

• It’s great to make your American child happy, but in the process, why not help support over a hundred Kenyan women in gaining clean water, clothing and medication? The Ella B. Jenkins project is making it possible for you to do just that. Check out the exquisite hand-beaded products. This is a feel good gift that will feel genuinely great.