Intentional Gifting: The Thoughtful Trend Warming This Holiday Season
Originally published October 31, 2025
As retailers prepare for a slower holiday shopping season, one California brand is curating a different kind of growth—meaningful, mindful gifting with intention.
As co-founder and CEO of eco-friendly apparel brand HYPEACH, I'm tuned into a growing consumer shift toward intentional purchases—gifts that are meaningful and do good for the planet. With a focus on consciously crafted materials and planet-friendly practices, I believe this new era of "intentional gifting" could redefine how we shop this holiday season.
People aren't just shopping for things—they're shopping for meaning. We're finding that consumers want to give gifts that reflect their values and make a positive impact.
Here are three insights and strategies for brands hoping to connect with today's conscious consumer:
1. Do Good … and Tell People About It
A brand's mission now matters as much as its product.
According to TheRoundup.org, nearly 75 percent of consumers consider a company's environmental or social impact before making a purchase, and 85 percent report that climate change awareness influences their consumption habits.
Consumers want to support brands that support something bigger than themselves. Whether that's through sustainable production, donations, or community initiatives, if you're doing good, it will attract those looking for more.
How HYPEACH Practices This:
At HYPEACH, we don't just talk about sustainability—we live it through tangible commitments:
1% For the Planet Partnership Every purchase supports environmental restoration through our partnership with 1% For the Planet. This isn't marketing—it's a binding commitment to donate 1% of annual sales to approved environmental nonprofits.
Americas-Based Manufacturing All HYPEACH products are manufactured in California, Mexico, or Central America, ensuring:
- Transparent supply chains
- Fair wages and safe working conditions
- Reduced carbon footprint from nearshore production
- Support for local communities
Non-Toxic Materials We use [BCI-certified organic cotton](link to BCI blog), [Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified](link to Oeko-Tex blog) dyes, and plant-based performance fabrics. Our clothes are as healthy as they are stylish.
[Learn more about our non-toxic fashion commitment →](link to non-toxic fashion blog)
Community Partnerships Our recent partnership with Working Wardrobes—a nonprofit helping people overcome barriers to employment—demonstrates our commitment to doing good beyond products. Women supporting women at its best.
The lesson: When you do good, tell your story authentically. Today's consumers reward transparency and genuine impact.
2. The Unboxing Experience Matters
Unboxing is part of the emotional journey of gifting.
According to Shopify's 2025 Global Holiday Retail Report, 62 percent of shoppers say premium packaging makes a gift feel more valuable, and nearly half are willing to pay more for eco-conscious wrapping.
Creating a Meaningful Unboxing Moment:
At HYPEACH, our mission is to do good and feel good in all that we do. We set out to provide our signature and luxe packaging made with recyclable materials. It feels special and it's leaving a lighter footprint. It's a moment for both the buyer and the recipient.
Our Eco-Packaging Approach:
- Recycled cardboard shipping boxes (100% recyclable, minimal branding)
- Biodegradable shipping bags (made from organic corn, compostable)
- Recycled cardboard hang tags (no plastic attachments)
- 100% biodegradable product bags (protect garments without waste)
The result: An unboxing experience that feels luxurious while honoring our planet-first values.
Why this matters for gifting: When you give a HYPEACH item, the recipient experiences:
- Beautiful presentation that shows thoughtfulness
- Visible commitment to sustainability (they can see it's eco-conscious)
- A story to share ("This brand uses compostable packaging made from corn!")
- Guilt-free enjoyment (no mountain of non-recyclable packaging waste)
The emotional impact: The unboxing becomes part of the gift—a moment of connection between your values and theirs.
3. Quality Over Quantity
As trends like quiet luxury and conscious consumption dominate 2025, quality craftsmanship and timeless style are key.
McKinsey's State of Fashion 2025 report shows that consumers are 30 percent more likely to buy fewer, higher-quality items than they were pre-pandemic.
The Shift from Fast Fashion:
The old model:
- Cheap, trendy items worn a few times
- Planned obsolescence (falls apart quickly)
- Mountains of textile waste
- Race to the bottom on pricing
The new model:
- Investment pieces that last years
- Timeless design over fleeting trends
- Quality materials that improve with age
- "Quiet luxury minus the price tag"
How We Approach Quality:
I encourage brands to invest in quality wherever they can. For us, that means eco-friendly, high-quality materials that are non-toxic—and to tell those product stories clearly.
Our Quality Commitments:
Premium Sustainable Materials:
- BCI-certified organic cotton (softer, more durable than conventional)
- Sorona® plant-based performance fabric (37% less energy to produce than nylon, lasts longer)
- Repreve® recycled polyester (ocean-bound plastic diverted, high-performance)
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified dyes (safe, colorfast, won't fade)
Thoughtful Construction:
- Reinforced seams for durability
- Quality stitching that doesn't unravel
- Finishes that maintain integrity wash after wash
- Designed in California with wear-testing
Timeless Style:
- California-fresh aesthetic that doesn't feel dated
- Versatile pieces that work across seasons
- Classic silhouettes with modern updates
- Mix-and-match within collections
The Price-Quality Balance: HYPEACH products range from $40-$145—accessible luxury. You're not paying for a designer logo; you're investing in materials, craftsmanship, and ethics.
Transparency builds trust. People want to know where it's made, who made it, and why it lasts. We tell that story with every piece.
The Takeaway: Intentional Gifting as a Lifestyle
As spending habits evolve, the future of holiday retail isn't about more—it's about meaning.
Shoppers are embracing intentional gifting as a reflection of their values, focusing on sustainability, design, and emotional connection. When you give something thoughtful, you literally pay it forward in so many ways with the purchase.
What Intentional Gifting Looks Like:
Instead of: Generic gift cards to fast fashion chains
Choose: A HYPEACH Future Frequency dress made with certified non-toxic materials
Instead of: Another item destined for a landfill
Choose: Quality pieces designed to last years, not weeks
Instead of: Supporting brands with opaque supply chains
Choose: Transparent, Americas-based manufacturing
Instead of: Wasteful packaging that fills trash cans
Choose: Eco-packaging that can be composted or recycled
The Ripple Effect:
When you practice intentional gifting, you're:
- Supporting sustainable businesses
- Reducing waste in landfills
- Creating jobs with fair wages
- Protecting the environment
- Teaching others through example
- Building a better fashion industry
One gift at a time.
Shop Intentional Gifts at HYPEACH
This holiday season, give gifts that reflect your values and make a real impact.
Intentional Gift Ideas:
For the Athleisure Lover ($68-$95) Sorona® Athleisure Sets - Plant-based performance fabric, Oeko-Tex certified, moves with you
For the Denim Enthusiast ($118-$145) Organic Cotton Denim - BCI-certified, gets softer with every wash, timeless style
For the Dress Devotee ($75-$125) Sustainable Dresses & Rompers - 97% recycled poly, Oeko-Tex certified, California-fresh aesthetic
For the Beachgoer ($95-$115) Repreve® Swimwear - Made from ocean-bound plastic, Oeko-Tex certified, supports 1% For the Planet
For the Conscious Consumer (All Collections) Future Frequency Collection - Latest arrivals, 100% non-toxic certified
Every HYPEACH gift includes:
- ✓ Non-toxic, certified safe materials
- ✓ Eco-conscious packaging
- ✓ Support for 1% For the Planet
- ✓ Americas-based manufacturing
- ✓ Free shipping & returns (US)
- ✓ A story worth sharing
Make This Holiday Season More Meaningful
Intentional gifting isn't just a trend—it's a movement toward more conscious consumption that honors both people and planet.
This season, choose:
- Quality over quantity
- Meaning over mass production
- Impact over impulse
- Transparency over greenwashing
Start with one intentional gift. See how it feels to give something that aligns with your values. We think you'll find it changes how you approach not just holidays, but everyday purchases too.
Ready to give intentionally?
Shop HYPEACH's Holiday Collection →
Follow our journey: Instagram: @hypeachboutique
Visit us: 8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles (Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm)
Frequently Asked Questions About Intentional Gifting
What makes a gift "intentional"?
Intentional gifts reflect the giver's values and consideration for impact. They're chosen thoughtfully based on the recipient's needs, the brand's ethics, and the product's quality and sustainability. It's about meaning over convenience.
Is intentional gifting more expensive?
Not necessarily. While quality often costs more upfront, intentional gifts provide better value long-term. At HYPEACH, prices range from $40-$145—accessible for most budgets while maintaining quality and ethics.
How do I know if a brand is truly sustainable?
Look for specific certifications (Oeko-Tex, BCI, 1% For the Planet), transparent supply chains (where and how it's made), and concrete commitments (not vague "eco-friendly" claims). Research beyond marketing language.
What if the recipient doesn't care about sustainability?
Intentional gifts work because they're high-quality and thoughtful first, sustainable second. Most people appreciate well-made, beautiful items regardless of eco-credentials. The sustainability is a bonus that tells your story as the giver.
Can I give intentional gifts on a budget?
Absolutely. Start with one quality piece instead of multiple cheap items. Consider the cost-per-wear: a $95 dress worn 50 times costs $1.90 per wear. A $30 fast fashion dress worn 3 times costs $10 per wear. Quality is often more affordable long-term.
About the Author:
Marlo Hovis is the Founder and Chief Brand & Product Officer at HYPEACH, a Southern California-based apparel brand at the forefront of sustainable and purposeful fashion. With a vision rooted in innovative leadership, Marlo has steered HYPEACH to help transform the industry through a combination of creativity and environmental responsibility.
A passionate advocate for innovative yet mindful commerce, Marlo leverages her expertise in creative direction and product development to evolve fashion industry norms & practices. Prioritizing transparency and positive impact in every aspect of the business, her work not only appeals to a new generation of conscious consumers but also exemplifies how fashion can be a powerful force for good in the world.
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