By Michaela Guzy and The OTPYM Traveling Team

Just when you thought nothing could be more insane than 2020, 2021 happens. At OhThePeopleYouMeet, even when times get tough, we turn to the power of positive thinking. We learned a lot over the past year and a half, oftentimes, the hard way, but here we are standing stronger, more sustainable, safer + savvier than ever before. For the tenth year in a row, OTPYM has curated a wish list with gifts that are created by entrepreneurs + small businesses from across the globe who are going the extra mile to make a difference and offer us something truly special this holiday season. This year we focused more on a holistic sense of well-being, that mind, body + soul connection AND experiences, not stuff…unless of course the stuff was handcrafted by a local designer we met when traveling who are sustainably employing many in their community.

This list is inclusive for all, no matter how you associate. Our guide falls into four categories: Shop Local, Self Care, Human Connection + Sustainable/Responsible Travel. By purchasing one of these items or services, you are supporting artists, yogis, cancer survivors, animals and the vegans who love them, doctors who protect us + make us look fabulous, writers, designers, teachers, sustainable travel companies, indigenous people and just plain do-gooders who want to make the world a better, more sustainable place for all of us. OTPYM’s social media manager, Julia Rainwater, has also secured some pretty sick discount codes, so why not shop small and give a gift to someone you love, even if that person is yourself. We’ve all earned the right for some extra special self love to ring in the new year. After all, you can’t be your best self for others, if you aren’t taking care of yourself. We made it!

Wishing you the happiest, healthiest + holistic of holidays!

Michaela + The OTPYM Traveling Team