5 Gift Rule
This holiday season at the Belfast Community Co-op, we’re excited to help you prepare for all your favorite traditions, whether it’s finding the perfect ingredient for a cherished recipe or selecting unique, locally-produced items that make thoughtful and meaningful gifts.
Our shelves are stocked with products that reflect the heart of our community, and our team is here to help you every step of the way. Need gift ideas? We’ve got plenty of inspiration to share! From beautiful local goods to handcrafted treats, the Co-op is brimming with options that show thought and care.
While you’re here, take a moment to explore and connect with our neighbors in the community—there’s so much to discover to complete your holiday checklist right here in Downtown Belfast. At the Co-op, we’re more than a store; we’re a place where holiday memories begin. Let us help make your season brighter and more meaningful!
If you’re still searching for the perfect gift this holiday season, consider the 5 Gift Rule. Instead of investing in one expensive item, why not choose five smaller gifts, each with its own meaningful purpose? The best part? Some of these gifts can even be free! You don’t have to commit to all five categories—just pick the ones that resonate most with you. This thoughtful approach works for anyone on your list and brings a personal touch to your holiday giving.
- A gift they want
- A gift they need
- A gift to read
- A gift to do
- A gift for us
A gift they want
This could be any item that you’ve heard them say they want. Maybe it’s a new pair of cozy socks or perhaps it’s a winter blend of locally roasted coffee they’ve been eyeing. Maybe you’ve heard them say they’ve been wanting to watch their favorite holiday movie with you! Plan an evening and don’t forget the popcorn!
A gift they need
This one is my favorite! I love receiving a gift I need. It’s so boring buying for yourself things you need but when someone gives it to you, it feels special. Maybe they lost their winter beanie and need to get a new one or they just ran out of lip balm. These kinds of gifts are thoughtful and solve a problem! Think of something the person needs help with! This is also a great opportunity for an act of service. Maybe it’s as simple as they need help carrying in some wood. Grab some bundles and get them ready for a long weekend!
A gift to read
In the cold dark months of winter, it’s so nice to curl up with a book or magazine inside where it’s warm. For a no-cost gift, check out the Little Free Library or come into the Belfast Community Co-op and grab a free Recipes from Our Community cookbook. If you don’t know what kind of books they might like, consider giving a gift card from a local bookseller so they can choose their own. For the kids, spend an afternoon at the library letting them choose their favorite books or come for storytime!
A gift to do
There are many activities happening in our area over the next couple of months. Check out the DIY Party Hat Decorating event at the Co-op on New Year’s Eve with the Co-op Board. Sign up for a Learn to Curl at the Belfast Curling Club. Go to a Book Sale at the Belfast Free Library. Take an art class at Waterfall Arts. Maybe this is one where you treat them to something really special that they wouldn’t do for themselves. You could give them a quiet and relaxing spa day at home, taking the kids for the day. Or maybe it’s a gift card to visit the The Belfast Dance Studio sauna. If you’d like, make a set of “tickets” to one of these events and wrap it up for them to open!
A gift for us
This is a great gift that can be absolutely free or easily budgeted! Plan an evening walking around looking at Christmas lights. Grab a hot chocolate and spend the afternoon sitting in a café making your New Year’s resolutions. Find a new puzzle or a board game to play. Plan and cook dinner together! This is the gift of spending time with each other and can be anywhere!
The holiday season is a time for connection, joy, and thoughtful giving—and the 5 Gift Rule is a wonderful way to make it all more meaningful and less stressful. At the Belfast Community Co-op, we’re proud to be part of your community and your traditions. We’re here to help you find gifts that matter—gifts that show thought, care, and love.
Whether you choose one category or explore all five, the 5 Gift Rule is about creating joy, solving problems, and cherishing moments with the people you care about. From local, sustainable goods to unique treasures that bring smiles, the Co-op is filled with ideas to make your holidays special.
This season, let’s celebrate simplicity and heartfelt giving together. Stop by the Belfast Community Co-op and let us help you bring the magic of the 5 Gift Rule into your winter celebrations. We can’t wait to be a part of your holiday season!
During this busy time of the year, let us help with your shopping! Visit our website here to shop online. Don’t forget owners can also pre-order large quantities of regularly stocked items at a discounted price to prepare for all of the wonderful holiday baking and entertaining! Save time and extra trips to the store! Email info@belfast.coop for more info.
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op; it is our mission and our pleasure to bring locally-sourced, reasonably priced, organic and natural products to all.
Owned by you. Food for all.