What Digital Doulas *Really* Want for Christmas

How do you begin to answer the question “What do you want for Christmas?” in a year that has taken so much from so many? First, know that it’s okay to feel heavy for significant collective loss this year, AND feel joyful. You can feel more than one emotion at the same time. 

I think this conversation starts with massive gratitude… for your health, life, and resilience. You may have already begun shifting from less ‘things’ under the Christmas tree to more experiences… which is such a beautiful thing. Except in 2020, when we aren’t really going anywhere and even gifted experiences are a challenge.

Having said that, if you’re blessed to be able to purchase gifts this year, circulating money, especially into small businesses, is more important than ever. Below are several gift ideas for Digital Doulas, Virtual Doulas or Online Doulas in your life. And if that’s YOU, my suggestion is to forward this post to the incredible people that are asking “What do you want for Christmas?”

Before we dive into the gift ideas, let’s start with a few that won’t cost you a penny.

Cost $0:

1. Rate and review your favorite Doula podcast or birth related podcast. 

If you’re a listener to the Doulas Going Digital Podcast, I always welcome reviews (shameless plug). Podcasting is truly a labor of love, and it always feels great to hear positive feedback. Plus, it helps other Doulas and Birth Professionals find our work and spread our mission.

2. Review your favorite Birth Businesses, Doula Etsy shops, etc.

As a fellow small business owner, you can certainly understand the value of a positive rating. It is free, and again helps small businesses grow. By the way, this isn’t limited to Doulas, spread the positive review love to restaurants, service providers and other small shops.

3. Share your favorites to your IG Stories

If you use Instagram, head to your favorite Doula accounts and share their posts in your feed and/ or in your IG Stories (mine is HERE, again shameless plug). When you share their posts to your stories, be sure to tag them. Again, feel free to go beyond Doula businesses here.

Under $25:

1. Tripod / Phone Stand 

If you’re taking photos or videos on your phone to use for social media (Instagram or Facebook), a tripod can help you stabilize your phone and get a great shot. This is a great substitute for professional branding photoshoots, that meets you where you’re at (pricewise).

2. Photo Presets Package

Warning: I am so not a professional photographer, so I might not have a perfect explanation of this. Presets are like little magic buttons of light, that you can use to make your iPhone or Samsung photos (taken on your tripod) look way more professional. I told you I was bad at explaining this.

How I do it: purchase presets, follow instructions to install on my phone, open Lightroom free app, upload photo, click chosen preset = magic lighting.

Check out the presets by Christina Jones (my absolute favorite Branding Photographer in Tampa).

3. Coffee mug (birth vibes preferred)

I think this speaks for itself. Not a coffee person? Insert tea mug. My faves are the vulva mug, “My vagina is perfect,” boobie mug, and the brand new Birth Vibes mug.

4. Journal 

In case you haven’t heard, there is pure magic in writing things down. This is a great time to grab a new journal, or 3, and start writing down your Doula business goals for 2021. HERE is my fave.

5. Birth nerd sticker

Birth stickers make a great stocking stuffer. I use my birth nerd sticker on the inside of my laptop. Search “birth sticker” on Etsy and you’ll find loads of cool birthy goodies.

6. Digital Doula’s 2021 Content Toolkit $21 (Value $147)

Give the gift of never running out of things to say to your audience in 2021! This toolkit includes:

• 365 Topic Ideas (relating to) preconception, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum, new parenthood and newborn care

• 2021 Calendar with important dates for the birth industry 

• 2021 Content Planning Workbook

• 25 Quotes to use in your social media graphics

• 54 Birth & New Parent Affirmations to use in your social media graphics

Under $50:

1. Gift card to BIPOC owned businesses

Here are a couple of my favorites this year: Tish Jewelry (based in Canada) and Eliza Jean candles.

2. Daily / Weekly Planner

Back to what I said about magic in writing… there’s also magic in planning. Costs vary, but you can usually find one within the $20-$50 range.

3. Virtual Vaginal Steaming Session

A member of the Doulas in Business Mastermind is now offering virtual vaginal steaming sessions! And, at a special discounted price for the holidays. Be sure to check her out. Hint: she won’t see you naked and it’s for more than postpartum healing.

Over $50:

1. Webcam Camera

This is absolutely NOT a requirement for doing business online. Your laptop camera or phone camer work just fine. Three years into my business, I recently purchased a fancy webcam and I lovvvvve it.

2. Microphone

If starting a birth podcast is on your list of goals for 2021 (see planner suggestion above), you may consider upgrading to a fancy microphone for crisp, clear recording. I use a Blue Yetti, but there are tons of great options available.

3. Laptop

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you have a laptop. If not and you have the funds, this is the way that we’re doing business in 2020 and going forward.

4. Premier Coaching Center Membership

If you’ve been scrolling around my website or socials, thinking “I wonder which course is right for me…” this has it all, PLUS.

The Premier Coaching Center includes ALL of my Doula business courses, templates, samples AND 12 months of membership and support.

This is the perfect gift for a Doula that’s new-ish to the online space, at a price point that meets you where you’re at.

5. The Doulas in Business Mastermind

It’s hard to put into words the magic that is the Doulas in Business Mastermind. It’s a 6-month private group coaching support program, led by me. It’s a high level of 1:1 and intimate group support, ideal for Doulas that aren’t brand new, Doulas that are ready to expand in a BIG way and scale their business in 2021.

Note that Mastermind members have bonus access to the Premier Coaching Center (above).