At Hauskaa, we believe that gifting is more than just an exchange of objects—it’s an act of empathy. A well-chosen gift can remind someone of home, of shared memories, of the little things that make life meaningful. Whether it’s a handcrafted wooden house to mark a milestone, a fir tree as a symbol of resilience, or a candleholder to bring warmth to their space, the right gift carries a message that lingers long after the wrapping is gone.

Why Empathy Matters in Gifting

In a fast-paced world, where so much feels fleeting, a meaningful gift is a moment of connection. It says:

• I’ve thought about what matters to you.
• I want to bring comfort or joy into your life.
• I appreciate who you are.

We all have those people who are hard to shop for—not because they have everything, but because they value what’s truly special. For them, the perfect gift isn’t about trends; it’s about sentiment.

Gifts That Tell a Story

Some gifts are practical, others are sentimental. The most treasured ones often do both. At Hauskaa, we create gifts that carry meaning:

For the Nature Lover – A handcrafted fir tree, a symbol of endurance, growth, and the beauty of the outdoors.

For the Homebody – A wooden house candleholder, bringing a cozy glow to long evenings and a sense of place to any space.

For the Minimalist – A simple, timeless piece that fits seamlessly into their world, adding warmth without clutter.

For the Sentimentalist – A village set that represents family, tradition, and the feeling of home—wherever that may be.

The Beauty of a Timeless Gift

The best gifts aren’t tucked away after the season passes. They’re used, displayed, and cherished year after year. A Hauskaa piece isn’t just a holiday decoration—it’s a part of life’s everyday moments. It’s a candleholder that brings light to quiet mornings, a wooden house that sits on a shelf as a reminder of love and connection.

Gifting with Intention

When you give a gift with empathy, it becomes more than just an object—it becomes a memory. It’s not about giving something for the sake of giving. It’s about making someone feel understood, valued, and at home in their own space.

This year, as you choose gifts, pause for a moment. Think about what makes the recipient smile. What comforts them? What reminds them of home? What piece will carry meaning long after the moment has passed?

At Hauskaa, we believe the best gifts are those that reflect the heart. Thoughtful. Sustainable. Meaningful. Gifts that say: I see you. I know you. And I’m glad you’re in my life.

Discover gifts that bring warmth and meaning—today and always.

The post The Gift of Thoughtfulness: Giving with Empathy and Intention appeared first on Hauskaa.

And if you’re wondering just how minimalist I am—I even spell my name without an e.

Growing Up with an Eye for the Extraordinary

I was born and raised in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, surrounded by nature’s raw beauty. Winters were long, summers lush, and the seasons dictated the rhythm of life. I learned to love the outdoors—hiking through quiet woods, skiing at Burke Mountain with the thrill of speed, and always find joy in the simple things.

From my mother, I learned that even the most ordinary moments could be made special. A beautifully set table, the glow of candlelight on a weekday evening, or a thoughtfully wrapped gift—these small touches transformed daily life into something more meaningful.

A Global Perspective on Home and Design

At 16, my world expanded when I became an exchange student in Oulu, Finland. It was more than just an adventure; it was an introduction to the Nordic way of life—a culture that seamlessly integrates nature into design, values sustainability, and finds beauty in simplicity. I would go on to spend 14 years living in Finland, Sweden, Rwanda, England, and France, each place shaping my perspective on home, craftsmanship, and the connection between people and place.

I studied Textile and Apparel Management at Cornell’s College of Human Ecology, later spending a year at the University of Stockholm’s Swedish Program. My early career took me to Tiffany & Co. in New York, where I worked as a business analyst in the fragrance division before moving to London to work with a luxury brand agency. I loved the excitement of city life, but Vermont—and the pull of home—was always in the background.

From Global Traveler to Vermont Advocate

In 2002, I moved back to Vermont and turned my love of travel into a career as the region’s Travel Director for Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. That experience led me to National Geographic, where I became the Operations Director at the Center for Sustainable Destinations, helping to promote travel that was both enriching and responsible.

But Vermont kept calling me back. I missed its forests, its small-town sense of community, and the deep-rooted connection between people and place. When the opportunity came to serve as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Vermont State University, I embraced the chance to help others bring their creative visions to life.

The Birth of Hauskaa

Hauskaa wasn’t just a business idea—it was the culmination of things I had learned. My Nordic experiences, my love of nature, and my belief in making the everyday special all came together in one place. What started as a personal project in a local Maker Space soon grew into a brand centered on handcrafted wooden houses, village sets, and accessories that bring warmth, comfort, and joy into homes.

Each piece reflects my Scandinavian influences—clean lines, natural materials, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. My time at Tiffany & Co. instilled in me a commitment to excellence, an appreciation for the finest details, and the belief that true quality stands the test of time. I’ve also embraced the power of minimalism—designing with intention, choosing materials thoughtfully, and ensuring that every piece serves a purpose. And if you’re wondering just how minimalist I am—I even spell my name without an e.

Innovation is at the heart of Hauskaa, from reimagining traditional craftsmanship with sustainable materials to creating timeless designs that evolve with the seasons. Sustainability isn’t just a trend for Hauskaa; it’s a commitment. From using upcycled wood to all-natural finishes, Hauskaa is a reflection of my values—intentional, beautiful, and made to last.

Life Today: Family, Skiing, and a Love for Creating

Even though my home base remains Vermont, my life is still filled with adventure. My husband, Kevin, runs a ski area, and we embrace the seasons together—whether on the slopes or enjoying the simple pleasures of a cozy winter evening. Our two children, Linus and Elsa, are now full-fledged adults, but the spirit of creativity and exploration remains central to our family.

Through Hauskaa, I invite others to experience what I have always known: that home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. And with a little intention, a little craft, and a little Nordic inspiration, we can all make the everyday something truly special.

The post A Life of Design, Adventure, and the Art of Making Things Special appeared first on Hauskaa.

Why Do We Collect?

The reasons people collect vary, but at the heart of it, collecting serves a few key purposes:

1. Preserving Memories & Milestones

Objects can be powerful reminders of special moments in our lives. A collection might mark:

• A life milestone, like a first home, a wedding, or a new family tradition
• A place we’ve visited, bringing back memories of a meaningful trip
• A season of life, capturing the feeling of childhood, holidays, or personal growth

Each item in a collection becomes a story frozen in time, helping us relive meaningful experiences.

2. Expressing Identity & Personal Style

What we collect says a lot about who we are. Some people gravitate toward minimalist and intentional collections, while others embrace eclectic, vibrant assortments that showcase their passions. No matter the style, a collection is a way of curating a personal narrative through objects we love.

3. Finding Comfort & Joy

Surrounding ourselves with things that bring us happiness is one of the simplest ways to create a sense of home, warmth, and belonging. Collections often provide a sense of continuity, something we can return to when life feels unpredictable.

4. Connecting to Traditions & Heritage

Many collections are rooted in culture and family traditions—whether it’s vintage holiday decorations passed down through generations, handcrafted wooden houses that celebrate Nordic design, or seasonal pieces that reflect the rhythms of nature.

Building a collection over time allows us to stay connected to our roots, our loved ones, and the traditions that shape us.

How to Collect With Purpose

While collecting is often an emotional process, intentional collecting ensures that our spaces remain filled with things that truly matter:

• Choose pieces that bring joy – Ask yourself: Does this item hold meaning for me? Will I love it for years to come?
• Embrace slow collecting – The best collections are built over time, rather than purchased all at once.
• Look for craftsmanship & sustainability – Investing in handmade, high-quality pieces ensures your collection stands the test of time.
• Display with care – A collection shouldn’t be hidden away! Arrange and rotate pieces so they remain a living, evolving part of your home.

Building a Collection That Tells Your Story

At Hauskaa, we believe that collecting should be a joyful, lifelong process—one that reflects your journey, traditions, and personal style. Each handcrafted piece is designed to become part of your story, growing with you through the seasons and the years.

So whether you’re starting a collection for the first time or adding to something that has been in your family for generations, collect with heart, intention, and the joy of knowing that the best collections aren’t just about objects—they’re about the life you live with them.

Explore Hauskaa’s Handcrafted Collection
Share your collection with us on Instagram & Facebook! We love seeing how your Hauskaa village grows.What do you love to collect? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Joy of Collecting: Why We Gather the Things We Love appeared first on Hauskaa.