The holiday season is usually about indulgence, breaking everyday rules, and ignoring what’s good for you. It might also mean forgetting about what is good for the planet. By using this green gift guide you can still enjoy the celebratory season without making a negative impact on the planet. The eco-conscious women (and men and children )in your life will love these ideas, whether they are already heavily committed to living environmentally responsible or new to the party.
Free to budget
When it comes to gift giving in abundance like as occurs during the holiday’s season, I have no problem with re-gifting. I subscribe to the “what you don’t know won’t hurt you” spirit. If you have a new item that you haven’t used, say a food mill or a crystal frame or a sweater that just isn’t your style, pass it on to someone who might want it or could make use of it. I stress that the item should be new, not used and beaten or out of shape. That is not a gift.
Buying books from your independent bookstore is preferable. When you buy local most of the money stays in the community, making it one of the most sustainable decisions you can make. I consider books a green purchase because you should never get rid of books. You should read and keep them to enjoy again later, or if they are a one-time only read, pass them on. There are some great books to learn more about green living and green parenting. Some of my favorites are: The Lazy Environmentalist (there is a 365 day calendar available as well), Healthy Child Healthy World, Raising Baby Green and Easy Green Living.
Purchasing local honey supports local beekeepers and leads to other benefits. Some think that eating the honey from bees that live near you can help boost your immune system and make you more resistant to seasonal allergens. Pair a jar of honey with some tea, cookies or a pretty honey pot. Really, any locally made food product such as salsa, hot sauce, chocolate or cheese make great gifts. Check your local farmer’s market or this listing to find a local beekeeper.
Bake loaves of organic bread. Instead of wrapping in a box or plastic wrap, wrap the loaf in a holiday-themed tea towel. Once the bread is eaten, the receiver will reuse the towel.
Sigg bottles are hip and come in such cute colors and patterns that I know many people coveting these bottles. With a price tag around $20, the purchase can be hard to justify when buying for yourself, but I bet you know someone who would be delighted to receive one. Travel coffee mugs paired with a bag of fair-trade organic coffee makes a cute gift as well.
Budget to mid-range
Reusable bags are a must for grocery shopping. It is estimated that four to five trillion plastic bags are produced worldwide with most of those bags ending up in landfills and never biodegrading. That amount of waste is unnecessary. There are a number of cute, reusable bags in a variety of fabrics and shapes. Keep a stash in your car to use for grocery shopping, shopping at Target or the mall, packing your lunch, and for general carry-alls. I love this set of five reusable bags from Fair Indigo. There are four different design collections available from retro to floral. Fair Indigo offers earth friendly and fair trade clothing, bags and jewelry, making them an ideal organization to support. Click here to read more about reducing plastic in your life.
Heirloom Candles are 100 percent soy with perfectly balanced scents. The packaging is so elegant that those on your list who equate eco-friendly with boring brown packaging will be pleasantly surprised.
Macy’s Martha Stewart bamboo cotton blanket is under $100 and comes in a variety of colors. I have a king sized bamboo/cotton blanket from JC Penny that I love. And in case you know anyone in need, bamboo sheets are wonderfully soft too. For green bedding ideas for children click here.
Build family and friends a rain barrel to help conserve water. With some elbow grease, inexpensive rubber trashcan and some piping you can make a gift that will give all year round, cutting water bills and nourishing the garden. Click here for easy to follow directions.
Get your loved ones ready for a healthy new year with an organic yoga mat and yoga pants. This mat has an organic cotton top with renewable, biodegradable rubber backing. Throw in a pair of organic yoga pants and tank top for a complete ensemble.
Mid-range to splurge
Getting engaged this holiday season? Make sure to buy a conflict-free diamond. Certified conflict-free means the gems are mined and produced under ethical conditions and profits are not used to fund war. You can search for conflict-free diamonds here. Leber Jeweler offers conflict-free diamonds as well as fair-trade gems in earrings, pendants and rings. Brilliant Earth offers a “create your own ring” interactive guide and recycled gold, platinum and silver.
Citizen’s Eco-drive watches are fueled by light (think a mini-solar panel) and not a disposable battery. Watches come in a variety of styles and price points for men and women.
Simple has a line of sustainable footwear for women and men ranging from boots to comfortable slip-ons. Brooks Trance 8 running shoes have a non-toxic additive in the sole that encourages its breakdown in the landfill.
Who doesn’t love getting jewelry? Fair Indigo’s Angeles Anonimos fair-trade program trains disabled artisans in jewelry making. The jewelry is colorful, vibrant and fantastically chunky. Bottled Up has beautiful glass pendants and earrings made from glass bottles. I love this idea of reusing beautiful glass from amber vanilla extract bottles to pale green Depression Glass to 1940s red beer bottles. Every piece of jewelry comes with a story about the glass used making this a unique gift idea.
High quality vintage clothes, handbags and shoes are dream additions to any girl’s wardrobe. Buying vintage is the ultimate in reusing and recycling. Browse your local consignment and vintage shops for some special pieces.
The countdown to Christmas is on. From budget to splurges there are eco-friendly, yet high quality and beautiful, gifts out there for everyone on your list. Look for more green gift ideas in this section in the coming months.
Great post! I plan to make reusuable bags filled with eco-friendly things for my family to help them 'go green' and save money. Did it last year and was thanked SO MUCH for helping. This year, with times being rough, every penny helps
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