November 20th, 2008

Green Holiday Gifts Under $30– or Free!

Posted by Jessica Jensen

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Who has oodles of cash this year to lavish on holiday gifts?? Not I!  I’m looking for every possible way to economize this holiday season. But I still want to give fun, thoughtful, and, of course, eco-friendly gifts.  Here are some ideas for us all!

For any ladies on your list, how about a snuggly-soft bamboo t-shirt from Amazing Tees?  They look great and are made from sustainable bamboo fibers.  (Yes it really is soft!) This beautiful blue number at right is $29, and they have tank tops for $25.  They also sell tees with inspiring words and phrases– and they have men’s styles as well.  Love ‘em.

For the hot dude on your list, how about this sexy No Enemy T? It’s made of 100% organic cotton, and is made in California.  It’s stylish and fitted and your arm jewelry– I mean main squeeze– will look maaahvelous.  It’s from BTC Elements and it’s only $26. (Enter code 50gifts to get free shipping.) If you don’t like that t-shirt, we have lots more tees and other men’s eco-clothing you can check out, too.  We all need options!

Or what about creating a nice gift basket of eco-friendly, healthy beauty products? You could combine some wonderful soaps, or lotions and facial cleanser from Pangea Organics or JR Watkins– two brands I use and love.  Most beauty brands sold in drugstores and department stores contain harmful chemicals that we unwittingly ingest through our skin.  Give a healthy, thoughtful gift with a few safe beauty items!

What about some good reading materials?  I am huge fan of Natural Home magazine– I learn many news things from them every month. Get a gift subscription for your buddy for only $15.  Or Ed Begley Jr. has a great new book called Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-friendly Life. Ed is a friend of mine and the real deal with it comes to sustainable living– and his book is very good. Would make a wonderful gift for any aspiring green bean! And it’s 12 bucks. 

Here’s to the season of good cheer– festive Christmas tree ornaments made from recycled glass!  Bottled Up Designs collects glass fragments and makes wonderful jewelry…and now ornaments.  They come in sets of three and are $30.  They come in various glorious colors and are sure to put a smile on your recipient’s face.  Ho ho ho!

AND NOW FOR THE FREE IDEAS!

By far the most eco-friendly gift you can give is the gift of time. Fun time. Togetherness time. Snuggle time.  Remember when we were young and for Mother’s Day we’d make a little book of coupons for mom?   We’d have one coupon for washing dishes, one for taking out the trash, one for walking the dog…. well let’s bring back that great tradition!  Make a coupon book for your sweetie:  2 I’ll give you a back-rubs, 1 I make the dinner of your choice, 2 breakfasts in bed, and so on. You’ve consumed ZERO resources, created no carbon emissions, and made your gift recipient pleased as punch!

Another free thing you can do is print out photos and make a clever photo book with funny captions.  Print out that photo of your mom at your high school graduation and your wedding… tell her she looks just as young today but her fashion sense has improved dramatically!  Dress it up with ribbon or glitter and you’ve made a personal, sweet, free, carbon-free gift.

Another thing to consider: it is great to give people events.  Almost every year I give my parents two tickets to the play of their choice. There’s no plastic, no energy used– and they love to see a great show.  What about tickets to an improv comedy theater? Tickets are inexpensive and it may be something your friends or family haven’t done and wouldn’t think of doing.  If theater is not their bag, you can also get people movie pass packets.

We have many more great green gift ideas for you– please visit our Green Holiday Gift section!

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