I try to come up with thoughtful gifts that are well-suited for each recipient. But I also strive to be a thoughtful consumer by choosing gifts that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Non-Stuff: Gift certificates or tickets for activities, special events, services, restaurants, or favors; or donations or memberships to non-profits
- Products with green attributes: e.g., solar charger for cell phones and other electronics; organic cotton blanket; organic food; soaps, lotions, or bath products made with entirely natural, safe ingredients, etc. (Beware of “greenwashing,” of course. Many manufacturers now make environmental claims about their products; when possible, look for evidence or third-party certifications that back up their claims.)
- Homemade, locally-made, or Fair Trade goods (i.e., avoiding cheapo stuff that could have been made in an overseas sweatshop using child labor)
- Useful stuff: Things that most anyone can put to use, e.g., consumables (favorite specialty foods); fun/cozy socks; a mini-LED light for a keychain; a good book about a topic of interest to the recipient
- Small stuff: Items that don’t use a lot of resources, don’t require a lot of packaging/shipping material, and won’t take up much space in someone’s home
Check out stores that sell green products in your area. And to avoid driving around a lot, also check out web retailers that offer green items, such as:
- Gaiam: Gift Guide Landing Page
- Real Goods: RealGoods.com
- Viva Terra: Save up to 70% on natural home décor, organic gifts, and more at VivaTerra.
- Patagonia: Patagonia.com
- Solio (solar chargers): 10% off all Solio Classic Silver Products. Use coupon code GoClassic09
- Trikke (electric “carving” vehicles, sort of like a combination between skis, a scooter, and roller blades, for street or snow use): Enjoy fun fitness and green transportation on your own TRIKKE Tri-bred. Free shipping on select models.
- GreenHome: GreenHome.com
- Organic Bouquet: Organic Flowers & Gourmet Gifts, including organic chocolate
- Powell’s Books: Enviro books
(Note: I am an affiliate ad publisher for some of those companies.)
For other green product ideas, reviews, or advice, take a look at these sites:
- Green America: See the Green Gift Guide, UnShopping, Responsible Shopper, Fair Trade links
- Center for a New American Dream: Simplify the Holidays
- SustainLane
- Good Guide: Ratings of natural, green, and healthy products
- The Simple Living Network
- Other resources/links
If you have other gift ideas or websites to suggest, please leave a Comment below.
