ecofabulous Holiday Gift Guide 2008
Stumble it!
Eco-Decorating: More than Your Tree Should be Green
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, green decor means more than hanging a pine wreath on the door. To start, research organic Christmas tree farms in your area by logging on to GreenPromise.com or LocalHarvest.com, both of which feature farm directories by zip code. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are 25-30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year, which means buying organically-grown trees is crucial in terms of reducing the amount of pesticides released into the atmosphere. Buying a live tree that can be replanted in your back yard is the best choice, but if you choose a cut tree be sure to recycle your tree responsibly. Many towns will chip trees to be used as mulch. Check earth911.com to find a recycling location near you.
To decorate your tree use LED lights, which consume significantly less energy than regular lights and last years longer. HolidayLEDS has a large selection in a variety of bulb shapes and sizes. And choose eco-friendly ornanments made from recycled materials. We love the christmas tree ornament ($12) made from recycled magazines from New Leaf Project, the angel ornament ($12) made from a recycled soda can from Ten Thousand Villages, recycled glass balls ($9 each) from One World Projects and these pretty recycled glass infused pottery ornaments ($7.50) from Paloma Pottery.
To decorate other areas of your home, check out the Organic Herb Wreath ($39.99) that you can eat after the holidays (talk about recycling!) and these amber and red recycled glass pebbles from Crate & Barrel, that can be used at the bottom of a vase, to dress up a candle holder or to add some bling to your holiday table, for under $10. We also love the Eco-Friendly Modern Menorah ($85) from Eco-Artware and these Fair Trade Menorah candles.
Recycled Wrapping and Compostable Cards
Wasted wrapping paper is not only one of Zem’s pet peeves, it is one of the more egregious eco sins committed around the holidays. If you must wrap (and we know most of you will) use biodegradable wrapping paper from the Green Event Shop. At $14 per roll, it is a bit more expensive than the average roll of holiday wrap but it is also prettier and will break down in your compost bin rather than landing in a landfill. Or, consider 100 percent recycled wrapping paper from Peaceful Valley Greetings, which comes in lots of pretty prints for the holidays and other occasions. The paper costs under $6 for two 20 x 26 inch sheets and two gift tags.
Holidays cards are another culprit, which is why we love the personalized cards from Minted (about $120 for 50 cards) and Night Owl Paper Goods ($2.25 per card), both of which are printed on 100 percent recycled FSC-certified paper. Or check out the line of hemp cards from Pristine Planet, which are printed using soy-based inks and can be recycled by planting them in the garden.
Or skip snail mail altogether and send an e-card from Mokugift.com, where for $1 you can send an electronic holiday greeting that funds the planting of a real tree through Sustainable Harvest.
Sustainable Stocking Stuffers
Stocking stuffers should not be an afterthought, especially when it comes to packing them with environmentally-friendly products. Natural beauty products are a natural fit, small and wonderful as most are. We like Juice Beauty’s Tinted Moisturizer ($29), which combines chemical-free, SPF 30 sun protection with certified organic white grape and pomegranate juices, vitamin antioxidants, and essential nutrients for maximum moisture, sheer coverage, and enough protection to keep your complexion juicy and beautiful. Or, make your princess even prettier by slipping a bottle of Priti nail polish in her stocking. The nail polishes, which retail for $12, are all free of toluene, formaldehyde, DPBs and other nasty chemicals found in other polishes.
Give your gift list some juice by adding a battery charger, which retail for about $11 and a pack of rechargeable batteries, for under $12. It is a great gift for almost anyone, considering the average person throws out at least eight household batteries per year, according to Environment, Health & Safety Online. Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, which can contaminate the environment when batteries are improperly disposed of.
And for kids, pick up a mini-tube of Eco-Dough, an eco-alternative to Play-Doh, which is made with plant, fruit and veggie extracts and no chemicals, artificial dyes or metals. The containers are made from cornstarch and are 100 percent compostable. Also it doesn’t dry out like name brands. If it’s left out overnight just add a few drops of olive oil and it comes right back! For Hanukah, replace your traditional chocolate coins for an organic version from the Natural Candy Store. Or, if they were naughty this year instead of nice, slip some Soy Crayon Rocks ($7.50) into their stockings instead of coal.
And don’t forget the stocking stuffer staple, organic socks. We like these from EcoBodyWear, which come in a 3-pack for $16.49.
The Bah Hum Zum’s holiday ornament is made entirely of goat’s milk soap and makes a great holiday novelty. For only $6, the peppermint soap with a hint of almond oil can be hung on the tree or in your bath. Beware, it could inspire a shower rendition of “Jingle Bells.”
Gifts of the Next Generation of Green
If your teen insists on green (and we hope the next generation will!) and you are stumped as to how to meet her strict standards, look no further. We dig these Elf Earrings ($12) made from recycled soda cans and wire by Kenyan artisans from Ten Thousand Villages. Or this super cool Galaxy’s Sleeves skateboard from Comet Skateboard, which is made using sustainable bamboo and retails for $200.
If fashion is your teen’s cup of tea, check out this organic cotton Branch Tee from Mossimo (under $8), or the I’m Tired bracelet from a company that makes its jewelry from recycled tires and will donate 50 percent of the cost of the bracelet to the charity of your choice. And since gift giving is a great way to introduce a young person to a new healthy habit, slip a Nutcracker Sweet Collectible Lip Balm Set from Anti-Body for under $8 into her stocking, an all natural product that will make her feel beautiful without the harmful chemicals.
For little girls, we fell in love with this dollhouse, made of 100 percent biodegradable recycled cardboard from Oompa Toys (under $20). For the fancy little girl, give the Weston dress from Loyale Clothing, the only thing that might make your princess even prettier. Made of 100 percent organic cotton, this fabulous frock retails for $110.
For the Rockstar
Whether you have a husband whose guitar skills rival those of Eric Clapton, or teenager whose mission it is to blow out your ear drums, the gift of music is one that will keep on giving (whether you like it or not). Check out the Bambuza guitar from First Act (about $400), which is constructed entirely of bamboo with a water-based finish, making it as eco-friendly as it is cool. And for the front man in your life - or the karaoke enthusiast, as the case may be - pick up Vocal E-Z Throat Spray ($10.99), an all natural spray which is guaranteed to keep the pipes in tiptop shape. Or, for the armchair rock star, pick up an iTunes gift card, a smart way to cut down on Christmas waste by eliminating the plastic wrap those CDs come in.
For the Green Thumb
What could be greener than gardening? Organic gardening, that’s what! For the person in your who life can’t get enough time in the dirt, a copy of Rodale’s All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening (under $15 on Amazon.com) is the perfect reference, especially with a gift certificate from One Green World, a nursery that has pledged to be a model of sustainability in the world of nurseries, tucked inside. And for bug bites and other mishaps that befall those whose passions bring them outside, pick up Burt’s Bees Great Outdoors gift set for $15.99, which is packed with natural bug repellant along with salves to heal every outdoor woe.
A Fresh Face in the New Year
Alabaster complexions don’t grow on trees, which is why skin care is such an important part of a woman’s life. Pamper your lady (or yourself) with one of Zem’s personal favorite’s, the Terralina Skincare gift set for $100, which includes a cleanser, toner and facial moisturizer, as well as full- and travel-sized body lotions. Zem also recommends Duchess Marden’s darling skin care travel set for about $25, which is perfect for skin care on the fly. The set contains the company’s most popular products, Pure Rose Water, Foaming Cleanser and Face Crème, and will keep skin looking fresh in any time zone.
If a friend’s resolution for 2009 is to use only eco-friendly cosmetics, start her off with Jane Iredale’s Lip Crayons. The set of five pencils line and color lips, or in a pinch can be used to add color to cheeks. The pencils, which retail for $55, are paraben-free and never tested on animals.
For Those Who Like to be Showered (with Gifts)
Sometimes locking yourself in the bathroom is the only way to get some time alone, so why not make the time sequestered in the powder room a little bit more luxurious? There are a slew of decadent products for the bath and shower that are all natural and make amazing gifts. We love the organic Lavender Spa Set from Pharmacopia for about $40, which includes bath salts, body lotion, lavender body oil and a clean burning soy candle, all in a decorative, reusable, Fair-Trade certified, handwoven grass basket. As if that wasn’t enough, all orders over $25 will receive the company’s lip elixir free of change. Or check out Shea Terra’s Bourbon Vanilla Indigenous Shea Butter body set for $48, which includes a Silk & Shea Body Lotion, the Silk & Shea Shower Elixir and a Shea Butter Dead Sea Salt Scrub in a handmade sinimay bag. Plus, if you order now the company will include a 3.5 ounce Divine Chocolate bar with your order, which may be the only thing to keep you from sampling your shower gel.
For guys, the Pangea “Harmony” holiday gift set, which retails for $35, might be just the ticket. In gender-neutral scents like white pine and Indian green tea, the soaps, shower gels and lotions will inspire him to create his own skin care regimen. Looking for a fantastic gift for those whose idea of heaven is a tub full of suds? Pick up EO’s Bubble Bubble gift set, for about $35, which is packed with three bottles of the company’s certified organic bubble bath and two envelopes of its bath salts, to transport you to relaxation in a way that Calgon never could.
While you are at it, why not redecorate your little sanctuary a little bit with an organic shower curtain ($49) and bath mat ($29) from West Elm, and an organic cotton monogrammed bathrobe ($99, plus $6.50 for monogramming) from Pottery Barn.
For the Eco-Athlete & Fitness Freak
Athletic gear is finally hitting its stride in sustainability and with the holidays upon us it is just in a nick of time. For the athletic boys and men in your life, an eco-certified, vegan basketball from Fair Trade Sports for under $20 and Ethletic high top sneakers from Autonomie Project ($56) - made of organic cotton canvas and an FSC-certified sole - are sure to inspire a little one-on-one out in the driveway. For the female athlete, we suggest the Bamboo Zip-up iPod Jacket from Omala, made of 100 percent bamboo and featuring a hidden spot for her iPod on the front of the jacket ($78), or the Natural Yoga Mat from Prana, which retails for $48, is biodegradable and made with absolutely nothing toxic.
And to keep all the athletes in your life healthy and hydrated, pick up a Kleen Kanteen bottle for $18. The bottle is made of 100 percent recyclable, high-quality, food grade stainless steel, which means it is completely BPA-free and won’t leach chemicals, toxins, or funky flavors into your water, unlike some plastic water bottles. The company also makes some cool accessories, like the Bike Cage for $6.95, which clips onto a bicycle for H2O on the go.
For the Babe that Craves Bling
Has your lady been a very good girl? If so, reward her with some sustainable baubles this year. We like the Shoot Ring from Bario-Neal, a Philadelphia-based company that uses only reclaimed precious metals, ethically-sourced stones and low-impact, environmentally conscious practices. Plus, 1 percent of the $141 price tag will be donated to the Association for Responsible Mining.
Our hearts also went aflutter for the 3 Circle Flower Earrings from Alkemie, which forges all of its jewelry from 100 percent reclaimed metals. A pair costs $121. Another item she’d love to find under the tree is the Choco pendant from Brilliant Earth. Feminine without being fussy, the two-sided pendant is made from one of the first truly fair trade sources of gold from Oro Verde, responsibly harvested from cooperatives in the Choco region in Colombia, South America. It is adorned on one side with a pre-Colombian petroglyph pattern, while the other side glimmers with a rough-hewn hand-hammered finish, giving two looks for the price of one. The necklace retails for $425.
For the Style Maven & Style Master
Getting new clothes for Christmas or Hannukah doesn’t have to mean the dreaded hand-knit sweater from Granny or a snowman tie from your kids. Check out these sexy and sustainable fashions for everyone on your list… and you might even be tempted to pick up one of these special somethings for yourself.
For women, we love the Cropped Round Neck Cardigan by Pure Collection, which retails for $158. The sweater is made from 100 percent sustainable cashmere and comes in six gorgeous colors. Pair the sweater with one of Chlorine’s vintage refurbished handbags (we love the Long Lala Clutch, pictured) and Form & Fauna’s Mommom Platinum Heels, made entirely of non-leather sustainable and renewable materials, and your girl will be the eye candy at every holiday party this season.
If greening your guy’s wardrobe is one of your projects in 2009, start with the basics, like a long sleeve organic cotton polo shirt from Patagonia ($60) and a pair of Levi’s eco Vintage Men’s Jeans, made of 100 percent organic cotton and only $69.50. Layer on a silk scarf by Sevya, which is hand-loomed by Karnataka artisans and retails for $42.
For the Man on the Run
Life is hectic and, let’s face it, we are all on the go most of the time. But just because your loved ones drink their coffee and respond to their emails on the fly doesn’t mean they have to go back on their promise to lead a green life. This laptop sleeve by GreenSmart, which costs under $25 and is made entirely of recycled bottles, makes the perfect gift for the guy or girl on the go. The simple envelope enclosure is padded for protection, and comes in two sizes. The best part? At only 7-ounces, this sleeve will help lighten your load. Put this inside the Bentley Messenger Bag, made from recycled tires, and the recipient’s path will be a green one. The large bag retails for $169.
Juicing up throughout a long journey is a necessity, both for the busy traveler and for his or her electronics. For the human, pick up the “I’m Organic” Eco Travel Mug ($20), which will keep coffee hot and make a statement. Made of 100 percent corn and printed with vegetable dyes, the cup will disappear in a compost bin in two months… but not until you are finished with it. For your electronic counterparts, pick up this portable solar charger, which will rev up your phone, computer, iPod or razor thanks to a handy adapter for about $170. The device will provide 20 minutes of talk time on your phone with just one hour of solar power, or it can be plugged in when you are back on the grid.
For the person who is always running from gym to shower to office, tuck a bar of Pomera5 under the tree this year. The soap-free cleanser is made only with olive oil, organic, pomegranate seed oil, herbs and essential oils. For only $18, the 100 percent organic cleanser gently exfoliates skin and leaves it feeling clean and soft, without having to tote around an armload of grooming products.
And to offset all of this running around, whether it is by car, airplane or train, consider offsetting your friend or family member’s carbon emissions by purchasing points from CarbonFund.org, which supports carbon-reducing projects such as renewable energy, reforestation projects and energy efficiency. In fact, you get to choose which project your dollars go towards. With different options, such as offsetting car or plane emissions, it will be like your friend or loved one is staying still… even when they are on the run.
Green Gifts for the Playpen Set
Keeping the outside organic is just as important as the inside, right? Traditionally grown cotton clothing not only exposes babies to chemicals but accounts for one quarter of the pesticides used worldwide, making it one of Earth’s most dangerous foes. Luckily, many companies are on board with organic cotton, making it easier and easier to dress your baby for eco-success from day one. This organic cotton sleeper from Hanna Andersson for $37.50 will surely summon Santa Claus with its festive red and green stripes. (It is also available for bigger kids and adults so the entire family can be jolly.) Or for a layer of warmth on a cold winter day, give this snowflake onesie from Zazzle (about $39), also made of organic cotton. For bathtime, we love this tiny baby bathrobe from Under the Nile, made of organic Egyptian cotton for the discerning spa baby.
Finding earth-friendly playthings is just as important since babies put absolutely everything into their mouths. We love these precious organic cotton plush toys from Under the Nile, shaped like Santa or a snowman ($10 each). Zem is also a fan of Idbids, organic plush toys shaped like rain drops and flowers and clouds, which are designed to help teach children about sustainability. A set costs $39.99. We also like the Sprig Adventures Series, eco-friendly cars and trucks that harness imagination and encourage active play through lights and sounds. Using LED lights and no batteries, they cost about $50.
One Fish, Two Fish, Green Dog, Green Cat
With all the love you shower on your pets you would never dream of overlooking them on your very eco-Christmas morning, would you? For feline fiends we have found the gift basket to end all gift baskets. The Cat Lover Gift Basket, which costs about $55, includes organic dry food, organic canned food, organic treats and kitty’s favorite - catnip! The set comes wrapped in a bamboo basket with a bow, so buy one for your cat and ship one to all the other crazy cat ladies you know. For dogs, one of the cutest accessories we’ve seen this year is the tie collar from The Good Life for $30. Made of recycled ties, your pooch will be fancy enough to head to midnight mass in this get up. And when all the gifts have been opened and everyone is pooped, your dog (or cat) will love relaxing on a Green Dog Bed, which is made from 100 percent recycled coffee sacks. Ten percent of the purchase price will be donated to Bikes to Rwanda, an organization that provides cargo bicycles to co-operative coffee farmers in Rwanda to improve quality of life in these communities through a bike workshop and maintenance program that provides transportation resources for basic needs and enhances production of quality coffee. A large bed costs $37.
Green Goodies
There is a reason that people gain weight over the holidays… the goodies, and this year we have found some deliciously organic ways to pack on the pounds. For the perfect salty/sweet ratio (with some alcohol to balance it all out) we like the Sweet & Salty with Wine gift set from Organica Deluxe ($70), featuring organic salted almonds, Dagoba chocolate, ginger cookies and a bottle of organic wine. Or to be anyone’s favorite employee, give your boss an Organic Cheese Collection complete with a beautiful leaf plate that can be reused for entertaining all through the next year, all for under $75.
Gifts for co-workers and employees can be challenging but who doesn’t need a strong cup of joe in the morning? Send your coworkers the Pachamama Coffee Sampler. You can choose between organic, Fair Trade single-origin coffees, blends and decaf coffees in a variety of combinations for under $20. Or, to keep your employees healthy this holiday season, why not give the gift of fresh fruit with the Harry & David Organic Fruit Basket. A five-pound basket is under $80.
Zem also loves Wink of the Rabbit Caramels from Vosges Haute Chocolate, which are handmade from the finest organic ingredients. The caramels are soft and delicious, so much so that this box of 18 petite caramel bites ($29 for 12 caramels coated in milk chocolate and topped with chopped pecans and six dipped in dark chocolate and topped with a roasted, salted pecan) is too dangerous to have in your own house. Better to tempt friends around the holidays, no?
No Wrapping Required
One of the most conscious and considerate gifts you can give is a donation to a favorite charity. There is no wrap to throw away, no ribbons to toss and even the smallest donation to charity is never the wrong size. And since your money goes straight to the cause of your choice, it is literally a gift that keeps on giving. But if you are looking for something a bit more tangible to give a friend or loved one but don’t want the muss of a fussy gift (or if you have NO idea what to give) check out some of these ideas.
One of Zem’s favorite wrap-free gifts is to make a donation through ChangingThePresent.org, where you can donate money in a friend or family member’s name and decide how the money is used. For example, for $15 you can sponsor a rescued duck at an animal sanctuary. Or for $65 you can contribute to one month of intensive tutoring for a group of deaf high school students, and the list goes on.
Gift certificates to eco-friendly spas, like Epi Center here in San Francisco, or to yoga studios and organic and sustainable restaurants are certain to inspire healthy new habits. Or, pick up a gift card in the denomination of your choice. Target is offering a 100 percent biodegradable gift card this holiday season, which can go right into the compost bin when the shopping spree is over. When you give the American Express Give Green Gift Card, a portion of the proceeds benefits American Forests, the nation’s oldest nonprofit citizen conservation organization, which is dedicated to growing a healthier world through healthier forest ecosystems. Cards can be purchased in denominations from $50 to $500 at Macerich shopping centers across the country.
We also like gift cards that will help save resources, like one from Audible.com, where recipients can download books online for tree-free reading, or a one-year subscription to Flikr, which will allow friends to organize their family photos digitally, rather than printing hundreds of snapshots of their thumbs.
For the Couch Potato
Sometimes the best gift you can give a family member is your time, and a Netflix subscription guarantees hours of snuggling in front of the television. Plus, Netflix now has many titles online and available for download, free with a one year subscription, which provides entertainment without the postman wasting gas to deliver them to your door. Wrap yourself up in the fluffy and fabulous Pomeroy Throw from Loyale Clothing, a vegan faux fur blanket lined with organic cotton twill fabric for $196, and settle in with one of Zem’s favorite nibbles, 479° Organic Popcorn, in crazy-good flavors like Black Truffle + White Cheddar, and an evening on the couch will be elevated to a sofa event. Sampler packs featuring a variety of flavors cost about $35 each.
Great Gifts for Less Green
Recognizing the important people in your life is the whole point of gifts but being popular can be expensive. Instead of buying a mountain of expensive gifts, check out some of these Earth-friendly presents we have found for under $25:
A Slice of Organic Life by Alice Waters, is a guide to organic living, a good reference for the newly green and eco-freaks alike and it is only $25.
The Kiss My Face Organic Lip Balm Gift presents your buddy with three lip balms in lip smacking flavors for $9.95.
Have a friend with a foot fetish (or who just can’t stand to go too long between pedis)? Deep Steep’s Candy Mint Foot Polish, is paraben-free, vegan and, according to our tester, “smells like the sky on Christmas.” The lotion retails for $15.
Having the travel bug doesn’t have to mean roughing it if you give a friend Hugo Naturals Lavender Travel Kit, which retails for $14.99. The kit includes shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion and a refreshing lavender essential oils spray, all packaged in travel-sized 2-ounce bottles and packaged in a clear plastic zip pouch, as per airline reservations.
For the true bleeding heart, consider purchasing a flock of chicks from Heifer International for $20. The eggs produced by the flock will help families from Cameroon to the Caribbean add nourishing, life-sustaining eggs to their inadequate diets (and your friend won’t have to clean up after a bunch of birds.)
Encourage your husband to do the cooking with a set of six organic herbs from McFadden Farm for $25. The set includes basil, chili flakes, garlic powder, sage, rosemary and lemon thyme. (Sorry, Simon and Garfunkle fans, no parsley in this set.)
Help a friend save their skin and the rainforest with the Save Your World Try Me Gift Pack. For under $15, you receive shower gel, body lotion and three soaps - all natural and paraben-free and made with organic Yerba Maté and organic Aloe Vera - in a variety of scents. The company promises that the purchase of this product will save 6 acres of rainforest for 1 year.
