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Guides, Holiday & Gift, Holiday Guides, Product Spotlight:

Ecofabulous Holiday Guide 2011

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‘Tis the season for carol-singing, organic feasts shared with family and friends, and of course, gifting fabulous presents. Ecofabulous’ editors have rounded up a bounty of green-friendly goods that will warm the hearts of loved ones and leave you, the generous giver, with a do-gooder’s glow.

For Her



 This hand-stitched, hemp gauze scarf by quintessential L.A. eco-designer Heather Heron is plum perfect and comes with its own sweet carrying case. ($190.00)


Do the dirty deed and buy your loved one a linked and layered bracelet from Brooklyn-based line Dirty Librarian Chains. Made of vintage materials, its production process couldn’t be more squeaky clean. ($100.00)


Popomomo’s Swing Jacket is a sartorial staple that keeps ladies warm and snuggly in remnant black cotton with cupro lining. ($198.00)


Keep the yogi or pilates fanatic in your life “on pointe” with their practice by gifting them a pair of these shoes by Blake Brody. Made of breathable organic fabrics and regenerated materials, they protect precious tootsies from studio germs and offer cushioning to prevent cramping. ($115.00)


Eco-minded makeup mavens will love this nine-piece makeup essentials brush set by NVEY, whose soft, cruelty-free bristles blend powders to a smooth finish while corn resin compostable handles offer maximum application control. (Brushes starting at $22.00, set priced at $274.00.)


Bedtime gets some Parisian-inspired charm with Loup Charmant’s hand-printed organic cotton nightie top, the perfect gift for flirty Francophiles. ($150.00)


It’s more than just the lenses of this pair of Kayu sunglasses that offer a rosy view on life: made of bamboo and available in light and dark finishes, they’re elegant, eco, and oh-so-cool. ($200.00)


Play it again, Sam. These piano key-patterned knee-highs by Hansel From Basel are made of organic cotton and nylon and turn a schoolgirl uniform staple into a chic, playful statement for fashion-forward women. ($8.00)

After bath pampering gets a lot more decadent with this skin-firming serum from Duchess Marden, spiked with organic fruit extracts and oils that keep your epidermis supple and smooth. ($68.00)


Say “I love you” with a stunning sparkler with a story behind it. Lang Antiques curates a jewelry selection spanning eras from Victorian to Art Deco, each unique piece breathtakingly beautiful. Green and gorgeous, just how we like ‘em. (Pieces from $500.00)


London-based Bora Aksu designer teamed with People Tree to create a softer-than-soft Fairtrade, organic cotton jersey teeemblazoned with a chic fashion illustration. ($45.00)


Talk about a silver fox. Recycled silver necklacesby Boy Girl Party are embossed with cute critters and get extra glimmer from ethically-made—not mined—cubic zirconia. (Prices vary; around $20.00)


Perfumes by Libby Patterson are true aroma couture. Working with organic gardeners and farmers, she uses gorgeously scented ingredients that are so much more unique than the generic sets you find at department stores. (Starting at $150.00)


Patagonia’s Common Threads Initiative eBay microsite is your one-stop shop for green goods for the whole family. From delicate henleys to element-shielding pullovers, you’ll find an ample selection of recycled poly fleece and organic cotton clothing to choose from, all of which send a strong sustainable message. (Prices vary)

For Him



 Gym sweats just won’t do for the man in your life. Give your mister this organic cotton jersey PJ set by Coyuchi to take him from slob to suave and ensure a comfy night’s sleep. (From $31.90)



Once you’ve gone wool, it’s unlikely anything else will do. With a traceable chain of custody and an incredibly comfortable fit, Icebreaker’s ski socks will have your recipient’s feet dancing with joy! (From $14.00)


This radio/alarm/iPod dock by Vers is a virtual work of art available in various sleek wood finishes. The company also works with the Arbor Day Foundation to match their sharp design sense with a commitment to sustainability. ($220.00)



Nau’s svelte recycled poly billfold has enough room for all of a man’s on-the-go necessities. ($35.00)




Male giftees will have a love-love relationship with TOAST’s organic canvas and natural rubber tennis shoes, the conscious take on classic Converse sneakers. ($136.00)



Waste turns into a major want courtesy of Jetsam, who have taken pre-loved neckties and transformed them into functional and durable wallets with a perfectly preppy feel. ($38.00)


Talk about bouncing back: reclaimed rubber inner tubes and recycled PET lining give this man bag rough-‘n’-ready durability to protect laptops, cell phones, and other electronic toys housed within. ($111.00)



Casual chic for kids comes courtesy of Teres, whose tag-free 100% organic cotton a-line dress is available with adorable variations such as added bows, buttons, and fun pockets. ($40.00)


Green Toys do both kids and the planet good. Made of recycled plastic milk cartons, the slew of safe and locally-created knicknacks include a pink dump truck for girls, sturdy mini-school bus, and playtime “sandwich shop” that allows kids to mix-and-match toppings like a culinary pro. To keep shopping uber-local, use milo.comto find out where the baubles are being sold in your neck of the woods. (Prices vary)


Toddlers and big kids will get a kick out of running around in these super-cool sneaks from Simple Shoes. They get a peppy bounce with the help of natural crepe rubber and recycled inner tubes as materials, giving playtime some extra zip. ($36.00)


Mary had a little lamb…or monkey, bunny, cub, or duck. Apple Park’s Picnic Pal plush toys get their adorable chubbiness from sustainable corn fiber filling, with natural silk on the outside for cuddly softness. ($48.00)


Kids get a lesson in their ABCs and a fun distraction at the dinner table with the help of silicone placemats by Modern Twist. Children can freely doodle over the washable, chemical-free table settings, while parents rest easy knowing that the kitchen table is protected from spills and other mealtime mishaps. (Starting at $14.00)


Kindergarteners unleash their inner Picasso and get an awesome lunch sack to show off on the playground by going color-wild on this organic cotton snack-ditty. Non-toxic fabric markers are included to inspire bursts of artistic inspiration in young ones. ($12.99)


Keep your eye on the birdie! Newborns will be enthralled by the felt-winged fliers on this mobile, made of sustainably harvested bamboo plywood. ($66.00)
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 For the mini-Rodin in your life, Mama K’s play clays are crafted of all-natural ingredients like gluten-free flour and essential oils that let off delicious herbal scents as kids craft their masterpiece. ($23.99 for five 4 oz. tubes)


Meal time “whoopsie!” spills will merely give these Moroccan-printed, organic jersey bibs by Kate Quinn a bit more colorful flair. ($15.00)


You’re barking up the right tree if you give Eco-Tree Colored Pencilsto an artistically-inclined child this holiday season. Made of real branches from sustainable Tamarind Trees, the earthy (literally) coloring tools are ideal for landscape sketching. ($8.95)

For Pets


 West Paw Design’s doggie sweaters, made of reclaimed cotton knits, dazzle passersby in colorful stripe patterns. People and pets alike are sure to “paws” and take notice of your casually cool canine when they sport these threads. ($37.40)


Chock-full of fresh fruit and veg and botanical herbs, mealsfrom Lily’s Kitchen will have your pet beggin’ for seconds of the organic eats. (From $2.00)



Lassie will sleep easy on this plush bed by Harry Barker, whose mildew resistant hemp fabric cover will keep away nasty germs and creepy crawlies. If this is what they mean by “a dog’s life,” we want in. (From $150.00)

For Techies
This is the Superman of techie products, allowing you to solar charge thousands—yes, thousands—of USB-powered devices on the go. Solio to the rescue! ($70.00)


Elegant and intelligent, this bamboo and vegetable tanned leather iPad case by Grove is available in laser engraved style for the ultra-arty techie in your life. ($139.00)


Custom made to order, there is “zero” waste with these Scottish tartan-inspired, Cradle-to-Cradle recycled poly carry-iPad/laptop/Kindle/everything bags by Rickshaw Bagworks. Available in four sizes. (Starting at $50.00)

For Home



 Made of rapidly renewable cork, these are the crème de la crème of cutting boards, giving home chefs a slip- and wear-resistant surface on which to slice-‘n’-dice. (Starting at $9.50)


When the weather outside is frightful, Coyuchi’s organic throw, sourced of wool woven in Canada, is so snuggly, warm, and yes, delightful. ($180.00)

Yo ho, yo ho, and a bottle of Pinot. These reusable, nautically themed wine bags by 44 Knots are fashioned of recycled sailcloth and make an wonderful gift for your mateys. ($22.00)


Set the mood with this paraben- and sulfate-free candle by Jimmy Jane, whose luxuriant mix of jojoba and shea butter burns cleanly into an ooh-la-la massage oil. ($40.00)



Say “Season’s Greetings!” with a quirky card courtesy of Screech Owl Designs, printed on rich recycled stock paper and housed in an earthy brown envelope. ($4.00)


Design Like You Give a Damn is an artful coffee table tome for the architecture fanatic in your life, showcasing socially conscious design solutions to environmental problems the world over. It’s as inspiring to flip through as the projects are gorgeous. ($35.00)



Coffee snobs—er, connoisseurs—go gaga for oh-so-delicious selections from Oakland-based roastery Blue Bottle. Gift a subscription and the mean cup-o’-joe-making beans will show up at your loved one’s doorstep in weekly, bi-monthly or monthly intervals. (Price depends on coffee and frequency, starting at $21.25/month)




This fuchsia-hued ikat throw by in2green dazzles in a bohemian print that adds a splash of exotic glam to any neutral living room. It’s made of pre-consumer clippings and is ever-so soft against the skin. ($150.00)



Gussie up beige and blah cubicles with a Bambootiful dry-erase board, perfect for keeping track of “To-Dos” throughout the work day. ($13.00)


What’s poppin’ this season? Hopefully a selection of 479’s sweet and savory organic popcorns. The Pop-It-Yourself Kit includes a selection of heirloom varieties along with gourmet salt and sugar blends, glossy cones, and pairing suggestions. Swanky movie night, anyone? ($35.00)


Come bearing an herbaceous bounty when you present this naturally-grown Mexican and Greek Oregano wreath to your holiday hostess. It makes great décor during the season and doubles as a cooking companion after the festive madness has subsided. ($59.95)


Tea time turns into a true experience with Numi’s Dancing Leaves Flowering Tea Set, whose handsewn flowering teas beautifully blossom when steeped. This isn’t your average cuppa, that’s for sure. ($34.99, with teapot; $185.94 for six teapot sets)

For the Office



 Action Notebooks by We Are What We Do offer “Go get ‘em, tiger!” inspiration, its FSC paper pages printed with motivating messages in soy ink. ($9.60)


The writing’s on the wall, but the message isn’t dispiriting when you’re scribbling with Zebra’s Jimnie Clip Pen. Made of 75% post-consumer waste, memos get an eco-twist that make a lasting impression. ($1.75)

For the Athlete



 Hold that pose on Plank’s sustainable, ultra-grip-y yoga mats, whose natural rubber surface wards off icky germs and give you an artful sight to focus on during—what else?—plank pose. ($85.00)


FSC-certified skateboards that shred. ‘Nuff said. (From $60.00)


Stocking Stuffers



 Give a shout out to your giftee’s ‘hood with these hip, recycled craft chipboard notebooks from Andy Pratt Design. ($4.50)


There’s nothing to fear about these friendly bars of chocolate-y goodness by Fearless. The scrumptious sweets are made of raw, organic cacao and come spiked with healthy—yes, healthy—ingredients like flax seeds, ginger, and matcha green tea. ($5.99 per bar, $28.45 for a box of five)


Move over, Willy Wonka: Vosges’ selection of luxurious, taste bud tantalizing chocolates are bursting with rich organic ingredients that will bewitch the cocoa-addict in your life. ($9.50 per gift box)
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