Instead of careening madly around stores| desperately purchasing gifts this holiday season (translation: possibly useless stuff that is not needed or wanted)| make the getting and giving of gifts green and easy change the present this year!
The new present is one that inspires people to live healthier lives| makes the world a better place| supports good people and companies| doesnt contribute excess litter and waste... of course| makes your getters really| very happy! Buy from local| small businesses that support good values.
To help you in your quest to give the perfect green gifts| here are some ideas - just a start| but we know you'll take it from here!
SHARE YOUR OWN GIFTS
make something [cookies? bread?] and deliver it once a month
offer up what you're good at [babysitting? handiwork?] and put it on a gift certificate
put together a photo album or make a video
collect your favourite recipes and put them into books or boxes
create a masterpiece photography or art
GIVE A GIFT THAT ISNT A THING
a membership to a museum or art gallery
a night out at the movies
a tree to plant
an experience [a weekend away| spa services| day trip]
tickets to a show or concert
a donation to a favourite charity
downloadable music certificates
cook a meal or go out to dinner
GIVE GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING
reusable water bottles [not plastic!]
reusable mugs [stainless steel inside and out]
stuff to make a home really clean chemical-free
non-toxic toys
non-petroleum crayons
tree-free paper goods
local weekly fruit and vegetable boxes
books for inspiration + enjoyment
reusable shopping bags
litterless lunch kits
safe kitchen cook and bakeware
GIVE GIFTS THAT ARE INDULGENT [BUT NOT REALLY!]
organic hot/cold therapy pillow
paperless painting set
fair-trade chocolate| coffee or tea
organic| toxin-free cosmetics and personal care products
gorgeous| local and sustainable goods
BE CREATIVE!
use reusable containers or bags to package
use old newspapers| magazines or comics to wrap
use tea towels| microfibre cloths or clothing to envelop
use scarves| bandanas| belts or shoelaces to tie
use fresh herbs| old buttons or cut up textiles to adorn
use tree-free cards or make your own
AND| HINTS FOR THE DAY AFTER...
Wrapping paper and ribbon from others : Re-use.
The big pile of holiday cards from everyone : Re-create (make them into note cards).
Unneeded and unwanted stuff : Re-gift.
Family and Friends : Re-mind...that next year they can do what you've done so well this year
And may your every wish come true ... happy holidays!
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