Christmas Gift Ideas Which Help the Planet

Environmental concerns are on the forefront of many people’s minds this year. If this is something that concerns you, you might be interested in green gift ideas that will help preserve the planet. As we buy more and more “stuff,” we encourage the manufacture of these things that are often made of plastics and others non-biodegradable materials, and many such manufacturers do not follow environmentally-friendly practices (not to mention all the plastic toys that end up in landfills). If you like to reuse, recycle, and care about the planet, here are some ideas that might help.

1. Instead of giving a tangible item, give an experience
A gift of this nature will not require boxes, wrapping paper, or other wasteful materials. Give your friends season tickets to the symphony, theatre tickets, or a gift certificate to a restaurant. You will be helping to build memories with such a meaningful gift, and your recipients won’t have to find a place for yet another gift item.

2. Pamper your friends
Arrange for a massage therapist to come to your friend’s house, or give him/her a gift certificate for a relaxing massage. From pedicures to haircuts, giving such a gift will be a real treat. Who wouldn’t want to be pampered a bit during the busy holiday season?

3. Retro is in
Reusing and recycling is in, and retro fits right into that. With a little DIY spirit, you can create a meaningful gift from thrift store finds. Your local Good Will, for instance, might have decorative pillows for sale for very little. Buy some and decorate them with buttons or embroidery, and you’ve created a unique gift. The same goes for yard sales, where you can find jewelry, books, or clothing that is in excellent condition. Make it unique by adding your own style to the items.

4. Home-made gifts mean a lot
When you make a gift for someone, you have to think about who they are and what they’d like. People really appreciate this time and effort that is evident in a home-made gift. Are there any foodies on your list? Buy a vintage container, mug or cup at an antique store (tea cups are usually to be found in abundance in antique stores) and fill it with home-made candies or cookies. You can also make your own gourmet cocoa mix using sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered milk. That goes well in a handsome mug, as does attractively wrapped loose tea and an infuser (avoiding the waste of tea bags).

5. Food is always appreciated
Aside from the usual cookies and candy, there are practical and meaningful food items you can give the people on your gift list. Bake them a loaf of home-made bread (thus skipping that pesky plastic wrapping on store-bought bread), or even an entire meal. You can bring it to them or invite them over.

6. Give something living
Sprout some culinary or medicinal herbs in your windowsill and give your friends a useful, living gift. Nothing brightens the darkest days of winter like growing plants, and this is one gift that is truly green!

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