5 Thoughtful Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays are coming fast, and it is time to start thinking about gifts for everyone. If you want to save some money or would just like to give back to the environment a little, there are plenty of eco-friendly ideas to get the ball rolling. You can give the gift of time and companionship or get the paper and glue out to make something from the heart. Here are some great ideas for holiday gifts this season.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift #1: Holiday Cookbook
Put all those great holiday recipes together that everyone loves and make a festive cookbook. You can include recipes for your special mashed potatoes, stuffing your way, your mouth-watering pumpkin pie, or maybe even how you make the ham or turkey taste so good. This is a great gift idea for mothers to give to their children or even to pass along to their friends that may not be the best in the kitchen. Anyone would love to know your cooking secrets or just your favorite recipes.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift #2: Holiday Cocktail Book
If you liked the first gift option, but don't know much about cooking, make a cocktail book. There are plenty of great holiday drink ideas out there (the internet can be a great resource). Just print them out with a picture, paste it on colorful paper, and bound with ribbon. Even if you haven't tried them out, it can be a great gift. You can try each recipe out with whomever you give the cocktail book to. It can also be a great conversation starter when on display in your home.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift #3: Calendar
You can make a calendar using fun print paper, photos of you and the gift recipient, and iCal print out months. To make it more memorable, put your birthday on the calendar and make a special note or different colored paper on their birthday. This gift may be very time consuming, but it can certainly be unique. Using recycled paper or cardboard would be a great addition!

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift #4: Romantic Dinner
For a loved love, give the gift of time and effort. Make a romantic dinner full of their favorite dishes using locally grown ingredients to show that you care. You can set up a table and chairs with a nice tablecloth and place settings. Of course, don't forget about the candles.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift #5: Anonymous Act of Kindness
This holiday season, make an effort to do one act of random kindness each day. It may be as simple as holding the door open for the person or as extensive as snow shoveling a neighbor's driveway for them. There are plenty of things that we probably don't even think about that could make a great impact on another's life. If you really want to do great work for someone, donate food, gifts, or time to your local charity or church group. Get out there and do great things!

Many of these gifts use items we already have handy at home helping to eliminate excess waste, plastic usage and energy. Recycle, reuse and reduce in your gift giving this year.

Sources:
www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php