Green Christmas Gift Ideas

The holiday season is almost upon us and it is time to start planning for it. The part of the holiday planning that always seems to present the most problems for me and others that I know is shopping for gifts. What are good gift ideas, what could anyone possibly get for that cousin no one can shop for and what about mom? How about what to get the grandkids? Luckily this year you won't have to be plagued with these questions. This article will help you find useful and appropriate gifts for everybody on your Christmas list.

Shopping- Before we get too far into the gift list, I would like to make a couple of suggestions for when you are doing your shopping. Consider second hand and thrift stores, as well as pawn shops. There is a treasure trove of excellent gifts at these resourceful places just waiting for you to find them. Shop locally when you can. Support your local businesses that supply locally made or grown items. By doing this the gifts you give will have a minimal amount of travel time thus reducing carbon emissions. For your smaller holiday gift items take along a shopping bag. This will save on the number of plastic bags you use. These great little bags can be found in a number of places in your area and online. These useful little items are great gifts as well. For your bigger gift items, you could forego the bagging process altogether. If hiding large presents while transporting them is an issue try pulling out an old blanket or take along a sheet to cover them up.

For The Kids- Toys, toys, and more toys. This is the age old classic Christmas gift idea for children. This year adopt some classic toy designs. Toys that are made from harmful plastics are a bad idea all the way around. Try purchasing toys that are made from natural materials such as wood or fabric. Also avoid toys that require batteries if you can. If the children on your list are good candidates for books, purchase books that are printed on recycled paper. If you have artistic, or creative children you could gather some items that you may otherwise throw away and create a craft box. Old milk cartons you have washed, bottle tops, shoe laces, paper from an old notebook or stationary set, and other great little things would all be great candidates for your child's craft box. After all the presents have been unwrapped you can save the wrapping paper, bows/ribbons, and boxes to add to your child's creativity stash.

For The Ladies- Weather it is a friend, your mom, your grandma, or that special lady in your life these ideas will help you with all the ladies on your list. Popular gift items for women include air fresheners and candles, as well as perfumes. These great classic gift items can in environmentally friendly versions rather easily. If you are considering candles go with ones made from soy or from beeswax. These are natural and don't contain paraffin. When choosing air fresheners go with ones made from natural oils. Oil diffusers are a great option. With perfumes and bath products such as soap and body wash or lotions again go with one made from natural ingredients. Many suppliers offer these products for vegans which ensure that they are natural and free of animal fats.

For The Gentlemen- Shaving is the theme we are going with here. Pamper your man with these eco friendly shaving options. If you are going with a disposable razor, buy one that only requires that the head be replaced. Also add a razor cartridge sharpener along with the razors to prolong their life. Many natural bath product manufacturers are now offering straight razors and very luxurious old fashions kits to go with them. Some items included may be the wonderful old cream brushes, sharpeners, natural hard vegetable soap, and other great little items. You could also choose an electric razor. Their are many to choose from offering a wide range of options and features.

General Gifts- For anyone else on your list, here is a list of all around great gift that may be appropriate for just about everyone on your list. Clothing is a good gift. If you are going to purchase clothing go with hemp if you can. The growth of hemp is much more efficient then cotton and the fiber is highly versatile leaving many texture options for you to choose from. MP3 players are another great gift idea. Almost anyone I know can use an MP3 player. To go along with this gift or others or maybe even alone you could purchase solar powered or wind up chargers for all electronics. Also rechargeable batteries and their chargers are good green gifts to give.