Green Gifts

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On the day writing this, I think we all still have plenty of time to get those Christmas Gifts, however time is running out and maybe you’re reading this with only a couple days left until Christmas.  Or maybe you’re like me and have saved shopping for Christmas Eve : )

In any case, in the words of Bob Marley, “don’t worry…be happy.”  Why?  Because there are still options available to you.

If you want to go on a short trip to the store, you can always stop by your local shopping mall for a wide selection of stores and gifts for each person on your list: earrings for Mom, toys for your nephew, a video game for your son, a cute bath set from the Body Shop for your sister.

For a cheaper option, stop by a Walmart in your area.  They carry all of the above, often for much lower prices.

Both of the above are things that I’m in the habit of doing.  But if you’re really short on time, gift certificates may be just what you’re looking for.  I’ve given them in the past, but generally think of them only for bookstores or Starbucks (which can be great gifts).  Recently, however, I’ve come to see that the kinds of gift certificates available are practically endless!  You can find great green gifts for babies, green gifts for coworkers, for teens, for techies, gifts for him, gifts for her, and many more!

Giving gift certificates is not only good for late Christmas shopping, but it’s also a fantastic way of going green this holiday season.  By giving gift certificates, you save gas and reduce polution by staing at home.  You lower waste by reducing packaging and keeping your loved one from returning a potentially unwanted gift.  And if you order from an online store or a digital gift, you save even more.

Check out this list of Green Gift Certificates and Digital gifts to finish your late Christmas shopping now!

$25 E-Gift Certificate at Baby Earth! (other denominations also available)

Handango Gift Certificates for Cell Phone Bonuses: ringtones, themes, games, and more!

3R Living Gift Certificates- Green Products for a Green Life
Consider Free Unlimited Wii Downloads for that Wii Fanatic!

Give Green Gifts.

We all want to do more to make the world a better place. That’s why this site is here. That’s why you’re here.

Being here, we’ve already accomplished the two most difficult things- willingness and action, right? The hard part now is finding gifts that people will actually like and be happy about.

Some of us are willing to give gifts that aren’t that great, as long as they’re environmentally friendly. However, most of us are really hoping to find that perfect gift: the missing link between good for the earth and satisfaction for that special person. That “special person”, whoever it may be, he or she or they.

Personally, I get a sinking feeling whenever I give or get a gift that isn’t just right. It’s the thought that counts, I know. But why give a gift that isn’t thoughtful enough to really be enjoyed?

So, we’re not satisfied until we find both (or perhaps usually we give up a little on the “Green” side in favor of the “Happy” side).

This site is dedicated to finding both. Whether it be a seasonal gift you are looking for, a gift for a special occasion, or a gift just to say, “I love you”, browse this site, get some ideas and check out the recommended gifts. This will help your shopping go smooth and your gift be happily-received.

Enjoy!

When looking to go green, it can be a challenge to know where to focus.  One good place to start is the companies we purchase from or do business with.

Unfortunately, the green revolution is still a bit in the Wild West stage.  There aren’t very many national or international standards as to what makes a company green.  Carbon output, however, is one of the ways that we can check companies.  How much carbon does a company release throughout their business processes?  How are they reducing their output?  And how are they offsetting the output that they have yet to eliminate?

As this is becoming one of the hot areas to focus on in global climate disruption, many companies are committing to becoming carbon neutral or better.   For a list of 100% neutral or better carbon companies, check out the EPA website (Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S.).