10 Earth Friendly Gift Ideas For Every Occasion

Gift giving often results in excess: excessive spending, excessive using, eating and drinking, and excessive waste. Christmas can be particularly hard on the environment, with all the waste that gift wrappers produce. By giving earth friendly gifts, we can indulge in gift-giving without harming the environment.

Plus, we help teach others to take care of the earth as well. Here are 10 earth friendly gift ideas that you can use all year long.

Make It Yourself

Gifts you make yourself are unique and earth friendly. They are usually less expensive than store-bought gifts. What's more, you truly give of yourself when you give something as a result of your talents, hobbies and passions. It certainly helps to be crafty when you want to give homemade gifts. However, if you don't have crafting know-how, look at your skills, knowledge and experience. Make certificates for computer tutorials, babysitting, or a massage - think of what you can do for others that often cost money.

Give It Away

Often our closets and basements are filled with "junk" that are valuable to others. We all have something in good working condition that for whatever reason is just gathering dust in a corner. Perhaps a loved one would be thrilled to have it! It could be a small electronic appliance, piece of furniture, out-of-print book, jewelry or even clothing. Remember, your trash just might be another person's treasure. Or, even better, give away something that you love and treasure yourself.

Digital Gifts

Digital products, such as E-books, music downloads, website subscriptions and memberships are fast and easy to purchase. Plus, they do not use up any paper or packaging. They make for excellent earth friendly gifts. There are digital products on virtually any topic, so you'll definitely find something appropriate for anybody on your list.

Charitable Donations

Here's something you can give somebody who already has everything: a donation in their name to their favorite charity. Some charities will even give you a card to let the gift recipient know that a donation has been made on their behalf. Pick a charity that you think your loved one would be pleased to support, and this gift will be highly appreciated.

Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash

Earth-Friendly Toys

It's never too early to teach children to be environment conscious. For the children on your list, find some cool earth-friendly toys, made from wood, fabric, natural fibers, and recycled materials. More and more toys are made from recycled plastic and wood from trees grown sustainably. Check to make sure the toys you do buy are BPA-free and made with non-toxic paint. Amazon.com is offering some brand-name toys in "frustration-free" packaging. These are recyclable boxes that are easy to open, without wire ties, clamshell cases and plastic bindings. Parents avoid a lot of frustration with these!

Organic Clothing

For gifts of clothing, buy clothes made from organic cotton, hemp, linen, wool and other non-toxic materials. Baby clothes, beddings and feeding accessories are also now being made out of organic materials without synthetic dyes or paints and chemicals. These are luxurious and gentle on young children's skin.

BPA-Free Water Bottles and Sippy Cups

Many parents are now concerned about BPA and other possible toxins in their children's feeding bottles and sippy cups. Ease their concerns by giving children's feeding accessories made out of stainless steel, enamel, and wood.

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The Gift of Relaxation and Good Health

People are so stressed out nowadays, so why not give the gift of natural relaxation and good health? Herbal tea sets are a good alternative for caffeine addicts. Beauty-conscious loved ones would appreciate skin care products made with organic shea butter. Aromatherapy kits complete with essential oils, candles and pillows are sure to promote relaxation. Who knows? You just might get your loved one to begin a new, healthy habit.

Toxin-Free Household Cleaners

Assemble a basket filled with earth-friendly, non-toxic household cleaners - everything from laundry detergent to dishwasher soap. Tuck in a book about " green cleaning " and you've got a terrific gift for the environment-conscious homemaker, or one who ought to be.

Waste-Free Gift Wrapping

Since you're giving earth friendly gifts, make sure to use earth friendly wrapping as well. Instead of gift wrapping paper, use pieces of fabric (which can be used for other purposes after the gift is opened), pages from a newspaper or magazine, and reusable containers. It will be like receiving two gifts at the same time.

Caring for the environment should extend to you gift giving practices. With some creativity, it is easy to come up with earth friendly gifts, whatever your budget may be. Giving environment-conscious gifts also help educate and encourage others to care for the world we live in as well.