Being kind to the environment is a major theme in today’s society and eco friendly gifts are a very popular choice for those looking to do their bit for the planet. If you’re searching for green gift ideas this Christmas, you’ve come to the right place.
Top ten green gifts are sure to please:
1. Homemade Gifts
You can’t get much greener than gifts you have made yourself at home from recycled or home grown objects and produce. Sew stylish appliqué cushion covers from scraps of material or make pretty jars of chutney from tomatoes grown in your own garden.2. Reusable Shopping Bags
Help your friends and family to cut down on plastic waste by giving them beautiful reusable shopping bags made from organic fair trade cotton. These are available in a range of designs to suit all tastes and won’t blow your Christmas budget.3. Guides to Eco Living
Whether you choose a craft book on making everyday objects out of household waste, or a complete guide to self sufficiency, there are a number of fascinating books on the market giving ideas for greener living, sustainability and waste reduction.4. Home Energy Monitors
This may sound like an over practical gift, but a home energy monitor that attaches to the house’s power supply can save your friends and family a fortune in electricity bills. The monitor will show them how much electricity they are using at any one time, and how much it is costing, reminding them to turn off unnecessary lights and find energy efficient alternatives.5. Organic Gift Baskets
Organic produce has become extremely popular as people try to cut down on the chemical substances absorbed into their bodies. Look for locally produced Christmas gift baskets featuring organic food, wine and toiletries.6. Fair Trade Goodies
Fair trade craft items make wonderful Christmas presents and you can be sure the producers are getting a fair return on their goods. Look out for clothes, stationery, coffee, chocolates, and unique Christmas decorations.7. Recycled Material Gifts
Many gift companies now specialize in products that are made from recycled materials. Look out for glasses, clocks, bags, and even jewelry made from recycled objects. Try to find out what the objects were originally so your gift has a good story behind it.8. Solar Powered Lights
Whether you look for garden lanterns, sparkly Christmas fairy lights, or a practical yard or shed light, solar powered lamps have become very effective and are the perfect way to harness the sun’s energy and put it to practical use.9. Battery Free Gadgets
Christmas is a time when battery manufacturers rub their hands in glee. Many Christmas gifts require batteries or an electrical supply making them unfriendly to the environment. Good examples of battery free gadgets are wind up children’s toys, wind up radios, and shake flashlights.10. A Plant or Mini Tree
A plant or tree that the recipient can plant in their garden is the ultimate green gift, especially if it is a cutting from a plant of your own. You can also give seeds, and some companies now produce paper plates that can be used over Christmas and then planted in the garden, growing into plants or trees.Use all these green gift ideas for your friends and family over Christmas to be sure that the gifts you give don’t have a negative impact on the environment.
