Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Gift Guide - Holiday 2010: the (Glamourous) Tree Hugger


Ah, it's the holiday season. My favourite time of the year! Yes, I'm that annoying girl who likes when they start playing Christmas carols ad nauseam over the loudspeakers in shopping malls. And I absolutely LOVE buying gifts for my family and friends.

I find the most important thing is to know who the person is. There is nothing better than receiving a gift that just screams "you". It is personal and exciting, and you'll cherish it so much more than a gift certificate or some cash stuffed into a greeting card.

I know there are some people out there who are "gift-challenged", that is, they never know what to get for people. Well, I'm here to rescue you. Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting my gift guides specifically tailored for different personality types. All you have to do is figure out what kind of gal (or fella, I won't leave them out!) your pal is, and you'll find a bevy of gifts of all prices and styles to buy for them with the click of a mouse. Easy, fun, and you'll win the acclaim of everyone you shop for. How wonderful!

The first guide I'm doing is the (Glamorous) Tree Hugger. Read on ...

Over the years, being eco-friendly has been associated with a few things: "crunchy granola", "frumpy sandals", and "militant eco-terrorists" are some of the less-than-appealing phrases that spring to mind. But being nice to the planet we live on shouldn't be viewed as unattractive or a snooze. Somewhat thankfully, in recent times "eco-chic" has come to be known as the new "trend". I definitely don't think being environmentally friendly should be trendy or a passing phase, but I am glad that more light is being shed on the plight of the Earth. If you have a friend who feels the same, they'll probably love the gifts featured in this guide. Shop away!

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1. World Wildlife Fund's Symbolic Adoptions $40 (shown, the Emperor penguin)
Symbolic adoptions from the WWF include a plush toy and adoption certificate you can give as a gift, and a large portion of the cost goes towards preservation efforts for endangered species all over the world. It's an inexpensive gesture that will surely be appreciated by any animal lover, and with 20 different species to choose from, you'll find just the right one.

2. Tiny Twig Bobby Pins from Woodland Belle, $24.50 (shown, antique bronze)
Also available in gold and pewter, these delicate, sweet little bobby pins have a "wood nymph" feel about them. I've been coveting for them for awhile. Perhaps someone'll get me a pair?

3. Handmade Flats from theGeneration, $55 and up (shown in black)
Available in a wide range of colours and styles, these flats are made from organic cotton canvas and hemp and are made by hand.

4. Tinted Lip Balm from J.R. Watkins, $4.99 (shown in Berry Charming, Simply Mauve-lous, and Tickled Pink)
Available in four shades, this lip balm is lightly tinted, 100% natural and tastes like peppermint.

An organic, natural skincare kit featuring travel-sized versions of the brand's cleansing cream, cleansing milk, moisturizing day cream, rose day cream, and quince day cream for healthy skin. There is also a kit available for oily or blemished skin.

What's old is new again with these dainty and elegant rings handmade from recycled gold and decorated with conflict-free gems. The company makes necklaces and earrings as well.


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Soft, all-natural wipes for cleansing skin and removing make-up, a portion of the cost of each packet goes to support the Natural Resources Defense Council's Polar Bear SOS initiative.

These various brightly coloured prints, of trees, forests, flowers, and wildlife are sure to please the eyes of any nature lover. Place them in a frame and you have a beautiful, eye-catching gift.

Vintage illustrations adorn these durable totes made from recycled cotton canvas. With so many designs to choose from, you'll find the perfect one for whoever you're shopping for.

Made from recycled paper, these colourful pencils say "I'm not Tree. I'm recycled paper." Not exactly grammatically correct, but a nice reminder nonetheless!


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I hope this gift guide has been helpful! There are more to come and I'm sure you'll find just what you're looking for by staying tuned.

What are your favourite eco-friendly gifts? What are you asking for this holiday season?

-Hannah

2 comments:

Dahlia said...

i loved reading this! great ideas... can't wait for your next xmas posts.

Fi Fi said...

Great ideas, I have a couple of eco friendly sisters that would love these little pieces x