What an excellent question - green gift giving is an awesome thing to do!
For green gifts that help the planet, I would suggest looking into the Heifer Internation company. They specialize in gifting needed animals and supplies to communities and children. You can buy a flock of geese or a goat! What is great about this is that it is founded on the idea that every little bit helps, so you can gift from 10.00 all the way up to 1500.00. So in the card you can say "Happy Anniversary, I bought a goat! Now children can have milk and yogurt in honor of your companionship."
Another earth friendly gift is becoming part of a CSA - Community Supported Agriculture. This is a direct way to impact local farmers in a huge way, as well as recieve fresh fruits and veggies. Most of the CSA’s are seasonal so you get the freshest produce delivered to your neighborhood. Once a week or twice a month you are the proud giver of a box of seasonal fruits and veggies - it’s delicious, healthy and very green!
I know it’s hokey - but one of my favorite gifts to recieve and give is the gift of a coupon book. I love nothing more than handing in my "Free night from Dishes" coupon and sitting on the couch and relaxing.
For the artist friendly gifts, check out Etsy.com. You can shop local handmade artists in a variety of materials, items and even color. This is a great place for handmade jewlery made from recycled materials, as well as organic tshirts, knit hats, handmade recycled cards. You name it handmade, and it’s there! They have a great environmentally friendly gift guide.
For big specific purchases like laptops and furniture check out treehugger.com They have a great green buying guide that shows you the best products. They aso have a great list of clothing and shoes that are green as well!
I just found another great place to buy items either by person or by natural, renewable, handmade, recycled and organic! Check out Earth LoverShopping. I thought the mens selection of gifts was both unique and stylish!
I hope this has helped you find the perfect environmentally friendly stylish and affordable gift!
Cheers,
~HaileeMae
