Finding the right eco friendly gift is often difficult. You worry about whether the recipient will like it. If the gift is clothing, you don't know if it will be worn, and if it is something for the house you can’t be sure that it will match the recipient's taste. No one wants more clutter. What do you do?
What is an Eco Friendly Gift?
The answer is simple; it is a gift that does not harm the environment. The best eco friendly gifts are consumable. A consumable gift is one that is almost guaranteed to be used. It is an actual experience because it is eaten, read, watched, or otherwise enjoyed. Instead of buying another "thing" you are purchasing something for the recipient to do. These are gifts that won't harm the environment and neither will they be wasted.
Consumable Gift Ideas
Examples of consumable gifts include movie tickets, restaurant gift cards and magazine subscriptions. One of my old friends used to give his grandmother taxi vouchers. She didn't want any more "stuff" and they made her life easier. Another idea that works is a "gift jar" of dry ingredients for sugar cookies. Just add a recipe card, metal cookie cutters and a wooden spoon and you will have an awesome gift, especially if you can promise to be there to bake them with the recipient. There are some great websites on the internet with recipes and instructions for gifts in a jar.
Homemade Cookies
People often give a box of home baked cookies or other gifts from the kitchen at Christmas. There is no reason, however, not to give them for other occasions as well. For example, a grandfather would probably love to receive a box on homemade cookies on his birthday. They would be eagerly consumed and appreciated. Cookies make wonderful gifts for many different kinds of people, such as teachers, cousins, boyfriends and almost anyone else you can think of.
Gift Baskets
Another idea is to put together a gift basket. All you need to do is to find an attractive basket or box and fill it with goodies that the recipient will love. For a teenaged boy, a gift basket could include special gourmet food or popcorn, some aftershave or grooming products, a Subway gift card, a pair of cool Boxers and a couple of movie passes. It's always great when the contents of the basket are chosen with the recipient in mind; generic gift baskets can be all right but they do lack the personal touch.
More Eco Friendly Gift Ideas
Other ideas for consumable, eco friendly gifts are candles, bath products, potpourri, art supplies, nail polish, cosmetics, men's toiletries, magazines, special tea, coffee or chocolate, and gourmet foods. Try to choose fair trade, and whatever you choose, your gift will be appreciated!
