Holiday Gift Guide 2009

Foodie:

Charles Chocolates Edible Chocolate Boxes

Earth-Loving Mama:

If you’re looking for the go-to book on how to raise a healthy child, this is the best title I’ve seen. Starting with pregnancy, and moving all the way up through toddler and elementary school years, Dr. Green, a pediatrician and teacher at Stanford University, discusses the importance of different foods for health—and the importance of introducing foods early so that children acquire the full spectrum of tastes. And, when I say, early, I mean pre-conception! Recipes are sprinkled throughout, helping you incorporate the different nutritional bits of wisdom into your families’ diet.

If a mama has a stationery fetish, she’ll love Smockpaper, a letterpress company that creates modern prints on bamboo paper with low-VOC inks. We especially love the Willow print. ($14 for a set of six)

Kahina-Giving Beauty’s mission of “women helping women through shared beauty rituals” is not just about women. Women care for children, and by helping women we take care of their children, too. Sourced from materials all around the world, the organic argan oil line is rich in EFAs and is ideal for dry and sun-damaged skin. And, keeping with their promise 25% of the profits go back to the women who help make the products. ($65)

New this season to Indigenous Design’s line of organic, Fair Trade, and socially conscious apparel is the 100% Free Range Baby Alpaca Uptown Scarf. All products from Indigenous are woven from natural and organic fibers, and fashioned with environmentally friendly dyes. Purchases help support and preserve indigenous communities of artisans around the globe, and ensure fair wages for workers. ($54) Earth loving mamas are especially careful to put only natural products on their babe’s skin. Give her Brigit True Organics’ Baby Bottom Balm, enriched with St. John’s Wort, vitamin E, and calendula to soothe baby’s bottom naturally ($10.50), or pamper the mom-to-be with their Mom Belly Balm. ($14.50)

Spa Queen:

Until recently, you had to travel yourself in order to experience Tammy Fender’s world-renowned organic skincare products—and facials. Now you can take Tammy with you with her customizable Travel Kits. Each kit includes a face wash, lotion, serum, and depending on the type of kit, a “repair” or “restore” item to refresh your glow. Be forewarned. I’m hooked on this stuff. ($150)

Handcrafted by artisan Fred Harrison, this collection of self-massagers includes Wrist Stones, Flex Stones, Stone Neck Packs, Facial Sinus Masks, and Zen Pillows made from stone. After soaking them in hot or cold water, they can be used over and over again, and all but the pillows can be flexed and adjusted to rest exactly where you need relief the most. ($29.95-$49.95).

The high environmental cost of conventional cotton farming is no small matter. Jonano creates its line of eco-chic yoga and casual wear from organic, sustainably produced hemp, cotton and bamboo, with designs that have a distinctly Scandinavian feel. As a bonus to your conscious, the soft knits and drapy silhouettes are made in factories that are monitored regularly to ensure compliance to Fair Labor practices. For a spa day at home, try their Angel Collection. ($68-$88)

Eco Fashionista:

Whether you prefer a vegan belt or a leather one, the Urge to Adorn offers beautiful belts and interchangeable, handmade buckles that are made from antique illustrations, vintage images, and other artwork. The buckles are made from 100% lead-free pewter, and feature everything from wild animals to Buddha to vintage peanut butter labels! (Golden Buddha; $98)

If she likes the feeling of soft butter on her skin, she is sure to ooh and ahh over Azuri's silk wraps. Made with the finest natural silk with over 100 different colors to choose from, these elegant, chic wraps can spruce up any get up. Each wrap has a gradual gradation of the same color from a dark hue to the lightest. Perhaps the most enticing thing about this gift, the prices were slashed from $160 to $34 per wrap.

An eco fashionista can always use organic and spa-fabulous skincare. Kimberly Parry Organics skincare line features organic herbs, flowers, and essential oils to brighten the complexion and soothe dry skin. (prices vary)

For Your Best Friend—or Maybe Your Sister:

Savvy jewelry lovers know that the jewelry business can be a dirty one. Give her a necklace from Figs & Ginger, a small jeweler company nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, that create all of their pieces from as much recycled sterling as possible (and have a mission to not use diamonds, unless they are heirlooms). All of their jewelry is inspired by the forest, including the understated, and modern Circle Bird Necklace. Ooh, la la. ($41)

Not only are Mineral Fusion’s products animal friendly and cruelty free, the company’s environmental commitment extends to its packaging. Paper for all boxes is Ancient Forest Friendly, produced using certified renewable energy, and printed with soy ink. The antioxidant-rich mineral make-ups use natural colorants, offer UV protection, and are entirely talc and paraben-free. This holiday kit includes a trio of eye shadows in plum colors that are nearly universally flattering, along with a coal eye pencil and graphite mascara. ($20) Also available at Whole Foods.

This line of handcrafted mineral cosmetics are 100% natural, vegan, and organic-based, and specially formulated to be irritant-free—ideal for sensitive skin prone to itching. Ingredients include Brazilian Acai, botanical extracts, and minerals. The Gift Set includes three foundation colors, Saùde Pele Radiance Booster, Bronzer, Silky Flat Top Brush, and a 1/8 ounce bottle of the Revitalizing Facial Serum, all in perfect purse and travel-bag sizes. ($95)

For the Mom or Grandma that Deserves the Best:

Not sure what to get your mother or mother-in-law? Turn to Wishwrap, a beautiful site that helps you find gifts for any recipient and any occasion, and wraps each gift (for free) in an eco-friendly jute tote or box. We love the bamboo PashBu scarf that can easily be worn as a shawl, scarf, or even a cover-up for new mothers. ($30)

Need to banish the winter blues? Filling your space with the scent of Moroccan Rose is one way to start. Made from pure wax, this pure flower fragrance candle is topped with dried rose petals for a special, festive look. ($34)

Tap into her olfactory receptors and shower her with Isis Essentials pure essential oils. The oils not only nourish your skin, they also put a smile on your face with a therapeutic effect that impacts mood and emotions. There are 4 individual options for the oils: Detoxify, Replenish, Illuminate, Vitalize. ($40 -$57)

Shower her with flowers—organically and year-round with Organic Bouquet’s Bouquet of the Month. (3 months, $139.95)

For Someone Learning to be Green:

For the purist on your list, this functional white charcoal air and water purifier has a stark, almost glamorous beauty. Sort of Coal, a Danish company, has a line of intriguing detoxifiers based on Japanese and Korean techniques. Created by heating pieces of oak and bamboo in oxygen-depleted kilns, the black pieces of coal (although called “white” charcoal) retain the Zen-like beauty of their original wood forms. Besides being beautiful to look at, white charcoal leaves no residue and absorbs odors, pollution, and unwanted moisture.

If I only give one gift this year, it would be a deck of the Boom Boom! Cards. These cards promote “intentional acts of kindness,” by offering 26 suggestions from buying a stranger a cup of coffee to picking up litter, and more. The teen edition really promotes community, with suggestions like asking a new person at school to sit with you, burning a motivational CD for a friend who could use a lift, etc. After you do the “deed” you pass the card on (either to a stranger or friend—the set includes stickies to help you share the cards), and then you can go online and track where your card ends-up, and what people do to honor the message on each card. Just thinking about the trickle-down effect gives me goose bumps and for $10 what better way to promote the real meaning of the season? ($9.99)

Earth Cinema Circle
If you’re looking for a gift for the film buff in your family, check out the savvy and green Earth Cinema Circle DVD club. For $17.95/every other month, he’ll receive four environmental and entertaining films, including full-length movies, documentaries, and shorts, that not only enlighten, but also support independent film makers. ($17.95)

When in doubt, the Pangea Organics Radiance Gift Set emphatically says you care. A cleanser, scrub, mask, lip balm, and eye cream, all packed in an eco-friendly box embedded with the seeds of a Spruce tree, brim with the antioxidant power of tea, berries, and vitamin C. A great choice for anyone whose skin needs a little holiday boost. ($100)

For the Green Guy—Whoever He Is!

For the guy who is serious about his music, nothing is more appropriate than the Sonic Fabric tie. Made from 50% recycled cassette tape (hello 80s!) and 50% thread, these ties come in three colors and three different widths. And evidently, if you feel so inclined you can even listen to your tie—without taking it apart. For those of you that are crafty, the sonic fabric is also available by the yard. ($120+)

Trying to fill your sweetheart’s stocking, or come up with a great gift for a male office mate? This set of skin care essentials includes a cleanser, shaving cream, and moisturizer with SPF 20, made from cruelty-free, natural, and organic ingredients. Each item is in an airport security-approved size, and comes tucked into a reusable mesh bag, making this gift especially ideal for travelers. ($25)

Prana makes clothes you can move in, while still looking good. No stiff button-ups here. We love their Benton Short Sleeve shirt from the spring 2010 collection, featuring vintage pearl buttons and a modern plaid interpretation. For cooler months, check out the Vasquez Stripe button-up, dressy enough for work, but with a zig-zag stitch and cross-over hem on the shoulder, playful enough for fun, too. Plus, the Vasquez shirt is made from 55% organic cotton.

The purses from English Retreads have quite the cult following, but your man doesn’t have to be left out. Made from recycled inner tubes, the English Retreads Wallet is simple, practical, and speaks to the eco-minded guy. ($55)

Hostess:

Made with soy wax, and organically grown cotton wicks, Wen candles by Chaz Dean are a perfect gift for those that love candles, but not the fake, overly scented varieties. We love the Sweet Almond Mint. ($10-32)

Bambu makes quite an array of bamboo kitchen and tabletop items from beautiful bowls to everyday cutting boards. The curvy servers featuring one lacquered and colored side, make a great gift for the hostess who likes to infuse her kitchen with a bit of flair. ($11.50)

Fill the Perch Ivy Vessel Vase with organic flowers (see “Mom” above) and you’re a shoe-in for a happy hostess. ($72)

Gifts Under $30

Dry skin? Jurlique’s New Love Balm comes in a tiny tin, perfect for soothing lips, hands, elbows, nose, and more—anytime and anywhere. The formulation, made with botanicals grown on Jurlique’s organic farm, includes chamomile, calendula, and sweet violet, and features a refreshing tangerine scent. ($15)

Imbued with blessings from around the planet, these beautiful, lightweight bracelets are made of red and yellow string, emulating the traditional string used for blessings in India’s ashrams. The bracelets were blessed on the banks of the River Ganges in India, and are meant to be wrapped around the wrist and worn until they naturally wear off. A full 10% of each sale goes directly to support charities including Hands with Hands, Kiva, and Lose the Training Wheels. Select which charity you’d like to donate to while you’re ordering (info on all charities available at website). ($9.99)

This interactive kit by Vimala Rodgers (Sounds True, 2009) is designed to help release negative life patterns and unlock your soul’s personal potential—all through the process of making deliberate adjustments to your handwriting. Includes a guidebook, audio sessions, a blank journal, and reference cards designed to focus on one letter at a time thorough a 40-day cycle. The cards also include a soul-assessment of each individual letter. ($29.95)

Gifts for Kids & Tweens:

Aspiring greenie? Green Start’s board books are not only about sustainability issues—they are also made from 98% recycled materials and printed with soy-based ink. The book, One Tree talks about how trees grow, how they change throughout the year, and how they support the eco-system around them. The pictures are simple, yet feature bright colors that children can relate to. And, if you really want to make it an environmental lesson, read the last two pages, which are for adults, helping you learn more about the “issue” featured in the book, and offering tips on how to get your children involved and interested. ($6.99)


Kids want to help out the environment, too. With eeBoo’s Respect the Earth flashcards they can see how small actions (like turning off the lights), as well as big actions can help make the earth a better and cleaner place to live. Illustrated with playful animals, these cards are sure to entertain children, and make parents happy, too. ($11.95)

Fun, playful, and eco-friendly, P’kolino makes a variety of items for tots, including toys, furniture, and now bedding! The organic bedding comes in four prints, and not any of the cutesy stuff you typically see in kids’ lines. I love the orange monkey on a vine—and my daughter does, too. ($119 for set, which includes a fitted and flat sheet, comforter, and pillow case.)

Sassy and organic go hand in hand with Autonomie Project’s creative line of fair-trade and organic fashion. Their children’s line includes hoodies, onesies, and shirts for babies through teens. We love the messages imprinted on each organic shirt, like the Let it Bee toddler tee, or the I Recycle My Tantrums onesie. Teens will love their organic and vegan sneakers that look like Converse only without the leather or chemicals. (prices vary)

My daughter loves to practice yoga. If you have or know a pint-sized yogi, you know a large mat can be quite cumbersome, not to mention that standard yoga mats are relatively toxic. The Kulae tpECO mat is both PVC and latex-free and is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. ($28)

For Your Furry Friends:

You know they’re going to have the itch to scratch, so why not give them something eco-friendly to scratch on? Marmalade Pet specializes in eco-friendly pet furnishings and necessities and creates all of their items from recycled cardboard corrugate, which is also said to be better for cat’s claws and paws. The Wallflower is funky, functional, and healthy, and comes in three bold colors. P.S. They are on sale through the end of December for $49, with free shipping.

Outfit your pooch in one of Harry Barker’s collar/leash sets made of 100% recycled PET bottles. The designs are bold and cheerful, while the material dries quickly for those dogs that seem to sniff out muddy watering holes. ($18-22)

Made from New Zealand wool, Lollycadoodle’s toys are natural and biodegradable and loved by pets of all sizes whether your Chihuahua loves the mushroom toy, or your Great Dane needs 12-inch Manta ray. A holiday collection is also available. (prices vary)

For the Person Who Always Has the Latest and Greatest:

Give a gift to the environment (and your wallet) this holiday season by cutting down on your power usage with the Black & Decker Power Monitor. Part of B&D’s Energy Saver line, this handy device measures electricity use (and how much you’re spending on it—plus which of your appliances are sucking the most power). It purports to be able to help you save up to 20% on your energy bill, which is a nice little holiday bonus. ($100)

The outside of the stylish messenger Noon Solar Sawyer Bag features a paper thin, flexible solar panel, collecting energy to supply power to an phone, iPod, etc. whether he’s sitting on the bus, riding his bike to work, or having a business lunch outside. ($377) .

Perfect for keeping your camera close and your nostalgia closer on your next road trip, the Seat Belt Camera Strap is made from reclaimed vintage seatbelts. Made by hand in Chicago from all recycled materials, these camera straps will leave little impression on the earth, but plenty on the photog on your list. ($20)

For the Stocking:

Brighten a kiddos’ day with these innovative colored pencils, encased in 100% recycled newspaper. The O’Bonanza set features 12 colored pencils, each inspired by a different type of fruit, including the standard strawberry and banana, to the more exotic mangosteen and dragonfruit. Who new coloring could be so, fruity? ($5)

Pamper the gals in your life with these delightful—and natural— bath salts. Each formulation contains salts either from the Mediterranean or the Dead Sea, and features such ingredients as honey, buttermilk, ginger, tea, oats and coconut milk. With no dyes or preservatives, and health-promoting essential oils, these salts make fabulous gifts, especially during the cold & flu season. The Bath Variety set contains a six-pack of 2 oz. packets (of each available formulation). Give as one gift, or divvy up for several! ($25)

Do tastes for cycling and microbrews go hand-in-hand, or does it just seem that way? The folks at Resource Revival have tapped into the shared tastes by turning used bicycle chains into hip-looking bottle-openers. Of course, if your favorite cyclist prefers Perrier to Peroni, it’ll work for that, too. ($14)

Help her perk up her eyes with Colorescience’s natural mascara, formulated with wheat protein and vitamin E, and perfect for sensitive eyes. (They also have a natural waterproof option available.)

Housed within a of trio melon-colored spheres, these all-natural, 100% organic lip salves are made with vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba oil—with the bonus of heavenly honeysuckle honeydew, summer fruit, and sweet mint that nourish lips and provide a sweet buffer from wintry winds. The softly colored, pliable spheres are not only a fun design change from those boring, twist-up tubes, they’re also a visual pick-me-up—even if spring is still a few months away. Available for under $10 at major retailers, including Walgreens.

For the Yogini:

The “it” look for the asana-crowd is the layered pant—a hint of a skirt wrapped around the waistband. We love the Foat Design Tulip pant made from rescued fabric. Girly, slinky, and eminently comfy, the pant/skirt combo elegantly avoids the too much sharing trap of most body-hugging yoga pants. ($108)

Create your own layered booty look with the Mesheeky Trixie skirt. A brilliantly cut piece of sass, this accessory has a high degree of functionality, transforming yoga wear to street wear in a jiff. Ruched fabric allows for plenty of freedom of movement— and gives your whole yoga wardrobe an instant update. ($58)

This top’s clean, flattering lines shows off your chaturanga dandasana shoulders with flair. Beckons Organic Lover Reversible Halter Top, made from the softest organic cotton, has a snazzy reversible option too. This is our go-to top when our spirits—and body image—need a lift. ($51)

Who said practice paraphernalia had to be perfunctory? A little bit of silk paisley may be the only incentive you need to actually stick with your meditation practice. The Barefoot Yoga Silk Sari Zafu turns sitting into ceremony—in a good way—and puts some oomph, and comfort, into my lotus. ($72)

Give her the gift of balance with the eKO Package from Manduka, which includes an environmentally friendly mat, towel, and bag. Be sure to also include a gift certificate for yoga class(es), to ensure that she actually makes it out the door. ($139; find a yoga studio)

These skin-nourishing, botanically based products are never tested on animals, and embody Henriksen’s philosophy of health and wellbeing. Ingredients include honey, green tea, berry extracts, essential oils, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. This seven-piece kit is great for all skin types, and includes Clarifying Body Wash, Muscle Comfort Lotion, Lavender Body Oil, Loofah Body Scrub, Natural Hair Wash, Natural Hair Hydrator, and Body Sleek Hydrating Lotion—all in 2-ounce, travel-friendly sizes. ($24) m

Dream Gifts:

Home brewing is a great outlet for anyone who loves good beer. With Seven Bridges Cooperative’s Organic Beer Brewing Kit, they can make beer the way they like it—and the way you like it, too. ($129- $299)

Snow Lover’s Dream
If that really special someone on your list loves to ski or ride (and if the sky is the credit card limit), treat him to a green ski getaway at one of the nation’s top eco-friendly resorts. Squaw Valley, California, tops this year’s list, compiled by the Ski Area Citizens’ Coalition. Make the experience last even longer with bamboo-core skis from the New Zealand ski company Kingswood Skis (NZ$960) or an eco-friendly snowboard from Arbor Sports ($299 to $599). Of course, if your limit is a little lower than the sky, you could always just go for the thoughtful stocking-stuffer: petroleum-free Enviro Mountain Wax for skis and snowboards ($16/3.9 oz bar).