I was bouncing column ideas off my son, trying to come up with a useful green gift guide. He said “I know you want to save the earth and all but green gifts? Not everybody is a Hippie like you.” He is normally very supportive of my sustainability efforts but I am sure he is worried about getting handmade organic wool socks instead of the video game or baseball equipment on his list.
He brings up a good point. The idea of “green gifts” while noble, may not appeal to everyone on your list. I love to give local, regional, handmade gifts -but if this is not your thing then it’s a gift that’s all about me with little thought about you.
Still, a green gift could mean many things. Gift are supposed to be about the receiver but I like to be true to myself. Even if I could afford it, I don’t think I would ever buy someone a fur coat. They may really want one, but I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one. Fortunately my finances rarely present me with this kind of dilemma.
Still, a green gift could mean many things. Gift are supposed to be about the receiver but I like to be true to myself. Even if I could afford it, I don’t think I would ever buy someone a fur coat. They may really want one, but I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one. Fortunately my finances rarely present me with this kind of dilemma.
I try to find gifts I think people will appreciate while staying true to myself. I do this by focusing on one main thing - reducing waste. This is a driving force in my art and the way I try to live my life. Creating less trash is important to me, so my gift giving should reflect that.
The amount of trash that is generated from November through January has to be monumental . I am sure the landfills are overflowing with ribbon, wrapping paper and cheap plastic toys that didn’t even make it to New Year’s Day. My organizer friends have probably uncovered mountains of unwanted gadgets and things stuffed into closets too. I think a lot of this is the result of lazy gift giving. We often buy out of a sense of obligation or competition without any real thought to what the recipient really wants or needs.
I am just going to come right out and say it - I like gift cards. I know some people feel like this is just a gift to big corporations because so many go unused. Some think it is an impersonal gift . I am not necessarily talking about big box stores I am talking about paying attention to where someone spends money during the year and think of a gift certificate from that business
I received wonderful gifts last year that spoke to who I am and how I live. I want to tell you about the three gift cards I got that really made me smile:
My step daughter gave me a gift card to my favorite coffee shop that I frequent at least once a week. That said to me “I am paying attention”
My mother-in-law gave me a gift certificate to my favorite gift store (and one that sells my work as well as many local artists) This store is a little out of her comfort zone to say the least. This gift said to me “ I went out of my way to support you and what you like even though I don’t quite get it” I love that!
Another friend gave me a gift card to the local movie theater because we always talk about catching a movie and never seem to be able to get together. That gift said “I think about you even though we don’t see each other often. Let’s make time to go see that movie” And we did!
This type of gift giving may take a little more thought but it is worth it. Still stumped? What about a gift of service? How about food? Everyone has to eat. Homemade goodies, a night at a local eatery, food baskets, or a bottle of wine may be just the ticket.
Don’t forget about Charities. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “donation was made in your honor” gift. This year I gave a gift to one family member that benefits a charity that is important to another family member. I can’t give it away just in case they happen to read my blog. Reading your family member’s blogs should be mandatory shouldn’t it? That's a gift that keeps on giving!
I hope this helps you with your last minute your gift giving. Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, And Happy New Year!
green janie
The amount of trash that is generated from November through January has to be monumental . I am sure the landfills are overflowing with ribbon, wrapping paper and cheap plastic toys that didn’t even make it to New Year’s Day. My organizer friends have probably uncovered mountains of unwanted gadgets and things stuffed into closets too. I think a lot of this is the result of lazy gift giving. We often buy out of a sense of obligation or competition without any real thought to what the recipient really wants or needs.
I am just going to come right out and say it - I like gift cards. I know some people feel like this is just a gift to big corporations because so many go unused. Some think it is an impersonal gift . I am not necessarily talking about big box stores I am talking about paying attention to where someone spends money during the year and think of a gift certificate from that business
I received wonderful gifts last year that spoke to who I am and how I live. I want to tell you about the three gift cards I got that really made me smile:
My step daughter gave me a gift card to my favorite coffee shop that I frequent at least once a week. That said to me “I am paying attention”
My mother-in-law gave me a gift certificate to my favorite gift store (and one that sells my work as well as many local artists) This store is a little out of her comfort zone to say the least. This gift said to me “ I went out of my way to support you and what you like even though I don’t quite get it” I love that!
Another friend gave me a gift card to the local movie theater because we always talk about catching a movie and never seem to be able to get together. That gift said “I think about you even though we don’t see each other often. Let’s make time to go see that movie” And we did!
This type of gift giving may take a little more thought but it is worth it. Still stumped? What about a gift of service? How about food? Everyone has to eat. Homemade goodies, a night at a local eatery, food baskets, or a bottle of wine may be just the ticket.
Don’t forget about Charities. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “donation was made in your honor” gift. This year I gave a gift to one family member that benefits a charity that is important to another family member. I can’t give it away just in case they happen to read my blog. Reading your family member’s blogs should be mandatory shouldn’t it? That's a gift that keeps on giving!
I hope this helps you with your last minute your gift giving. Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, And Happy New Year!
green janie
Christmas 2010 - cheap plastic toy plane that didn't last the day
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