Gift Review: Ideas for Green Gift Giving

January 18, 2010

The holidays have come and gone (thank goodness), and as we all settle back into our usual routines, I’m actually putting some of my Christmas booty to use. So, I decided to scroll through a quick gift review. I was fortunate enough to receive many lovely gifts from people I care about this Christmas. Perhaps this shortlist of green gifts I received will give you some ideas for green gift-giving for the rest of the year!

My terrific sis gave me these beautiful glasses created from reclaimed wine bottles. They are softly etched with a dragonfly motif (the dragonfly is my totem, btw). The picture is terrible, but the glasses are beautiful, and actually clear rather than amber. I love these, because I love the way they feel, and they are the perfect size! What could be nicer than upcycled beauty with a practical use? I’m not sure where these little art pieces came from , but there are several sites online where you can pick up a set for yourself, or for your next gift to give. Check out Uncommon Goods for several items made from recycled wine bottles.

Don’t discount gifts that you may already have around your house. Items that have sentimental value, or are retro chic, may be just the right gift for the “hard-to-buy-for” person on your list. My darling mother passed along this wonderful yellow vase that belonged to my grandmother along with a set of her own linen napkins. This vase is the gift that brought tears of joy. (I am such a marshmallow). I love the shape, the color and even the aura of this sweet vase. Talk about passing on the love…

Check out this awesome bean pot. It’s La Chamba cookware, hand made in Columbia. You just want to touch it, and rub your hands over it’s smooth finish. It is burnished, not glazed and it’s inspiring to see the imprints artistic hands have left, as they turned and worked the piece. I have yet to cook in it, but I’ll be sure to post my first foray into cooking with this fab clay pot! Check out La Vida Verde, Inc. a Free Trade importer, for more info on how these lovely vessels are made. With many types of cookware to choose from, the eco-cook on your list would love any of these pieces!

Other great ideas that I either received, or gave (or both):
• Original artwork
• Handmade jewery
• Pottery
• Organic wine
• Free trade, shade-grown coffee
• Stainless steel or BPA-free water bottles

Thank you to everyone for the lovely gifts (mentioned and not mentioned here) and for friends and family who made the holidays endearing. Though the holidays are generally a time of frenzy and stress, when you finally slow down and look around, and look back, you realize the great good fortune that family and friends bring to the season. Love you all!

P.S. – Did you receive a particularly eco-friendly, or unusual gift this year? Have ideas for future, green gift-giving. Share it here, or shoot me an email with a photo and post it up for all to see!

Filed under: Inspiration,recycle,Uncategorized

Tags: art, cooking, eco-friendly, green gifts, green inspiration, Lifestyle, recycle, upcycle