Sustainable Gift Ideas
Sometimes the hardest gifts to think of are those for birthdays. We usually don’t plan ahead for birthdays like we might for Christmas. Christmas can also be much more simpler because we can buy in bulk and give everyone the same of similar gifts. Birthdays tend to be a little more personalized.
I started thinking about what good, sustainable gifts would be for birthdays when my daughter was invited to one of her good friend’s fourth birthday party. Most people assume buying a toy of some sort is the best gift for that age group and if you can find a sustainable toy or organic t-shirt then it is a good option. For our family though, a sustainable toy is usually out of our price range for a birthday party. So here are my ideas for sustainable and organic gifts.
Sustainable Gift Idea #1: Organic, fresh cut flowers
Available at local farms, organic flowers have a unique appeal. I love the idea of receiving flowers as a gift because flowers are a special treat and they are something I don’t usually buy for myself. We bought some beautiful pink and white flowers for a special four year old…what else does a princess deserve but fresh cut flowers? We then moved on to the thrift store and found the perfect ocean blue vase to put them in for the finishing touch. The flowers were $8, the vase was $1. I know the vase will be reused because it matches the interior decor of the girls house.
This child can now enjoy the beauty of nature in her own home for several days. If the mother likes, she can even use the flowers to do a project with the young girl, like drying or pressing them. But you don’t have to be four years old to enjoy fresh cut organic flowers, you just need good taste.
Sustainable Gift Idea #2: Fresh & Organic Summer Food Basket
Simply because I love to shop local, I must add this one. I also find fresh, local produce to be much tastier than anything bought at the grocery store so receiving a fresh, summer food basket truly is a treat. Our local farm offers raspberries, melons, basil, tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, fresh goat cheese, sustainably grown olive oil, quality vinegars and so much more. One of my favorite things to make with some of these ingredients is figs stuffed with goat cheese.
One idea for a food basket would be to pair some lettuce and shallots with figs, goat cheese, olive oil and vinegar. Or you could just give the olive oil and vinegar as a set. Another basket might consist of raspberries, melons, basil and some fresh flowers.
Need something to put the food in? If you don’t have an extra basket you can check the thrift stores. If you don’t like the idea of the basket and you want to make your gift a little more elegant, consider a bamboo bowl to present your fresh and organic food items.
Sustainable Gift Idea #3
Felted wool baskets, animals and scenery scapes. Wool is such a versatile natural fiber and every felted wool gift we have given has been loved by those who receive it. Young children can have fun wet felting and older children and adults can learn to needle felt with just a little bit of practice. It really is such an easy hobby that doesn’t take much time. Give it a try. We recommend going to your local fiber shop and taking a class there if available. If you don’t have a local shop you can buy your material online. At this point you can either get a http://www.litegreenliving.com/category/contact-us or just start on your own. Either way you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
As I come up with more sustainable gift ideas I’ll add them here so check back as I update them. But for now, I gotta go….
