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With the holiday season upon us, it's easy to get carried away with commercial madness – but it's just as easy to stop for a moment and find fun, economical, eco-friendly options that your loved ones will adore. Whether it's Christmas presents, a late Hanukkah gift or general holiday cheer that you're shopping for, this environmentally-friendly list has you covered.
1. YOUR PARENTSTHE STORE: Conscious Box
sends a recyclable box of sustainable treats straight to the recipient's doorstep - a pack full of organic and vegan items ranging from food to beauty products.
PERFECT BECAUSE: What better way to tell your parents you love them than the present that keeps on giving all year round?
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Conscious Box works with 1% for the Planet – so 1% of Conscious Box’s sales are donated to environmental causes.
2. YOUR FUNKIEST FRIENDTHE STORE: Hipcycle
, the site for funky, upcycled gifts.
PERFECT BECAUSE: The site specializes in products converted from waste materials, such as this vinyl record jigsaw puzzle and wine bottle wind chime.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Look out for deals across the site – up to 50% off selected products.
3. YOUR SISTERTHE STORE: Rising Tide Fair Trade
sells bags made in collaboration with artisans in developing countries.
PERFECT BECAUSE: Everyone loves getting a new bag, and these ones combine gift-giving with doing good. Most of the materials are purchased from local markets and created by businesswomen, while others are made from recycled textiles. Even the leather products are cruelty-free (from naturally deceased animals).
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Free shipping until December 20.
4. THE KID THAT HAS EVERYTHINGTHE STORE: Jewelry for a Cause
, the store which sells jewelry as a form of philanthropy.
PERFECT BECAUSE: For the child on your gift list, check out the Talismans collection. The fun, bright pendants are not only great for youth (girls and boys alike!), but also help fund a variety of worthy causes.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: For some celeb inspiration, check out the gallery of famous folks (including male role models like Snoop Dogg and James Durbin) wearing Jewelry for a Cause pieces.
5. YOUR GRANDPARENTSTHE STORE:
Home Ec sells stylish homewares and gifts, with retro-inspired designs.
PERFECT BECAUSE: While grandparents typically have everything they need, they'll love the old school feel of these original products – from aprons and tea towels to vases and books.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: If you're in the area of Chico, California – pop into the Home Ec store for a real-life browse.
6. NEW PARENTSTHE STORE: Online store ecomom
specializes in baby products carefully selected to fall within at least one of a list of categories including: organic, fair trade, vegan and biodegradable.
PERFECT BECAUSE: New parents are often inundated with gifts that aren't necessarily to their taste – ecomom's selection process helps guarantee yours won't fall in that category.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: To help navigate the good stuff on this site, check out this handy Holiday Gift Guide.
7. YOUR BROTHERTHE STORE: Hatch
– previously known as Makeably – is a funky home for handmade goods, including clothes, art, homewares and jewelry. The Make For Good holiday campaign - which turns kids' drawings into real objects – is especially impressive.
PERFECT BECAUSE: The Custom Gifts for Guys section makes even the most difficult brother easy to buy for – and if he's particularly problematic, check out the brilliant Custom Gifts for Impossible People page.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: If you're still at a loss, call the Hatch Line! Four dedicated staff members are available to help clients find the perfect holiday gift.
8. YOUR STYLISH AUNTTHE STORE: Linhardt Design
sells innovative creations coupled with a sustainable approach.
PERFECT BECAUSE: Jewelry from New York-based jewelry Lisa Linhardt melds creativity, extensive background in arts and a socially-minded awareness in her work – and her collections are made from sustainable materials.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: A portion of Linhardt’s proceeds funds an African girl’s college education (via Kenya Education Fund).
9. YOUR OUTDOORSY COUSINTHE STORE: Kickstarter-funded company Kammok
has created a portable, lightweight and easy-to-use camping hammock called the Roo– named after the red kangaroo.
PERFECT BECAUSE: The product serves as a tent alternative (for the warmer months!), which not only makes camping easier, but gives back to others - for every Roo purchased, Kammok gives a treated mosquito net or health education to a family in Africa to fight malaria.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Stay tuned for details on Kammok's next revolutionary product, the K3.
10. YOUR WORK FRIENDSTHE STORE:
Etsy shop ThePreppyOwlBoutique sells these fabulous reusable sandwich bags, which come in packs of four with a range of different fabrics.
PERFECT BECAUSE: Start the New Year with a neat and environmentally-friendly fridge at the office – these funky little packets will eliminate plastic and other wrapping waste.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Like the idea? Check out this list of green Etsy products.
11. PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE ELSETHE STORE: The Root Collective
sells goods made by artisans in developing countries, partnering with the individual artisans and making sure they're being paid fair wages. The shop helps merchants gain access to a buying market, by purchasing the goods outright and reselling them online.
PERFECT BECAUSE: The store stocks a variety of ethical gifts, including women's jewelry, accessories, bags and shoes.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: 10% of each sale goes back to a nonprofit of the buyer's choice.
