Tag Archives: handmade

20 Ethical Gift Ideas for the Person Who Already Has Everything

It?s almost that time of year again, when holiday music resurfaces and you have to figure out what to buy for that annoying friend who already has everything. Jokes aside, most of us have pretty much everything we need, not to mention a whole lot of stuff we don?t. (Stick up your hand if you?re overwhelmed by clutter.)

This year, let?s make the gifts we give really count. By choosing to buy something that?s been ethically sourced and produced or gives back in some other way (e.g. TOMS One for One campaign) you?re going to feel a whole lot happier about parting with your hard earned greenbacks.

I?m not saying you feel resentful about spending money on Christmas gifts, but let?s face it, it?s an expensive time of year. Knowing you made a difference in some way will help when you find yourself living on ramen noodles and air come January.

Ethical Gift Ideas for?Women

Bought Beautifully boasts an extensive selection of handmade jewelry for the magpie in your life. From bold to understated, there?s lots to choose from. They also give you the option to ?shop by story? in case there?s a particular cause you?d like to support.

It?s been scientifically proven that all women love chocolate, so getting a gourmet chocolate tasting box for the lady in your life is sure to earn you some big points.

Ethical Gift Ideas for Men

For the James Bond wannabe in your life, this copper and wood mixology bar set will be well-received. Even more so if it comes with a bottle of ethically produced gin.

Give the guy in your life a Harry?s subscription and you?ll be giving him a clean shave and supporting their 1+1 giving model at the same time.

Ethical Gift Ideas for Kids

Teenagers are tricky to buy for, but who knows, the one in your life might enjoy a pair of Etiko flip-flops or sneakers.

Shopping for Change has some really sweet baby gifts that give back, such as these hand knitted snowy owl ornaments, this whale baby lovie blanket and this organic onesie set.

These school essentials are so cool, the kids in your life (the younger ones, anyway) will be super chuffed to find them under the Christmas tree. Who wouldn?t want a Dabbawalla backpack or a Diddy bag pencil case? I know I would!

For the greenie parents, Eco Toys is a win. They?ve even put together a Christmas guide, which includes some really cool stuff, like seedling modelling clay, crayon rocks and a rainstick tower.

Ethical Gift Ideas for?Foodies

Got a wine lover in your life? Ethical Edibles has you covered with their wide variety of adult grape juice. (Shiraz for me, please.)

The foodie in your life is bound to get excited by anything from?The Greenheart Shop. From bowls and cutting boards to salad servers and even mini tagine sets, there’s lots to choose from.

Ethical Gift Ideas for Arty Types

Got an old school doodler in your life? This Buy 1 Plant 1 Padfolio will rock their world for sure. Your purchase today plants a tree, ensuring a better future for our planet and future generations.

The writer in your life will be blown away by this handcrafted CAUSEGEAR Leather journal. Each purchase supports a job that pays five times the norm?and features the crafter?s name and picture on the first page.

Ethical Gift Ideas for Hippies and Eco Warriors

For the hippie workaholic in your life, a hemp briefcase or hemp laptop backpack will go down a treat. (Actually, anything made from hemp will probably light their smudge stick.)

For the minimalist in your life, World Concern gives you the option to buy a gift in someone else?s name. You also receive a card to give to them that describes what you?ve given in their honor.

Water Aid has a bunch of cool stuff in their shop for the eco-warrior in your life, including totes, t-shirts and iPhone covers. They also have an under $25 section if your family has put a spending limit on gifts.

When you?re a kid, underwear is worse than no gift at all. But for us adults, it?s the best. Give the person in your life some Me Undies and watch their face light up.

Ethical Gift Ideas for Everyone Else

Anchal has a range of unique, one-of-a-kind socially conscious gifts under $50. Choose from scarves, pouches, art slates and more. These are great stocking fillers for pretty much everyone in your life.

Got a runner in your life? Then you need to get them a pair of Brooks running shoes. According to the guys at Urban Meisters, the company has put in a lot of effort to get ahead in the green race.

I get that it?s not summer everywhere, but how awesome are these SunBear Co. eco-friendly travel beach tents? They?re made in California from recycled fishing nets.

Finally, if you?re on the hunt for something a little unusual, The Great Gift Company is probably where you?ll find it. Solar powered Einstein, anyone? How about a milkshake in 30 seconds?

A Little Added Inspiration

If you need additional inspiration, be sure to check out Ethical Superstore (UK), The Ethical Shop (Aus) and Social Enterprise Alliance (US). Not enough? The Green Hub put together a list of 18 online stores where you can shop for ethical fashion.

Right, I?m off to do some Christmas shopping.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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20 Ethical Gift Ideas for the Person Who Already Has Everything

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Dot Earth Blog: Never Mind the Anthropocene – Beware the ‘Manthropocene’

A look at the gender factor in assessing the Anthropocene — the age of “man.” View this article: Dot Earth Blog: Never Mind the Anthropocene – Beware the ‘Manthropocene’

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Dot Earth Blog: Never Mind the Anthropocene – Beware the ‘Manthropocene’

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Texas Plant to Capture, and Then Reuse, Carbon

Skyonic Corporation of Austin plans to open a $125 million factory near San Antonio next week that will make industrial chemicals. See original: Texas Plant to Capture, and Then Reuse, Carbon

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Texas Plant to Capture, and Then Reuse, Carbon

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With a Forbidden Swim, Shining a Light on a City’s Verdant Waterways

Justin Fornal, a.k.a. Baron Ambrosia, attempts to swim the Cooper River along Camden, N.J., in his quest to highlight urban and environmental renewal for the crime-ridden city. Link: With a Forbidden Swim, Shining a Light on a City’s Verdant Waterways

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With a Forbidden Swim, Shining a Light on a City’s Verdant Waterways

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Trying to Lure Hunters as Bears Get Too Close

Although estimated bears, and bear kills, in northern New Jersey have dropped since hunting was reintroduced, bears have been wandering into human territory more frequently this year. More here: Trying to Lure Hunters as Bears Get Too Close

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Trying to Lure Hunters as Bears Get Too Close

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Smart Sheep 3-Pack 100% Premium Wool Dryer Balls (XL, Handmade, Eco-friendly, All-Natural Fabric Softener)

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Smart Sheep 6-Pack 100% Premium Wool Dryer Balls (XL, Handmade, Eco-friendly, All-Natural Fabric Softener)

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Texas Store Gives New Meaning to ‘Reusable Shopping Bags’

Reusing shopping bags from other stores has helped Patina Green Home and Market cut back on waste. Photo: MorgueFile/clarita

When shoppers leave Patina Green Home and Market, they’re never sure exactly what bag they’ll get to tote their purchases home. That’s because owner Kaci Lyford is a firm believer in reusing and recycling — and she saw eliminating shopping bags from her store as an immediate way to cut back on waste.

“Our store is all about being green and finding ways to use what is already out there,” says Lyford, who opened the store in McKinney, Texas, with her mother and husband three years ago. “So instead of buying shopping bags for our store, we reuse bags from other stores.”

Patina Green, which started as a place for Lyford and her mother to sell antiques, has evolved into a “modern general store” that also carries an unexpected mix of handmade home décor, soaps, gifts and  linens along with fresh, locally harvested market items like eggs, bread and produce.

Initially, they used their personal stash of reusable shopping bags from other stores, but now customers regularly drop off bags that otherwise would have been tossed or recycled.

“We have people who bring in piles of bags and are so grateful because they didn’t know what else to do with them, but didn’t want to just throw them away,” Lyford says.

Each of the reused shopping bags bears a tag explaining that the bag has been recycled and asks customers to consider dropping their old shopping bags off at the store instead of tossing them in the trash. And the unique approach has made for some memorable moments for customers.

“We had one lady who bought some groceries and we sent them home with her in a Victoria’s Secret bag,” Lyford recalls. “She said her husband was just dying when he saw the bag — until she started pulling out bread and eggs.”

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Texas Store Gives New Meaning to ‘Reusable Shopping Bags’

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