Green Gifts

Finding ways to tread gently on the planet is something many parents are drawn to. Something about holding a precious little baby evokes the warrior inside parents who want to change the world and make it a better place for the next generation. So treat the new parents on your list to something that is not harmful to the planet, or a gift that will teach them ways their family can be a little more green.

1. Why not treat the new parents on your list to Eco-Friendly Families? This month-by-month guide is full of seasonal, green ideas on everything from food to crafts to chores and offers up five-minute-makeovers to quickly and easily make your lives more eco-friendly. Sure to engage and inspire the entire family, while teaching easy ways to be more eco-friendly.

2. The season of gift-giving is upon us, and with that comes the opportunity to give gifts that tread lightly on the planet. The Green Perspective offers an easy way to shop for friends and family, while being eco-friendly to boot. Their eco mom + green baby basket contains such ‘green’ goodies as a reusable shopping bag, an organic cotton onesie, a glass bottle, all-natural handsoap, a book called Raising Baby Green and more. Other basket themes include intro to green, green essentials and green your kitchen, and contain items made with natural ingredients, sustainable materials and low-impact goods, making it easy to go green! Gift baskets range from $40 - $115 and can be found at The Green Perspective.

3. Isn't it great when you can give a gift that gives back to those in need? The Vanilla Bean Holiday Gift Set from Nature's Gate indulges the recipient with a luxurious body wash and body lotion infused with pure vanilla beans from Madagascar and nourishes the skin with natural ingredients such as borage oil and cocoa butter. But the best part is that Nature's Gate has teamed up with WaterAid America to help poor African communities, such as those in Madagascar, to gain access to sustainable supplies of clean, safe water. That's a gift that keeps on giving.

4. What better way to give an eco-friendly gift than by giving something that's handmade? If you aren't that resourceful, or simply prefer to support other artists who are honing their craft, then order a fabulous handbag from Jacob's Eye to keep your BFF looking great all year! Originally from Jamaica, Jacob is a self-taught creator who has had the likes of Erykah Badu snatch up his chic offerings!

5. Shop the Green Gift Guide to find a multitude of ideas for everything from decorating green to being green to finding green gifts for all those on your list (including your pets).