Every holiday season it seems harder and harder to find that perfect gift. Everyone seems to have everything they need or want – except for the really expensive things. So what’s a well meaning gift giver to do? Or maybe you’re thinking about going green or supporting the economy – I have some suggestions for that too!
Buy Local
You can’t get more unique than locally made goods from independent shops and artisans. Especially if you’re sending gifts out of town – you KNOW they aren’t going to have what you’re getting because that local artist is completely local. Look around your downtown areas and maker’s fairs to see what you can find. Price ranges can range from below market value to slightly above, depending on the object you’re buying. And you never really know what unique items are out there until you start looking. Check local newspapers for events and fairs in your town.
Donate
Make a donation in somebody else’s name. A lot of times, organizations will give you a certificate or other memento which you can present to your giftee. Sure, they won’t have another thingy to put on their shelf with the other ones, but at least their gift will be helping someone out. Check your local homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, food banks, soup kitchens, etc. to see what is needed, and keep these organizations in mind after the holidays when you need to make room for those new things. I know domestic violence shelters often accept unneeded cell phones. Organizations like Heifer help give the gift of livestock herd and food animals (even trees and seedlings!) to farmers and gifts start at just $10.
Make a Loan
With organizations out there like Kiva, you can make a modest loan ($25) and have it repaid to you WITH interest, which you can then re-lend. It’s the gift you can give over and over again, all year ’round and you’d be helping independent people change and improve their lives and those of their community as well.
Save an Animal
Animals need our help – they can’t help themselves and our modern world is not built for them to be on their own. So many animals are abandoned every day. If you decide to get a kitten or a puppy for the holidays, make sure you really are able to make that commitment. Pets can live to be up to 20 years old with the proper care and nutrition and far too many animals are abandoned in June when they aren’t cute little puppies and kittens anymore. If you (or your pet!) would like to make a donation to an organizations that helps animals, some to consider include the Humane Society of America (Hip, Hip, Humane! Gifts or Kindred Spirits Memorial Gifts), Big Cat Rescue, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the World Wildlife Federation (Adopt an Animal or Support Their Store). Shelters are especially in need of dog and cat food, blankets, and pet toys, so if you have extras laying around, consider passing them on.
Other Green Gifts
Every little bit helps! Check out Treehugger’s Holiday Gift Guides! They have specific guides for your favorite foodie, fashionista, and fitness fan, among many others! You’d be surprised at all the green gifts there are available now!
Thank you for considering doing just that little extra bit this year for our planet and fellow creatures, human and otherwise, this holiday season. I truly hope all of your dreams come true.
