http://www.care2.com/greenliving/tis-almost-the-season-thinking-out-of-the-gift-box.html
‘Tis Almost the Season: Unique Holiday Gifts
You know those people who are done with their holiday shopping before school starts, some of whom already have their gifts wrapped? Well, I’m not one of them. I am a tried and true last minute shopper, knocking out the entire task in one highly focused weekend, usually two weeks before the holidays. This year, however, I’m giving thought to gifts earlier than usual. I will be giving assorted “stuff” to my lot because there are things they love. But many in my circle also enjoy the unconventional, and a mindful of the planet. If your circle is similar, here are some possible gifts for you to consider with me.
Organic fruit delivery – While some folks may consider gift baskets cheesy (as in too many cheese logs) I’ve often enjoyed them, especially when the goodies are truly yummy. Cherry Moon Farms has an organic fruit club that delivers fresh, organic fruit once a month for a year, with free delivery. Organic mandarin oranges, bing cherries, and mangoes spice up the menu that also includes the traditional variety of apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, navel oranges, strawberries and kiwi.
Save an animal’s life - Give a donation to American Humane to support a program that helps abused and neglected pets suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Adopt-a-species – Through the World Wildlife Foundation, for 25 dollars and above, you can purchase an “adoption kit” for one of over 100 different animals. Starting at the 50 dollar level, your recipient will receive a plush animal (of the species selected), along with a variety of other informational and practical items. The donation towards this symbolic adoption supports WWF’s efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats.
National Parks Annual Pass – Know anyone inspired by Ken Burns’ “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea”? The America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows your recipient, three additional adults, plus a non-commercial vehicle, free entrance for one year to America’s national parks and other public lands.
Charity Gift Card – There are countless good causes in need of donations. Instead of making one to a charity of your choice in your friend’s name, give them a cute gift card from Tis Best, which partners with over 250 non-profits, and allow them to choose to whom they want to give the donation.
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
6 comments
add your comment »These are great ideas, thanks! My family has done a "coupon" exchange in the past. For example, one coupon would be I'll do the dishes in return for a new house plant. etc.
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One gift my parents always give to each of us is a donation in our honor to the Heifer Project. They try to match the gift to our interests. For example, they gave building materials for a hospital in my name (I'm interested in neurology).
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We just received the first shipment of an Organic Fruit of the Month Club from Harry & David. The October selection was pears. They were big, super sweet and juicy! Can't wait to get more fruit in the upcoming months.
You can see photos of the first shipment of pears here to get an idea of what was received:
http://www.findgiftclubs.com/blog/fruit-month-club-review-harry-and-david-october
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My husband's family exchanges names for Christmas, and everyone is supposed to put out a wish list of what they want, or at least what sort of things they're into at the moment. Sometimes getting people to make out a wish list is like pulling teeth. Last year I told everyone that if they didn't put out a wish list, they were getting chickens in Africa. We had to follow through on that threat for two people. We give through Samaritanspurse.org, a Christian organization that delivers practical help to people in need around the world, even in countries the US can't enter or give aid to through other orginazations.
Anyway, chickens in Africa for Christmas has turned out to be a very memorable gift that everyone talked about long after the rest of the presents were forgotten.
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If you want to get your children excited about nature....this educational product is sweeping the country. It's called the TickleMe Plant and its a real plant that Moves when you Tickle It. The leaves close and even the branches droop when Tickled. Now it can easily been grown indoors year round. Who knew a plant could move when Tickled. You can see the video and its even more fun to grow your own. My Students love it.
http://www.ticklemeplant.com
Use Coupon code HOLIDAY for a $2.00 discount. Get back to nature!
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Thanks for the kind words about TisBest, Terri! This has been a difficult year for so many people and organizations. We're excited that TisBest is able to make a difference to so many worthwhile organizations. Our charity gift cards are beatuiful, highly customizable, and meaningful. And be on the look out for the addition of a new Local Charities category on the www.TisBest.org site.
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