These are a few of my favorite things!!

One of the things I love most about this time of year is that it's the perfect opportunity to show the people who mean the most in our lives how much we love and care about them. And, since I am a girl who loves to shop, but also loves our planet, I always try to show my love with some eco-friendly, thoughtful gifts. Here are some of my favorite, green gift giving ideas for you and yours!

Of course, my #1 favorite place to shop is LOCAL! Wherever you are, please consider shopping at your local businesses. These "mom and pop" shops are struggling in this day and age of online shopping and big box stores. However, you can't beat their service and unique gift ideas.

If you can't find what you're looking for in town, hHow about a pair of fleece lined shoes from TOMS to warm your toes! For every purchase TOMS will help a person in need. Check out their website for their 12 days of giving offers.

If shoes aren't your thing, I always find unique gifts from Uncommon Goods. They have a great selection of recycled gifts. From a frame made out of bike chains or a belt from a fire hose, you are sure to find something to please even the pickiest person on your list!

I stumbled upon this site and couldn't resist..."It's not regifted, it's recycled" Click here for some fantastic gift ideas made from recycled products. Just because it ended up in the landfill, doesn't mean it's trash! No, really, check it out!

If you aren't convinced that doing a little "green" shopping this season is for you, check out this article from Huffington Post. While the article may be a few years old, the statistics it points out are staggering. According to Huffington, between Thanksgiving and Christmas our waste per household increases by 25%...WOW!

So no matter who you are shopping for, consider doing some good along your merry way!

Good tidings until next week,

Renee