This year, make your list and check it twice—not just for gifts that will make your friends and family love you a little bit more, but also for companies that are doing business the eco way. Here are NewHope360's top green gift ideas.
This year, make your list and check it twice—not just for gifts that will make your friends and family love you a little bit more, but also for companies that are doing business the eco way. Here are NewHope360's top green gift ideas.
I have been sifting through hundreds of green gifts for Delicious Living’s gift guide since mid-summer (organic hot chocolate and eco snuggie in July, anyone?), so I was elated to finally share some of New Hope’s favorite ideas on CBS this past weekend. The holiday season is here! Time to make your list and check it twice—not just for gifts that will make your friends and family love you a little bit more but for companies that are doing business the eco way.
Compiling this year’s gift guide, I also discovered that you don’t need to get on a plane to add global inspiration to your list. In fact, you can easily treat your loved ones to a sampling of other cultures, customs, and cuisines by simply taking a walk through the aisle of your natural products store. That’s why, for the 20 superb gift ideas featured in DL’s guide, we were able to travel to Italy, the Amazon, India, New Zealand, Japan, and Africa! Be sure to check it out.
Here, you’ll find more of our favorite green gifts—hailing from New Hope’s home state of Colorado—for everyone on your list (don’t worry, these picks are available nationwide). And we’d love to hear about your local favorites.
Beauty Basket
Mineral Fusion: Get a glamorous, smoky holiday eye—naturally. This Denver-based mineral makeup company debuted its eye glam kit just in time for your seasonal celebrations. Great for all skin types, Mineral Fusion doesn’t contain fillers (a common one to avoid in cosmetics: talc), parabens, chemical dyes, or perfumes and uses natural preservatives and pharmaceutical grade ingredients.
MyChelle: The pure, antioxidant-rich, plant-based ingredients (think fruit enzymes, pumpkin, cranberry, and cactus) in Mychelle products are a real indulgence for your skin. For the holidays, look for the All-in-One Gift Set or the Pumpkin Cleanser and Hydrating Mist.
Love + Toast: The fun packaging comes from sustainable and renewable resources, and the products are paraben- and phthalate–free, with no artificial colors. Festive scents include sugar grapefruit and gin blossom. Plus, a portion of proceeds go to a regional affiliate of Girls, Inc.
Foodie gifts
Café Hope Coffee: Offer coffee drinkers this rich, multidimensional fair-trade brew that comes from a Peruvian, women-run co-op.
Oogies Popcorn: Gourmet popcorn that’s kosher and gluten-free and contains no trans-fat or no cholesterol comes in mouthwatering flavors like Smoked Gouda, Asiago and Cracked Pepper.
Third Street Chai: This Boulder-based company microbrews its organic chai, iced tea, and yerba mate at its 100 percent wind-powered plant.
Athlete's pack
Eco Vessel: A stainless steel, 100 percent recyclable, and BPA-free bottle that actually contains a unique water filtration system? Yup. And some include tea filters at the top, too.
Organic India Tea: Tulsi Teas blend tulsi (holy basil) with other exotic herbs to help you relax, rejuvenate, and renew for the holiday season. My favorite: sweet rose.
Gaiam Audio Yoga Mat: The ultimate yoga mat, first of its kind, contains an MP3/ipod plug in to itunes or download yoga workouts.
Stocking Stuffers / Hostess Gifts
Seth Ellis Chocolatier Sun Cups: A delightful update to the old peanut-butter cup, this organic alternative is made with sunflower butter and luscious chocolate.
Lara Bar: Founded ten years ago, this company was one of the first to redefine the classic “bar” by cutting out extra ingredients and processing steps. These products contain between two to nine ingredients, all of which are whole foods like fruits, nuts, and spices. New flavors (great for holidays!) include carrot cake and chocolate chip brownie.
Zuke’s: Don’t forget about your pet! Zuke’s treats are manufactured in a 100 percent wind-powered facility and use natural, tasty ingredients your dog or cat will eat up.
