10 Green Gifts for the Treehugger in Your Life

Elizabeth Lang — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 11:24:07 +0000

If you're in the market for gifts with a sustainable slant, you've come to the right place: We've thought of something for every kind of environmentalist. With these 10 excellent gift ideas, you're sure to find something to please your favorite treehugger. (See also: Ultimate Gift Guide for Every Budget)

1. Upcycled Mittens

Cost: $20-30

What green-minded person wouldn't love upcycled mittens made from cute sweaters? They're recycled, and buying them on Etsy supports local artists. (See also: 18 Practically Free Upcycled Craft Projects)

2. "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Cost: $12-$15

Anyone who cares about their environmental impact and what they're putting in their bodies will want to read "The Omnivore's Dilemma." It's full of fascinating and disturbing information about the history of food in the U.S. that will make you think twice about what you're eating. (See also: 20+ Frugal Items for Your Organic Grocery List)

3. Green Label Organic T-Shirt

Cost: $33

Made using low-impact dyes and organic cotton, Green Label organic t-shirts are sustainable and attractive. Choose from designs with themes any treehugger will love, including peace trees, respect bees, save what's left, and grow your own. Women's and Men's. (See also: 15 Ways to Reuse Old T-Shirts)

4. Eagle Creek's Emerson Carry-All

Cost: $160

One of the easiest ways to green your travels is to be smart about what you pack, since the less you pack, the less fuel has to be used to power your travels. The Emerson Carry-All by Eagle Creek makes packing light easy. Weighing in at about 2.5 lbs, the bag itself is lightweight, plus it has tons of compartments to keep you organized. It also works great as an everyday handbag or a carry-on when you're traveling, and you can easily fit everything you need for a weekend trip in it.

5. Recycled Handspun Silk Purse

Cost: $34

Made in Nepal and fairly traded, this silk purse is cute and ethically made. Bonus: This will be a unique gift; each bag is handmade, so no two purses are exactly alike.

6. Solar Powered Charger

Cost: $20

Perfect for the tree-hugging geek in your life, this solar powered charger is compatible with smartphones, tablets including iPads, and most other devices that have USB chargers. Note: It only charges up to about 50% with solar power alone.

7. "Grow Vegetables" by Alan Buckingham

Cost: $17

This book is a great introduction to growing your own food. No matter where your favorite treehugger lives — an apartment, a condo, a house — "Grow Vegetables" will teach her how to create an enviable vegetable garden. (See also: Foods You Can Grow in Your Own Home)

8. PACT Organic Cotton Socks

Cost: $24 for two pairs

Even the pickiest environmentalist will get excited about these organic socks in fun designs. In addition to being free of pesticides, PACT socks aren't made it sweatshops.

9. Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle

Cost: $20

A practical gift that your crunchy friends and family members will adore, Lifefactory's glass water bottle is BPA-free and attractive. When it comes to water bottles, glass is the new stainless steel.

10. Homemade Food or Drink

Cot: $0-$??

Whether you're on a budget or just want to give a unique gift, homemade edibles are affordable, memorable, and delicious. You can bottle your own homebrew, bake a loaf of bread, make some tasty cheese, or even craft your own liqueurs.

What other great green gift ideas have you come across this year?

This article is from Elizabeth Lang of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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