Superstar Chocolate Trio – Fair Trade Equal Exchange chocolate, bundled with raffia and an embroidered Hmong star keepsake. The star comes from members of the Hmong tribe working with the Fair Trade organization Thai Tribal Craft.

Anything from Beautiful Valentine’s Day Sweets & Treats – Organic and Fair Trade Goodies

For me – or you know, some other cool girl you adore:

Lavender organic roses!

Rosehip Necklace – designed by Molly McGrath, who makes jewelery from salvaged materials. The charm is bamboo wood contrasted with dark brown cut out rose hips. The backing is made from second hand suede jackets. The whole thing is delightful.

purse your lips limited-edition super fruit lipgloss clutch- awesome sparkles in these natural glosses from the green Tarte Cosmetics. They taste super yummy too.

For the green fellas:

vedaDUDE Glide – organic shave gel and vedaDUDE Splash – organic aftershave. Both rock the house and smell amazing. It’s like a treat for your fella and you. Read a full review.

Trust me, your guy wants a Hydrogen Fuel Rocket not candy and flowers. Eco friendly and allows him to pretend he’s an astronaut or secret spy – unless of course your guy is an astronaut or secret spy, then maybe go with the candy.

What gifts are you giving this year?

Coming up green Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the kiddos.

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Winter Celebration Bouquet

As I’ve been whining about lately I’m home bound; totally snowed in. I’m whiny about it, because we don’t ever get snow here like this. It’s been nuts, and I know lots of folks who haven’t been able to get out to get their last minute gifts. I’m still minus stocking stuffers myself. If you’re in a fix, you can always look to Organic Bouquet.

Look now though, because you’ve got until Midnight PT Dec 22nd to order for a Christmas Eve delivery. Yeah that’s tonight. On the other hand, a nice eco gift from Organic Bouquet will likely be appreciated even the day after Christmas.

Here are some things I adore:

Holiday Beauty Bouquet

Peace Organic Cookie Tin

Life is Sweet Organic Holiday Chocolates – most adorable organic chocolates ever (look at the little leaves!) – lots to choose from.

The obsessively gorgeous Holiday Splendor Bouquet

Since I’m in the Pacific Northwest, I happen to know that you’ve got about six hours left to order for Christmas – I’d hop to it!

For those of you can actually get out of the house, I’ll be back at some point tomorrow with some last minute green gift ideas that you can organize at the local co-op or natural grocers.

[Images via Organic Bouquet]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

In continuing with my reviews this week, I thought it would be nice to look at a holiday-minded product. On with the show…

Product: Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family by Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell

Basics: Celebrate Green is a mama-daughter book collaboration – the title is fairly self-explanatory – this is a book about all things related to green holiday celebrations.

Cost: Family friendly at only $17.95. Plus for a limited time, you can score an even better deal. “Right now when you order a copy of Celebrate Green! from our website, you can choose between a box of organic truffles from Sjaaks for one penny plus shipping or a free jar of fair trade whipped shea butter from Vintage Body Spa for nothing but shipping.” That’s a great value. Especially during the holiday season.

What I think:

There are many outward positive aspects of this book. For example, it’s printed on 100% recycled FSC certified paper, which more books should be. There’s also a highly interactive website going on for this book. Plenty of green tips, author info, and fun stuff is offered, along with a value on reader participation.

Pros:

I like how the book is set up: The table of contents is divided into seasons, and then sub-holidays under each season. Spring through winter holidays are offered and a cool section with year round holidays -such as birthdays, family reunions, and baby showers. The last section is very nice with a great big list of helpful green websites (three pages worth) and a green-smart glossary. There are also blank page sections in the back of the book where you can make notes about each season. This book is super easy to skim through and find what you need, and their index pages are actually very well done (I’m sick of poor indexes).

I like the design: The design is simple but easy to follow. The colors flow through the book in soothing sage and browns. Important information is either in a solid color block, or has a great big header; both of which really break up the text in a bite size way. Also, each holiday is clearly marked in the bottom page corner – which is nice, so if you’re flipping through spring, you’ll see where Easter topics end and Earth Day begins.

The holidays are covered well: It would be impossible to go through how they discuss each holiday, but trust me, plenty of green tips are covered for each holiday. I’m going to use Cinco de Mayo and 4th of July as examples.

In the Cinco de Mayo chapter some of the various items covered include:

• Eco issue facing Mexico in general, and how you can help.
• Organic veggie enchilada recipe.
• Paper bag pinata instructions.
• And more.

In the 4th of July chapter some of the various items covered include:

• The dish on if fireworks are green and air quality and child labor issues related.
• Alternatives to fireworks and how to safely manage them.
• Recycling bin contest idea.
• Three worthy summer eco-causes you can support.
• How to organic up your picnic.
• Choosing eco-friendly summer drinks including where to score eco-beer.
• News about tap water.
• Organic Red, White, and Blueberry muffin recipe.
• Fun family activities that don’t kill the earth.
• And more.

So, as you can see, each holiday not only focuses on the green aspects of the holiday, but also on other green issue important to the season – that is pretty cool.

Cons:

I couldn’t really find many cons about this book. My only issue is that the text is a little wordy. (Like I’m one to talk though). The intro was really long, a little too long for my taste, and there’s a back story behind almost everything in this book, and in some cases I felt they could have just offered the tip and moved on. On the other hand, some people like that kind of thing, and as noted, I’m not exactly the most succinct human ever, so… take this with a grain of salt. It is what it is.

Celebrate Green final score:

Five out of five happy trees. This is one of the most in depth green holiday resources I’ve seen. It’s also perfect for families. Very well balanced with both kid and adult friendly aspects. It’s not just for one member of the family. Also, right now, with the special deal going on, this is an extra great value for a green book. It would make a great holiday gift.

Learn more at Celebrate Green

Buy the book

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

I found some really nice reusable bag options – pretty ones that would make great gifts this year…

Wild Flowers Organic Cotton Eco Lunch Bag from Art And Philanthropy

Eco-friendly Hemp Bag with Queen Anne’s Lace (Pistachio) from Uzura.

Set of 3 Waterproof Eco-Friendly Snack and Sandwich bags from LMarcacci.

Peace Paisley Tote from Blue Monday.

Super cute Eco-Friendly Tote Bags from Mountains of the Moon which I first saw at The Greenset.

If none of these is quite your bag (pardon the pun) check out the Tree Hugging Family Green Holiday Gift Guide or read the following posts for more options.

• Cute Bag Designs for the Picky
• Reusable Bags with a Message
• My Dream Bag – Haiku Ultimate Messenger/Diaper Bag
• ReJAVAnate Reusable Bags
• Organic Cotton FEED 100 Bags
• The Absolute Last Word in Cute Reusable Totes
• Creative Ways to Score Your Bags
• Flip & Tumble Bag: A Bright Idea
• Make Your Own Long Shopping Bag
• Green Product Review: My New Bags
• My Reusable Bags Review: Organic Cotton Eco-Bags
• What’s Your Favorite Reusable Bag?
• Have You Tried a ChicoBag?
• Review: ChicoBags, a Fun Solution
• Fun Angry Girl Reusable Bags
• Make Your Own Oilcloth Bags
• CarryEco Bags Now Available in the US
• Dream Bag Line Up
• Inexpensive Reusable Grocery Bags
• Olive Smart Reusable Grocery Bags

Why yes, Tree Hugging Family DOES have a thing for reusable bags. Did you notice?

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This treehouse is easy to put together, and you don’t even need glue or scissors – everything is pre-punched. Young kids can do this with parent help. After building you can decorate with paint, glitter, nature objects, or whatever you like. After decorating, you get to play. This treehouse is big enough to use with tiny dolls (like dollhouse size).

Available at Seasons Natural Toys, a company that I’m a little obsessed with.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Product: Cinnamon & Clove Comfort Natural Aroma Shower Steamer from Verikira Naturals

Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Calcium Sulfate, Sodium Borate, Witch Hazel, and Essential Oils

Basics: This product is a shower steamer, which means you unwrap the steamer, place it in the far corner of your shower (away from the water), and as the heat and moisture activates the steamer, the essential oils are released into your shower, creating an aromatherapy shower experience.

Company information: Verikira Naturals creates specially formulated products for home and body, using natural and organic ingredients, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and extracts from flowers, herbs, fruits, leaves, and roots. Verikira Naturals products are certified by the Vegan Cosmetics Organization and they follow the Natural Ingredient Resource Center (NIRC) criteria for labeling natural ingredients and products.

Two nice company perks include their handy consumer Education Center and their Pink Grapefruit Pink Ribbon Collection which supports breast cancer research. They also won a 2007-2008 American Package Design Awards Certificate of Excellence.

[Steamers also come in Peppermint Awakening and Eucalyptus Revival]

What I think:

I really liked these shower steamers. I tested two of them. One when I was healthy and one after I caught this flu I’m dealing with. Both times the steamer was a nice shower addition, but when you’re sick, it’s REALLY nice. I’ve felt terrible for a week, and this made my shower nice and relaxing, even though I’m tired and coughing. Cinnamon is a natural flu and cold fighter, and while of course, the shower steamer didn’t cure my flu, it did relax my senses and thus help ease up the body aches.

Other pros:

Subtle scent: Because they’re made with essential oils vs. chemical fragrance, the scent is subtle, calming, and lingering, without being overpowering. I like heavy scents, actually, and while this was scented enough for my taste, it would also be chill enough for someone not into heavy scents.

Easy to use – no mixing oils, no whipping up anything, just unwrap, and place.

Beautiful packaging – perfect as is for gift giving – no wrap required, thus saving paper resources. The steamers especially are nice, because they come in a long box, that would fit nicely into a stocking OR you could place individual steamers in many stockings or gift baskets.

Bonus – it left my bathroom smelling delicious for a couple of days after I used it. Too bad they don’t make home cleaning products!

No stain – my first steamer didn’t get all the way used up, but it didn’t sit and stain my shower either, it washed away with plain water.

Product cons:

I’m not sure about the recyclable of the box. There’s no recycling label on it. The label, foil, and paper decoration inside the box are for sure recyclable, but the box is an odd material. I couldn’t find info on it, but I’ll still try to recycle it. UPDATE: After posting this I heard back from the company who notes, “The shower steamer frosted box is made with 100% virgin polypropylene which is recyclable and Verikira Naturals tries extremely hard to use recyclable packaging at all times. Also, the crinkle paper inside is also recyclable.“ Nice. So, now we know, and this con becomes a full on pro.

I think that if you’re really into green living, one whole shower steamer is too much. I take semi-quick showers to save water and the first steamer I used was only half gone by the time I was ready to jump out. My suggestion is to cut them in half. Which is a con, considering they don’t tell you this, but a pro, in that the product lasts longer. The only way you’ll get through one of these per shower is if you take REALLY long showers.

Safety note: These look like brightly wrapped candies. My seven year old son thought they were little chocolate oranges. Because my son is well-past the eat anything stage, I’m not concerned. If you have little ones though, this is a product to keep tucked away.

Cinnamon & Clove Shower Steamer score:

Five out of five pretty trees! I liked these a lot. They wouldn’t be on my list of products to buy right away, for myself, just because I have a basket full of essential oils. However, I would absolutely give these as a gift to someone. Great for birthdays and holidays. I also think that out of the box, they’d make cute wedding, or baby shower favors, along with other treats.

$24 – Cinnamon & Clove Comfort Natural Aroma Shower Steamer

+ Verikira Naturals

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

The Wilson Rebound recycled rubber basketball is made with a rubber cover that consists of 40% recycled scrap rubber. 40%, not the best ever, but way better than nothing; especially if someone on your gift list wants a basketball. Also, so far as balls go, this one is pretty attractive I think. The brown and green is cute, huh?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

The folks from Night Owl Paper Goods posted the code, but then emailed me an even better one. I’m pretty glad about this, because it gives me an excuse to show another cool product from them. Since it’s a nice holiday code, you should know that they have these adorable wooden santa owls cards made from eco-friendly, sustainably harvested yellow birch available. Look:

YOU know you want one.

Here’s the new code they sent me…
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Night Owl Paper Goods Owliday Discount :: www.nightowlpapergoods.com

:: Receive 25% off ALL ORDERS now thru Dec. 31st! :: Coupon Code friend08

:: Share with friends! :: Use over & over! :: It’s easy to be Green & Save Green!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

AND, heads up, another featured item here at Tree Hugging Family is on sale right now. Remember the B Hive Designs post I did a while back? Maybe not, it’s been a while. Let me jog your memory with some new organic items I adore from the shop… (click on the image to learn more).

Barbara from B Hive Designs says that her lovely items are on sale right now through Dec 7th. 25% OFF all Women’s shirts, plus FREE SHIPPING on everything! That’s a great deal on organic clothing. You can also find B  Hive at Etsy (which rocks – I have a major Etsy crush).

If I see any more green deals soon, before holiday shopping time is up, I’ll throw those your way too. I know for sure that I’ve got details about a great 3R Living code in the The Gigantic Green Holiday December Kick-Off! post

[Images via B Hive Designs & Night Owl Paper Goods]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Being that yesterday was our Buy Nothing Day Challenge here at THF, I waited until today to post this news. (But it’s good).

This year bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your holiday list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.

This is a cool new feature, because it means you never need to leave your house to get all your holiday shopping done. Plus, with all these bloggers offering gifts related to their blog topics, you’re sure to find one or two lists to adore.

You can start here at Tree Hugging Family where I’ve got a big ol’ eco-shop full of gift ideas that can help you and your family stay green all year long.

At Offbeat Homes I’ve got a gift shop full of strange and unique gift ideas (plus of course, plenty of cool house related items). Then at Declutter It, I’ve got oodles of time management and organization minded gift ideas.

Other amazing holiday shops around the channels… 

Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.

At All Holiday Cafe Katelyn has set up all kinds of amazing holiday minded gifts – stuff to make you and yours feel extra merry.

Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.

Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.

Everyone knows what to get a jewelry lover – but do you know what to get one who loves to make jewelry? Cyndi at Jewelry and Beading has the answer!

Cherie at Diabetes Notes shares gift ideas to keep those visions of sugar plum fairies dancing for the diabetics on your list.

Chloe at The Doggy Blog shares an adorable wish list as written to Santa Paws.

Christine at Mad Cropper knows how to please those who are crazy about scrapbooking during the holiday season.

Quilters anyone? This unique craft makes for the tougher shopping experience – but that’s so yesterday considering we have a pro in our corner. Let Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork help you pick out the perfect gift.

Angela from Breastfeeding 1-2-3 provides a list of gifts for the breastfeeding mother on your list.

So maybe giving kitchen appliances isn’t the best idea – but what about a cool and unique Cooking Gadget? I’d say your bound to surprise the cook on your list with something from Cyndi’s list.

Peggy at Lively Women has put together a list of gift ideas for the health conscious female on your list.

Christine at Our One Heart shares tips and gift ideas to keep that Bride-to-Be happy during the Christmas season.

Tracee at BlogFabulous has put together an amazing store displaying gift ideas for the woman’s woman.

Christmas is for everyone and shopping for an Alzheimer’s patients can present a challenge – allow Mary Emma at Alzheimer’s Notes helps you overcome that challenge and get on to the joys of the season.

Do you have a fabric-aholic or a needlehead on your Christmas list? Don’t get them the same old boring sing-song gift – let Chloe at Tangled Thread help you pick the perfect gift.

Unique gift ideas for the mixed media art lover on your list is what Cyndi from Layers Upon Layers has on display.

Have an aspiring to advanced chef on your list this year? Cyndi at Busy Family Meals has an extensive list to cover every stage of cooking from beginner to pro.

Eliza has pieced together a shop that covers mom, dad and baby at Babylune. Why leave anyone out?

Heather at The Food Bowl is taking care of pets and their people with a fun list that’s bound to connect you with the perfect gift.

Did someone say chocolate? Heather at Chocolate Bytes did! Our resident chocolate expert has put together sweetest gift shop you won’t want to miss.

Who says married couples are boring? Check out the letters to Santa as shared by Marc and Marye of Marriage Actually and see what might appeal to the married couple on your list.

Don’t forget about that single and dating friend or relative! We all know how difficult it can be to buy for them – Lucky for us we have Dating Dames and the Dames have the answers.

It’s never too early to start buying for your favorite gardener and Linette at Mother Earth’s Garden has a wonderful list to help you decide.

Linette at Play Library is haring the Best of Toys list this year – check out what’s hot and get to buying! We know how quick those hot toys sell out every year.

Have someone on your list who always hosts the best parties? Surprise that person with a unique gift as recommended by Linette at She Knows Parties!

Marcie from One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen shares a wonderful shopping list she’s broken down by age groups and hobbies.

Whether it’s tea or coffee you are looking for, Marye from Kettle and Cup has unique gift ideas that’s sure to add a little spice to your favorite hot beverage.

Haven’t figured out just how to shop for the junk lover and crafter on your list? Let Peggy from Junk Creation assist you with your selection.

Susan from Grounded Fitness has a little something for the health and fitness buff on your shopping list.

And last but certainly not least, Gayla has compiled a list of MomGadget Favorites – A Year in Review 2008 instead of a storefront for you to shop.

From all of us at Lifestyles – Health & Wellness

We wish you and yours a very Merry Holiday Season and a wonderful 2009!

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Teach a child something or just spend some time: Honestly, I can’t tell you one item my grandma gave me for a holiday. But I think about everything she taught me or did with me all the time. How to sew, cook, play cards, paint, and more. Plus her stories stick with me. These are the things kids remember when they’re older, not that race car from ten birthdays ago.

Go on a family hike: Yup it’s cold, but nature looks different in winter than any other time of the year – get out and see it for yourself. Go at night and see the houses lit up (you’re allowed to cringe at the energy use, but you have to admit, it’s still pretty.)

Perk up an elderly family member’s house: They’ll appreciate it. You can shovel their walk, clean out the basement, or plant some bulbs that will come up in the spring.

Reconnect with someone: Write or call someone that you haven’t spoken to in a good long while. This is always a nice surprise.

Plan a fun day: Gather everyone, friends, family, whoever, at your home and have a great holiday cookie bake-off, a snow fort contest, play board games, or make homemade holiday gifts.

Take ten minutes a day to learn something new for the planet: Sign up for a green newsletter, add green new feeds to your rss, or visit an eco news blog or site a few times a week. Take some time to learn the issues that affect us all year round.

Volunteer anywhere. Find your opportunity.

What else would you suggest? How can you give the gift of time vs. stuff?  

November current events at Tree Hugging Family – themes, reviews, news, and more…

[images via, stock.xchng & Buy Nothing Day]

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