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Last Minute Green Gift Guide: Day Before Baskets

by Jennifer on December 19th, 2007

Yesterday I offered up some last minute green gift ideas available online. Today for the major procrastinators I’ll tell you how to create a great green gift when even online ideas won’t cut it. We’re talking about gifts that you can buy the day before folks. Yikes. I really hope that’s not me but it’s looking more and more realistic.

Here’s where to go for supplies:

Local natural food stores: Personally I’m a fan of Wild Oats and local co-ops but seeing as how Whole Foods bought out Wild Oats recently and also noting that not everyone has a co-op close by I will say that Whole Foods is a good option when you’re in a gift pinch. Other quickie options that may work includes your local grocery store. Stores vary from place to place but what’s the same is that most grocery stores nowadays have jumped on the eco-train. Most have at least a small natural food section.

The drug store: These types of stores also vary from town to town too but it’s likely that you have some sort of drug store near by.

The mall & other department stores: Yikes. I made the mistake of going to the mall once the day before Christmas. NEVER again. You can find green stores and products at these places but I highly recommend NOT trying this option and sticking with the above others, which may be crazy busy too; but not quite as bad. That said these gifts won’t be focused on malls or department stores.

What to do:

Grab a basket or gift bag (recycled of course) and fill with items to create the following:

Gift for relaxation: Natural loofas, candles, soaps, incense, organic essential oils, organic teas, and a CD of nature sounds are items you might want to include in a peaceful gift basket.

Gift for people who love food: Grab some organic pasta sauce, whole grain noodles, jarred garlic spread, organic crackers, nuts, jams, cookies, and more to create a basket of yummy items for a foodie. Throw in a natural food magazine and you’re good to go. Some people won’t try organic because they think it’s too expensive so this is a nice treat. This can also be a good introduction gift to organics.

Gift for the kiddos: Organic fruit leathers, animal crackers, and juice boxes are less fun than a train set sure; but I find that most kids love these types of treats if they don’t have them all the time. We don’t do drink boxes so my son is way excited when he gets a rare one. Make sure packaging is recyclable. Some co-ops and Whole Foods even have toys now.

Gift for babes: Organic baby crackers, biodegradable diapers, gourmet organic baby foods and awesome collections of organic baby bath care products are all available at a store near you.

Gift for beauty: There are so many natural beauty items that this is an easy gift basket. There are organic soaps, perfumes, essential oils, scrubs, and fun items like all natural masks at most drug stores and co-ops nowadays. You can focus on one part of the body like face or feet or try a whole body pampering gift.

The intro the green cleaning gift: Ok, now I know some of us don’t want cleaning supplies for Christmas; I however, would love this. Organic cleaning products like laundry detergent is expensive; but I prefer it, so I would not mind someone giving me some. I can use it so it makes more sense than a knick knack. In any case one nice thing about natural and organic cleaning products is that they tend to be packaged nicely. This gift will look good in a basket. Try a natural sponge, lavender organic dish soap, all natural air freshener, and whatever else catches your fancy. Tied up in a nice basket it’ll look good.

Other green finds that make good gift ideas from these local shops may include; flowers, candy, fresh organic fruit (put that in a basket), and wine. You can also buy gift baskets at places like Whole Foods — but making one is more fun and usually costs less.

Here’s the key point. When it’s last minute it’s easy to rush out and buy whatever; but you don’t need to buy over-packaged and chemical laden gifts. Even if all you’ve got is a couple of hours you can still create a beautiful, useful, and healthier gift.

One last note: If you don’t have any baskets in good condition laying around hit the grocery stores first and then stop off at the thrift store for baskets. You can also find thrift store ribbon and greenery; like fabric flowers to liven up your basket.

I hadn’t thought of this before; but see that gift bag to the side. That’s from a Whole Foods store — and what a great idea. You can use a reusable shopping bag instead of a basket. You can get these bags at the stores and fill them up. Such a good idea because it’s two great gifts in one.

I hope this helped out the people lurking in wait… hoping that the holiday gifts will magically come to you. I wish that too; but it’s not gonna happen. These baskets are an easy way to play catch up and come off looking like the best gift planner on the planet. What people don’t know won’t hurt them.

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POSTED IN: Earth Friendly Gift Guide, Holiday