So the snow has fallen in Duluth and as far as I am concerned the holiday season is in full force. Now instead of having a white holiday this year how about having a green one! In about two weeks is the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. Now instead of running out at 4 a.m like all the other crazy shoppers out there hustling to get the newest products, I suggest you try and be a little more eco-chic. I encourage you to make gifts using junking techniques; it would be much more memorable and timeless than any new clock radio. Or possibly try your hand at knitting or crocheting.
If you do not have the time to be uber crafty I suggest you check out TreeHugger. This site provides idea for gifts that are organic, recycled products or products that leave a small carbon footprint. I have linked the 2010 Gift Guide to make your shopping quick and convenient. Some of the products are kind of pricey but the point is try and look for eco friendly products this winter. If you do find something you like, click on the provided hyperlink and you can easily order it.
Going green this holiday season does not stop at purchasing the gifts; look to reuse other products to wrap the gifts in ( I'm fond of using magazines). You'll save money and still be able to wrap your gifts. The most important thing to remember is that the holidays are not about gifts but who you spend them with.
Happy shopping!
I like your opening comment about having a green holiday instead of a white one, very clever! I really like your gift challenge! I'm actually going to knit my boyfriend a hat for Christmas, however, I've never actually made one before so if anyone has any tips they could share with me I would gladly take them! :D This may be a slight tangent, but this post just reminded me of when I was younger. See in elementary school I didn't have any money and couldn't afford to buy gifts but I really wanted my family to open a gift from me on Christmas day, so what would I do? I would go around the house the week before Christmas and take a favorite item that belonged to my various family members and wrap it, on Christmas day everyone would open the gifts from me and say something similar to 'Oh here's where my thing is, I was wondering what happened to it!' Haha, I wouldn't suggest giving those types of 'reusable' gifts, but I thought you might enjoy the story!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. I have been having a hard time thinking of what to get my mom for Christmas because she is so hard to shop for. However, I may think about making her something instead! I know she would like it and she would know it came from my heart instead of buying her some lousy gift card or something!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! If everyone that went out shopping Black Friday used everyday items around there house to make gifts rather than purchasing new ones think of all the items we could recycle! I must admit I am one of those crazy shoppers who is up at 3am ready to be the first person at the door, so this might be a good idea to try this year instead.
ReplyDeleteSonny, I did enjoy your story and the funny part of it is that my sister actually did the same thing a few a times! haha
This is great for us college students who don't have the fattest wallets. Making picture frames using various items is a gift I have done before, it's cheap and you can't have enough picture frames.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. Not only would it be cheaper, but if the receiver knew it was handmade they might think the gift was special and from the heart. It is a good way to show you are thoughtful and care!
ReplyDeleteI have actually been thinking of what I can do for christmas gifts this year... but i'm trying to refrain from new items and are expensive. I was thinking I'd try some kind of junking technique with printed pictures that I've taken. That way it is much more meaningful, and original. Not to mention eco-friendly!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I was just thinking of being part of a secret santa with my friends and I suggested being creative this year by creating our own handmade gifts. What a good website for green ideas!
ReplyDelete