The Green Parent

Feeling the pinch this holiday season?  Most of us are.  And sadly, one thing I’ve noticed this year is that the economy has brought holiday spirit to an all time low.  But if there is one thing we should all remember this holiday, its that you don’t need wads of cash to celebrate the joys of the season.  More often than not, its the simple, non-commercial gifts, that are most appreciated.  And these are gifts that come from the heart, not the pocketbook.  Need some ideas?  Here are some great green holiday gifts that won’t cost you a cent:

You’ve Got Talent

What’s your talent?  Can you sew? Shovel a driveway? Design a website? Cook a meal?  Everyone’s got a talent…and you can use yours to cross off names on your holiday gift list.  Write a poem for your grandma, give your sister-in-law a stack of redeemable babysitting coupons, or offer to walk you neighbor’s dog for a month.  The list of ideas is endless, but the key is to find a way to share your talents with those you love.  (Psst…that, by the way, is the true meaning behind the holidays!)

DIY IT

Handmade gifts are always welcome, especially in these rough economic times.  So instead of spending a stressful afternoon at the stores, stay home and bake a few batches of cookies or some warm yummy bread.  Sew some reusable tote bags…they make for an easy green gift, and you can raid your supply of old t-shirts and worn out clothes for the fabric.  Here are some more handmade holiday gift ideas:

Wrap Up Recipes

Decoupage Plate

Organic Play Dough

Garden Apron and Gloves

Potato Plastic Doll

Recycled Paper Notecards

Donate

You can still see to it that your favorite charities are remembered by searching or shopping at sites that donate with each click.  Surf over to GoodShop where you can choose from more than 800 shops, including some big names like  Target, Apple, Macy’s, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, and Petco.  GoodShop will donate up to 37% of the purchase price to your favorite charity.  Another option?  Let GoodSearch be your search engine and the site will donate one penny to a charity of your choosing with every click.

This post was my contribution to this month’s Green Moms Carnival.  Please be sure to check out all of the posts in this carnival for more ideas about going green for the holidays!