While numerous people have asked me whether or not I have started my Christmas shopping, I admittedly have just begun thinking about it.

This got me to thinking about buying conscientiously. Maybe you have a person in your family that is vegan or concerned about the environment. Perhaps you are vegan or green-conscious. Maybe you pulled a co-worker’s name in the Secret Santa pile at work and you don’t want to participate in the consumer crazed frenzy.

Whatever the reason, a lot of us are hoping for a more “green-friendly” Christmas. Here are a few suggestions that you may want to check out:

Bamboo Amplifier

This is made from 100% organically treated bamboo. Put your smartphone or iPod in and it amplifies the sound without batteries or wires! Each amplifier is handmade without the use of power tools.

This company was co-founded by Susan Aplin and Carolyn Wapnick because they wanted to furnish home decor items that were environment-friendly and impacted the world in a positive way.

Their website explains, “For us, sustainability isn’t just a concept but a conversation—it’s a personal perspective and an opportunity to give voice to what matters. It’s a charge and a mission to reduce a carbon footprint while enlarging our personal imprint—an imprint that leaves an impression, influences others now, and leaves a legacy for a lifetime.”

Skateboard Magnets

These unique and individually-designed magnets are cut from old and damaged skateboards. Lindsay Jo Holmes of MapleXO crafts these pieces out of the remnants of used skateboards, collecting old and damaged boards from her local skate shop. Each skateboard is made from 7 layers of pressed maple wood. By shaping the maple into these magnets she can show off the colors and designs of the original board. The magnets come in a pack of four and measure 1.5″ X 1.5″ X .375″. Free gift wrap is included.

Eco-Friendly Cuff Links

How cool are these cuff links made from vintage typewriter keys? Some are on white keys and others are on black. The keys vary in color due to the fact that they are made from antique typewriters. These were found on the website eco-artware.com and all of their products are eco-friendly and made from recycled items. “Our natural and recycled products are eco-friendly and sustainable. They’re unique works of art for people who care about our planet.”

Recycled Wine Platters

These wine platters are made from 100% recycled glass. This is great for a wine-lover! Found on Uncommon Goods, which is a site that features various artists that has a variety of handmade and recycled gifts. “At UncommonGoods, we believe that creativity and the expression of individuality represent two great human treasures. We have set out to create a business that makes uncommon goods accessible to everyone.”

Recycled Seat Belt Laptop Bags

Did you know that millions of seat belts are rejected every year? Sometimes the stitching is off a bit or the color varies, and this seat belts are considered unusable. Instead of wasting them, Maggie Bags in The Ultimate Green Store uses them to make bags! They have laptop bags, purses, hobo bags, backpacks, etc.! This store carries a ton of environmentally-friendly products.

Newspaper Necklace

Yes, you read that correctly. This is a necklace made from recycled newspaper. Innovative artisans working with the Women’s Multipurpose Cooperative in Baguio City, Philippines, create this product from strips of carefully rolled recycled newsprint. This necklace and many other green conscious item are sold at Ten Thousand Villages, which was founded in 1946. It is One of the world’s largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). “One day all artisans in the developing countries will earn a fair wage, be treated with dignity and respect and be able to live a life of quality.”

Of course and even more eco-friendly, green gift would be to donate to a worthy organization. There are many wonderful choices such as a Farm Sanctuary, Maggie Doyne’s school in Nepal, or you can go to Just Give and choose from a huge array of charities.

Giving a gift card for something that your friend or family member enjoys is also always appreciated. Find out if they take yoga and where and buy a session. Do they get massages? Find out if the have a favorite place and get a gift certificate. Is there an awesome new local restaurant or coffee shop?

What a great way to support local companies and businesses while gifting something that doesn’t take up space!

Mostly, remember that the point of the holidays is to enjoy each other and celebrate. That is the best gift you can give.

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Editor: Bryonie Wise

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons