Giving gifts that give to others

Giving to World Wildlife Fund supports conservation of important natural places and endangered animals

True giving is to give something that you’d rather keep foe yourself and/or that makes a difference. If you still have a few gifts to get, consider giving something that in some way gives to others. Here is my list of reputable ”give back” suggestions for this holiday season. Most if not all are tax-deductible and offer an array of choices.

To discover some great, last minute, affordable gifts, see the full story at http://bit.ly/ciunmo.

Enjoy the deliciously green side of the holidays

The holidays are synonymous with great food, fun get-togethers and even more fun gift giving. Along with favorite family recipes, here are some suggestions that can help spice up the holiday and perhaps give you some new favorites.

Give unique upcycled gifts this holiday

With holiday-related “to do’s” dancing in our heads, the scurrying and worrying has begun. What to get for family members who are impossible to buy for? Where to find classy or unique gift for your husband, wife or that special someone?

If you want to be more green with this year’s gifts, check out Hipcycle.com, one of the leading online retailers for upcycled items.

Plan ahead with top quality LED’s from EnvironmentalLights.com

Beautiful solar LED lights from EnvironmentalLights.com

For those beginning to think about Christmas decorating – and it’s getting close to that time, folks – holiday lights are a key component. If you haven’t switched over to LED holiday lights, this can be your year.

There are a variety of gorgeous options available right now from EnvironmentalLights.com. I wrote about them last year but for many it was too late to take advantage of what they had to offer. But I’m ahead of the curve this time around.

Make the holidays scrumptious with Bliss Candy’s toffees

Like all their products, Bliss Candy Company’s Almond Toffee has no preservatives

Things that are “delectable” play a crucial role in creating wonderful holiday memories. And nothing helps do this like the exquisite toffees and confections from Bliss Candy Company.

Plan for the holidays with Dionisio Winery’s preservative-free wines

It’s never too early to plan for holiday get-togethers. If good wine is a key part of your holiday fare, the top quality wines from Dionisio Winery will help make your holiday events a hit.

Giving back for the holidays

(photo by Christine Rutz, flickr)

‘Tis the season of giving. With Christmas a week away, the flurry-scurry to find the right gifts for everyone on your list adds stress to an already stress-filled time.

As in past years, here are ideas and suggestions for gifts that give back to others.

A Greener Christmas tree – Rent it and Plant it!

Renting a live potted Christmas tree means less mess, hassle and less landfilling

Every year, 25 to 30 million live Christmas trees are sold in the United States. Their ornaments and decorations help brighten our holiday. But after the holiday, they end up curbside as trash or, in towns offering such service, as recycling. A sad fate for such a wonderful part of Christmas.

Around the country, a new tradition is growing: renting a living tree for the holidays.

For more on the benefits of renting a live tree, the types of choices and where to find them, go to http://bit.ly/t1MkMj.

Green your holiday wrapping

Of the Earth gift wrap contains 50% recycled content

Getting even more into the spirit of the holidays means putting those holiday cards together, making sure you have the right presents and wrapping them up beautifully (or as best as you can).

Most wrapping paper isn’t recyclable. It’s usually dyed or laminated and can contain additives like gold and silver coloring, glitter and plastics.

Green your holiday decorations

Holiday fever is rapidly setting in, with holiday lights and Christmas tree lots springing up around town. Whether you celebrate Chanukah or Christmas, it’s time to think about decorating to usher in the holidays.

There are fun, creative options to decorate “green” this year. You could make your own decorations, drawing materials from Nature to create one-of-a-kind ornaments. buy and add to something, or purchase ornaments from a company or organization that involves recycling and /or repurposing materials that would have ended up in a landfill.