Give the Gift of Green

Tis the season of giving and gifting! As I become more conscious of the kinds of presents I select for family and friends, I want to be choosing items that will last beyond December or January.  I also want to buy products that will not only be made of eco-friendly materials, but would help the receiver to appreciate its function and enjoy it immensely as well! I used to just shop what's on sale or popular.  It's so enjoyable to be more intentional & creative with gift-giving and put more thought into the entire process and lasting effect of these gifts.  
I've created a simple GREEN GIFT GUIDE with my take on smart ideas for the special folks in your life.  These choices are thoughtful, easy on Mother Earth, personal, and can be enjoyed year round!

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Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

MOM – Dryer balls with set of Essential Oils (Purify, Lavendar, Lemon are my reccomendations)
Gift mom with some wool dryer balls and a set of quality essential oils to make her laundry days a little safer.  Switching from dryer sheets is a great green swap plus using dryer balls can reduce drying time.  When you add a few drops of essential oil to wool dryer balls, you can still enjoy fresh smelling clothes, towels, and sheets! Here are my favorite Wool Dryer Balls and you can purchase essential oils from an online shop or your favorite Doterra or Young Living Consultant. 
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DAD– Dollar Shave Club + COUNTERMAN
I tried razors from the Dollar Shave Club and it was the BEST shave I've had in my life! These razors are very high quality.  The fact that they are metal handles, not only gives a nice touch, but helps reduce plastic waste as well.  You can purchase a short subscription to have dad sent a package of razors for a few months.  I've bought these for my picky father and he loved them!!! I would totally pair this awesome razor with Beautycounter's COUNTERMAN Travel Set.  It's everything a man needs for taking care of his face plus a chic case to keep everything in! Give your man the gift of sexy this Christmas! Find out about Dollar Shave Club here. 

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Photo: Beautycounter

 DAUGHTER  - Lip Gloss Vault
OK this is a shameless Beautycounter plug but what girl would not want this beautiful vault of Lip Glosses! She will be set for any holiday, occasion, and season for the new year ahead with this selection of 10 safe, non-toxic peppermint scented mini glosses! The only trouble will be making sure her sister or friends don't steal her stash! 

SON –Stainless Steel Flask with personalized name or custom sticker
I. Love. These! There are so many great options for affordable stainless steel water bottles (a safer option than plastic) but these ombre shades are my fave! And they come with 2 different lids.  I got some for every school age kid in my family and made it extra special by picking out personalized name stickers in different fonts, sizes, and colors from etsy! You could also get them a set of stickers of something they love like superheroes, unicorns, cars, or whatever and let them decorate their cup themselves! So fun and so special!!
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CHILD –Bamboo Toothbrush Set with Healthy Toothpaste
So its not a toy but it is sure to make your kids smile (with pearly whites too!) These bamboo toothbrushes are adorable and bright! They come with different colors and animals printed on them and is much better for the earth than plastic toothbrushes.  We love to use them with this yummy Bubble Gum fluoride free toothpaste from HELLO Your kids will be excited about brushing with these fun toothbrushes, and you'll have more peace of mind with safer toothpaste.

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​BOSS– Stainless Steel Straws & Bamboo Utensil Set
​Make lunch hour a little happier with a thoughtful set of on the go utensils and straw that'll keep your boss remembering what a smart gal/guy you are! Swap plastic forks, spoons, and straws for these babies and you'll have all your co-workers asking where you got them from.  Put them in a cute carrying case for a unique touch. 

FRIEND– Personalized Photo Cup 
Keep the memories alive with a personalized mug or on-the-go cup! You can select your photos and have a neat cup personalized atShutterfly. I've had one of these made for my boys' gradmas with all her grandkids on it. Such a sweet gift.  Toss those party pics or special days on a cup to have your bestie smiling throughout the week - even if you're apart!
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CO-WORKER – Potted Succulents (or another live growing plant)
This is a one-of-a-kind gift that's affordable, great for guys or gals, and will brighten a workspace or desk with happy green life.  You can actually order live green succulents from Amazon here. 
To add your personal signature, consider a decorative pot or painting some yourself! 

SECRET SANTA – Bamboo Comb
Ladies and fellas gotta keep their hair right (well, unless they are bald..) In any case, everyone can use a great comb.  I've really been impressed with the quality of this set and the great price point makes it an excellent choice for Secret Santa gift! Swapping plastic for bamboo again for the win!
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TEACHER - Hand Cream & Wine
As a former teacher....Trust and Believe. We NEED hand cream and we WANT wine.  Nuff said.  Your kids' teachers have to wash their hands almost as much as an orthopedic surgeon, let them restore those tired busy hands with these beautifully and naturally scented hand creams.  And any wine will probably do, but maybe even a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the New Year might be nice!

COACH - COUNTERSUN sunscreen 
Coaches give a lot of their time and energy to their team, help them keep their health and safety in top shape with Beautycounter's Sunscreen stick or Lotion.  Made with healthier ingredients reef-safe and added Blue Light protection.  Coach will definitely appreciate the gesture. 

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