Green Kids

So the holidays are right around the corner and you want to make this season different, right? No more brightly-colored plastics toys that beep, whistle, light up, and upset the family pet. No more buying a small fortune’s worth of double A’s. No more novelty-worn-off-leave-it-in-the-corner-until-it-goes-to-GoodWill toys. That kind of different, yes? Look no further, your dreams of a refreshing, renewing, and green Christmas and beyond can all be found right here.

First, start with a list. I’m a list-lover. There’s nothing about a list that I do not like. They are neat, orderly, and creative. Come on, it doesn’t get much better than that. On your first list (sure, there’ll be more…I told you I love lists) write down everyone you’d like to give a gift to. Note, that I did not say “buy a present for” because this is about being green, being thoughtful, and possibly repurposing some things that you already have. Don’t worry, repurposing is the new black and no one will think less of you for it. It’s chic so get over any fear you have of being found out. Your next list is a list that can be kept and added to all year (an all year list you say? Sign me up!) On your second list write down gift ideas as they come to you. You may find that ideas pop into your head while shopping (it really is okay to buy some gifts too - this is not off-limits), eating breakfast, or washing your hair. Write these thoughts down as they come and it will make your gifting go so much easier.

Armed with list(s) in hand you can start your shopping, baking, repurposing efforts with gusto. For the office folks I suggest one gift meant for all such as baked goods. Or you can make or buy one gift for each person that has a work purpose to it. For example, teachers may enjoy an education themed stainless steel water bottle or eco-friendly tote bag. For other adults you can make gifts more personal but never less earth-conscious. I’m a novice seamstress (in fact, I wouldn’t even use that strong of a word for my skill level) but making curtains, a day trip bag, or something similar is easy. Even local fabric shops have sustainable fabrics such as organic bamboo. When purchasing for kids you can find a wealth of engaging, non-battery operated toys, games, books, and supplies. Buying online at the same time will also save you gas on trips to various stores. Another idea for children’s gifts is to make one large item assembled from several smaller items in one theme. Take for instance a dress-up trunk. Buying Halloween costumes the day after Halloween, adults’ outerwear and shoes from the thrift shop, and a steamer trunk to store it all will make a fabulous gift that your kids will talk about (and use) for years to come. This year my goal is to create an art space within our home for the kids to use whenever they’d like. With everything at their level and a comfortable place to create I think it could be a big hit around here!

Don’t forget to wrap green too! Use reusable cloth gift bags (there are some really pretty ones out there), making part of the gift the wrapping, or using another reusable fabric. For the kids’ smaller items I like to hand-dye 30×30 silk squares and wrap gifts with these. The kids use them for pretend play later so they serve two roles.

Have fun using your unique talents and ideas this Holiday season!

Happy Wrapping!

Jessica

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