Whether you’re looking to stuff a stocking full of something other than candy and useless do-dads, or just looking to pass on a bit of green fun, we’ve selected an assortment of our favorite pint-sized green finds for you this year. From miniature marvels of modern technology to things that grow and tasteful doses of home decor, read on for a list of eco-gifts that prove great things do come in small packages.
SOLAR RACING CAR – $18
It’s about the size of a quarter. Amazing, right? Just imagine folks’ faces when you present them with the world’s smallest solar car!
MATCHSTICK GARDEN – $12.50 for 5
Tear off a match, stick it in soil, and add water then watch a miniature garden grow. Each set will grow a patch of Basil, Thyme, Chives and Parsley for your loved ones.
$12.50 for 5 from Brooklyn5and10
RECYCLED LP VINYL CUFFS – $25
Any music lover can appreciate these stylish cuffs made from recycled vinyl records made by WrecordsbyMonkey. With several different style available from their various collections, the designers offer a style for everyone, from classic patterns like herringbone to unique textile patterns inspired by urban life.
MINI KEYCHAIN SOLAR FLASHLIGHT – $21
For just $21 you can own the world’s smallest self-powered LED flashlight. This is a great way to introduce family and friends to solar power while keeping an eye out for their safety as well. This little gadget requires no batteries and will last longer than you do, so you never need to worry about it running out of juice.
SCENT OF A SCANDAL CANDLES – $15
Nothing feels cozier in the chill of winter than burning candles, and soy candles are much better for the environmental, indoor air quality (and your lungs) than traditional paraffin wax candles. ‘Scent of a Scandal’ is a cheeky brand of green, clean, soy candles with delicious aromas and snicker-inducing names like ‘Me So Thorny’, ‘Santa’s Pole’, ‘Hanukkah Bush’ and ‘Challahback Girl’. Amuse someone you love this holiday season with a naughty soy candle. $14.95 from Kaight
EGGLING – $12
Crack open this porcelain egg, water and watch it sprout into a thriving plant. It’s way cooler than those keychain pocket pets everyone used to have.
RECYCLED LP CAMEO NECKLACE – $75
Vintage, with a twist of contemporary, this recycled LP cameo pendant necklace gives a classic form a little bit of attitude. The front silhouette cut out is always made of recycled vinyl records, however, the back is available in beige acrylic, cherry wood, and black recycled vinyl. The pendant is designed by WrecordsbyMonkey and is part of their Heritage Collection.
RECYCLED FELT COASTERS – $18 for 6
One of the many fabulous things designer Josh Jakus does with recycled felt: smart, simple coasters held together by a single red thread.
BAMBOO SOLIDWARE SPORKS – $9
Made from 100% organic bamboo, these little sporklets are perfect for eating on the go. One end is a fork and the other is a spoon – so cute!
KATHLEEN LEWIS BATH AND BODY OILS & SOAPS – $9 – $12
Kathleen Lewis’ handmade bath and body oils & soaps are eco-friendly and luxurious. Packed with good-for-you ingredients, like aloe vera and sweet almond in the oils and olive oil in the soap, these beauty products will make just about anyone feel good on the inside and outside. Various scents are available in the Inhabitat Shop.
$9 Soaps from the Inhabitat Shop
$12 Oils from the Inhabitat Shop
MAGGIE’S SOAP NUTS – $12 for 4.7 oz (16-20 loads)
Toss these soap nuts into a cotton sack and in with your laundry and they will clean your clothes like a regular detergent. Completely compostable, biodegradable, and a great laundromat conversation starter.
$12 for 4.7 oz at OrganicBug.com
USB-CHARGED BATTERIES – $18
You might have seen our earlier post on these rechargeable little award-winning wonders. Plug them into any computer’s USB and then pop them in your gadgets for an alternative to landfill-bound alkaline batteries. Practical and pretty.
VINTAGE RECORD ORNAMENTS – $18 for 3
Created by Vinylux, these snazzy christmas tree ornaments are made from the centers of old 78″ record albums. They’ll have your music-loving friends and family rocking around the christmas tree.
Made in the USA by Resource Revival, these bottle openers are handy items to have around. Each one is constructed from a recycled bike chain, which adds a hefty dose of street cred.
These supercute magnets are handmade from recycled paper. The fair-trade company ThaiCraft works with artisans from Thailand to ensure extra adorability.BIKE CHAIN BOTTLE OPENER- $12
RECYCLED PAPER CRITTER MAGNETS – $6-9
CHECK OUT OUR 2008 GREEN GIFT GUIDE FOR MORE GREAT IDEAS>
