GREEN GIFT GUIDE 2008: For Him
If you’re searching for some inspired sustainable gift ideas for the guys in your life, look no further! Whether you’re shopping for your husband, father, son, or significant other, we’ve selected an assortment of eco-conscious gifts that are sure to be big hits.
TIMBUK2 PRO-PLANET BAGS – $155
Timbuk2 has updated their tough-as-nails messenger bags with a variety of eco-chic options, and we love this tech-savvy wallflower laptop bag. It’s constructed from Eco-Intelligent polyester, which is produced and dyed using all environmentally safe ingredients. Alternately, you can choose from a variety of eco-friendly fabrics and build a bag from scratch!
INHABITAT GREEN ROOTS TEE – $35
Show that special guy in your life that you care about the environment with the Inhabitat Green Roots tee. This stylish sage green t-shirt is made from 100% organic cotton t-shirt, and features a graphic print which resembles both tree roots and human lungs, illustrating the fact that trees are the lungs of the earth. Printed by hand with water-based inks in Brooklyn, NY, this Inhabitat t-shirt is super soft and 100% eco-friendly.
$35 at the Inhabitat Store
FREEPLAY HANDCRANK / SOLAR COMPANION FLASHLIGHT / RADIO – $35
What gadget-loving green guy couldn’t use a cute little ‘Companion’ in their life? Freeplay’s eco-friendly Companion radio doubles as a flashlight and can be charged by handcranking and also by the solar panel on the top. Perfect for emergencies, hiking, camping, and other off-grid needs, the ‘Companion’ in is one of the most useful little gadgets we’ve seen in years.
$32 at the Inhabitat Store
STRIDA 5.0 FOLDING BICYCLE – $800
Strida‘s folding bikes are at the tip of every eco-conscious commuter’s tongue, offering an easy way to take advantage of both public and pedal powered transportation – you no longer have to choose between taking the metro, the bus, and your bike! Each innovative bike features a kevlar belt instead of a greasy chain, and they fold flat in just 5 seconds.
CHIC NOON SOLAR SOLAR BAG – $452
Yes, there are lots of solar power bags out there these days, but none are as stylish as these foxy designs by Noon Solar. Each bag integrates a flexible solar panel that is capable of charging cell phones, iPods, and PDAs. The other parts of the bag are eco-friendly as well, made from sustainably harvested materials like rhubarb, vegetable-tanned leather, and naturally hand-dyed hemp/cotton fabrics. Not only will you feel good carrying this bag around, but you will look hot as well.
VENTURE SNOWBOARDS – $545
These sleek snowboards are handcrafted from low-impact materials, feature sustainably harvested hardwood cores and feature all natural finishes. Each board is built in the USA from non-imported materials, and their Silverton, Colorado facility operates on 100% wind power.
ICEBREAKER GLACIER GLOVE – $35
These subtly striped gloves are sure to keep digits toasty as the thermostat drops – each pair is crafted from fine merino wool, which naturally wicks moisture, prevents odor, and insulates even when wet. They come from Icebreaker‘s gorgeous lineup of sustainably-sourced and ethically manufactured knits.
NAU MODUS TRENCH – $425
Earlier this year we eagerly awaited the relaunch of Nau, one of our favorite sources for simple, chic, and functional eco-fashions. Their new winter collection is now available online, and we love the sleek modern silhouette of their Modus Trench. The three layer recycled polyester shell is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, making it a great option for inclement winter weather.
TERRA PLANA AQUA SHOES – $150
Terra Plana‘s slick line of kicks are made from a broad range of sustainable and recycled products including ex-military parachutes and jackets, jeans, and old t-shirts. We’re particularly fond of their Aqua shoe, which features a thin puncture-resistant sole that simulates the experience of walking barefoot.
NARWHAL RECYCLED TIE WALLETS – $20
Skirt the tie-gifting cliche this holiday season with one of these funky recycled tie wallets by Narwhal. Each one-of-a-kind piece is constructed from a vintage necktie that has been carefully handcrafted into a beautiful billfold. We like their Wheeler-Dealer wallet, which cuts a slim profile with just enough space for a couple of cards and a few dollar bills.
TYPEWRITER KEY CUFFLINKS – $38
Lately it seems there’s been a resurgence of classic elements of style, with pocket squares, tie bars, and hats all popping up on the runways and in the streets. These recycled typewriter key cufflinks update the trend with a beautiful new take on vintage typography. Each pair is unique and they are available in a variety of styles and colors.
COTO LUXE CUFFLINKS – $85
And if you want to go an even earthier route with cufflinks made of briar root, natural horn, leather, and recycled paper, consider these superfine cufflinks from COTO Luxe, dubbed ‘fine accessories for the creative thinker’. Made locally in New York City, these links would be sustainably styling additions to any green guy’s ensemble.
AUBREY ORGANICS SHAVE SYSTEMS – $7 to $11
Aubrey Organics offers an excellent assortment of eco-friendly products for men that includes shaving cream, facial scrub, and after-shave balm. Their soothing North Woods line features all-natural ingredients such as organic avocado oil, witch hazel, and organic eucalyptus.
VERS HANDCRAFTED AM/FM IPOD SPEAKER – $220
Vers Audio recently updated their beautiful line of handcrafted speakers with a compact AM/FM sound system that pairs perfectly with an ipod. Available in a variety of locally and sustainably-sourced materials including bamboo and cherry veneer, each handcrafted speaker cabinet is built to last and boasts a full rich sound.
VOLTAIC SOLAR POWERED BAGS – $199 +
These solar bags never cease to amaze us, and make a great gift for that nomadic tech-geek in your life. The Voltaic messenger bags and backpacks are mobile power generators, designed to charge all your little gadgets with the energy of the sun. With no power outlets they charge cell phones, cameras, PDA’s, and MP3 player, making them ideal for that gadget-lover-on-the-go.
