GREEN GIFT GUIDE 2008: Stocking Stuffers
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, here are some great ideas for useful eco-friendly stocking stuffers.
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
MINI KEYCHAIN SOLAR FLASHLIGHT
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
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 – $9.50
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 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
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!
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.
BIKE CHAIN BOTTLE OPENER- $12
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.
RECYCLED PAPER CRITTER MAGNETS – $6-9
These supercute magnets are handmade from recycled paper. The fair-trade company ThaiCraft works with artisans from Thailand to ensure extra adorability.
