Going green this holiday season brings a whole new element to shopping. Sometimes, the very best environmentally-friendly gifts can be found at local businesses. Although most of us have received many lovely gifts, it's especially appreciated to give and receive gifts that don't litter up the earth or that can be used every day. Gifts of service and those offering cultural experiences are especially appreciated by those who prefer to live a green lifestyle. Consider some of the following suggestions for those on your gift list this year.

Consumable Gifts that Save the Earth

Although this may sound like a tall order, think of a gift that helps the environment in some way. Items and products that are consumed or used make fantastic holiday gifts. For example, give your grandma an assortment of meats from your local butcher. Arrange for a friend to get a free loaf of bread or a dozen English muffins every week for a couple of months. Talk to the local baker about your options for creative gifting. You could go all out by purchasing a large basket made from bamboo or other environmentally-friendly products and filling it with food/specialty your friend or relative would like.

Ask yourself, what does this person "use up" in a year? Then, give an assortment of such products. Items like soaps, shampoos, and lotions with cotton/bamboo cloths/towels make a lovely gift when presented in an environmentally-friendly basket wrapped in a pretty bow.

Green Gift Certificates

Who doesn't love a gift certificate? It's a fantastic present as it allows the recipient to freely choose whatever he would like to have. Particularly during tough economic times, a gift certificate can provide something the recipient needs or would really like to have. A great example of a green gift is a gift card/certificate to a grocery store. It can be used for much-needed groceries, a special item like a turkey or some fresh fish, or even a nice selection of books and other non-food items that grocery stores usually stock.

Green Gifts of Service

Another way to get more bang for your green gift-spent buck is to give gift certificates for services that local businesses provide. Certificates for car washes, detailing or waxing are incredibly special gifts for those who don't enjoy performing these perfunctory tasks. Plus, gifts of service are often green simply because we aren't giving a gift that is useless. Wouldn't your grandparents love the gift of having every window in the house washed inside and out? Or your sister might love to have the free services of a handyman for a month. Now that's a gift!

Can you imagine receiving the gift of 2 or 3 haircuts or styles? A manicure and pedicure or treatments at the spa downtown are also lovely gifts that don't take up space and thus, are perfect green gifts. Plus, most people love to be treated to trips to their local salons.

Green Gifts of Culture

What about your local community theater? Purchasing seasons tickets for some of the smaller theaters who stage only a few performances per season ensures your "artsy" gift recipient will enjoy her present. Even a visit to the local art gallery or museum promises your friend or relative will enjoy an afternoon of culture. Tickets to local museums and theaters leave no trace upon the earth and are wonderful gifts for all.

So, if you want to go green with your holiday gifting, contemplate giving some of these earth-loving presents. After all, why not give to the earth and your loved ones at the same time?

Learn more about this author, Rita Chaney.
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