by Aimee Coulter

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

With all the effort put into reducing, reusing and recycling, it is only a logical next step to make gift giving green this holiday season as well. No matter whom is on the gift giving list, there are items that can be purchased or made that are enjoyable and easy on the environment.

Shopping on the internet is second nature for most everyone now. Making purchases from the comfort of home during the hours convenient to the shopper is irresistible. But the convenience of this arrangement is tainted by the huge amount of fuel used to delivery these items. Use the internet in a more earth friendly way by utilizing the United States Postal Service. After all, they are going to be coming by once a day anyway.

Consider items that can be purchased over the internet without incurring shipping costs and adding to pollution such as tickets, passes and memberships to local events. For that star struck rock star teenager in your life, two tickets to the hottest metal band ever to come to town would be an unbeatable gift. Give season tickets to the local symphony or orchestra to the mature listener. Gift the dancers and singers in on the list with passes to an upcoming ballet or musical. Season passes to the local zoo or science museum are ideal for children or the young at heart. Know some people who love to camp and visit the state parks? Consider an annual or lifetime discount card for campgrounds and state and national parks.

The gift of trees and plants are always appreciated and give year round. For that green thumb on the gift list, avoid another energy guzzling piece of lawn equipment and wrap up a gift card to a nursery or tree farm specializing in local horticulture. For the newbie, a seminar on horticulture or landscaping at the local community college is a creative approach.

Feel like a gift card or tickets is impersonal? Want to have an actual tangible something to wrap up and put under the tree? Avoid another sweater set that will never be worn and focus on edible gifts. Soup and cookie mixes with the recipes tied to the side make a heartfelt gift that can actually be used. Homemade candies, cookies, breads and cakes never disappoint. Hit estate sales and flea markets to find unique containers in which to pack these goodies. Once the recipe has been made, your recipient has a one of a kind container to do with what they wish.

Compiling photographs for family or friends into an album or shadow box is a very personal gift. For a pictorial that can be used everyday, create a collage of pictures in a calendar format. Transfer old movies to DVD for the ultimate trip down memory lane.

Get creative and don't dismiss any idea. Consider the person for whom you are "shopping" and let the creative juices flow!

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