Fabulously Green Gift Ideas
The countdown to the holidays has begun and it’s time to start thinking about gift-giving. We as a society are becoming more eco-minded and it’s likely you’ll have a friend or family member who would prefer an organic, fair-trade, or otherwise “green” gift. This week I’ll highlight some fabulously green gift ideas for moms and tots.
Babywearing is not only hip and trendy, it promotes bonding and allows moms to go hands-free. I am so impressed by the style and quality of slings available at Thing-A-Ma-Sling. Featuring handmade, unpadded ring slings, Thing-A-Ma-Sling offers organic cotton fabric options that can be customized to include embroidered or monogrammed lettering and image. Choose from khaki, color-grown cotton or apple-green (dyed with eco-friendly dyes). Many of the slings available for purchase are one-of-a-kind or Limited Edition. Retails for $57.95-$$69.95
Lavish that posh mama with a Kensington Baby Play Mat by Plain Mary. A fave among celebrities, parents will love it’s chic design and super soft quilted micro-suede fabric. I always struggled to find a blanket that I could lay down for my son to nap or play when we were out. The Kensington Baby Play Mat is amply padded and large enough (36 x 56 inches) for babies to crawl, play and nap. It’s as versatile and functional as it is luxurious. I absolutely love the durability, quality, and sustainability of the fabrics used. They’ve been tested for stain resistance to baby’s drool, spit-up, etc. You could (and should) keep the play mat as a beautiful keepsake once your tot is on the go. Add that finishing touch with an embroidered monogram. Retails for $190
Plain Mary is in the process of phasing in organic micro-suede fabrics in an effort to meet the demand for “green” products. The Kensington Play Mat is wrapped in a reusable drawstring tote which eliminates the need for wasteful packaging and the company plans on integrating this change into their entire product line. Be sure to visit Plain Mary for upscale gifts ideas. Add the finishing touch to your gift by packaging it in an adorable Miniature European Suitcase Box made with sturdy eco-friendly fiber board.
Going BPA-free is sure to be the trend this holiday season as big companies like Walmart and Target phase out those potentially harmful products. Stuff those stockings with a reusable, BPA-free Kleen Kanteen sippy. The sippys are made from 100% recyclable, high-quality, food- grade stainless steel. They have a slim, tapered design that makes it easy for little hands to grasp. Kleen Kanteen’s special adapter works with Avent’s patented sippy cup spout (also BPA-free). There are two things I absolutely love about Kleen Kanteen’s sippys: liquids stay cold for hours and the spout does not leak. Retails for $17.95-$19.95
I have a closet full of clothes that I no longer wear but cannot part with. I keep thinking that someday we’ll have a little girl who may want to wear one of mommy’s dresses. I could never just throw clothing away and I hesitate to donate the items to a charity who may not appreciate my sense of style. Luxoskid.com is a truly unique company that will take those threads you’re no longer sporting and turn them into high-end custom clothing for your child. I can’t think of a better way to reuse and recycle. Don’t worry if your jeans are well-worn or there’s a hole in hubby’s shirt. Owner and founder Susi Lux adds details, stitching, patches and design to turn your old fashions into high-quality designs that are sure to make a statement. This unique and creative gift idea will warm the hearts of moms and tots!
My son and I were at Toys R Us the other day and I have to admit that we were both overwhelmed by the sheer number of toys begging to be bought. I was disappointed to find just one small section of “green toys” in one of the largest retail toy stores in the country. Toy safety has been a top parental concern since Fisher Price recalled 1 million toys last year. Toys are also made of materials that are not necessarily eco-friendly which means they stick around forever. Green Toys offers safe, eco-friendly, creative toys made right here in the US. The entire line of toys are made from recycled plastic milk jugs and free of lead, BPA, or phthalates. Every toy undergoes stringent safety testing. The company is committed to eco-friendly production and distribution. The toys are packaged minimally, in recycled corrugated boxes without using plastics, cellophane or twist-ties. Check out the adorable tea set for girls or the sand play set for boys.
When I was a child I loved to play games with my mother. Games are a fun way for kids to interact and learn while still having fun. Beyond Learning, the creator of the world’s first eco-friendly board game, will soon be launching their newest game entitled Pick-Up Words. Preschoolers will work on refining their reading, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. Beyond Learning math and reading games seek to engage children. Children learn best through play and these games do a nice job of incorporating both. The games are all printed with soy-based ink, phthalate-free lamination, and water-based varnish on recycled paper. Retails for $15.95-$19.95
I’m a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night. My husband and I savor the warm Southern California sun. We love to travel…so much so that we spent 8 weeks backpacking Europe before moving to Edinburgh, Scotland where we found out I was pregnant with my son. I am a babywearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding mama whose passions include health, fitness, and all things green. If I’m not running after my 15 month old son…or my husband…you can find me frequenting the local tea room, shopping, baking, or reading.
My blog is Rockin’ Mama
November 5th, 2008 at 1:06 am
I found some great green gift sets http://www.sustainablesourcing.com/
Great for the chef/cook in your family, but they also carry bath salts for that weary MOM!
November 6th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Here’s a little organic baby clothing company with great designs and an even greater mission – a percentage of all profits benefit kids in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.babies4peace.com
November 7th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
[...] At Peekaboo, Caryn Bailey highlights some fabulously green gift ideas for moms and tots. [...]
November 11th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
[...] At Peekaboo, Caryn Bailey highlights some fabulously green gift ideas for moms and tots. [...]