What are the best sustainable gifts? What gifts keep on giving?

A hard meeting to schedule before the holidays! We met in Belltown’s Uptown Coffee on 4th.

Ideas for Gifts this Year

Jessica shared with us that she would be flying home and that her family is focusing on being together, food and cooking. She has many little ones in the extended family but they have agreed to not buy anything for them. That will be up to the parents. She was also going to give the gift of cleaning to her roomates and exchange household tasks.

Emily was also flying home and told us she had made writing kits with old art supplies and envelopes from bills she didn’t use. A creative way to use what you have and keep in touch with extended family. She also makes a point to give experiences instead of tangible items like those through the King County Waste Free Holidays.

Gina’s family was going to focus on a vacation for everyone into the mountains and Emily said there was a shuttle that could take them there and back, making it more eco friendly.

Kaytlyn was in the midst of hand-making most of her gifts for that year, inspired by items found in magazines and catalogs. Why buy them when you can make them!

The key thing to focus on for everyone during the giving season is what can you do to add and promote the values you believe in. Can you give to a charity like the United Way or use the White Envelope Project and let the gift giver decide? Since the economy is down, charities need your help more than ever. What causes mean the most to you? What causes mean the most to your loved ones? We agreed that Oprah’s Favorite Things seemed more meaningful this year. Please consider shopping locally and eco-logically this season.

Home Decorations

• Organic Christmas Tree
• Tree from the UW College of Forest Resources
• Consider a live tree you can plant after the holidays
• Bring nature indoors (old branches instead of a tree, holly, tree boughs)
• Beeswax candles (instead of lights)
• If you still want lights on your home, consider solar or LED versions
• Find alternative wrapping like old cookie tins, flour bags, pillowcases

Spotlight Sister: Gina Diamond

Gina shared all of her information about her Parties with a Purpose and assessments she creates for home and business owners. It’s a great way to get everyone together for special events, holidays and parties. Please see all of her services at HelpMeGoGreen.org.

Attending Sisters included Jessica, Emily, Gina and Kaytlyn. Very thoughtful meeting everyone! Enjoy the holidays.