There is an unwritten rule about the holiday season: give, give and give some more. If you’re a thoughtful person, you will be asking yourself a few questions like: who am I going to give presents to this year and what should I buy? Why is everything over packaged and made overseas? Shouldn’t I be making something instead?

With a little bit of planning, you can actually ease the madness of the season by being green. Here’s how.

Gifts that Keep Giving

What involves hands-on participation, a learning opportunity and can be enjoyed throughout the year? A class! There’s something out there for everyone on your list; pottery, cooking, photography, woodworking, knitting, or language classes, just to name a few.

Give the Green Bucks

For the philanthropist on your list (or the person who has everything), give them a gift card for a Canadian charity from www.canadahelps.org. You choose the amount and the recipient, then they pick between hundreds of charities (including Earth Day Canada!). You will receive a tax receipt for your donation (an added gift come tax time).

Second Chance

For something truly unique, look for treasures at antique shops or second-hand stores. You might just find a beautiful piece of jewelery, a first-edition book or an inexpensive vase for your organic flowers.

The re-gift

This option is not for everyone. You have to be a risk-taker. You have to have good taste. You must know exactly what the other person would like. The wacky dragonfly lamp Aunt Mildred gave you might be right up your collector friend’s alley.

Your Presence is the Present

Transform this year’s gifts into memorable moments. Make a personalized redeemable coupon for time spent together such as visits to an outdoor skating rink, theatre, movie or a lunch date.

Ask for Green Gifts

Tell your loved ones (nicely) that you are not interested in receiving material presents you don’t need. This is an opportunity for others to understand your environmental principles and make green consumer choices themselves. Just give people ideas from the list above!

Want more tips? Check out Cheryl’s blog post:
Put Your Personal Stamp on the Holidays