Gifts
Although gift giving can be meaningful for both the giver and receiver, in the American culture, the process and products are often anything but.
We believe it is time to highlight the opportunities that gift giving offers to show that you really care. Think about this: When we buy gifts that are poorly made, come from thousands of miles away, are made by people who earn next to nothing, or use precious resources, what we intended as meaningful may send a very different message.
We suggest that you reduce the chain of burdens (and make your gift something that underscores and symbolizes the love/friendship/respect/congratulations that they are intended to convey), by giving gifts that are people- and planet-friendly.
When buying, look for items that are handmade and fair trade. Consider giving to a non-profit in an area that your recipient favors. If you're looking looking for ideas, try www.CharityNavigator.org.
Whatever you choose, remember that giving gifts from the heart truly carries meaning with them into the hands of friends…
Here are the top three things we'd like to ask you to keep in mind when considering gifts.
1. Plan ahead.
- Keep a list of gift giving opportunities throughout the year for each family member or friend. When shopping at craft fairs or other local venues, pick up things you like.
- Last minute purchases are usually the most expensive and least meaningful.
2. Give experiences or give of yourself
- Make memories by giving tickets to a sporting, theater or music even, or paying for classes the recipient might enjoy.
- What can you do that the giftee might appreciate? Clean his house? Accompany him on an outing? Plant some flowers in her yard? Repair his bicycle? Organize her office? Cook and freeze some fabulous desserts?
3. Consider these questions before you buy
- Is it made from recycled and recyclable materials?
- Was it made by someone earning a fair wage?
- Is it a gift that will be enjoyed for more than a day?
- Has it traveled thousands of miles to get to you?
- Did the making of the gift cost the Earth?
Want to learn more about giving gifts that are good for people and the Earth?
Buy our book today!