Want a fun way to get family & friends together?  Host a DIY Holiday Gift-making party!  Have everyone bring their own ingredients and containers (you might want to supply the labels) and have a fun night of making batches of affordable gifts while sipping organic hot chocolate or cider.  Here’s another recipe, courtesy of Martha Stewart that is on my list of things to do this season:  

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon beeswax pellets

2 tablespoons carrier oil (grapeseed, olive, sunflower or Vitamin E) [My tip: buying olive oil in bulk seems to be the most affordable]

A few drops of essential oil(s) (Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine, Peppermint, Rosemary &/or Star Anise) [Tip: Star Anise smells like black licorice]

Lipstick shavings in desired color [My tip: make sure you use natural or organic lipstick like this]

Instructions:

1). Put beeswax and carrier oil in jar and close lid.  Heat the jar in a pot of water over medium-low heat until wax has melted. Remove jar from pot carefully.

2). Stir mixture with metal spoon.  Using a pipette, add essential oils, 1 drop at a time, until strength of scent is to your liking.  Stir in lipstick shavings, 1 at a time, until desired shade is achieved and color is even throughout.

3). Using another pipette, transfer lip balm to containers.  Let set for 1 hour. 

4). Add labels.

5). Gift to special special! 

Source & Image credit: MS Living

I recently picked up the Christmas issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine and was pleasant surprised to find a great Do It Yourself article called “Natural Beauties”.  The guide includes beautiful photos and instructions on how to make homemade bath & body treatments that “let you give the gift of relaxation”.  This is one of my faves (and I’ll most likely be trying out myself very soon):

DIY Body Scrub Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups Epsom salts or organic cane sugar

1 cup carrier oil (grapeseed, olive, sunflower or Vitamin E) [My tip: buying olive oil in bulk seems to be the most affordable]

8 drops essential oil(s) (Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine, Peppermint, Rosemary &/or Star Anise) [Tip: Star Anise smells like black licorice]

1 drop natural food colorant [My note: Avoid synthetic food coloring, like FD&C and D&C colors as they’ve been linked to neurological toxicity]

Instructions:

1). Stir together Epsom salts or sugar and carrier oil in a bowl, mixing well.

2). Add essential oil(s), 1 drop at a time.

3). Add natural food coloring, and stir until color is even throughout.

4). Spoon into glass canning jars. 

5). Print & adhere labels (use salt or sugar labels).

6). Gift to a loved one! 

Source & Image Credit: MS Living

This futurist high elevation retreat resembles a drop of mercury and distinctively reminds me of what locals call “The Bean” in Chicago’s Millenium Park (aka Cloud Gate).  Tourists stare into the mysterious art piece, take fun photos and throw their hats up into the hollow center.  No doubt Ross Lovegrove’s new project will be a work of modern art, but may also serve as a high elevation getaway.   Scheduled to begin construction in Italy in 2010, this pod will be solar & wind-turbine powered and is designed with a double glass exterior covered with a special reflective coating, completed transparent from the inside allowing guests a 360 degree view of their natural surroundings while cozy and warm, including enjoying a starlit sky in the comfort of bed. 

Do you think this distracts from the natural beauty of the landscape or do you think its a great idea to be able to enjoy it more fully whilst keeping warm?  

 {Via Inhabitat}

Instead of filling a child’s stocking to the brim with candy laced with artificial colors and ingredients, why not promote leafy greens and juicy fruits early on?  Its surprising to me that more parents don’t realize they are the ones that form their children’s taste buds (for the most part) or that a child’s behavior can be directly related to what they are consuming on a daily basis (candy, soda, dessert, excessive amounts of fruit juice, white bread, cookies, etc.).  If this is the case, why give them sugary treats, caffeine and empty calories?  I know I sure feel and act differently when eating these things, so why would it be any different for kids? 

It’s no secret that Europe has more stringent standards than the U.S. in terms of restrictions on ingredients and they’ve always been ahead of us in terms of nutrition, alternative medicine and a more natural way of life.  According to The LA Times, earlier this year the UK’s  Food Standards Agency (the British equivalent of our Food & Drug Administration) asked food makers to voluntarily recall six artificial colors in food products by 2009.  And in July, the European Parliament voted to add warning labels “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” on foods containing the same six synthetic red and yellow dyes, which spurred large manufacturers such as Nestle to re-formulate their products rather than risk suffering a drop in sales. 

Unfortunately parents now also have to watch out for lead, PVC and BPA in toys.  Gifting a child with veggie & fruit toys is a subtle message, one that should be followed up with actually feeding them with the real versions, but the subliminal message may encourage them to think more highly of them.  Under The Nile offers some cute teethers and toys for young children that would undoubtedly make great stocking stuffers or small gifts for the children on your list. 

You’ll find great stocking stuffer ideas for under $6 here: Mushroom, Green Bean, Grapes, Tomato, Brocolli , Carrot, Banana and Eggplant.  Or find an entire organic veggie crate for $30 or an organic fruit basket for $28.50.  If you prefer wooden toys this non-toxic natural wooden set for $38.49 from Germany is absolutely adorable. 

For even more great baby gifts, check out this Waldorf Maple Teether and this Organic Pop-Up Puppet from our sister site, Family Time. 

Lake Champlain Organic Fair Trade Hot Chocolate $10 

Made with their famous chocolate, many swear this is one of the best hot chocolates ever.  Full-bodied, rich and deeply satisfying.  A great small gift or stocking stuffer for just about anyone (except chocolate haters). 

SkinnySkinny Rose & Almond Soap $10

I have a soft spot for this adorably wrapped, handcrafted pure soap.  It foams beautifully, has a wonderful aroma and is made from at least 98% organic ingredients.  No wrapping paper needed!  Just add a small gift tag and this little package is good to go. 

Sjaak’s Organic Vegan Chocolates $29.80

Sjaak’s is a family & vegetarian run business that pays careful attention to fair trade practices, non-GMO, organic gourmet chocolates.  Last year I gifted these boxes to two loved ones and they were a hit. 

Azuri Organic Cotton Scarf $34

Marked all the way down from $200, this scarf is available in an extensive variety of colors and is offered from NIMLI, a great eco-boutique.

da Rosario Black Truffle Organic Oil $41.50

For over 20 years chefs have come to rely on Rosario Safina to bring them the highest quality truffles and truffle products.  Featured in The New York times at the beginning of the year and in Forbes Find Of The Day just a few months ago, this USDA certified organic oil is infused with real truffle pieces and may just be the perfect unique gift for the foodie in your life.  The gourmet line also offers truffle butter, salt and honey. 

Cuddl Duds Organic Cotton Hipster panty $9 and Organic Cotton Camisole $20

This simple white set makes a great stocking stuffer for mom, sister or daughter. 

Cuisinart GreenGourmet 8 inch skillet $27.98

A perfect fit for the great cook in the family!  This is made with Ceramica non-stick technology which is made from ceramic instead of petroleum.  The hard anodized construction means that it heats up faster than standards pans taking less energy to reach full heat needed for cooking. 

Dr. Hauschka Rose Body Oil $35.71

A bit of a guilty pleasure, this is one of my mom’s favorite beauty products.  Smells lovely, its certified natural by BDIH (all ingredients are Biodynamic, organic or wild-crafted) and the brand is a favorite amongst celebs.  Good for all skin types, this is definitely the pampering gift for her.  Dr. H has also received many awards for its social and ethical business practices.  Great for mom, grandma or girlfriend and would make an especially thoughtful hostess or teacher gift too! 

300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Sheet Set $39.99

Whoever she is, she’ll appreciate a new set of sheets and the fact that they’re grown without pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers is a bonus (and organic cotton crops help reduce the nasty chems from ending up in our waterways and airways). 

Tsi-La Organics Fiori d’ Arancio perfume $45

I’m sensitive to synthetic scents and even some natural ones, but not Tsi-La.  I absolutely love Fiori d’ Arancio and Ilang Ilang, or better yet snag the entire set here.  Made only with oils, exotic butters and floral resins….they smell heavenly!  Perfect for your wife or girlfriend! 

Organic Cotton Hooded Trench Coat $92

Marked down from $189, this cozy organic cotton jacket from Vivaterra would make a great gift. 

In case you haven’t noticed, the deals are flying in from every direction and while I wouldn’t advocate spending just for the sake of spending, many of us are attempting to be more frugal this holiday season.  Here are some deals I’ve stumbled across that may help you check off one of the guys on your list:

1). American Apparel Organic Cotton T-shirt $6.89

 Guys need basics too and if you’re like many families, Christmas is a time to replenish the socks, underwear and t-shirts of the male species in the family (stocking stuffer perhaps?!). 

2). Econscious Men’s Hoody - 80% Organic Cotton / 20% Recycled Polyester $16.20 

A great deal on any sweatshirt, much less one made from organic cotton and recycled fabric!  Normally $46, you’ll find this great price in select sizes.  A basic pullover hoody with kangaroo pocket, cotton/spandex ribbed cuff and and hem, enzyme-washed for minimal shrinkage. 

3). Men’s Simple Eco Sneakers (starting at) $30.99

Whether you’re trying to find something for the eco-conscious guy in your group, boost up Dad’s cool factor or get something for your skater brother or son, these should do the trick.  Hemp uppers, lined with organic cotton, recycled car tire soles, PET laces and footbed made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled bike tire sidewall. 

4). REI Organic Cotton Men’s Lounge Pants $32.99

I think its important to have family traditions.  We have a standing one that everyone opens one gift on Christmas Eve and its always the same thing, just an updated version.  My mom buys everyone pajama pants and shirts (that usually match).  We all sleep in them and then wake up on Christmas morning coordinated.  These look like the pants she bought the guys last year.  Why not start your own pajama tradition???

5). Levis 539 Men’s Red Tab Vintage Straight Leg Eco Jean $39.99

Regularly $58, these jeans are made from 100% organic cotton.  Customers rate them with 4.75 out of 5 stars.  Available in four washes (I prefer “Everest”).   

1). Don’t shop:

Instead spend the day with family enjoying each others company and leftovers.  If you have to work on this day, I feel for you and you may want to look into this Stress Relief patch to help you deal with crazy shoppers. 

 2). Wait until Saturday or Sunday:

You’ll still have to fight your way through crowds and play shopping cart bumper car, but the sales will still be going on {in this case, you may also want to look into this survival patch}. 

 3). Shop online:

I don’t know about you, but my blood pressure rises when I have to turn sideways to get through a crowd {”excuse me, excuse me, excuse me“} or when a checkout line is more than ten people deep.  I’d much rather shop in the comfort of my home, where I can find the best deals without having to waste gas hopping from one store to the next, have my gift wrapped for me and shipped free of charge {because this weekend the free shipping deals are going to be flying}. 

I’m not one who finds beauty in typical graffiti.  In fact, I mentally roll my eyes a little when its plastered on the outside of a perfectly good building, structure or train.  In my opinion, graffiti = boredom.

I make an exception for this though.  I love the inspiration behind it and I’m drawn to the way it looks on concrete in the midst of dried spray paint.  It brings beauty to the ugliness and makes me smile. So why does sustainable design team, Anna Garforth and Elly Stevens write in moss around the city?

 In their own words:

“It seems as if writing with moss, represents an unusual synthesis between advanced civilization and nature.  It is a chance for us to speak as individuals and artists, but also to be the spokesperson of organisms which have no voice in our world. We hope that not only the words will be noticed, but also the moss itself, put to the forefront through it’s sculpting, fashioned into a form we can understand.

We ask people to nourish each other, and nourish the ecosystem we inhabit.”

What do you think?  Fab or funky? 

This utterly irresistable Organic Cotton Bear Jacket from the makers of undeniably cool organic baby clothes, just might be the perfect thing for little ones this time of year.   The fact that I’m in what looks like a Christmas snowglobe right now might have something to do with me wanting everyone to be bundled up, cozy and warm (although I understand that its in the low seventies in Southern California right now). 

If you’re not already familiar with speesees, I highly recommend checking them out.  Their simple styles and bright colors in organic cotton are sure to make any Mama’s day a little brighter.  Whether buying for your own kids or someone else’s, you can feel good that your hard earned dollars are going to a company of integrity, one that has children’s best interest in mind.  I personally love giving speesees clothing as gifts (especially to my nephew who looks so great in them)!  Just remember that if the child is older you may want to add a toy to the gift because they don’t appreciate clothes as presents nearly as much as parents do.