Gift Giving - Top 10 Green Gifts

Every year we come across the same challenges of finding that perfect gift. The same scenario year after year. There are only so many ideas out there. And so, you think.

Well, I have news for you. This year will be different. It will be a green year. Think outside the box. Give a green gift this year.

Green gifts don't have to be green for the sake of being green. Green gifts can be practical and fun. Before you start shrugging your shoulders in disagreement. Take a moment to consider this year's nominees for Top 10 Green Gifts.

And the nominees are. Now, before we open the envelopes. Set aside any past conceptions that you may have had about green gifts or about traditional consumer gifts for all that matter. Friend, the gifts that I am eluding to here is not your usual kinds. These green gifts are quite the contrary. These green gifts fall under two simple categories.

In one category we have green gifts that are in tune with our natural environment. These green gifts are less toxic and less hazardous to our environment. In fact, green gifts are not always about the environment. It can be about you. About your health and safety. Green gifts are about adopting gift giving practices that are less likely to harm the cells in your body and the environment around you. Now, I hope you are beginning to see how a green gift can be a great gift for any occasion.

Start thinking about green gifts as gifts that are less likely to cause harmful conditions such as cancer and infections. Green gifts are all about promoting organic and natural ingredients in the labels of products you consume. Its a natural and organic way of living. Its about respecting your body and your environment.

Now, in the other category, green gifts can mean something else entirely. We are talking about gifts that have an immediate impact. These are not typical gifts. These green gifts are remembered as experiences. These green gifts are about experiencing the world around us. These are the best green gifts for this year and every year. I hope you enjoy these green gifts as much as I have. They really are worth adapting and sharing. Its a lifestyle that is organic and rewarding.

For the person who seems to have everything; the green gift of experience is perfect. In almost any department store these days, you will notice many gift cards, coupons or certificates. Many of which sell experiences. Spa treatment is a relaxing green gift. These green gifts allow you to live the moment and share precious experiences with those whom you love. Its the perfect gift to relax and enjoy. Its a green gift. A green gift will be remembered for many years to come. There is a better chance of you enjoying a wonderful spa retreat than a blender. Perhaps a weekend getaway for two. Maybe you would go gaga over "A dinner for two" at a upscale Italian restaurant. How about tickets for a music extravaganza. There are countless green experiences out there. Let your imagination be your guide. These green gifts of experience won't collect dust in the basement. You will remember it for ages.

Donating in your loved ones name is a thoughtful green gift that might even make your loved one shed a tear. Think of a worthy cause to donate this year. Maybe its breast cancer. Donating on someone's behalf will mean so much. Don't just Google something on the net. Take the time to make a call and make it as personal as possible. Take time to make sure it is a meaningful act. Don't feel that you must tell everyone about all the donations you are making to make it seem meaningful. It should be meaningful on its own. Its important for you to know that you made a difference to others.

Many children are in unfortunate circumstances where they struggle for food everyday. I am thankful to have food on my table everyday. Many are not so fortunate. This thoughtful green gift is as meaningful to your loved ones as it is for the one who are receiving it. To know that you can make a huge difference is priceless. Be sure that you are making a direct impact in the life's of those in need. Perhaps, donating to a local church or religious institution may be your interest. For others it may be donating cans to hungry children in a local neighborhood. It could be any form of extending yourself to those around you.

I know what you are thinking. Rest assured that these are wonderful gifts. Obviously, I would not recommend a frying pan as a gift for your wedding anniversary. However, there is something very special about ensuring that your spouse and children are not fed chemicals. How about ensuring that you are not cooking with toxic materials. Practical green gifts for your loved ones that are non-toxic are paramount to their well being and longevity.

Perhaps, a set of non-toxic cookwares that are not made of Teflon. Teflon, for those who don't know, is a coating on many non-stick frying pans that release toxic fumes. The coating on these pans release these toxic fumes when heated above 500 degrees. This year when purchasing your green cookware; ensure that its free of chemicals such as Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Green gifts that are non-toxic include the Green Earth Frying Pan. It has a 100% ceramic non-stick coating that is free of PFOA and PTFE. Its a green gift for your health conscious spouse. Make this year a green year. Take an active stand in protecting your loved ones against toxic chemicals. Make dinner with your spouse with these green frying pans.

Now, don't think that hair products are just for women. Men have bad hair days too. We all fancy great hair, but many lose hair and have split ends. We can all benefit from having great healthy hair this year. A green shampoo would be a start. Its the perfect green gift that shows that you really care about their health. However, beware that there are many green products that claim to be organic. How are you going to pick the right one? Well, the best way is to look at the number of certifications and ingredients it has containing organic sources.

The governing body for organic foods are quite rigid in their specifications. But, when it comes to organic products we should do our research as the lines may sometimes be blurred. Therefore, without further due, I recommend the Missense brand Shampoos as some of the best organic green shampoos in the market. This green shampoo has been certified organic by many organizations such as the Australian Certified Organic (ACO), Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) and the United States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA).

Now, there is a difference between being green products that are certified organic and are green due to natural ingredients. These certified organic products are pure organic without any compensation for its purity. Certified gives you assurance that you are paying for purity.

Now, you may wonder what is wrong with other shampoos in the market. Well, many of them have toxic ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate. This ingredient is a cleaning detergent. There are many health studies that point to its many harms. I am not going to go into all that here. But, please look it up and see for yourself. Personally, I have seen major differences after using this green shampoo. Its a great gift that your loved one will remember in the morning. Stroke her hair or his hair. Complement one another. On a side note, women really do appreciate men who care for their health and well being.

There is no real advantage in giving loved ones gifts that you know is going to end up in the basement next year. Do not buy her a handbag at Walmart that you know she is not going to use. If you don't know what she may like then ask. Ask friends, siblings and family who are close to your loved one for advice. Its worth the time and effort. It will make your gift more meaningful and your life more easier. Take on a green initiative this year.

Every year we fall into the same logistics. We think of gifts that are extravagant. But, lets give something that will last this year. How about giving some green organic love this year. Its timeless. There are no environmental harms and hazards involved. Love is in abundant supply. There are no toxic residues or wastes to worry about.

Order a blank card and say how much your loved one, friend or family means to you. Don't just look for the perfect card that says it all. Take your time and write something meaningful with an old fashioned pen and paper. A green gift like this shows that you took the time to write with your heart. Its unlikely that it will end up in the trash once read. A trend so typical of electronic email cards. To take it even further; why don't you make your very own card for her. Be creative and thoughtful. She will love you so much for being so romantic and compassionate.

Think and recollect your thoughts before you write. There must be genuine quality about your writing. Write when you are in the mood. Do not wait until the last minute. Perhaps this individual stood by your side when you were in a tough situation. Maybe she showed you the ropes during your first job. Maybe she was the one that saw your potential. Doesn't she deserve more of your love. Be creative with your card. Draw a picture in the card to show your love or friendship for her or him. Include a picture of yourself with your loved one in the card. It could be an picture that they must have forgotten about. Its the perfect gift. You may notice that your beloved may be more interested in your thoughtful card than in the gift itself.

Try being creative. Tell her how much you want to spend time with her this year. Take her out for dinner and entertainment. Share your green card with her during the dinner. Nothing celebrates life like love, compassion and precious moments together. There are so many opportunities to celebrate the spirit of gift giving this year. Do it the green way. Think outside the box. We don't all have to flock like penguins to the same rhythm. Be green. Set yourself apart. Be the change you wish to see in this world. She will love you for it. Happy Gift Giving!

Now, for your loved one who is fixated on gadgets. It could be your girlfriend who is always on her Ipad 2. Now Ipad 3. Why don't you buy her an app (application) for her WiFi enabled 4G tablet. Its not going to go to waste. Make sure its an application that you pay for with your money and not a free app. For instance, a friend in medical school would appreciate a medical app such as visual body. Perhaps, you can include a free iphone app with your purchased app. An app that will help her organize her errands everyday. It would make her remember you every time she runs the app. If you think this is not sufficient enough; you can always have this as cherry on the ice cream.

For that intellectual girl or guy who appreciates knowledge. An years worth of subscription to a informative magazine or newspaper may be the perfect gift. She will appreciate you every time she receives her monthly subscription via mail. Now, this may seems outdated. But, many people still like an old fashion magazine on their doorstep. It beats receiving a bill. We can always recycle it afterwards. Its still marginally green. For women, who need everything on their Ipad 2 or Playbook. Rest assured that there are many electronic books available that take advantage of the Ipads features. Some suggestions may be autobiographies, computer books, finance texts, fashion, psychology, travel and organic beauty tips .

Glasses are great green gifts. There are many glasses that are made from natural ingredients. Look for the kind that has least harm to the environment. Nothing says green like a pair of sexy glasses that is green. However, you may want to look into boutique eyeglass stores and do some research prior to purchasing those green glasses.

Green cosmetics is a great Valentine's Day gift. EWG Skin Deep launched a website with over 69,000 cosmetic and personal care products. The intention of the website was to build awareness of products and to provide people with a database of products consumers can find out about. These guys have done most of the label reading for you. Its a great source for searching for that perfect green cosmetic product. How about a green cosmetic bag to go with her green organic cosmetics. It would be great for a woman to know that you watch out for her beauty. Your her soul mate. Also, make sure you appreciate her for her inner beauty. That is the beauty that radiates to her skin. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

Perhaps an oddball green gift, but its really not. A green gift of fitness doesn't have to be an year's membership at LA Fitness. A green gift can be as simple as a few classes of Kundalini Yoga. This green gift will get her started on taking care of her health. Yoga will make her feel more calmer and more energetic. Its the perfect green gift. In fact, even two yoga classes is all it takes to boost her energy.

This green gift will definitely get her off the couch and in the mood for some loving. How can you really be romantic sitting down on the sofa watching reruns all day. Take your shape seriously and start being active. There are so many ways in which she can enjoy life with you. Take on a green initiative and skate with her more often. Have a hot chocolate for two by the fire place afterwards. The green gift of classes has a specific start and end date. This is what makes it an effective green gift. However, with a gym membership, she can choose to go at her leisure.

This gift will work wonders for those who just can't seem to get moving this year. Give them hope this year. Get them in the mood for life. Being romantic starts with a positive attitude. And what better way to create a positive attitude; but by being active and healthy. It all starts with you. Be her workout partner. Play racquetball together at the gym. How about a game of indoor volleyball. Be actively romantic this year.