Originally Published December 6, 2013   The holiday season can wreak havoc on our nerves and on the environment. Frantically searching for the ‘right’ gift, we spend much time and fuel to get to stores only to fight our way through the crowds of folks doing the same. Consider the hundreds of products sitting in these malls that have been manufactured with much damage to the environment or produced by some unfortunate souls in ghastly working conditions. And after the gift giving season is over, many of these products are discarded only to find their way into landfills where they add to the pollution problem.
This year, take it down a notch and consider the reason for gift giving. It’s not about the size or price of the gift, but it is about the thought. Gifts that are chosen with the health of the individual and the well-being of the environment in mind are gifts that are most appreciated. Products chosen for their organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly properties fit both of these considerations and need not be expensive.Here is a list of great Christmas eco-friendly gifts under 25 dollars;
1. Geranium Body Wash: Certified organic, this all over foaming wash is gentle enough for use on the body and face. Made with certified organic essential oils; and free of artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives; it gently cleanses the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and renewed. The robust aroma promotes relaxation and eases nervous tension. Appealing to both women and men body wash is Vegan, Gluten-Free, Cruelty-Free and made in the USA. $21.00
2. Six Piece Cosmetic Natural Brush Set: Perfect high quality cosmetic tools set! Made from natural bristle cosmetic brush setnatural bristles and recycled materials, the set includes brushes for blush, lips, eye shadow, angled brush for blending, and foam applicator for eye powder. All fit in a neat black matte carrier which slips perfectly into a make-up bag. Made in the USA. $21.49
3. Mantra Organic Cotton Knee Hi Socks: Socks truly good for your soul as well as your sole! Mantra Socks are a nearly sheer dress sock- luxuriously soft and comfortably stretchy. Knee Hi Socks are made in the USA with certified organic cotton and display a soothing message on the inner ankle. $17.49/pr
4. Eco-Friendly Bath Time Bath Coloring Scenes: This unique environmentally friendly product provides hours of enjoyment for kids while they learn about the endangered species of the world. Every component of this set is recyclable so you can be sure you are doing the best for the environment. The bath coloring scenes are made from stone paper which does not use wood pulp or bleach and is completely biodegradable. The triangle, “no roll†bath crayons are thoughtfully designed and are made from soap so you can be sure the kids get clean while they play. Set Includes: 5 Bath Crayons, 6 Bath Coloring Scenes and Animal Sponge Eraser. $16.99
5. Eco Toy Tugboat: Embark on a cruise across the bathtub. Navigate the wading pool. Even splash around in the occasional mud puddle. There’s no end
 to the green fun young sailors can have with the Eco Toy Tugboat. This colorful craft easily floats and has a wide spout to scoop and pour water. Made in the USA from recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Tugboat is both good for the earth and safe for the busy little folks who play there. No BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. $19.49
6. Eco-friendly Natural Eco Wedge Crayons: Kids will love using these multi-surfaced soapecofriendly wedge crayons crayons for all of their coloring activities. Each crayon has four writing points and multiple surfaces to use for different width lines. Twelve bright colors, natural crayon wedges make coloring large areas a snap and are easy to hold for artists with small hands. Older kids will love the unique wedge design too. $17.49
7. Kids Organic Cotton Tie Dye Crew Socks: Beautiful tie dye socks made in the USA with organic cotton are great worn cuffed or rolled up. These fun and colorful socks are great for all occasions and make a unique and cheerful gift! Hand dyed with low-impact natural dyes. $13.49/pr
8. Kids Short Sleeve Organic Cotton Tee: ‘We Are The Future’ tee depicts little muddy hands surrounding the earth and reminds us to teach our children to care for Mother Earth! Perfect fit eco-friendly clothing for kids, this organic cotton tee eliminates the baggy look, fitting like a glove. Clay dyed and made in the USA. $24.95
9. Men’s Beech Wood Boar Bristles Brush: Environmentally friendly grooming for him, this product uses no endangered wood and the boar bristles are humanely sheared from farm raised animals. The carton uses recycled material and soy based inks. $24.99
10. Bulldog Men’s Natural Skin Moisturizer: Hydrating moisturizer especially for men is packed with eight essential oils, green tea, green algae, and vitamin E to help re-hydrate the skin. $21.99
11. Unisex Organic Cotton Crew Socks: These crew socks are made from certified organic long-staple cotton and contain specially made cotton-covered lycra and natural rubber. The lycra and rubber are used to aid stretch, durability, and to ensure a good fit for a wide variety of adult feet. Dyed with low-impact dyes. $21.00/pr
12. Soy Candles: Handcrafted candles are made from the highest quality soy and vegetable blend wax; premium fragrance oils; and cotton and paper core wicks. The best ingredients ensure these candles will burn longer and cleaner with a superior scent throw for the ultimate candle burning experience. Candles are proudly made in the USA using soy bean wax provided by the American farmer. $21.49
13. Bamboo Recipe Organizer Box: Made from organically grown sustainable bamboo, this box can be used for recipe cards or to store small trinkets. Eco-friendly Bamboo is self replenishing and does not need pesticides or fertilizers to grow. $24.49
14. Eco-Shoulder Cell Phone Motif Tote: A collection of long ago things that went “beepâ€, this shoulder tote is made with post- consumer recycled materials. It has a large compartment, a roomy exterior pocket, and shoulder length straps. Great for travel or as a gym bag. $ 23.99
15. Hemp Heritage® Earth Journal: The playful woodblock illustration on the cover of this hemp paper journal is printed in full color on extra-heavy cover stock. The pages inside feature 24lb. text weight paper made from environmentally friendly hemp fiber. Whether at work or play, these books will enliven the creative energies within. Bound with stainless wire. $14.95
16. Eco Stainless Steel Water Bottle: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Re-hydrate. Think green and avoid environmentally damaging plastic water bottles. High-quality food grade Stainless Steel Water Bottle is free of BPA and other harmful substances associated with other water bottles. Safely re-usable stainless steel does not leach into water. $21.99
17. Plant-able Paper Grow-A-Note All Occasion Note Card Set: You can grow these cards! This elegant word-free design is printed on Speckled Yellow Grow-a-Note® recycled paper. Package of 5 cards and envelopes. $16.95
18. Recycled Paper Wrapped Art Pencils: This Recycled Paper Wrapped Art Pencil Set contains ten different pencils, each made from recycled newspaper and painted in earth friendly stunning silver color. Each eco-friendly pencil set combines a wide range of the finest graphites, giving the user an arsenal of options for sketching, drawing and shading. Includes a beginners’ and advanced guide to drawing. $24.49
19. Flower Pencil Makeup Case: Can you smell the flowers? Beautiful collage design and convenient size makes this perfect as a pencil or makeup case. Keeps your tiny things tidy, and easily fits inside your other bags! Made from post-consumer recycled materials. $13.99
20. Reusable Gift Wrap Bag: Super convenient gift bag is made from natural cotton! Just put your gift in the sack and tie the fabric draw cord. Durable they will last for many years thereby using less of our planet’s limited resources. $8.49