Go For Green Gifts This Holiday

As you write down your list of gift recipients this holiday, think green. Don't let yourself become overwhelmed by price tags and bottomless gas tanks, while you're out on the gift patrol. You don't have to go far to find what you're looking for, and here's how:

First, think of the people on your list. Do any of their interest matches up to anything in their community or yours? If so, consider giving them something that matches those interests. Look towards theaters, concerts, and other types of event tickets that the person you're shopping for may enjoy. I'm willing to bet the people you're thinking of would love a night out, especially if they have small kids. If you live close enough, be generous; throw in a handmade ticket for babysitting on the night of the event.

Like most of us, you're probably thinking, "What do you give someone who has everything?" How about a night off from making supper? Someone who works long hours or has a chaotic schedule, or travels a lot, just might appreciate the thoughtfulness of a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. Depending on the card's amount, they may even be able to use it more than once.

Breads, cakes, fudges, and cookies are traditional bake goods for the holidays. Since you're most likely baking up a batch of sugar cookies this season anyway, why not double the batch and share with a friend? You can pick up plastic or tin cookie containers and add one type of cookie or a variety of delicious sweets, and put them together in a reusable container.

Look ahead to the future, the next time this holiday falls, will only be 365 days away, and it never hurts to start preparing now. Some of us have special talents. We sew. We bake. We make things with our hands. If you can do this, then why not create something special for everyone on your gift giving list. Starting hand crafted projects early, ensures you have plenty of time to complete them.

While you're walking down the sidewalk, stop in at your local used book store or refurbish center. There is a lot of life still left in many used books; countless still appear to be new. There are also items people got for gifts last year and never used, so they end up on the shelves of your local thrift shops, co-signment shops, or placed in classified ads awaiting a new home. If your sister's been searching for Moby Dick and can't find it anywhere, and you just happen to snatch it from the used book store in town, good for you! I know she's going to love it, and so do you.

It's the thought of the gift that counts, not the price tag, not the distance you had to go to get it, but what made the gift unique to the person who receives it. This year, let more than your tree be green for the holidays.