Comments on: Green Gifts Don’t Have to Suck

By: These are a few of my favorite things…

These are a few of my favorite things… — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:55:11 +0000

[...] This holiday season, please THINK before you buy. Also keep in mind that green gifts don’t have to suck. [...]

By: Green Bean

Green Bean — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:54:36 +0000

YES! The holidays are not the time for preaching. And a huge yes again to 2nd hand. Don’t forget antique stores where you can find unique, one of a kind items that are as unique as the person you are giving them to.

By: The Green Parent | Holidays Without the Hoopla

The Green Parent | Holidays Without the Hoopla — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:32:58 +0000

[...] And be sure to check out Beth blog on Fake Plastic Fish for ideas for green gifts that don’t suck. [...]

By: Jenn

Jenn — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 15:29:45 +0000

I love these ideas Beth! I often feel grinchy around the holidays because as much as I love my family and friends, I don’t really see the need to spend a bunch of money and waste a bunch of resources for us all to buy presents for each other than we don’t need or want. I love the idea of giving green gifts, especially green gifts that don’t suck that will make everyone happy!

By: Lisa @Retro Housewife Goes Green

Lisa @Retro Housewife Goes Green — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 05:25:56 +0000

Thanks for joining in on the carnival.

By: A More Mindful Christmas…by Rebecca Mayer |

A More Mindful Christmas…by Rebecca Mayer | — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:00:10 +0000

[...] made from recycled materials, like on thedailygreen.com, but I like Beth Terry’s idea on fakeplasticfish – Give time or services. Gift certificates for indulgent meals or spa services are a great [...]

By: Dana

Dana — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:23:50 +0000

I love the idea shared about donating to a favorite cause in lieu of gifts. I’ve moved around quite a bit in the past 5 years and am constantly surprised by the amount of junk that accumulates around my apartments. Best to skip purchasing and consuming and giving junk and be more thoughtful!

That said, Rodale.com recently posted a great green gift giving guide. Skip the mall, skill cyber shopping and follow some of these simple ideas: http://www.rodale.com/green-gift-ideas.

By: LInda Anderson

LInda Anderson — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:38:23 +0000

Great ideas, Beth. I did not know about Amazon’s “less packaging” program. My husband buys a lot of stuff on Amazon and he needs to know about this.

I, too, make reusable gifts bags to support an organization that fights plastic debris in our oceans (Sea of Change). They can be seen at http://www.seaofchange.etsy.com.

By: Brenna

Brenna — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:29:49 +0000

Love, love, love this post. I actually love gift-giving at this time of year. I don’t feel stressed or any pressure, I just do what feels good to me and try really, really hard to buy something someone will love. There are so many ways to do that and you list many great ideas.

It is interesting that so many people are talking about feeling judged for shopping on Black Friday or not being able to afford all fair trade, handmade gifts for everyone in their family. I wish people didn’t feel that way and hope I don’t come across as judgmental either. If people can, they should. I think the message your post sends and everyone can agree with is to just think first. If there is thought behind the shopping and the gifts, that is all we can ask.

By: Condo Blues

Condo Blues — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:38:17 +0000

I finished my Christmas shopping on Cyber Monday. I have a few food gifts I still need to make closer to the holiday so they won’t spoil (or tempt me into taste testing the goodies too much.) All my gifts are meaningful to the recipient. It helps that I do shopping recon for ideas year round. I also buy the perfect gift when I see it. That way I can take advantage of summer craft fairs, etc. for those on my list who like those things (not everyone does.) I also make items when I think about them too. That helps take the focus off the “stuff” and more on the things I really like about the holidays – going to events and putting up the decorations. Many of my decorations are handmade by family or gifts or a reminder of a trip or something special in our life. It’s also a time to celebrate my Danish heritage because we have more Christmas traditions that my Husband’s Scottish heritage.

I also have one craft gift idea – sewing soft sided blocks for my baby nephew for next year’s Christmas.

Oh, and I should add that I gave rechargeable batteries out one year for Christmas. I included them with a battery operated gift. :)