FOR THE ACTIVIST If she’s adamant about doing her part and wants everyone to know it, try a message tee. A Lot to Say has fun ones, including: unplug unused electronics, ignite your engine with tires that are fully inflated, and love the planet. Made from 100% recycled bottles, they are endorsed by the National Green Energy Council for using zero-water textile printing [the revolutionary Air Dye Process] which creates no by-products during manufacturing and encourages farmers to use arable land for food production rather than cotton growing. Green, yes, but sexy as hell. A Lot to Say Women’s Tank in unplug, $35.99, ALotToSay.com.

FOR THE GREEN-LEANING GUY All those countless stickies, notes, and lists penned on paper…just think of how many are generated in a single day at the office! This clever EcoPad produces no paper waste at all, and like those kiddie drawing-stylus pads, is easily erased with a mere flip of the topmost plastic sheet (to need to share doodlings and other random scriblings with the world). Plus, a built-in solar-powered clock ensures he’ll always be on time (or fashionably late). EcoPad Paperless Notepad, $25, Brookstone.com.

FOR THE NATURE’Y NEWLYWEDS Whether they’re a couple just starting out or are celebrating their fifth (Wood) anniversary, they’ll love this 13-piece dinnerware set, both for its modern look, and the fact that it is actually fashioned from grain husks. Made by a family-owned business in China, the modern chocolate brown color of the bowls is achieved by adding ground coconut shell! They are elegant enough for the dining room and durable enough for the outdoors, and after about 5 years when they start showing wear and tear, they can be composted. Yes, the entire set is also completely compostable, so it can return to the earth naturally! Also a great gift for the hostess with the mostest – or your favorite gardener. Grenware Place Setting for Four, $104 for 13-piece set, CompostableGoods.com.

FOR THE SAVVY STUDENT Made from 100% juice boxes that have been shredded, compressed, and reformed, this coordinating hardboard-lidded storage box and pencil cup are a must-have addition to any industrious desktop. The overall coffee-and-cream coloration is actually studded with fun bits of bright carton color and type – very mod, very cool – but almost invisible to anyone but the most careful observer. We love that despite its humble beginnings the storage box and pencil cup are still water-resistant…so if you were to, say, fill them with juice again, they’d still be all right. But more importantly, they’ll store and conceal papers and pens – thus imparting some short-lived serenity to any cluttered desk. Mosaic Recycled Desk Accessories, $7.95 and $29.95, CB2.com.

FOR THE TRENDSETTER Available on a gold or silver chain (or mini-sized as earrings!) this chic icicle spike and candy cane are crafted from a clear vinyl record. Created by Alarm Industries, this pendant allows you to wear your music around your neck, and each on is one-of-a-kind due to the different grooves in the record used as raw material. And if these read a little too “ho
liday” for your tastes – there’s sure to be a design you or friends would appreciate as a stocking stuffer or small appreciation gift – since the site sells a huge variety of lasercut designs in vintage records, from brass knuckles and unicorns to skulls, sunglasses, and lightning bolts. Limited Edition Icicle Necklace, $14.99 (sale), Vling.bigcartel.com.

FOR YOUR KIDS For any budding artist out there (or any child who loves to get messy with paints and drawing materials) an art easel where everything can be contained is a must. With chalk and dry-erase boards, as well as a roll of paper, the adjustable height allows it to grow with kids – and their imaginations. (Just add the messy stuff – like paints, crayons, and brushes!) And a MAJOR plus for anyone who’s struggled with impossible-to-open plastic clamshells, wire twist ties, and bindings when trying to get to that awaited toy encased inside – this item comes in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging that can be opened without a box cutter or knife (or chainsaw). Since all that excess packaging is often larger than the toy itself – simplification in the packaging materials makes a heck of a lotta eco-sense. (And you can search specifically for gifts that come in Frustration-Free Packaging on Amazon.) Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel, $44.99, Amazon.com.

WRAPPING IT ALL UP Being eco doesn’t mean forgoing style! Pretty up your presents with recycled, uber-chic wrapping from MyEarth360, Peaceful Valley Greetings, and Zola Goods. Gaiam has innovative presentation ideas on using everything from newspaper to blankets and scarves (as part of the gift), to tying a CFL (compact fluorescent bult) onto the ribbon for the gift of long-lasting, eco-chic light. And since you’re already online and in shopping mode, be sure to check out PristinePlanet.com: a search engine that scours the net for ONLY eco-friendly products to help green up your life.

Happy Season of [Eco-Friendly] Giving!
(eco chic gift wrapping ideas: source via hello sandwich)

-Carly J. Cais, Contributing Editor (as posted on FashionTribes.com)