Eco Friendly Christmas Shopping

Shopping lightly..is that a phrase?

Eco-friendly, by definition, is something that is earth-friendly. Although you can buy products that were gently made with-out toxins, or in a harmful production manner, the best way to gift is to actually 're-gift'.

My most favorite places to shop for repurposed gifts is yard sales.

Here are some things to keep your eye out for, and turn into awesome gifts.

Old wooden tool boxes - the kind that are open on top, and have a huge high wooden handle. Basically they are large rectangle wood boxed,  and a handle in the center about 10-12 inches up. Look for boxes in any condition - that is the beauty of wood.  If you can score one of these finds, take it home and wash it really well and see if simple wood wax would make it shine, yet show it's aged beauty. If the box is too far gone, consider doing a white wash. Note: do not wax, and then decide to paint - the paint will not absorb into the wood!  These boxes once spruced up make AWESOME red wine bottle holders for parties and events. As red wine does not have to be chilled, you can fit 2-3 bottles in a nice sized wood 'tool box'. It's a simple, yet beautiful way to present wine to guests.

They also make great 'giftbaskets', but you an tell the recipient all the other great uses for it as well (holding napkins, silverware for parties, etc., fruit, cover the inside with a napkin and put bread/crackers in at a party. Rustic and VERY cool looking!

Tiny Trees - Ok, you have to buy the tree, you can decorate the little green guys with repurposed items you find at home, or in yardsales/thrift shops. Buttons make super cute ornaments. Simply take colorful buttons and stack them on wire or string. Hang the little ornaments on stronger branches, wrap in a recycled ribbon & wa-la - a custom holiday topiary tree!