8 Local and Handmade Gift Ideas

Yesterday, Jamie posted a blog about the best places to find eco-friendly gifts on the web; all great companies that share Perfect Supplements’ organic and fair trade values… But maybe you are the kind of person who prefers to shop locally, or something more personal, created by you. Don’t worry, there is still time!   

Local Handmade Items

1. Art & Crafts Fairs and Festivals

Local festivals are a great place to find unique gifts, handmade by local artisans. I love to take the whole family, spend a few hours admiring the local wares, and the kids enjoy snacking on local treats.

Gift Baskets

Gift Baskets are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. Who doesn’t love a basket full of healthy snacks, such as, nuts, chocolates, and dried fruit?

2. Make Your Own – Healthy Treats Basket

Trader Joe’s has a great selection of GMO-Free treats, chocolate covered everything, nuts, dried fruits, and some organic and Fair Trade chocolate bars. I think Trader Joe’s has the best selection for the best price, but you can find similar items at Whole Foods or your local health food store.

3. Make Your Own – Breakfast Basket

You could also put together a Breakfast Basket with an organic pancake mix, local maple syrup, local honey, local jams, Fair Trade tea and/or coffee, biscotti or other cookie, some Fair Trade chocolates, and maybe a new mug or two.

4. Make Your Own – Pamper Yourself Basket

Whole Foods has a great selection of natural body care – how about a basket full of natural soaps, sea salts, bubble bath, and body washes. Round out the basket with a poof or loofah, and an essential oil beeswax candle. Keep it local by checking out your local health food store.

Local Gift Cards

What’s more sustainable than a gift card? There’s very little packaging or waste.

5. Local Restaurant Gift Cards

Does your friend or family member frequent a small, local restaurant? A gift card lets them enjoy a meal paid for by you!

6.  Farm Stand, Co-op, and CSA Gift Cards

How about a gift card for a local farm stand, food co-op, or Community Supported Agriculture? Choose one near your loved one’s home. Who doesn’t love the gift of local, fresh produce?

7. Membership to a Local Environmental Group

For the person who has everything (like my dad), how about a membership to a local environmental group? My dad retired last year and enjoys hiking in the woods almost every day. I am giving him a membership to our local Audubon Society. He will receive a brochure of events throughout the year, and a discount to attend.

Treats Handmade by You

8. Simple Homemade Treats

There is still time to whip up a batch of cookies (made with high quality ingredients, of course). This is usually our annual Christmas gift for our children’s teachers. We have made chocolate covered peanut butter balls, hot cocoa mix made with Raw Cacao and Organic Sugar, and this year we are making sugar cookies.

Check out our blogs about Five Eco-Friendly Gift Websites, and Perfect Lip Nutrients; our Organic and Fair Trade Stocking Stuffer and FREE Gift!

I hope you enjoy every minute of this season of giving! 


Comments are disabled for this post