Organic gifts answer the top five gift giving dilemmas

Giving an organic gift solves the most common issues when showing appreciation or marking a special occasion. Here are the top five gift giving problems and organic solutions to them.

If you want to learn about a few specific types of gifts, check our Gift Giving Ideas below.

Don't you just dread buying for this person? They don't need another thing yet you can't not give him or her a present. Organic gifts are a great solution because they are often new. They might be a new idea altogether or a twist on an old standard. For example, how about a solar cell phone charger? Everyone has a charger but few have a solar one.

Or how about a bag made from recycled material? I am not talking just any bag but a high quality bag with style. Bags can range from small clutches to large totes and can cost any where from $20 to $200.

2. What do you get at the last minute?

If you are pressured for time, eco friendly organic gifts are as close as your bathroom. What? Yes, your bathroom.

Take epsom salts and mix them with your favorite essential oil. Don't have essential oil? Most health food stores and recently even grocery stores carry them. Mix the two and put them in a pretty air tight canister with a fun spoon. All of this can be found at a dollar store if need be.

Other quick ideas can be found in your kitchen. You can make homemade potpourri or organic treats.

3. What can you get for under a certain budget amount?

If you are limited to a gift under $5, $10, or $15 dollars, look toward plants. You can find fragrant herbs for just a few dollars, durable ivy's or pretty seasonal flowers for a bit more. Stick with houseplants so that you gift lasts longer than the holiday season. Not only is the plant thoughtful it is earth friendly too. Shop at your local grocery store to get the best deals. Often they are cheaper than a florist and the selection can be quite nice.

4. How do you find an eco friendly gift that shows you really care?

Sometimes you need to give something personal that shows you put thought into the purchase. These are times when a gift card would be suicide for the relationship. In those cases gift baskets go a long way. You can make it yourself or buy one already assembled.

If you are going to do it on your own, there are lots of organic options out there. Look for a basket that is handmade from natural fibers. Fill it with bath items, teas/coffees, nuts, plants, small pictures in frames, soy candles, etc.

Word to the wise, never mix scented products and food together in a basket. In other words don't mix coffee with soap. Your coffee will taste like soap and your soap will smell like coffee.

5. How do you pick a gift for someone you do not know well?

Do you find yourself invited to a house party where you don't know the host(ess) so well or have to buy a gift for the spouse of your boss? You certainly can't fall back on the gift card in this case either. You need something that shows respect and appreciation but without being personal.

Everyone brings a bottle of wine so you don't want to give him/her something you know half of the other party guests will be bringing. So what do you do? How about a basket of organic goodies. You can assemble your own or buy one already made. Fiddlers Green Farm has a great collection of baskets.

You can tailor it to a man, a woman or a couple. Some ideas are organic breakfast items such as coffee, hot chocolate, pancake mix and syrup; or a snack basket with organic nuts, fruits, chocolate and other treats.

Are you still stuck on the right organic gift? Check out Eco Mall's list of gift companies. All of the companies listed offer eco friendly gift choices.

Happy Shopping!

Gift Giving Ideas
Organic Chocolate
Organic Baby Gifts
Organic Food Gift Baskets
Organic Coffee