Dreaming of a Green Holiday Season

Want to give a holiday gift that's more personal than a plastic gift card? Something that's sure to be the talk of the big family dinner? Want something ecologically friendly without taking all the green out of your wallet?

Consider some of the hundreds of new green companies that offer gifts online. Many of them also show up at green festivals around the country at this time of year.

Here’s a green grab bag of suggestions at all price levels that can help complete your holiday gift list, all via computer.

You can go tell Aunt Edna to throw the plastic grocery bags away in exchange for Hawaiian style shopping bags from EnvBags.

Check out functional hemp and organic clothing from Circle Creations. And Fair Tribe has organic, recycled fashions and accessories for you and the little ones. Speaking of kids, environmentally friendly clothes made in the USA, can be found at Green Edge Kids.

For the guy always polishing the wheels, CleanCar Solutions sells waterless car wash.

Want something edible for the officemates, the roommates or even grandma?  Try fair trade organic chocolates, coffee, tea or even quinoa at Alter Eco. Or for strictly chocolate, check out the organic fair trade variety from Seattle, at Theo’s Chocolate.  And for packing that food in reuseable lunch packs without the plastics there’s Fresh Snack Packs.

And if you know a glutton for gluten-free crackers and other goodies, there’s Mary’s Gone Crackers.  (Though we’ve got to admit, this one doesn’t seem cheap, so be careful.)  Another choice for minimally processed, raw, gluten-free food is a Colorado company, Kaiafoods.

There’s even vegan dog food for Spot.

For the insomniac in the family, there are organic Buckwheat Hull or Millet pillows wrapped in wool from Serenity Pillows.

There are many organic skin and face treatments, including Pangea Organics.  Mountain Rose Herbs offers body care, essential oils, teas and spices.

For that out-of-work journalist in your family, handbags and other items made from recycled newspaper may bring a smile. So check Green Veranda.

And Elegant Roots is a spot that pulls it all together, from babies, to handbags to accessories.

Shop judiciously. It isn't all cheap. And remember, you can also give a little of your soul with homemade gifts from wherever your talents lie.