A trend is for the holidays to be greener. That can include starting to use fabric instead of paper. I offer a variety of fabric gift bags to choose from through my boutique (contact me for specific styles), including some made from imported fabric. These are beautiful and gifts on their own that can be reused forever.
More shopping is done on-line, saving fuel, and there is consideration of electronic holiday greetings/cards rather than hard-copy using snail mail. Some are opting to make cards using recycled materials.
Some green (and inexpensive) gift ideas include offering services such as massage or your own special talent. This could be a painting you’ve created, special edible treats, babysitting or house cleaning. How about a baking mix with instructions or a spice mixture you have created? I have created my own chai mix with loose tea and spices. Another creative and treasured idea is to videotape elderly parents or grandparents about their childhood memories along with their photos and heirlooms while they discuss them.
You could designate a dollar limit on gifts, prompting everyone to get creative and maybe end up with the added result of humor. The lower the limit, such as a dollar or two from a thrift shop, could end up with even more humor. And of course, less ends up in the land fill.
Resources for a greener holiday:
www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/1203-tips-for-a-merry.html
http://frugalplanet.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/frugality-not-just-for-the-poor/
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