Time is growing short but there is still time to put green gifts under the tree. Here are some last minute suggestions and only one requires going anywhere near a mall.
That suggestion is glassware - water goblets, pitchers, wine glasses, Margarita glasses - all made from recycled glass. This green present (and that is the color as well as the thought behind it) is available at Target. Sets start at $19.99.
For the rest of the gifts you can shop at relatively uncrowded locations or on line.
The hardware store will be relatively empty this week and there are lots of green gifts on its shelves.
Rechargeable batteries and charger for all of those Christmas gadgets. Not only are regular batteries expensive, they contain lots of stuff that doesn't belong in landfills. A charger will give rechargeable batteries life after life after life and we found them for $25 to $50 at home centers. They are much cheaper on-line so plan ahead for next year. Batteries range from $19.95 for four AA batteries to $49.50 for the lithium ion type.
Motion-detecting light switches are both a convenience and energy saving (read our blog about them published on November 24.) $15 to $30.
Programmable thermostat - the original set it and forget it appliance - are easy to install and most allow a setting for weekdays and another for the weekends. $50 to $119
If you are a little handy and your giftee is not, include a certificate with either of the last two gifts promising to install or program the device.
Nothing is greener than a tree. A cute little evergreen from a nursery, perhaps with a few bows or candy canes hanging on the branches, will Christmatize the house and then can be planted outside when weather permits. The price will depend on the size so there is a lot of flexibility here.
If your last minute gift is going to someone who rides mass transit (or might with a little encouragement) reward him with a transit pass - many large cities sell monthly, quarterly, or full year passes; or wrap up a roll of bus or subway tokens.
For the person who has everything or for whom you have nothing you can still be a great giver even as late as Christmas morning. A donation in your giftee's name to one of the many organizations working for the environment or for sustainability requires only a couple of clicks and a handwritten note announcing your gift. The organization will be grateful for any donation and your friend or relative need not know what you spent. For a little more money give a membership; many of these groups publish very good magazines or provide other perks for their members.
Some organizations to consider:
World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org). Memberships start at $25 and include six issues of the Fund's newsletter and travel opportunities. Or you can adopt a polar bear in your giftee's name.
The Nature Conservancy (www.support.nature.org.) Memberships start at $10 and include four issues of Nature Conservancy magazine.
The National Audubon Society (www.audubon.org.) A $20 membership includes a subscription to Audubon magazine, travel opportunities, and admission to dozens of Audubon sanctuaries. There are also state specific Audubon societies.
The Sierra Club (www.sierraclub.org.) Membership is $25 and includes a Sierra Club 1892 Rucksack, a subscription to Sierra magazine, and discounts on club merchandise (their calendar is legendary.)
Heifer International. (www.heifer.org.) The "teach to fish" philosophy is the foundation of this organization which promotes sustainable agriculture throughout the world with gifts of livestock and lessons in their care. Give a heifer, a pig, or a sheep or a flock of chickens and Heifer International will train the recipient in its care and they in turn will pass on the babies born to their animal to others in their village. Gifts range from a share of a goat ($10) to a flock of ducks ($20) to a cow ($500.) The animal aspect of this also makes it a suitable gift for a child old enough to understand the concept.
Another neat part of these donations or gift memberships: if your recipient seems to enjoy this year's present your Christmas shopping is taken care of for years into the future. Just click and renew.