Eco Savvy Gift Bag: Simple Solution
November 9, 2010 by Tania
Filed under Holidays, Simple Solutions
Every year we spend hours, wrapping countless gifts in preparation for the holidays. In a few minutes the excitement is over and we’re left with a big bag of trash. Do this project early in the holiday season to avoid the late nights right before the big day.
Eco Savvy Gift Wrapping
Last year I made eco-friendly reusable gift bags. You don’t need to be a great seamstress, just the ability to sew a straight-ish line. They are fast and easy.
Quick and easy doesn’t mean, wait until Dec 19th to start sewing, or you’ll wonder what ever made you think this was a good idea.
The good news is, you only have to make them once. Then they are done. This year I only have to pull them out and wrapping will be a breeze!
All Decked Up
Supplies
7-10 yards of lightweight muslin.
Large Spool of matching thread
Sewing Machine
Iron & Ironing Board
Instructions:
This isn’t an exact science, I approximated my measurements and worked it out. You’re essentially making a pillow case for each gift.
Grab a few of the gifts you need to wrap. Haven’t done your shopping, collect an assortment of toys and books. Look in the birthday gift stash for sample sizes too.
Each bag is made with one piece of muslin, fold over, pin down. Sew a seam along each side.
NOTE – If you are worried about fraying you’ll want to sew all the rough edges with a zig-zag stich before sewing your seems and hem.
Lay out your fabric to determine the “envelope size” you’ll need. Place the gifts on the fabric, allow an inch or two for wiggle room. Add 2″ extra inches for seams on the side and 1 1/2 for the top. Remember you will be using these again, so precision isn’t the goal.
TIP – Cut multiple bags of each size all at one time.
Next, determine how much room you need to allow for the length of your “envelope”. Guesstimate how much fabric it will take to cover your desired gift, then add a few inches. It’s nice to have extra on top for a prettier presentation.
Iron the bag. Fold the top edge over one time, then fold again (for a cleaner finish) and pin.
Sew the top seam.
Iron and your bag is done.
All that’s left to do is insert the gift, label and embellish (if desired).
For the greenest option (you’ll need to select a slightly heavier muslin so it’s not too sheer), insert the gift and tie with raffia.
I wrap the gift with a couple of sheets of tissue paper, and tie with raffia or satin ribbon (which I reuse). The picture shows some ribbon from the past that I’m trying to use up.
What’s nice is the sheerness of the muslin allows the color of the tissue paper to show through. You still have a nice festive look and if you love to pay attention to detail (aka anal like me) you can color coordinate.
Two Fresh Ways to Honor Your Mother
Uninspired about what to do for your mom this Mother’s Day? Here are two ideas that promise to transcend typical offerings – they are gifts that will keep giving and will truly make a difference in the lives of the recipient.
Instead of sending another box of candy full of calories she’d rather avoid or flowers that will wilt in days, consider a gift that will make an unmeasurable difference in the life of someone on the other side of the world.
I can’t think of a better way to honor your mother than to help another.
Make a difference in the life of a Refugee
The International Rescue Committee has created a program that will allows you to honor your mother and make a real difference in the life of a refugee family.
For example with $24 you can purchase a safe birthing kit for a refugee mother, which includes vital supplies for a safe home delivery in a conflict zone, plus a blanket and clothing for a newborn other gifts are available and pricing start at $18:
- Mosquito nets for a refugee family in Africa – $18
- Pre-natal care for a new mother living in a war zone – $52
- One year’s education for an Afghan girl – $52
- A farming kit, including seeds and tools, to help a family grow food – $60
- Summer school for a newly arrived refugee child in the U.S. – $100
- Job training for a refugee to help her become self-sufficient – $330
Purchase one of these options and the International Rescue Committee(IRC) will send the honored mothers a beautiful, personalized Mother’s Day card in the gift-giver’s name.
The IRC has been helping refugees since 1933 and you can shop with confidence knowing that 90% of all the funds they raise goes directly to fund programs and services.
Finance an Entrepreneur Around the World
If you want to let your mother choose who she wants to help – send her a gift certificate to Kiva.org. I first heard about Kiva on Oprah and what they do is pretty extraordinary. They enable individuals to lend money to entrepreneurs across the globe.
Your mom will be able to browse through profiles of entrepreneurs from around the world, she’ll be able to decide who to fund with her gift certificate, and the best part – when the loan is repaid she’ll be able to fund another entrepreneur.
What I love about Kiva is they give people the tools they need to be able to create a sustainably better life. I’ve made several loans and have had all of them repaid – which is fun because then I can chose another person to fund!
I know for some – it might be a stretch to think about not sending a gift that mom can hold & touch – but this might just be more tangible than most options we would typically consider.
Greener Holiday Giving: Diva Guide
December 18, 2009 by Tania
Filed under Gift Guide, Holidays, Savvy Living Guide
By Tania Reuben
Time is counting down for the holidays and if you are looking for way to green your gifting this year, check out some of these ideas.
We’ve compiled some of our favorite finds to make gift giving a little easier!
Don’t miss our current giveaways!
TOYS
Plan Toys
Plan Toys is an industry leader in making fantastic eco friendly toys for children. These toys are non toxic, durable and will allow the child in your life to play creatively for hours.
Purchase PLAN TOYS
Green Toys
Green Toys Made in the USA from recycled Milk Jugs! These toys are non toxic and instead of plastic being wasted, they are turning it into great toys. Look for Trucks, sand toys, garden kits & this cute tea set that is food safe! Win a Dish Set from PND – CLICK HERE.
CLOTHING
Hessnatur offers a great selection of well priced classic menswear and children’s clothing. Organic whenever possible, Natural, Non Toxic and Fair trade from concept through execution. I’ve never met a woman who wasn’t happy to receive the gift of Cashmere! Save 25% for the holidays.
Sub Urban Riot makes super hip, yet still relaxed t-shirt that have been seen on Entourage and It’s always Sunny In Philadelphia. Note – there line is slimmer cut, so if you are looking for an ‘American Cut’ T-Shirt Choose from these styles; horse tee, RIOT, tee, hell yeah, and majestic panther.
ACCESORIES
Baubles
I love Etsy – it’s an online site for artisans to showcase their handmade and crafted wares. You can spend hours getting lost in the sites of all the vendors.
Here are a few of my current favorites!
Allison Mooney Designs
Allison designs are stunning and have broad appeal – I would love to receive any one of her designs as a gift! Her etsy store is full of necklaces, bracelets and my favorite – earrings. CLICK HERE for the PND Review & Giveaway.
JewLyrie
This mother of two designs simple, unique treasures from her studio in the Garden State. With an Etsy shop full of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets you are sure to cross someone off your list with a visit to her shop.
Beads For Blanche
I love all the fantastic color choices this etsier employs in their line. A great etsy shop to check out, full of colorful necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Intimates
If lingerie is on the list, go organic where pure really counts! Couture Cottons makes organic underwear and cozy organic pajamas. Yet another example of design breaking down the barrier of what “organic” looks like. Check out our Review and Giveaway CLICK HERE.
Shoes
Who Doesn’t love a fabulous new heels for all the great parties! NeuAura makes fabulously stylish vegan and eco friendly designs to step out for the holidays in style. They make styles to walk you through your entire year. Don’t forget to check out their fantastic Thames boots!
Handbags
The ultimate Eco Asscecories! Made from recycled juice boxes, magazines and newspapers and stylish too! Check out the Diva Giveaway and Review – CLICK HERE.
Based in Los Angeles – This Etsier makes a nice selection of gorgeous handbags that have a slightly retro feel to their design. In a day and age when most handbags are made in China Yellow Wallpaper is handmade. What a stylish way to buy Made In the USA.
Skin Care
Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty has some lovely sets that are perfect the holidays. CLICK HERE to read our review of their Green Apple Moisturizer and Juice Beauty.
Make Up
Everyday Minerals
We reviewed Everyday Minerals earlier this year and love the quality of their products. Check out the review and be sure to enter their ENCORE giveaway!
House & Home
Glass Dharma
Looking for a unique gift for the hostess that has it all, the glass straw is a great solution! Prices start at $6 and gift sets of 4 start at $23.
EnviroVoque
PND has been encouraging readers to bring their own bags while shopping, you can encourage your friends to do the same, with style use an EnviroVoque Reusable Bags as a fun stocking stuffer or in place of wrapping paper. They offer some great designs that will make you want to remember to use them! Retail for $7.95-9.95.
GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME
SPUD Organic Delivery
Buy the harried Mother’s and Father’s in your life a gift certificate to SPUD organic delivery if they are in your area. If not check out Local Harvest for options that will work for your recipient. We use SPUD and I have to say that not much is better than having trips to the grocery eliminated from your to do list and fresh organic products delivered to your door!
Use the code PURENATURALDIVA to save $25 over 4 orders.
IT’S A WRAP
I wish we could have covered even more ground this year! There are so many great people and companies that with a little effort you can get into the swing of greener giving.
Don’t forget to wrap greener too! Use paper made with 100% post consumer waste, reusable gift bags, or try the Diva Solutions and make your own gift bags!
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