Eco Friendly Gifts Under Fifty Dollars

Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or for a special person (or both), giving someone an eco-friendly gift gives something back to the planet as well... And this season, organic and eco-friendly giving is more fun than ever.

Forget the days when eco-friendly giving meant sensibly styled, organic clothes only a country girl could love, or clunky rechargeable battery kits that just took up space. Shopping for Eco-Friendly gifts on-line has never been easier and the choices are abundant; so much so, that it's almost overwhelming. To make things less so, I've recommended a handful of well rated eco-friendly gifts that are sure to please someone on your list.

This clever little eco-friendly kitchen gadget turns apples (and other fruits) into a handy shot glass or dessert dish. Just press down on the top of any sturdy fruit and pull out the pulp to make room for a shot of liquor, ice cream, sorbet, or your favorite dip. Not only is it colorful, it allows for more room in the dishwasher.

The Candle carver works like the Shot Carver but is designed to scoop out tougher fruits and veggies, turning them into objects of beauty. Try it on apples, pears, squash, or mini pumpkins. Just press, scoop and behold…the hole is just the right size for a tealight. Great for creating festive centerpieces and table decorations.

Caught camping without a charged cell phone? Had it with too many incompatable A/C chargers lying around the house? Try this eco-friendly sun-powered charger that will charge just about any USB-compatible device. There’s no special attachment needed for your phone, MP3 player or digital camera. Simply set the panels out in the sun so they charge the unit’s NiMH battery. Then connect your device to the unit with the USB cable included. It even comes with a built-in flashlight that provides 15 hours of light.

This item is great for the price. Just make sure you give it a complete solar charge. It’s a good idea to check first with LL Bean to see if your electronic device is compatible.

If it’s not compatible, or you need more juice….a good alternative is the Solio Classic Hybrid. It’s still Earth-friendly but if you're willing to go over $50.00, at $82.99 it gets a higher rating and provides portable, sustainable power for 3,200+ devices. Get it from Amazon; see link below.

This little eco-electronic item requires no eco “unfriendly” batteries that wind up in landfills polluting the earth. This amazing Multifunctional Clock is the latest in ecological and environmental design. It’s a clock powered entirely by water! But wait there’s more! The clock has 4 modes – time, temperature, alarm and timer.

How does it work? Simply fill the reservoir with tap water every 2-3 months. The internal electrolytic "engine" converts the water's electrons into an electrical current that powers the clock. The water battery has a continuous life of at least 2 years and as all the components of the H2O battery are recyclable it’s completely eco-friendly.

These cleverly designed cube speakers are made from recycled craft paper and they’re collapsible for easy travel to college dorm or retirement home! No batteries or external power is required either. The speakers are compatible with any device that has a standard 3.5mm audio jack including MP3’s, laptops, cell phones and CD players. There are two 1watt speakers, each 3.15"sq. x 3.15"h. Some assembly is required.
From West Elm

For the budding eco-designer in your family, here’s a fun and educational interactive kit, which will guide the user through the design and build of a windmill generator. When the wind hits the windmill, it powers an LED light. What a great way to build awareness of using renewable free energy sources. Available for a great price at Amazon - see below.

These comfy planet-friendly shoes are made from eco-certified suede and an organic cotton flannel lining. The soles are made from recycled rubber. Get it from Amazon in Coffee Liquer. Eco friendly never felt so good.

Rubik’s Cube meets the 21st century in this fresh and fun clutch made from colorful recycled paper. It features a recycled plastic strap and zippered closure. Each is one-of-a-kind so colors will vary.

Eco-Friendly Dog collars - From $28-$36

These dandy doggie gifts are not only eco-friendly, they’re way cool. Handmade, completely recyclable harnesses, collars and leads are made from naturally dyed pure hemp (one of the country's biggest cash crop) and all collars, leash handles and harnesses are fleeced lined for a super luxurious dog-walking experience. Products feature fun colors like apple green, bright orange and posh purple. Pretty patterns include classy birdies and polka dots. Just measure your dog's chest and neck for a perfect fit.

Find them all at Frontgate

Even if you’re on a tight budget it’s easy to keep your dog on a cool, comfortable, eco-friendly leash. Check out these AKC eco-friendly dog leads and collars that combine whimsical floral and stripe prints with earth conscious construction. Woven from 100% recycled plastic bottles, the clasp and leash ring is made of partially recycled plastic and steel. No pesticides, herbicides or extensive energy use, these collars are both earth-minded and fashion-forward. Sizes: Toy- 6"-12" L X 5/8" W Small- 10"-16" L X 5/8"W Medium- 14"-20" L X 3/4" W Large- 18"-26" L X 1" W Colors: Brown Floral Green Floral Blue Stripe Pink Stripe Sizing Instructions: Measure the length around your dog's neck and add 2".

Eco eyes never looked more dazzling. No blah, pale or drap earthtones in this organic eye makeup set! The limited-edition palette boasts six best-selling vegan eyeshadows that are real stunners, including a funky bright teal, an icy-toned money green, and saturated, highly wearable neutrals. The palette is printed with soy-based inks on recycled packaging that includes a mirror. You don’t have to be Vegan to love it.

This set contains:
- 6 x 0.03 oz Eyeshadows: Minx, Urb, Gunmetal, Baked, Smog, Half-Baked
- 0.03 oz Travel-size 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
- 0.13 oz Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin

Hand-crafted Organic Truffles in Hexagonal Holiday box (2 pack of 7 pieces each)- $19.98

Treat your clients, friends or treat yourself, to a tempting assortment of white, milk and organic dark truffles. Decadent (but totally organic) flavors include: Chamomile & Honey, Honeybush Caramel, Jasmine, Bedouin's Mint, Red Raspberry Rooibos, Green Earl Grey, and Mate & Nibs.

Behold the magic of the unfolding tea leaves that blossom into a myriad of flavors from sweet and subtle to rich and bold! It’s not only a delicious organic gift, it’s a show. Just place one Flowering Tea in the durable glass teapot,pour in boiling water and watch the leaves expand into beautiful flowers.

Tea leaves include white teas: starlight rose, flower jewel, dragon lily and lavender dream. Green teas: emerald sun, jade fortune, jasmine pearls and black tea: midnight peony and black beauty.
A great gift for tea gazers as well as organic tea lovers.

Plus it's

# Made from pure, 100 % natural ingredients
# Certified Kosher & Halal
# Tea bags are made of biodegradable filter paper

NOTE: This item is “Certified Frustration Free!” meaning it is delivered in an easy-to-open recyclable box and is free of plastic "clamshells" and wire ties.

Many of the items featured here have free or reasonably priced shipping and usually offer gift-wrapping.

So skip the mall. Shopping for on-line eco-friendly gifts has never been safer or more convenient. Please note that prices may change in an instant, particularly around the holidays, so shop early.

Here’s to Green Gift Giving and to Happy Holidays !!

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