Quick Earth-friendly Gifts

by Meg Dedolph

Here are a handful of ideas for quick gifts that will not only help you cross an item off your to-do list, but help the planet – win win!

For the cook or baker: A jar of spices or vanilla extract from Curio Spices. We love this woman-owned company because they work with individual small farms, pay above-fair-trade prices, and develop interesting spice blends that satisfy even the pickiest home chefs.

For the beauty- and bath-lover: Our barrettes and earrings from Fenna and Fei are made from cellulose acetate - a ten-dollar word for “plant-based plastic,” which is colorful, fun and not petroleum-based. 

We also have a selection of handmade soaps, including one made locally in Chicago. Combine a handmade soap with a sisal soap saver for a quick and thoughtful gift.

For the foodie: We love the cherry products made regionally in Michigan. It saves on shipping costs and fuel to bring in products that are made closer to home.
While it’s easy to understand why chocolate-covered cherries are delicious, we can’t stop raving about the cherry mustard and cherry salsa. The mustard jazzes up sandwiches, salad dressings or marinades, and the salsa, while great with chips, would also be delicious with cream cheese in a cracker spread.

For the hot-beverage lover: Pair some of our locally roasted coffee with a fun mug. Our Curio Spices saffron sugar is an interesting and delicious add-in to teas or coffees. Woman-owned Mayana Chocolate makes delicious chocolate bars, and also a tasty hot chocolate mix that comes in three flavors. 

For the person who does laundry: Hey, just because it’s a chore doesn’t mean it can’t be more sustainable. Check out these wool dryer balls, which help clothes dry faster, saving energy. We have a US-made, all natural stain stick, too. Adulting can be fun too. 

To wrap your gifts in reusable gift wrap, check out these options.