Looking for a last minute eco-friendly and paleo gift ideas? Here are a few ideas to inspire you. Have other great ideas? Share them in the comments!
This is actually the “big gift” for our eight year old daughter this year. Composting with worms allows you to turn kitchen scraps, paper waste and cardboard into nutrient-rich soil for your plants. The Worm Factory composting system makes the entire process quick and easy. With a thermo siphon air flow design, the Worm Factory increases the composting speed. Now you can produce compost much faster than traditional composting methods. This version of the Worm Factory comes in black, and it’s also available in green and terracotta. $109.95 on Amazon.com
A gift donation through Heifer International of honeybee gift donation includes a bee package, hive, box and training in beekeeping techniques. When you buy bees for a family in need, your gift:
Boosts income through sales of honey, wax and pollen
Stimulates growth of the family’s crops through pollination
Sometimes it’s the smallest gifts that make the largest impact. Healthy beehives can can double fruit and vegetable yields of small farms. Let your honeybee donation turn a family’s struggle into a lifetime of opportunity. $30 at Heifer International
I first found out about these from a friend of mine. She had the most beautiful beach blankets and I begged her to tell me where to find them. Each one is completely unique and reversible. They’re made of 100% cotton by women who have escaped from the sex trade, empowering women in India and Bangladesh. I love how lightweight they are. Perfect as a throw, a twin bedspread, or a beach blanket. Hand wash in cold water. 36″ x 78″, $89.95 on Amazon.com
Local Food Gifts
Instead of having fruit or chocolates shipped to family or friends, consider seeking out a local farm. If you can’t afford to give an entire CSA membership, maybe you can give a gift certificate for some pasture raised lamb or local cheese. Eatwild.com is a great resource, and I also like LocalHarvest.org for finding local farms. Some farmer’s markets also offer gift certificates. One of my favorite gifts to get is a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Somehow when I’m not paying for my meal, I enjoy it so much more!
Bodywork
How great is it to get the gift of a massage or acupuncture? I know I love it! Instead of spending your money on a gadget or other material item, you’ll be giving the gift of relaxation. In addition to making your recipient very happy and you’ll be supporting someone who is in the business of helping others.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
I use this exact pan just about every morning to cook eggs. I never put it away, it just stays on my stove because I use it so much. For the cook on your list, consider turning them on to Lodge products. They’re made in the US and super high quality. They even have a line of enamel coated dutch ovens that are much less expensive than those other fancy French brands. $14.99 on Amazon.com
Zucchini Spiralizer Pasta Maker
I love this gadget and it’s something that many folks don’t already have. You can transform zucchini, beets, apples, and other vegetables into ribbons or noodles. It’s perfect for someone who is trying to avoid eating pasta, but still wants to make a great sauce to put over something. Zucchini noodles rock my world. Yes, it’s made out of plastic, but it’s helping you eat better, so I’d say this one is a winner. $29.75 on Amazon.com
There are also some amazing new books out there. Of course, I highly suggest picking up my book if your friend doesn’t already have Paleo Lunches and Breakfasts on the Go. Also check out Nom Nom Paleo: Food For Humans, Well Fed 2, and Diane Sanfillippo’s two new books, The 21 Day Sugar Detox, and the 21 Day Sugar Detox Cookbook. If you’re thinking of turning someone on to paleo for the first time, consider getting them the 30 Day Guide to Paleo ebook.
Disclaimer: some of these links are to affiliates where I make a small commission on products sold. However, I promise that ONLY promote products that I use and love.