Green Gifts - Top 10 Under $25

Our Ultimate Holiday Guide offers a huge selection of gifts in varying price points, but knowing that many people are having a hard time with money this year, I've decided to put together a list of a few of my favorite gift ideas for under $25. Obviously I couldn't include all the gift ideas I love, and narrowing it to 10 was difficult, but all 10 of these items are ones I would purchase on my own (or already have!). I hope you all agree!

1. Little Bird Tales

   Little Bird Tales ($24.95 per year) offers a unique way to create a personal story. Kids & parents go to the website and upload photos or create custom art, write a story to go along with it, record their voice over it and then export a slideshow eBook to share with family and friends.

2. Green Toys

   

   Green Toys are made from recycled plastic milk jugs and the packaging is eco-friendly, made from reycled corrugated boxes (which are also recyclable), with no plastic and no twist ties. The recycling truck ($20.18 through Amazon) is my personal favorite, but a number of their other toy options can be purchased for under $25. They can also be found at Toys R Us.

3. Soda Bracelets

   

   These Recycled Tin Cuff Bracelets ($10) are adorable and affordable. They are made from repurposed tin soda cans by an Indian Fair Trade Coop. Available in Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, Diet Coke, Fanta Orange, 7-Up.

4. Green Sleeves

   

   The laptop sleeves at XSProjectUSA are made from colorful recycled fabric banner. The 14" sleeve is $20, while the 17" is $23. The 18" doesn't technical make it under the $25 limit, but close, at $27.

5. Lego Cufflinks

   Lego cufflinks ($14.99) are made from Legos that are salvaged from garage sales and thrift stores. A perfect nostalgic gift! use coupon code 10PERCENT for 10% off $25 or more at Guffly

6. Vintage Calendars

   Asgard Press carries really cool vintage-styled calendars (and notecards and posters) made with recycled paper and soy-based inks ($18.95). Most are college sports-based, so they would be great for diehard fans or alumni. They have a few great non-sports options, as well.

7. Rosy Rings Soy Candles

   Rosy Rings soy candles ($25) come in 4 fragrance options - Birch Woods, Mandarin & Black Pepper, Spicy Apple and Sweet Bay. The tall glass cylinders are filled with 100% pure soy wax, are made with a cotton wick, and come with a wooden lid for reusability. I highly recumbent Spicy Apple, it smells AMAZING. If you like apple scents, you will love this one.

8. Vapur Bottle

   The Vapur reusable water bottle ($8.95) is definitely the most unique I've seen. When empty, it lays flat and rolls up, making it super easy to carry around. It also features a clip for easy carrying and is BPA free, freezable, and dishwasher safe.

9. Zinio Digital Magazines

   Zinio is an electronic magazine service with many choices for subscriptions. A great idea for a magazine lover who is eco-conscious. Not all options are under $25, but there are a lot of options that are.

10. Charitable Gifts

    

    Some people would like to see money that would otherwise go towards a gift for them go to something that can help someone else. Many of these sorts of programs have options that can be somewhat expensive, but there are some good options for a $25 budget.

    Heifer International has helped 38 million people to become more self-reliant for food and income. Through Heifer International, you purchase gifts of livestock and training in sustainable agriculture that helps hungry and poor families all over the world. A flock of chicks, flock of ducks, and flock of geese are all $20 each. An honor card is presented to the gift recipient, or it can be downloaded and emailed online.

    World Vision Gifts offers a program similar to Heifer International, with different gift options. The gift recipient receives a card describing the gift and the impact it will have in the life of a person in need. A gift of 2 chickens is $25, and $350 worth of necessities to help deliver basics like new clothing, diapers, blankets, and shoes to help American children in poverty is also $25.