Birthday Presents 9/6/04 Riverfest

Hated Birthday Presents Create a Journal | Hometown Main | Search | Help Hestia Homeschool for Young Wild Women Back to Journal View Archives Alert Me as Entries are Posted < Riverfest Monday, September 6, 2004 Viva La Vulva > Monday, September 6, 2004 September 2004 9/28/04 We're going Camping! 9/28/04 Note from Evonne 9/27/04 Sunwatch Village 9/27/04 Homeschoolers for Bush 9/27/04 Tabitha and a friend at our Girl Scout Overnight 9/27/04 Pictures of us from Tall Stacks Riverboat Festival 9/27/04 Mandy and Hannah Picture 9/27/04 Ice Age Unit study 9/27/04 Sex Ed: Sex Toys 9/26/04 Just About Fish Tour and Craft 9/26/04 Bereaved Mother questioned by Federal Agents 9/26/04 Daily Buzzword : Hubbub 9/26/04 cat diary 9/26/04 Marketing Christianity Index 9/26/04 loving thought about God 9/26/04 Saturday Six 9/26/04 Cincinnati Art Museum tours 9/26/04 What mystical creature are you? 9/26/04 Iraq 9/25/04 Notebooking 9/25/04 Yom Kippur confession 9/25/04 Mandy and Red Finger Nail Polish "Blood" 9/25/04 web ring reject 9/25/04 Vulva of the Day: Stuffed Tampon Dolls 9/25/04 Marketing Christianity: Boy Scout Jesus 9/24/04 Can you read this? I could..(Thanks Pam) 9/24/04 wedding prayer 9/24/04 Marketing Christianity: movie parodies 9/24/04 Drunk Driving does not apply to horses 9/23/04 Characteristics of a psychopath/serial killer 9/23/04 Marketing Jesus: The 12 gnome apostles? 9/23/04 Egg in a Bottle experiment 9/23/04 Update from Rachel's journal 9/23/04 The Village 9/23/04 The Doe Boy 9/23/04 The Donner Party by Ric Burns 9/22/04 Copying pictures from email??? from a disc?? 9/22/04 Jeffery Dahmer Action Figures 9/22/04 Naked Yoga 9/22/04 rescued mousie 9/22/04 Cincinnati Ballet & behind the scenes tour 9/22/04 mobile phone that detects bad breath 9/22/04 Lord of the Rings Party 9/22/04 Hildalgo 9/22/04 FlyLady More Time for Moms Calendar 9/22/04 Altered Book Club tomorrow 9/21/04 Cinderella's pinkies 9/21/04 death of a giant Grandfather tree 9/21/04 careers vs. family 9/21/04 "real School" 9/21/04 Sweet note from Suellen 9/21/04 Homeschoolers and Bush 9/20/04 Introduction to Hestia Homeschool 9/20/04 What is your inner color? 9/20/04 Halloween garland 9/20/04 Ahimsa 9/20/04 horse slaughter 9/20/04 The Illusion of life Marionette show 9/20/04 Vulva of the day 9/19/04 Gerbils, Gerbils, Gerbils 9/19/04 bin Somebody 9/19/04 Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Young People's concerts 9/19/04 20,000 9/19/04 Homeschool Girl Scout schedule for the year 9/19/04 Wild Horses of Mongolia Race Game 9/19/04 Joseph Campbell 9/18/04 Meanwhile, Back at the Gerbil Ranch 9/18/04 Cincinnati Museum Center/Omnimax 9/18/04 squirrel name generator 9/18/04 Our Laird needs your prayers 9/18/04 Chimps: The Dark Side (National Geographic) 9/18/04 Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Runaway 9/17/04 International Talk Like a Pirate Day 9/17/04 Cheese Day oompah song 9/17/04 Peter Pan Ballet 9/17/04 homeschooling heaven 9/17/04 suicidal Steven 9/17/04 Blank books 9/17/04 grieving the war 9/17/04 Elephant Day 9/16/04 Birding club 9/16/04 Salsa Dancing at the York Street Cafe 9/16/04 American Kennel Club dog posters 9/15/04 Birds of a Feather video 9/15/04 Best Educational Websites 9/15/04 Dick Cheney's DUI 9/15/04 guilt free mocha slush 9/15/04 Raptor, Inc. 9/15/04 one more aikido picture 9/15/04 What kind of freaky mother are you? 9/15/04 aikido pictures 9/14/04 Rachael's visit 9/14/04 Prayer to heal the pain of infertility 9/14/04 Shiitake Mushroom Workshop 9/14/04 Creek Critters Program 9/14/04 Stuff 9/14/04 The puppet show 9/14/04 Olympic moments (thanks Pam!) 9/12/04 What I can do to help my little corner of the world 9/12/04 helping the world 9/12/04 training in Aikido 9/12/04 Other bits n'pieces 9/12/04 9-11 video reviews 9/11/04 meeting Violence with violence: surviving rape 9/11/04 September 11 9/10/04 homeschooling introduction 9/10/04 Mandy's Horse Question of the Day 9/10/04 text-stalking 9/9/04 Frisch Marionette Company 9/9/04 Quiz: are you a Passion Christian? 9/9/04 Repeated Strip Searches of Teen girls 9/9/04 Beautiful early morning sky 9/8/04 Camp Kern 9/8/04 From Rachael's Journal 9/8/04 Graeme base The Water Hole 9/8/04 documentation 9/8/04 Johnny Appleseed Song 9/8/04 Forgiveness 9/8/04 Vulva of the day: Creating Pubic Art article 9/7/04 DRAFT DEBATE on a Kentuckyhomeschool list 9/7/04 Vulva Art: Petals 9/7/04 Sexual Guru in three minutes 9/7/04 Dog Lovers will like these (from Kitty) 9/6/04 Fun Quiz 9/6/04 Japan's success due to pubic hair 9/6/04 Our Grief is not a Cry for War 9/6/04 Viva La Vulva 9/6/04 Hated Birthday Presents 9/6/04 Riverfest 9/4/04 Cyborg name generator 9/4/04 Daddy is a GOOD GIRL 9/2/04 quiet day...review of The Passion 9/1/04 Spider hunting 9/1/04 INTERNET resource: chart jungle 9/1/04 Protect National Forests 9/1/04 Pagan Prayer for Protection of the Home & update on Shelly-belly 9/1/04 Shelby's oral surgery 9/1/04 LOCAL RESOURCE: Astronomy fair 8/31/04 Shelby's surgery « September 2004 Archive Monday, September 6, 2004 4:28:00 AM EDT Feeling Happy Hated Birthday Presents Scented Candles Top Hated B-Day Gift List United Press International Scented candles and cheap cologne top the list of Americans' most-hated birthday gifts, study results by Florida-based Star Stories show. Third in the list of most-hated birthday presents is bath salts, followed by decorative plates and tight-fitting clothing. Eight out of 10 Americans (82 percent) said it is sometimes difficult to find an ideal birthday gift for a friend or family member. While the average U.S. family spends $750 per year on birthday presents, half of all birthday gifts are never used. Americans are wasting millions of dollars buying unsuitable birthday gifts which are never used. Even gift vouchers make you look as though you have not gone to any effort to choose an appropriate birthday gift, said Shlomo Shaul, publisher of Star Stories personalized horoscope books. "I got so many scented candles and bath oils one year, I thought my friends were trying to tell me I stunk," said one research participant. The full list is available at: www.star-stories.com I happen to LOVE scented candles, but usually only Yankee Candles, which smell GREAT. I also like bath salts. I do not wear col ogne since I am nursing. Since star stories are trying to sell a product, I am not sure how much faith to put into this story. Still, I have to wonder. Last Christmas, my MIL gave me a scented candle for my present. My SIL, who drew my name in the family exchange, gave me TWO scented candles. My husband gave me two scented candles--my only Christmas Gift from him. What does this say about me? Written by hestiahomeschool . (Link to this entry) This entry has 7 comments: ( Add your own ) Hi, I got your kind e-mail while I was also gone. I was visting my parents and had a great time. I have a lot of catching up to do. I love candles and it does not matter what a person gives me. Also I never expect a present from anyone. All I want from others is friendship. To me that is the best present given. That is why I started a journal in the first place was to meet people and make friends and I sure hope you and I can be good friends. I love your journal and writing style BTW. I will be back to catch up on your life. :) Anita http://edit.journals.aol.com/ ginskia/whatdescribesanitaasan itaasanind Comment from ginskia - 9/7/04 3:45 PM we did dirty santa last Christmas at the in laws.Everyone buys a gift and you draw #'s to pick a gift out.My sil took 3 sets of candles for 3 gifts,1 from her, the dh and her daughter- it was funny cause the men ended up with the candles and they did not want them.Even the women did not want them.I like candles but these had no smell at all- I have a feeling that they will end up being re gifts this year! : ) ~ Anita Comment from apropst1 - 9/6/04 3:05 PM Ya I like scented candels too..have you ever smelled soy candels...I just bought some and they really have a nice scent to them. Comment from sugar1337 - 9/6/04 2:02 PM 50% of people also do like their gifts, so you belong to that group! xoxo Comment from suzypwr - 9/6/04 10:01 AM I never mind gettting candles as a gift.....or perfume for that matter.......as long as it's a brand I like....hmmmmmm.....we must be in the minority Kas! ~jerseygirl Comment from cneinhorn - 9/6/04 9:18 AM I lvoe sc ented candles. I m not a yankee fan. WEll I was til I got valeri parr hills on QVC. they are hannas candles and nothing smells as good or as strong and yankees dont havethe oil of hannahs candles. I just brought some old viginia candles and they are soy and I do not like soy. gave em a try but dont like em. The only other candle I like is home interiors apple pie. I lvoe that one and just went and bought five of them!!!!!! yup five. THey burn long they burn clean and when people come in my house they say are you abking a pie and isthat an apple pie. Thats how good it smells. SO I am very picky abotu my candles. LOL Lori Comment from my78novata - 9/6/04 9:01 AM What does this say about you? Uh...they know you like to burn stuff? LOL -B Comment from ryanagi - 9/6/04 4:42 AM < Riverfest Monday, September 6, 2004 Viva La Vulva > Monday, September 6, 2004 Back to Journal View Archives Alert Me as Entries are Posted Get the Feed (Atom/RSS)

Top Ten Gifts

Aspen Country - White Elephant Gifts, White Elephant Gift Ideas, Kitsch Gifts Exchange Entrance Contents View Basket Shipping Checkout Contact Us F.A.Q.s About Us end rendering tab -- Welcome to Aspen Country Aspencountry.com specializes in unique, fine quality, yet affordable gifts and unusual novelty items for hard to shop for people and special occasions. Please check out our White Elephant gift suggestions for funky, tacky, kitschy, campy and really tasteless gifts! Or, browse our truly tasteful gifts for women and gift ideas for men, kids, tweens and teens. You'll find something unique for everyone on your gift list! Enjoy Aspen Country! God Bless America FREE SHIPPING On Orders Over $75 Click for details More Unique Gift Ideas Unusual Gifts for Men Unique Gifts for Women New Baby Gift Ideas Unique Gifts for Children Gift Ideas for Teenages Gifts That Say I Love You House Warming Gifts Unusual Get Well Gifts Gifts for Grandparents Gift Ideas for Teachers Anniversary Gift Guide Wedding/Bridal Decor Unique Gifts Under $10 Unusual Gifts Under $25 Unique Gifts Under $50 Search For Unique Gifts: Free Greeting Cards Free personalized online greetings from Aspen Country! Send Free Greeting Cards Add a Message to a Gift Order Keep track of important upcoming dates, birthdays, and special occasions with Aspen Country's free e-mail reminders! 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Shop Aspen Country By Mail Order or Phone! Printable Order Form Phone: 303.221.2010 ©2005 Aspencountry.com All rights reserved. Number of Hits: - White Elephant Gifts & Unique Gift Ideas - Kitsch, Campy, Tasteless, Downright Unusual Decor | Top Ten White Elephant Gifts | Actual "White Elephants" | | Q & A: Exactly What is a White Elephant Gift Exchange, Anyway? | | Unique Musical Sculptures & Snow Globes | Tasteless Kitsch Clocks | | Glow-In-The-Dark Decorations | Unusual Mystical Theme Stuff | | Unusual Stuff for Your Kitchen | Really Different Candle Holders | | More Unique Gifts, Theme Home Decorations, Unusual Gift Ideas | Top Ten White Elephant Gift Ideas #1 Retro 1960s Style Golden "Sun" Wall Mirror A retro throw back to the groovy '60s (imagine Hawaii 5-0 or the Brady house), this unique sun-ray wall mirror is gold-plated and ornately designed. 17" diameter. Item:31397 (Regularly $29.95) SALE! $23.95 #2 Mushroom Shape Mood Lamp with LED Light Let a glowing mushroom-shaped LED lamp set a groovey mood. This tacky retro mushroom lamp is battery operated and uses 3 AA batteries, not included. Fimo with resin base. 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" x 7 1/2" high. Item:34842 (Regularly $39.95) SALE! $31.95 #3 Monkey Figurine - Three Chimps Playing Poker Even better than dogs playing poker! Guess which chimp is bluffing? Three playful monkeys, displaying their best poker faces, sit down for a friendly game of cards. Painted ceramic resin. Chimpanzee sculpture is 9 3/4" x 5 1/4" x 6 1/2" high. Item:35191 (Regularly $24.95) SALE! $19.95 #4 "Life's a Beach" Wooden Birdhouse This charming decorative wooden birdhouse, with its casual look of the coast, brings the beach to your garden. The sign out front reads "Life's A Beach." (Remember that "classic" saying?) 9 7/8" x 7 1/4" x 10" high. Item:28475 (Regularly $19.95) SALE! $14.95 #5 White Pig Chef Holding Chalkboard - "Chef's Special" This porcine chef holds a chalkboard on which you can present the menu for the day or a note to the family. A white elephant gift they'll never forget! This truly unique decoration is 5 3/4" x 5" x 16" high. Item:31529 SALE! (Regularly $29.95) $24.95 #6 Wrought Iron Pet Bed with Leopard Print Cushion Stylish luxury for Fido or Fluffy! Ornate scroll metal pet bed frame comes complete with exotic faux fur leopard print cushion. Some assembly required. Metal frame, plush polyester cushion. 32 3/4" x 17 1/2" x 15" high. Item:35269 (Regularly $79.95) SALE! $64.95 #7 The Ultimate Tacky Elvis Presley Oversized Clock You knew you'd see it here! Rocking 24 hours a day, Elvis Presley is pictured on this scallop-edged oversized clock. Totally tacky, the glossy black frame features imbedded glitter. 21 7/8" high. Item:27488 (Regularly $39.95) SALE! $32.95 #8 Monkeys Under Palm Tree Lamp - Seriously! So bad that it's great! Totally tacky, this beguiling palm tree lamp features a monkey duo and coconut base. Green glass shade. UL cord. 6 1/2" diameter x 12" high. Item:32174 (Regularly $39.95) SALE! $31.95 #9 Guitar Shaped Elvis Presley Wall Clock OOPS! This has to be the ultimate tacky Elvis clock! Shaped like a guitar, this unusual wall clock celebrates the King of Rock-'n'-Roll, Elvis Presley. Battery operated. 11" x 1/2" x 32" high. Item:33921 (Regularly $49.95) SALE! $39.95 #10 See No, Hear No, Speak No Evil Monkeys A truly cheeky gift idea everyone will love! The classic trio of "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and Speak No Evil" monkeys is whimsically depicted here detail. These playful chimps measure 5 3/4" x 2" x 4 1/2" high. Bronze finish. Item:31164 (Regularly $8.95) SALE! $7.95 White Elephant Gift Hint: Some white elephant gift exchanges suggest theme gifts, including gifts representing "your neck of the woods." Theme Birdhouses make great white elephant gifts for recipients of all ages! The Ultimate White Elephant Gift: An Actual White Elephant! An Elephant with Its Trunk Up Symbolizes Good Luck & Fortune Frosted White Elephant Sculpture In frosted splendor, and supported by a "crystal" orb, this magnificent elephant powerfully trumpets his presence. Frosted acrylic sculpture measures 8 3/8" high. Item:31428 (Regularly $49.95) SALE! $39.95 White Elephants with Crystal Ball Frosted Sculpture A trio of elephants, handcrafted with the look and feel of frosted glass, supports a clear glass orb on their upturned trunks. An unusual and dramatic white elephant gift. 4 5/8" x 4 5/8" x 5 5/8" high. Item:30350 (Regularly $19.95) SALE! $14.95 Lucky White Elephant Sculpture Plant Stand A touch of the exotic for home or garden. This elephant sculpture plant stand displays the trunk upraised, a symbol of good fortune. Ivory color carved-stone finish. 12 1/2" x 6" x 12" high. Item:32005 (Regularly $39.95) SALE! $31.95 5 White Elephants Crossing Bridge Sculpture Ivory-finish white elephants cross the bridge of hope and prosperity. Their message: Goals can more easily be reached when everyone pulls together. 12 l/2" long. Item:20679 (Regularly $39.95) SALE! $31.95 Large Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Elephant Statue Decorated in patriotic red, white, and blue American flag design patchwork, this patriotic elephant makes a fantastic white elephant gift. 11" x 6" x 14" high. Item:31774 (Regularly $29.95) SALE! $24.95 More: | Elephant Sculptures | Elephant Home Decorations | Elephant Novelties | Back to the top of this page Q. Exactly what is a "White Elephant Gift Exchange?" A. White Elephant Gift Exchange specifications are set by the group or family involved in the gift exchange. White Elephant Gift rules tend to differ regionally. Sometimes white elephant gift exchanges involve generic gifts suitable for any age with a pre-determined price range. Other times, creativity or "weird-factor" is the only pre-requisite! Occasionally the goal is to find an item that you already own but have no use for, and to pass that "white elephant" onto somebody else via the gift exchange. (If you don't happen to own anything completely useless that you'd like to "re-gift," Aspencountry.com can certainly help you out!) Sometimes the recipient is pre-determined, but other times the gift recipient is drawn from a hat. In any case, the main objective of a White Elephant Gift Exchange is for everyone to have fun! More Campy, Kitsch, Tasteless Gifts & Unique Gifts | White Elephant Gift Ideas & Actual White Elephants | | Unique Musical Sculptures & Snow Globes | Campy Kitsch Clocks | | Glow-In-The-Dark Novelty Items | Weird Mystical Medieval Stuff | | Unusual Stuff for the Kitchen | Retro & Unique Candle Holders | Distinctive Gifts, Thoughtful Gifts, Tasteful Gift Ideas | Unusual Stuff for Men | Gifts for Women | Get Well Gifts | | New Baby Gifts, Baptism Gifts | Unique Gifts for Children | | Gifts for Tweens, Teens, Teenagers | Grandparent Gift Ideas | | Gifts for Teachers & Students | Unique Housewarming Gift Ideas | | Anniversary Gift Ideas | Gifts That Say I Love You | Office Gifts | | Golfer Gifts | Hunter Gifts | Fisherman Fishing Theme Gifts | | Unique Gifts Under $10 | Gifts Under $25 | Gifts Under $50 | | Aspen Country Entrance | Aspen Country Sampler | Thank you for shopping at Aspencountry.com! 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great gifts. I have

NRDC: The Great Green Gift-Giving Guide Cities & Green Living : Green Living : In Brief : Guides The Great Green Gift-Giving Guide Tips from environmental professionals for giving easy-on-the-planet presents that go way beyond the basics. We asked NRDC's personal shoppers (actually, they're attorneys, scientists and policy analysts) to tell us the best environmentally friendly gift they've ever given or received. We've packed a shopping cart full of their stories, and added some links to help you track down their green gift suggestions. One of the best and easiest ways to remind your loved ones to get outdoors and enjoy nature is to buy them a national parks pass . It's a great reminder that there's life beyond the desktop. -- KATE WING is an NRDC policy analyst who works to protect marine species and habitat. One of the most useful holiday gifts I've ever received is a subscription to The Green Guide . Each month, The Green Guide provides clear answers to consumers' most immediate and practical questions about personal- and household-environmental issues, such as, "My son has asthma, how can I reduce his exposure to pollution at home and at school?" or, "We're preparing a new bedroom for our baby, can you recommend safe and healthy products for us to consider?" The Green Guide and its website are where Consumer Reports meets Good Housekeeping and Web MD . By doing the research on which products to buy and what practices are best, The Green Guide takes the hard work out of doing right. -- JACK MURRAY is NRDC's director of development. A year-long subscription to National Geographic is a superb gift idea for anyone interested in the natural world. I have spent many hours thumbing through issues collected over the years. The magazine's always-informative articles and spectacular photography celebrate different cultures, ideologies and natural phenomena around the globe. A subscription to National Geographic is a once-a-month adventure to unknown lands. You also get the pleasure of knowing your membership dollars help support important research and exploration projects around the world. -- NIKKI VERHOFF is a writer in NRDC's development department. The best present I ever gave, according to my best friend and the most inspiring environmentalist I know, was an autographed copy of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree , accompanied by a certificate for a tree to be planted in his honor. I wrapped the book with old E magazines (to be environmentally friendly) and included a little thank-you note for his continued support and inspiration. -- ELIZABETH PANELLA is an assistant in NRDC's Northeastern air/energy and environmental justice programs. For the past few years, a popular gift in my family has been to donate an animal to a less fortunate family in another part of the world through Heifer International . The idea is that, on behalf of someone else, you purchase livestock -- anything from a llama to bumblebees -- to help that family become self-reliant. You can even buy "shares" of an animal or an entire "ark," depending on your budget. -- LISA WHITEMAN is a web production associate in NRDC's web department. For a $25 donation, an L.A.-based group called Tree People will plant a tree in honor or memory of someone and send a certificate. For $75 they will plant a grove of five trees. The certificates are very nice and make great gifts. I have done this several times over the years and people respond very favorably. -- GAYLE PETERSEN is the office administrator for NRDC's Los Angeles office. The best gifts I've given and received have been adopted manatees . The Save the Manatee Club in Maitland, Florida, has a bunch of cuddly manatees that people can adopt. You get a photo and a little bio of each one, plus an update on their doings throughout the year. -- ROB WATSON is a senior resource specialist who has led environmental design efforts for NRDC's award-winning offices in New York, Washington, D.C. and Santa Monica. A " night spotting scope " was a wonderful gift for me. I love to go camping and hiking at night, and have managed to sneak an excellent peek at some nocturnal animals through this handy gadget. I got a good look at a fox, several skunks and an elk despite very little moonlight. Another idea: Tilley hats are tough, outdoorsy canvas hats which protect from the elements. I bought one for my father and he loves it. And after much waiting (and hinting), I finally received one for my birthday. I have worn it through wind, rain, sea spray, hail and even volcanic ash, and it has held up perfectly (although it now has some spots to give it character). -- GINA SOLOMON, M.D. , an expert in environmental threats to public health, is a senior scientist at NRDC. Probably the best environmental gift I ever received was not designed to be an "environmental" gift at all. I don't think that I would be where I am today if my parents hadn't decided to send me to Camp Menatoma in Kents Hill, Maine, in the summer of 1969. That summer -- and for seven summers afterward -- I spent up to two months exploring the Maine woods, learning outdoors skills and playing with new friends. But Camp Menatoma taught me more than how to hold a canoe paddle or stand up on water skis. I also learned about the damage being done to the Maine woods by clearcutting, about how plastic six-pack holders could choke our lake's glorious loons and about our role as the earth's protectors. In short, at Menatoma I developed an environmental consciousness that has led me to a career with NRDC today. Going to camp showed me a world that existed beyond our suburban Long Island home, my grandparents' apartment in Brooklyn, and our many urban field trips to Coney Island and Manhattan. It's a gift that I thank my parents for every day. -- RICH KASSEL is a senior attorney at NRDC and an internationally recognized expert on vehicle pollution who is the main architect of NRDC's "Dump Dirty Diesels" campaign. Editor's note: A terrific, related idea is to give a donation in a friend's or relative's name to the Fresh Air Fund , which sends city children on summer vacations in the country. My best present was a pair of lightweight, top-quality binoculars that my husband, Michael, gave me. They've been a joy to have on long treks in mountains, on rivers and in deserts as well as on jaunts closer to home. Although I don't use them only for birding, they have made me a much better birder -- which has made both of us happy, since Michael is a big-time birder! I literally try not to leave home without them. -- JOHANNA WALD is the director of NRDC's land program and a nationally recognized expert on public land management. One year, two of my friends gave my mom a homemade holiday wreath decorated with birdseed, suet and fruit slices to hang in her garden and keep the birds well fed during the winter. After the bird food is gone, what's left of the wreath goes into the compost pile. It's not too hard to find the components to make your own, but you can also always buy a pre-made wreath for birds . -- LISA M. CATAPANO is NRDC's director of online advocacy and prefers watching college basketball to watching birds. A couple of years ago, an NRDC staffer recommended giving those really nice bags that fold up into a small pouch and are very easy to keep in your purse or pocket. To my delight, one of my coworkers was inspired by the idea and bought one for me. They're great -- much stronger than plastic bags, easy on the environment and perfect as stocking stuffers. -- RITA BAROL is NRDC's director of websites and reports. I received unpetroleum lip balm a couple of years ago and now buy it any time I can find it. -- KAREN WAYLAND is NRDC's legislative director. One great gift for homeowners is a bat house from Bat Conservation International . If you have a tall tree or a chimney you can host bats, which will help keep your insect populations down and teach your kids that bats are more friend than foe. "Fishing Hunks" calendar . Fishing has taken a heavy toll on our oceans, and as we try to make better management decisions for the future, communities are looking for ways to change how they relate to the seas. Proceeds from calendar sales go to scholarships for children of Cape Cod fishing families, supporting what I hope will be a new crop of smart, fisheries biologists.-- -- KATE WING Electric scooters are growing in popularity here in New York City. The gasoline-powered versions make a lot of noise, and their tailpipe emissions are completely uncontrolled. But the Zappy electric scooter is silent and creates zero tailpipe emissions. Even taking into account the emissions related to the electricity used to charge the battery, the Zappy is still much cleaner than its internal-combustion counterparts. My wonderful wife gave me one as a wedding present, and I've taken it all over the city on errands and for fun. People are always stopping me to ask questions and tell me how cool the scooter is. At around $400, the Zappy is a little expensive, but from the perspective of an environmental techie like me, it's worth every penny. -- NATHANAEL GREENE is a resource specialist at NRDC working on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Energystar.gov offers terrific information on energy-efficient lighting products , many of which are suitable for holiday gifts. For instance, giving someone an Energy Star-rated torchiere to replace a halogen torchiere is a perfect gift. Not only will it save your friends and loved ones money by reducing their energy bills, it may well save their lives (halogen lamps are notorious fire-starters). -- RALPH CAVANAGH is a senior attorney and co-director of NRDC's energy program. Holiday cards from Native Energy help spread the word about global warming and keep carbon dioxide out of the air at the same time. The cards come in four themes and represent carbon reductions for projects such as wind turbines on Native American lands or a renewable methane generator on a family dairy farm. By purchasing the $12 card, you'll keep a ton of carbon dioxide out of the air; with the $60 card, you can boost that number to 6 tons. Order online or call (800) 924-6826. -- ANTONIA HERZOG is a legislative advocate in NRDC's climate center. As a somewhat gadget-obsessed resident of sunny California, I'm hoping one of the environmentally minded gift-givers I know surprises me this year with the iSun Solar Charger . It's small enough to fit on a windowsill, and can charge cell phones, MP3 players and -- with a special attachment -- batteries. -- LISA BEEBE is a freelance web page producer with NRDC's web department. I give rechargeable batteries and rechargers to friends and family members, especially those with kids. Kids' toys create a lot of demand for batteries, so it's greener (and cheaper!) if parents don't have to deal with so many disposable batteries and the troubling chemicals, like mercury and cadmium, that they contain. -- ALLEN HERSHKOWITZ , an internationally recognized expert in recycling and solid waste management, is a senior scientist at NRDC. My wife has given me a flashlight and a radio from Freeplay , and they're great. Both are powered by cranking handles attached to the casings. (Some Freeplay products can also operate on a second source of power, either a solar panel or a rechargeable battery.) They ALWAYS work, and there are no batteries to dispose of. Plus, with the transparent housing, you can see how the really cool spring mechanism works so it's educational, too. -- BARRY NELSON , an expert in California water issues, is a senior policy analyst at NRDC. Give all the drivers on your list a tire inflation gauge so they can check their cars' tire pressure. Properly inflated tires save fuel, reduce pollution and don't wear out as quickly. Underinflation of only five pounds per square inch can reduce a performance tire's tread life by 25 percent! Being small and inexpensive, tire gauges also make great stocking-stuffers. -- JEFF FIEDLER is a policy specialist with NRDC's climate center. One of the best gifts I have given -- to the family that has everything (and more): the excellent little book by Alan Durning, How Much Is Enough? The Consumer Society and the Future of the Earth. Without being too preachy, it explores whether increasing consumption is related to greater happiness. -- ERIC A. GOLDSTEIN is a senior attorney and co-director of NRDC's urban program. LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights are quickly becoming a tradition in public spaces across the country and make an energy-smart and safe gift. They save up to 90 percent of the energy used by regular mini holiday lights and last 100 times longer, saving the hassle of having to replace bulbs frequently. And since they don't heat up or break, these lights reduce the risk of fire and help protect children's hands. Look for them alongside standard lights in many stores. -- SARAH JAFFE is a science fellow in NRDC's energy program. book recommendations , many of which also make great gifts. -- Diaper service (you know, real cloth diapers -- remember them?) from my parents for my first-born. -- CHUCK CLUSEN is a senior policy analyst and director of NRDC's national parks and Alaska projects and is a nationally recognized expert in public land management. The best "green" gift that I've ever received was a couple of canvas shopping bags so that I'd no longer have to deal with the "paper/plastic" dilemma. Plus, the whopping five-cent reduction in my total shopping bill each time I use one helps towards my retirement. -- DAN GILDOR is a project attorney in NRDC's Los Angeles urban program and focuses on enhancing water quality in California. We once gave an old computer to a very small public interest group that was operating on a shoestring. We thought it was hopelessly obsolete, but they thought it was the greatest thing and were very grateful. Since discarded computers are increasingly an environmental problem, it's useful to know that you can usually find someone who is happy to accept one that is less than state of the art. And all the women in my family have whimsical earrings made from various kinds of recycled materials, ranging from typewriter keys to flattened bits of trash from Vermont roadsides. -- NANCY MARKS is a senior attorney at NRDC who takes on corporate polluters in court. Doesn't it seem silly to just trash out-of-date government-surplus maps? Someone at New England Cartographics asked that very question and came up with the idea of making stationery out of the old topographic maps, a truly inspired recycling idea. The attractive envelopes and letter paper are a joy to send and receive. Even my pen pal of 12 years was impressed. -- CRAIG DYLAN WYATT is a program assistant with NRDC's land program. My work on the pulp and paper manufacturing industry has helped turn me against using paper napkins, and cloth napkins make a great alternative. To create an inexpensive napkin gift package that's fun for kids, purchase cotton bandannas -- say, two per person for a family -- that are colored differently for each family member. Bandannas.com sells all sorts of great novelty patterns -- like rainbows, tie-dye and skull and crossbones (the pattern my five-year-old son picked for himself), as well as the standard paisley. -- JESSICA LANDMAN is an NRDC consultant and a former NRDC senior attorney and senior counsel. I give subscriptions to Organic Gardening magazine to avid gardeners who have not yet switched to organic methods but I'm sure would be keen to do so if they had some information at their fingertips. -- MATTHEW PERRIN is NRDC's development researcher and a community gardener in New York City. How about an organic dried fruit basket ? -- TOM COCHRAN is the director of NRDC's nuclear program and holds the Wade Greene Chair for Nuclear policy at NRDC. As a law student in Vermont, I learned to appreciate organic wines and beer. They took the edge off of those cold Vermont winters -- and they make a great gift! To find organic wine and beer sources online, check out Organic Wine Company , The Organic Wine Press , Organic Grapes into Wine Alliance , Bison Brewing or Otter Creek Brewing . -- DIANA DASCALU directs NRDC's Anacostia River restoration project. I'd like to give all my terribly busy friends in the New York area a weekly delivery of organic food from Urban Organic . The company buys produce, groceries and dairy goods in bulk from organic cooperatives, distributors and individual farmers and drop them off in grocery boxes at your door. The contents vary with each season, and you can ask them to leave out things you don't like. Planet Organics offers a similar service in the San Francisco Bay Area. -- SARAH BRIGHT is the associate editor for the NRDC website. In my work at NRDC I advocate alternatives to environmentally damaging factory farm practices that pollute our air and waterways and threaten public health. By purchasing your holiday ham or turkey directly from cooperatives like Patchwork Family Farms you can support independent family farmers who are trying environmentally sustainable methods of farming pork, chicken and beef. Last Thanksgiving I ate my words when I gave my mother a pasture-raised turkey to cook for dinner -- in case you are wondering, it was delicious! For more on sustainably-raised meat products visit the Eat Well Guide . -- MELANIE SHEPHERDSON is an attorney with NRDC's clean water project. I was about 10 years old when my mother -- a model of antimaterialism before it became fashionable -- decided to call off holiday gift-giving altogether. Instead, members of our family donated the money we would have spent on gifts for each other to our favorite charities . While I may not have been totally thrilled with the concept at that young age, it was a terrific lesson in values I've carried with me ever since. I've even wondered if this family tradition later influenced my choice of careers! -- ELIZABETH FINCH is NRDC's director of gift planning. More Green Gift Ideas and Holiday Resources from NRDC Give organic coffee from Beantrees -- designed with the earth in mind -- to any java-loving pals. Because it's grown without pesticides, organic coffee is healthier for the people who grow it, the regions where it's grown and the people who drink it. And we can vouch for the way it tastes: NRDC uses Beantrees coffee in our offices. (Tip: When ordering, enter the coupon code "freemug" to get a free travel mug.) Give an NRDC gift membership . Members receive a year's subscription to Nature's Voice , our highly readable and photo-filled bulletin, a stunning NRDC screensaver, a handy canvas tote bag and the satisfaction of protecting wilderness and wildlife. Visit NRDC's list of book recommendations to find the perfect books for all the readers on your list. Have a Cool Holiday for 10 ways to fight global warming while enjoying the season; fFor green consumer tips you can use all year, see NRDC's green living links . -- See NRDC's green living links for more green consumer tips. While NRDC strongly encourages efforts to "live lighter on the planet," we are not in the business of endorsing products or services. Our staff suggestions and the links that accompany them are meant only to give you some ideas and help you to make your own green-giving decisions. last revised 11.19.04 Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy | © Natural Resources Defense Council

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Search for a Charity 1,000,000 in Guidestar® Advanced Search Browse by Category using the JustGive Guide ™ Categories Animals Arts & Culture Children & Youth Community Crime Prevention Disabled Disaster Relief Education Elderly Environment Health & Disease Homeless Human Rights Hunger & Poverty Overseas Aid Peace Sports & Rec. Substance Abuse Women Gift Certificates Visit our Gift Certificate area to purchase or redeem charity gift certificates Wedding Registry Find a Registry Enter first and/or last name Create a Registry Our wedding registry area is where you can create, update, or share a wedding registry Charity Wish Lists Find a Wish List Enter first and/or last name Create a Wish List Our charity wish list area is where you can create, update, or share a charity wish list Related Topics Ways to Give FAQs How Much to Give Tax Benefits Why Give Online? Support JustGive Subscribe to Newsletter 10 MEANINGFUL GIFTS & GESTURES There are so many ways to make a difference while at the same time shopping (or donating!) for those you love this holiday season. We have compiled a few ideas here, and we encourage you to share them with friends and family. ADOPTIONS & SPONSORSHIPS GREETING CARDS FOR CHARITY CHARITY WISH LISTS BOOKS & GIFTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IDEAS FOR AN EARTH-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY RECYCLE YOUR TREE TOYS FOR CHILDREN PURCHASE CHARITY GIFT CERTIFICATES CHARITY GIFT BASKETS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER 1. SPONSOR A CHILD, "ADOPT" AN ANIMAL, OR PLANT A TREE in the name of a loved one. 2. CHARITY GREETING CARDS : Purchase your cards for the holidays and other special occasions from a number of different charities, and help support their work. 3. CHARITY WISH LISTS : Create your own Charity Wish List so your friends and family members know what charities to donate to in your name. 4. BUY BOOKS OR GIFTS FROM AMAZON.COM : When you use this special link, JustGive receives a portion of the sales, enabling us to continue our service for you. There are two ways to go about this: Buy any item from any Amazon.com shop by using this special link. Visit our list of suggested books and gifts , using the links on this page. 5. HAVE AN EARTH-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY : Don't forget Mother Earth during the holidays. Read the many ways you can help. 6. RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE : The bad news is that millions of discarded trees take up landfill space. The good news is that there are solutions. 7. BUY A TOY FOR A CHILD : You can drop off new unwrapped toys at any one of the nearly 370 Toys for Tots Coordinators nationwide. 8. PURCHASE CHARITY GIFT CERTIFICATES : Purchase a gift certificate and allow your recipients to redeem it to support their favorite charity, choosing from 1,000,000 local, national, and international nonprofits. 9 CHARITY GIFT BASKETS : This popular feature is the perfect gift when you know what cause your recipient cares about but aren’t sure which charities to choose. Each cause-related charity basket features 4 charities and is sure to make a difference to your friends and family and to the nonprofits who benefit from your gift. 10. SUPPORT A LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER : Animal rescuers discourage buying animals as gifts for people, as it increases the number of animals brought to shelters. Instead, support your local shelter with a donation or by fostering a dog or cat. back to top