Baby Bin "Circle of Friends" Coupon until Dec 10th, 2008

How to Stay Green When Gift Giving

1: Choose organic clothing items. If you want to give clothes as a gift, look for items that come from organic and all natural materials. You can buy organic clothing for men, women and kids.

2: Buy gifts locally. When you shop at local stores, you're using less gas while also supporting the local economy. Consider looking for gifts at antique stores, consignment shops, farmers' markets and craft fairs.

3: Go green for the kids. You should pick gifts that encourage kids to think about their environment. Look for nature themed books and activities. You can also buy the Eco-Friendly Birdhouse Kit from Edu-Kitting Kids.

4: Donate to a charity on their behalf. You can also discuss forgoing traditional gifts and donating to a worthy charity. Consider a farm sanctuary or having a tree planted in the person's name.

5: Make your gifts. Homemade items crafted from recycled materials will touch your recipient. Consider making your own jewelry, toys, knick knacks and more for the recipient.

6: Avoid novelty and build on something your child already loves - additional pieces or an add-on for building toys, a coveted addition to a train set or doll's house, craft supplies for the creative child.

7: Give your time - our parents loved to get "coupons" for jobs or things we could do for them; use this same idea to give more of yourself to your child (make a date for the holidays or the new year).

8: Give something they need anyway - pajamas, an item for their bedroom or swimming lessons, and make the presentation special.

9: Share memories - with digital photography many of us aren't very good at printing family photos these days. Use this time of the year to prepare mini photo albums for your child(ren) with highlights from the past year (or a special trip or occasion) and delight in re-living those memories together.

10: Re-gift! - Re-gifting is the idea of taking a gift that you once received but now would like to pass along for someone else to enjoy. This is an excellent way to give new life to that interesting gift from a colleague or friend that didn't quite match your decor or a special toy that your children have outgrown.