Green gift guide: 2012 edition

WWF Canada

We asked our supporters on Facebook and Twitter how they’re planning to treat their loved ones this year.
@InderjitDeogun suggests the Seven Year Pen from Seltzer Goods, Ecoholic by Adria Vasil and Build a School in Africa tees from Roots.

© Roots Canada Ltd

@henrynatalie is getting creative with homemade lip balm and cards, a jar full of notes with positive affirmations or date ideas, and vintage broaches and cufflinks.
@sliceofTOlife says, “Craftberry Bush’s March of the Penguins would make a cute stocking-stuffer.”
On our Facebook page, WWF’s symbolic wildlife adoptions are a huge hit. It’s like giving two gifts in one: a cute stuffed pal for your child (or the young at heart), and a donation to help us protect a real animal’s habitat. Check out our species of the week for your chance to win one of our newest adoption kits, like the snowy owl, Kermode bear and orca.

 
Or, get cozy in WWF’s ultra-adorable hat and mitten sets featuring species at risk, with proceeds supporting our conservation work.

You don’t necessarily need to give “things,” either. Our “Tell Me Tuesday” blogger Riannon John points out, “Since no one actually needs anything, I want to make sure I’m giving my friends and family something that’s fun and meaningful – not just more stuff.” Last year, she gifted her family with experiences, like a course on Italian art and passes to a climbing centre.
Green gifts keep giving, too. Our friends at the Nature Conservancy of Canada work to protect habitat for species such as the lynx and grizzly bear, through their Gifts of Canadian Nature. Buying make-up or perfume for the guys and gals? Be sure to bring along Enviro Defence’s Pocket Guide.
You can make a gift donation to one of Canada’s 83,000 charities (!) at CanadaHelps.org – extra handy for last-minute gifts. You can also set up a “Cause Wish List”: instead of gifts (or as well as gifts), ask everyone to support your favourite charities.
Of course, you don’t need to spend money to give meaningful gifts. Cook a nice meal for a friend (with local ingredients) or take on an annoying chore for someone in your family. After all, the best present is your presence, right?
Got other green gift ideas? We’d love to hear them!