Gift Giving Guide for Green, Eco & Healthy Lifestyles | 2011 In Review

We are all trying to do our best to buy "green products", but sometimes it can be hard with all of the green-washing out there. 

Don't forget to be people friendly this holiday season. There are many gifts out there you can buy which are not only safer for the planet but most importantly, safe for all of us.

When purchasing foods, chocolates, perfumes, cologne and personal care products, always read all of the ingredients - If you don't know what they are it's best not to buy it.  Also look for products which are from trusted companies and which are certified organic. 

Handmade gifts and ornaments can be a fun and thoughtful way to gift give. Try your hand at making some nature crafts, Zuki likes to make a different wooden ornament from scrap lumber each year and give them as gifts - this is becoming one of our Christmas traditions.

An organic dessert or preserves can be a wonderful gift, especially for those with food sensitivities who have difficulties finding a variety of treats.  Try making a dairy-free dessert for a friend who is lactose intolerant or some nice healthy organic soup for someone who may be under the weather.  Mason Jars tied with a pretty ribbon or some fabric are a fantastic way to safely package many homemade food gifts including soups and desserts.

Beauty products are fun and simple to make and are fresher and healthier than most store-bought items.  Good organic ingredients and nice packaging for all of your recipes can be found at one of my favorite online stores - Mountain Rose Herbs.

If you're still not sure you want to try your hand at handmade gifts, there a lots of reasonably priced healthy products,  below are a few of my favorite safe, healthy and eco-freindly gift ideas.

Cosmetics & Personal Care:

Product: HURRAW! Balms 

Price Range: $3.79 - $4.59

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Raw foodies, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Make-up maidens, Outdoor enthusiasts...

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, organic, raw, cruelty-free, gluten-free, No GMO's, kosher, eco-friendly.  Hurraw! Balms come in a variety of flavors from fruity to spicy, they small fantastic and are packaged in a convenient shaped tube.  These balms can be used for a multitude of purposes, not just for lips - these moisturizing balms work great anywhere there is dry skin and they small mouthwatering too!

My Favorites: Coconut, Black Cherry (tinted with plant pigment) & SPF15 Sun Balm
Buy Here Use code: GIT651

Product: Bubble & Bee  
Lip Balm, Pit Putty, Lotion Sticks, Lotions, Bar Soaps & Deodorant Spray & More

Price Range: $2.99 & Up

For Who: Something for everyone!

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as gifts, gift baskets available, great prices, certified organic, cruelty-free, gluten-free, eco-friendly. Glass packaging, generous sizes, complete collection of organic skin care, cosmetics, tooth paste, hair care including organic hairspary, all safe, natural, organic, one-stop shopping for a variety of products, all but 3 products are gluten-free (Facial Scrub, Facial Cleanser Dry Skin and Facial Cleanser Normal to Oily Skin) - Something for everyone!
My Favorites: Coconut Lime & Sweet Jasmine Body Butta & Lotion Sticks
Buy Here

Product: Dr. Bronners: Liquid & Bar Soap  ♥
Body Balms & Lip Balms, Shave Cream, Hair Care

Price Range: $2.99 & up

For Who: Something for everyone!

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, certified organic, cruelty-free, gluten-free, eco-friendly. several natural & organic scents, unscented also available, multi-purpose products.
My Favorites: Love them all - I'm never without the liquid soap & Body Balm
Buy Here
*The liquid soap is also available locally (St. John's, NL) at American Apparel in the Avalon mall at excellent prices!

Product: Pure Anada: Lipstick & Gloss 

Price Range: $12.00

For Who: Women, Teens, Health conscious, Organic fanatics, Greenies, Make-up maidens

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, great price, organic, lots of fantastic colors, made in Canada, NO synthetic colorants, artificial flavors, harmful preservatives, micronized minerals, petroleum by-products, gluten-free and no animal testing.
My Favorites: Caramel Lipstick & Sheer Bronze Gloss
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Product: Herbal Choice Mari Full Size or Mini & Sample size products 

Price Range: $5.95 & up

For Who: Something for everyone!

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, great prices, organic, cruelty-free, gluten-free, eco-friendly. Glass packaging, generous sizes, complete collection of organic skin care, cosmetics, tooth paste, hair care including organic hairspary, all safe, natural, organic, one-stop shopping for a variety of products, all but 3 products are gluten-free (Facial Scrub, Facial Cleanser Dry Skin and Facial Cleanser Normal to Oily Skin) - Something for everyone!
My Favorites: Day Cream & Mask
Buy Here

Product: Tropical Traditions coconut products 

Price Range: Wide range of prices

For Who: Something for most everyone!
Benefits: A full line of organic products from food to skincare mostly coconut based.  Tropical Traditions is an on-line grocery store/buying club selling everything from organic coconut feed free range meats, cooking products & skincare.  Organic & most products are gluten-free. Book your organic holiday turkey here!!! (Sorry fellow Canadian's they don't ship meats here but they do ship dry goods and coconut products here.)
Buy Here

Product: Radius Toothbrushes 

Price Range: $3.49 & up

For Who: Anyone with teeth :D...or dentures, or a tongue - everyone.

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, eco-friendly. Soft, cleans well, ergonomic, replaceable heads, good price, recycled, compostable and crazy fun styles.
My Favorite: Source Flax Handle
Buy Here (Free Shipping!)

Product: Softlips Organic line 

Price Range: Various prices depending on retailer

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Make-up maidens, Outdoor enthusiasts...

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, organic, cruelty-free, in a convenient slim tube, available at many retailers.
Buy Here (Free Shipping!)

Product: Zosimos Botanicals Cosmetics 

Price Range: $3.00 & up

For Who: Women, Teens, Health conscious, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Make-up maidens

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, organic,gluten-free, cruelty-free, cute little samples in nice packaging, unique colors.
My Favorite: Camellia Lip Gloss & Ivory Sparkle Shadow Stick (Can be used as a skin luminizer)
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Product: Badger Balms & Sunscreen 

Price Range: $3.99 & up

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Organic fanatics, Greenies, Outdoor enthusiasts...

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, certified organic, natural & synthetic-free: uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen with superior broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection & organic herbal healing balms.
Buy Here (Free Shipping!)


Product: My Mama's Love Skincare for the whole family 

Price Range: Wide range of prices

For Who: Something for most everyone!
Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, handmade, natural, organic, soothing, gentle & healing product line is convenient and affordable.  Check out the fun names on this line!
My Favorite: Complete Skin Ailment Curative
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)


Product: Trevarno Skincare 
Price Range: Wide range of prices
For Who: Something for most everyone!
Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, handmade, natural, organic, packaged in frosted glass.
My Favorite: Nail conditioner & Rose & JoJoba Moisturiser
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)


Product: Honey Bee Holistics soaps & skincare including ointments. 
Price Range: Wide range of prices
For Who: Something for most everyone!
Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, handmade, natural, organic and affordable.
My Favorite: Spearmint Soap
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)
***Melissa at Honey Bee Holistics will give you 10% off when you mention that you saw this on Colorful Canary!

Product: Radiant Goddess Organic Skincare Rose Line, Bar soaps &  Lip Schmutz 

Price Range: $6.00 & up

For Who: Anyone looking for quality handmade organic skincare for sensitive skin.
Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, organic, handmade, great for sensitive skin - custom formulations available!
My Favorite: Rose Face Cream, Breakfast Bar
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)


Product: Kimberly Parry Organics Men's line 

Price Range: Wide range of prices

For Who: Men, Women, Health conscious, Organic fanatics
Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, natural, organic line for men & women.
My Favorite: Men's Shave (Zuki loves it)
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)


Product: Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques (Concealer, lip gloss, serum) 

Price Range: Wide range of reasonable prices

For Who: Women, Teens, Health conscious, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Make-up maidens
Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, natural, organic gluten-free line of cosmetics & skincare.
My Favorite: Lip Gloss (Has a fruity scent & shimmer)
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Snackaholics/Chocoholics:

Product: Garlic Gold Nuggets 

Price Range: $4.95 & up (Buy a case & save)

For Who: All garlic lovers & organic foodies

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, certified organic, gluten-free, crunchy & extremely delicious!
My Favorite: Garlic Parmesan Nuggets
Buy Here

Product: Bumble Bars 

Price Range: $1.99 & up (Buy a box & save)

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Organic fanatics, Snackaholics, Vegans, Outdoor enthusiasts...

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, certified organic sesame bars, gluten-free, crunchy & extremely delicious!
My Favorite: Amazing Almond
Buy Here (Free Shipping!)

Product: Taste of Nature Bars 

Price Range: $1.99 & up

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Organic fanatics, Snackaholics, Vegans, Outdoor enthusiasts...

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, Canadian made, certified organic, kosher granola bars.
My Favorite: Niagara Apple Country
Buy Here (Free Shipping!)
Also available at local grocery stores across Canada!

Product: Go Bio Organic gelatin products 

Price Range: $2.30 & up (Buy a case & save)

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Snackaholics, Organic fanatics 

Benefits: Organic gelatin and gelatin products, custards, pudding, jelly, great for those who love desserts!
My Favorite: Bulk Organic Gelatin Powder
Buy Here

Product: Awesome Foods 

Price Range: Wide range of reasonable prices

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Raw foodies, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Outdoor enthusiasts...
Benefits: Organic (mostly - read the ingredients), low glycemic, delicious, raw, gluten-free, nutritious, unique.
My Favorite: Vegetable Tempuraw & Onion bread
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Product: The Tea Room gourmet chocolate bars & truffles 

Price Range: $3.49 & up (Buy a case & save)

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Snackaholics, Organic fanatics 

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, organic, fair-trade specialty truffles & bars in unique flavors.
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Product: Upaya Naturals Kale Chips 

Price Range: $6.49 & up (Buy a case & save)

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Raw foodies, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Outdoor enthusiasts...

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, organic, fair-trade specialty truffles & bars in unique flavors.
Buy Here

Product: Lulu's Chocolate 

Price Range: $3.89 & up (Buy a box or collection & save)

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Raw foodies, Snackaholics, Organic fanatics, Vegans.

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, certified organic, raw, low glycemic, fair-trade, beautifully packaged.
My Favorite: LovePack
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Product: Seed & Bean Gourmet Chocolate  ♥

Price Range: £2.29 & up (Buy a gift box & save)

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Snackaholics, Organic fanatics, 

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, certified organic, fair-trade out of this world unique flavors - Must have for any chocolate lover!
My Favorite: Lemon & Poppy Seed Creamy White Chocolate Bar (Must Have!)
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Product: Navitas Naturals Superfoods 

Price Range: Wide range of prices

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Raw foodies, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Outdoor enthusiasts...

Benefits: Freeze dried or low temperature dried nutrient rich whole foods produced using organic agricultural methods with minimal processing.
My Favorite: Trail Mix
Buy Here Use code: GIT651


Product: Two Girls Cooking raw snacks 

Price Range: $6.49 & up

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Raw foodies, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Outdoor enthusiasts...
Benefits: Organic, Canadian, raw, gluten-free, nutritious, unique.
My Favorite: Zesty Carrot Crisps
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Product: Tropical Traditions coconut products 

Price Range: Wide range of prices

For Who: Something for most everyone!
Benefits: A full line of organic products from food to skincare mostly coconut based.  Tropical Traditions is an on-line grocery store/buying club selling everything from organic coconut feed free range meats, cooking products & skincare.  Organic & most products are gluten-free. Book your organic holiday turkey here!!! (Sorry fellow Canadian's they don't ship meats here but they do ship dry goods and coconut products here.)
Buy Here

Honeyhole for herb lovers:

Product: Mountain Rose Herbs   ♥
Extensive line of  bulk & bottled herbs, spices, teas, essential oils, teas, prepared herbal products, oils, waxes, packaging & more.

Price Range: Wide range of prices

For Who: Something for everyone!

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, certified organic, fair-trade, high quality pure organic full line of products.
My Favorite: I've tried hundreds of herbs, spices, oils & waxes and love every one of their products!
Buy Here

Healthier housewares:

Product: Libre Tea Glass  

Price Range: $24.00 - $32.50

For Who: Everyone!

Benefits: Beautiful glass lined BPA-free hot/cold tea glasses for fresh tea, hot chocolate or just water on the go.  Unique design with a built-in tea filter.
My Favorite: Original Poly n' glass
Buy Here

Product: Bottles Up Glass water bottle 

Price Range: $24.00 - $32.50

For Who: Everyone!

Benefits: Beautiful glass BPA-free bottle for fresh water on the go.  Unique design with colorful food-grade silicone cap and matching rings.
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)


Product: Strawesome Glass Straw 

Price Range: $8.00

For Who: Everyone!

Benefits: Great accessory to your glass bottle..Reusable drinking straws are durable and stylish – and they can help you express your commitment to your family and the environment. Hand-crafted from borosilicate glass, each of our drinking straws is guaranteed against breakage.
Buy Here

Product: Berkey Water filter 

Price Range: Wide range of prices

For Who: Everyone!

Benefits: A great gift, clean water, gravity-feed water purification system lasts for years without changing filter, no electricity needed, great for emergency situations & everyday use!
My Favorite: Big Berkey with 4 black elements
Buy Here

Product: Waring Pro Convection Oven (Teflon-free) 

Price Range: $309.00 & $447.06

For Who: Anyone who likes to cook and wishes to avoid toxic Teflon

Benefits: All stainless steel, compact, comes in two sizes, convection, Teflon-free
Buy Here

Product: Teflon-free Miracle Exclussives ME81 Stainless Steel Rice Cooker / Steamer 

Price Range: $69.89

For Who: Anyone who likes to cook and wishes to avoid toxic Teflon

Benefits: Stainless steel interior, Teflon-free
Buy Here

Product: Vita-Mix Total Nutrition Center 

Price Range: $479.00 & up

For Who: Healthy lifestyles, Raw foodies, anyone who likes to cook.

Benefits: 30-day no-riskin-home trial,  FREE Standard Ground Shipping.  All the tools you'll need to start using your Vitamix blender to incorporate more fresh foods into your diet, add some variety to your every day menu and reach new culinary heights in the kitchen. You’ll receive a cookbook with hundreds of chef-tested recipes, Getting Started guide and an easy to follow DVD cooking class tutorial. Expertly perform everyday kitchen tasks such as blending, creating hot soups, and preparing frozen desserts; easier, faster and with better results.
Buy Here

Product: Vegetable Spiral Slicer (formerly Spirooli Slicer) 

Price Range: $49.99 

For Who: Healthy lifestyles, Raw foodies, anyone who likes to cook.

Benefits: The Spirooli spiral vegetable slicer cuts vegetables and fruits into curly, ribbon-like slices. By placing the vegetable or fruit on the prongs of the wheel and turning the wheel while pushing the base toward the vertical julienne blade, continuous spiral strands and curled julienne strips are created.  An easy way to make healthy raw pasta from organic zucchini!
Buy Here

Holistic Healing:

Product: Snore no more 

Price Range: $7.49 (free Canadian shipping - no minimum $)
For Who: Anyone who snores or lives with someone who does - they'll thank you!
Benefits: Gentle homeopathic remedy, reduces and stops snoring.
Buy Here (Free Shipping!)


Product: Activated Charcoal 
Price Range: $11.49 (free Canadian shipping - no minimum $)
For Who: Must have for everyone's medicine chest.
Benefits: Odorless, tasteless, nontoxic remedy for many illnesses & is a universal antidote for poisoning in humans & animals.
Buy Here (Free Shipping!) or Buy Here Use code: GIT651

Clothing, Shoes & Accessories:

Product: JoSa organic cotton tights, socks & leggings 

Price Range: $11.00 & up

For Who: Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Fashion gurus

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, organic, cozy, long lasting comfortable tights, socks & leggings in funky & fashionable styles & colors.
My Favorite: Organic Cotton Lightweight, Semi-sheer Opaque Tights
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Product: Faeries Dance 

Price Range: Wide range of prices

For Who: Men, Women, Teens, Children, Health conscious, Organic fanatics, Vegans, Greenies, Fashion gurus

Benefits: Stocking stuffers or as a gift, complete line of organic cotton and natural fiber clothing in comfortable & fashionable styles.
My Favorite: Organic Cotton Lightweight, Semi-sheer Opaque Tights
Buy Here (In the comment box, let them know Colorful Canary sent you! ♥♥♥)

Places to find discounted eco goods:

Great stores to find green items.  While everything in these stores may not be green, many times great organic and green deals can be found here.

WELL.CA - FREE SHIPPING IN CANADA  
UPAYA - Canadian raw organic foods & goods  
BEYOND THE RACK  
BOOKCLOSEOUTS (excellent place for discount books lots of wellness, cooking & gardening books!) ♥
HAUTELOOK - WICKED DEALS (I've bought several organic brands here) 
HEARTSY (ETSY DEALS) INVITE (handmade items, some organic, lots of natural stuff)
IVORY TRUNK INVITATION 
PURE CITIZEN INVITE (all ethical, green & organic deals!)

*While I use and recommend the above products, product stars are based on my personal opinion of product ingredients, quality, availability & price.