By Kristine Brabson
Whether you have a design lover on your list or just want to introduce a little eco-chic into a friend's home, consider these green gifts this holiday season:
Cork Branch Coaster Set, $50
Have a neat-freak friend who is always battling water stains on the coffee table? Pass along this rustic coaster set made of cross-sections of real cork tree bark and branches. The coasters are made in Portugal, where cork — a rapidly renewing resource — grows plentifully in the Alentejo region. Sold as a set of 4.
Dirt Candles, $24
You can't go wrong with the gift of candles, but you can go wrong if you opt for the polluting kind. Dirt's handmade candles feature cotton wicks, American-grown organic soy and essential oils — all combining for a clean-and-nose-pleasing experience. All packaging is recyclable, and when spent, reuse the glass for drinking. Available in 24 scents, including the seasonally appropriate "Bah Humbug" (a mix of bayberry, cranberry, cinnamon bark, balsam and orange peel) and "Gingerbread Man" (a mix of cinnamon, ginger and molasses).
Magazine Placemat, $22
These circular, colorful placemats are made from repurposed magazines, lightly coated to protect them from spills. Top them with a beautiful potted plant or just a bowl of fruit — voila, instant eco-centerpiece!
Double Oval Nesting Baskets, $17.95
An organization nut will dig these organic bamboo baskets, which are perfect for keeping trinkets, remotes or any odds and ends neat and tidy around the house. When not in use, the trio fits snugly inside each another for compact storage, too. Available in natural or pink-orange-yellow sets.
Flip Flop Mat, $40
Clean your soles and the environment with these colorful and durable mats made from recycled flip-flop rubber, redirected from the surplus that sandal factories generate daily. Get a bunch for friends and family; because they're made from recycled material, no one mat will be exactly the same.
Record Coaster Set, $18
Know a rock-and-roller whose rec room always has space for more quirk? These coasters are made from labels cut from the center of classic vinyl records, sealed so moisture won't seep through. A set includes six coasters, all with unique labels and packed in a clear, round case.
Felt Pebbles, $14-22 each
Dress up a sideboard, desk or a coffee table bowl with these felt pebbles, handmade in Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of a job-creation program that offers work to local craftswomen. Because they're handcrafted, they come in unique colors and designs. Opt for one or two, or pick up a set of 6 for $92.
Reclaimed Sunrise Rug, $45-49
Woven from recycled plastic fibers, this rug is eco-friendly, sturdy and easy to clean, making it perfect for heavily trafficked areas. Roll it out in a laundry room, kitchen or other room with a soft pastel palette.
Driftwood Lamp, $299
Artisans craft this organically shaped lamp from pieces of fast-growing, sustainable vines found in Northern Thailand's jungle, and crown the arty lamp with a burlap-wrapped drum shade. Make it greener by adding an energy-efficient light bulb.
Wabisabi Green Pillows, $68 each
WabiSabi Green's eco-friendly pillows, made from organic cotton, add a poppy splash to any modern abode. Top off a couch or bed with one or many; they come in Zen, nautical or graphic-and-leafy green themes.
Check out these other green gifts, all under $20 >>
Provided by -
Copyright ©2009Scripps Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.