Published by Vanessa Brunner under Green Living

Last night my boyfriend made me watch”National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” I realize this movie has become a Christmas classic, but trust me, it’s a lot less fun when your significant other has the remote, and is rewinding scene after scene so he can watch it again and again.

Regardless…it’s a pretty funny movie. I can appreciate the humor.

One of my favorite characters is Clark’s kooky Aunt Bethany. The poor old lady has clearly lost her marbles–but she’s still fabulous. Not only does she still dress well (Tartan suit, gold necklace, and floral headscarf? Aunt Bethany was definitely ahead of her time), but she’s got the green gift giving down. Granted, I wouldn’t recommend wrapping your cat up in a box, but the concept of upcycling gifts is definitely relevant.

There’s a ton of great tips out there, but here’s what I’m planning on giving this Christmas:

1. Baked Goods:
Everyone loves food. And if you cook at all, odds are you have most of the ingredients for a basic bread/cookie/candy recipe. Homemade jams from the summer, Pumpkin/Zucchini bread, gingersnaps, gingerbread, even frozen cookie dough are all great gifts–especially for a hostess. Just wrap it up neatly (I’m using basic natural brown waxed bags tied with twine), and you’re set!

via Stephen Cummings on Flickr

This year, I’m going for a simple but delicious recipe, elegantly titled “Christmas Crack.” It’s essentially Matzo crackers covered in melted brown sugar, butter, and chocolate. And yes, I’m making a double recipe to ensure leftovers.

2. Vintage/Antiques:

I’m buying a lot of my gifts from vintage/antique stores and sites. I’ve heard a lot of arguments that going vintage and upcycling are more “green” than buying eco-friendly products. That’s certainly an added benefit for buying vintage–but I also love it because there’s a story behind everything you purchase.

3. Books:

via PaperCat on Flickr

To me, it seems silly to have hundreds of perfectly good, unspoiled books lying around. People can call it cheap, but I like the idea of passing on the gift of reading (cheesy but true). I really believe in buying used books, but when I do buy a new book, I like to pass it on. It definitely saves paper, and if I’ve already read the book…I know exactly who will appreciate reading it!

(Had to post a link to this great upcycled book site on Etsy. A little spendy, but these notebooks with the old school book covers are fantastic!)

4. Upcycled Etsy:

Etsy is by far my favorite source of upcycled goodies. The amount of creativity that is poured into this site on a daily basis is absolutely outstanding. Upcycled jewelry is a great place to start. I’m planning on purchasing a few things for the women in my life. (see Reclaimed Riches for more ideas)

Vintage Typewriter Key Locket by qacreate on Etsy

5. Upcycled wrapping:

Don’t let all your green work go to waste by wrapping it up in wrapping paper from the store! The fact that gift wrapping is an industry on any level is still pretty unbelievable to me. There are so many eco-alternatives (and less expensive at that) that look just as beautiful sitting under the tree.

image via Craftzine

Here’s a great post with some brown bag ideas. Brown paper bag wrapping paper with twine is still my favorite way to wrap gifts. Not only does it put the random Trader Joe’s bags I have to use, but there’s something really refreshing and traditional about it.

6. Crafts:

Revert back to grade school gift giving and make your gifts this year! The fact that a gift made by hand means more definitely does not change as you get older. I know I appreciate gifts made by hand so much more than a t shirt bought from the Gap.

Craftzine (isn’t that site the best?) has a really cute idea I’m going to try-

Button Rings (I love buttons. I could look at vintage buttons all day on Etsy. And I love the idea of putting these mini works of art to work as jewelry!)

What are your eco Holiday traditions?

What are you going to do to help save money/trees/the world this Christmas?