Green Ideas for Gift Giving: Eco-Friendly Gift Baskets and Candle Gift Sets

Candle gift sets make great gifts, especially during the cooler season. They produce light and heat; therefore, they are also an eco-friendly gift. Candles made of soy or bees wax are the best because they burn cleaner and smell better. Gift baskets are a creative way to give fun and practical gifts, but be sure to shop wisely; not all gift baskets are the same.

How many times have you received a gift basket made of cheap plastic or even cardboard to look like wicker? By the time you get through the layers of cellophane and tape to get to the goodies inside, you’ve filled a small trash can.

Things have changed as we become more aware of the need to be less wasteful and more conservative. People are sending eCards to save on postage and reduce waste as paper cards are often thrown out. Technology is evolving as energy saving appliances are created; people are recycling, companies are coming up with ways to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment.

I love gift baskets; they are so much fun to create and give; they are also a joy to receive. As I considered the concept of reusing items and how important it is in today’s economy, I came up with an idea to make gift baskets more eco-friendly. All my goodies are packaged in re-usable containers, decorative pails, handbags, tote bags, picnic baskets, planters, trays and boxes. Whether you keep the container or re-use it to create a nice gift for someone else, there is less waste going to the landfills.

A small gift basket can become a perfect place to store the various remote controls to your entertainment center; a decorative bucket can become a nice planter; a large wicker basket can be used to create another gift basket or care package.

Gift baskets are a creative and fun way to give very useful and practical gifts or even romantic gifts. There’s no rule that says you need to use a wicker basket either. For example, a gift basket for the gardener could be a watering can or a large bucket with gardening hand tools, work gloves, seeds, and of course, chocolates and other goodies. Or, a good “gift basket” for him could be a tool box with some small hand tools, a how-to book and the chocolates and other goodies.

Gift baskets are a great way to give an eco-friendly gift that is well-received and later, put to good use. Candle gift sets and bath spa gift baskets make great holiday gifts. Candles give just enough light to set the mood; they also help warm up a room. The re-usable container helps to ensure that there is little to no waste from your gift.

Carolyn Simi owns and operates With My Regards, a company who designs unique gift baskets for her and boyfriend gift ideas as well. Yes, guys can also enjoy gift baskets, like a new tackle box or tool box, filled with gifts, chocolate and gourmet treats. Why do you think he buys candy for you? To make a great impression, of course…and then he ends up eating half of it!