The holiday season does not need to be a time of over-consumption. The best gifts are ones with thought - something you make or even a treasure you pass down to your child.

Why not buy second-hand. A carefully chosen gift that helps the environment can be even more enjoyable to give. Choose versatile toys that last and can be passed down for generations. Remember, the most important gift is the quality time you spend with your family and friends.

Here are some environmentally friendly gifts ideas for your family to give and receive:

• Homemade Organic Cookies
• Preserves
• A Hand-Crafted Birdhouse out of Recycled Wood
• Handmade Pot with a Plant
• Sock Puppets
• Bicycle (a second hand would be great!)
• Organic Clothing or Stuffed Animal
• Coupon for Organic Produce
• Coupons for a Backrub, Cleaning Help, Gardening Time, Mowing the Lawn, Homemade Dinner and Hugs
• Tickets to the Theatre
• Gift Certificates
• Wooden Toys (Hey, let's stop buying all that plastic!) - building blocks are great!
• Fair Trade Chocolate
• Digital Downloads of Your Favourite Music
• Gym Membership
• Reclaimed/Used or Recycled Gift
• Organic Shopping Bag
• Donation to Your Favourite Charity or Environmental Organization
• Music Lessons
• Sports Activity Class
• Compost Kit

Best yet - try a "Buy Nothing Holiday" and enjoy your time together! Hey, why not play a math game?

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