Dear Re-nest,
My husband and I are taking a cross-country trip this summer, and staying with friends along the way. Many of these friends aren't necessarily "green," but we both are and we'd like to give them a host gift that reflects our priorities, but without being in their face about it. (And of course, we'd like it to be something they'd enjoy and use!). We're also looking for budget-and-travel friendly options.
Thanks,
Jennifer
Jennifer, here are a few ideas that come to mind:
Are any of your friends foodies? While they may not necessarily be into "green," they may be into good food. So picking out a local specialty, either to your home area or theirs, such as honey, jam, or seasonal fruit might be a nice option. You could also try a beautiful plant or some potted herbs, although those might be a bit more difficult to transport, unless you pick them up in your friend's area.
Another idea is a bit more unconventional and not necessarily green, but it does cut down on the "stuff" factor: do your friends have kids? Offer to babysit for the night while you're there so they can go out and have a nice evening together. Or if you or your husband cook, offer to make dinner while you're there. Shop at the local market if there is one and put together a finger-lickin' feast of local, green goodness... and then do the dishes afterwards!
Anyone else have good ideas?
Image via Ecofriend
I agree with the response, you can easily gift with low to no footprint that doesn't make you come across like hippies (as we often likened to by our less-than-green friend).
Just by giving simply, thinking locally from your end is a great way. By bringing items native to your neck of the woods, not only are they touched you thought ahead but you are also supporting your own economy, shopping locally and supporting small businesses. Your traveling anyway so its transport footprint is negated and they never have to know all the this consideration you put into it.
I traveled to Alaska years ago and stayed with multiple families and brought them all native, handmade items from where I lived, they were a HUGE success, and I wasn't even green at the time. Just make sure you package them green, maybe using an old local calendar pages - continue the theme of bringing your world to theirs.....
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Organic/fair trade/shade grown coffee, tea, chocolate, local fruit or other goodies... green versions of host-y stuff you'd give anyway (soy candles, organic hand towels...)
What about an activity together, like tickets to a play, musical, concert, comedy club or whatever you're into? Even a nice dinner out would do it.
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