Post Your Progressive Holiday Gift Ideas HERE!

[K8-EEE]

I'll start!! I promise that just the Susan Cowsill "Crescent City Snow" cut alone is worth the price of the CD. Terrific music benefiting New Orleans musicians.

http://www.carrolltonstationfoundation.com/feeder_bands_on_the_run.htm

I understand that some people don't believe in exchanging gifts at all, which is fine, most of us enjoy that tradition so better to get stuff that supports good causes, or at least that helps a nice indie biz rather than Walmart.

[spotbird]

1. Wonderful idea!

Lately, particularly for older folks, I've been giving consumable gifts like specialty foods they wouldn't buy for themselves.

For the kids private teachers, piano, trumpet etc. I give cold hard cash. It always seems to fit, and since it's a gift I don't think they have to declare it on their taxes. Maybe they do, but I hope they don't have to.

[Hamlette]

2. pledge to buy 100 locally owned stores

I've done this for years. The first year, I talked to friends and searched out small stores. One I'd driven by for years and been curious but never went in thinking it was a garden store (not of huge interest to me). I stopped that year and go back every year.

There is also a local candy maker that makes killer candy. I love giving stuff that can be used (yeah, not very good for us I agree but still, we get to have treats sometimes) rather than accumulate more stuff.

If you can't buy local, buy blue. Costco is 100% blue and is the only big box I shop at.

[Clark2008]

10. There's no CostCo here.

And, buying local would mean supporting Republicans in too many cases.

I'm sort of stuck.

[K8-EEE]

12. No you're NOT at all stuck!!

ON-LINE SHOPPING! ;)

[Clark2008]

16. I do that a lot, but it's hard to determine what's blue and not

from China online.

:)

[tomreedtoon]

3. For the ecological, jute supermarket bags.

Yes, I know, a lot of stores are selling them. I bought fifty of them for a theater company that are actual grocery bag size, not the little ones that Publix and Winn-Dixie are selling.

Turns out it was an individual entrepreneur, who wanted to do something ecological before the stores decided to jump in. He set it up as a charity, and sold the bags for a modest profit to support it...and then the stores jumped in and left him stranded with about 7000 bags.

I won't post a link to him, since I think it would violate rules here, but if you go to eBay and search for "eco-friendly 3 for $7.50" you'll find him.

[K8-EEE]

6. Is that a violation of the rules?? Mods?

If so apologies for posting links to other products, but I don't think it is, at least in this context? The mods will correct me if I'm wrong...

[Fleshdancer]

31. since we're posting our ideas for gifts, I'm pretty sure you can post a link

I don't think this is against the rules :shrug:

[earth mom]

4. My MIL loves getting a big box of locally grown & packaged specialty foods from us.

I like giving gift cards to the bookstore for teachers and a gift card loaded with a dinner out to the mailman. I figure it helps the local economy. :thumbsup:

[K8-EEE]

5. Thom Hartman's Sponsor "Sacred Grounds Coffee"

I'm going to try some of the organic fair trade coffee from them, I listen to his show every morning and they're long-time sponsors.

http://grounds.stores.yahoo.net/sacred-blends.html

[gratuitous]

7. Buy a bunny from Heifer International

Or a swarm of bees. The nice thing about Heifer is that they not only help local farmers with getting livestock, but they also provide training and assistance to manage what they're given, and then they're supposed to help others in their area. Truly a gift that keeps on giving.

[AlGore-08.com]

13. Heifer International also lets you donate trees in someone's name - - very inexpensive

The mods can take it out if this is a violation, but here's Heifer's website:

http://www.heifer.org/

Here's their online "gift" catalog, where you can donate animals or plants in someone's name:

http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/

[crispini]

24. I always get my dad trees.

He's one of those hard-to-shop for types! :D

[alphafemale]

14. Great Idea! nt

[calimary]

39. They're really a great one: I love the "give a beehive" one, plus

you can buy geese, chickens, and even a llama or a share of a llama (or some larger animal).

Kick for this one! Especially the beehives!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

8. Toys made by an environmentalist and political activist

Dave Spencer-

http://www.spencerwoodentoys.com

This fellow has been at the forefront, going to peace marches, talking to legislators about forest conservation, etc, etc. Plus these are well crafted, wonderful toys for kids of all ages.

[K8-EEE]

11. Wow!! Very special, thanks for that link!

I have a 3 y/o on my list who would LOVE the dinosaur!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

29. They are great toys

Dave had an accident on his bike this last Sunday, and broke a rib. I know he'll appreciate the business.

[blogslut]

44. done

Thanks for that. I got a toddler nephew and those toys are perfect!

[bperci108]

9. Sick of Faux Nooze on in every restaurant, bar, airport waiting area, etc.?

Stop TeeVee pollution:

www.tvbgone.com

Shut off the electric pacifier surreptitiously and nobody's the wiser. :evilgrin:


(I know....not really a "progressive" gift, like something earth-friendly. But I hate the TeeVee machine and I get sick of FNC on in every truck stop I walk into. Well.....no more. ;) )


edit: I can't spell. :eyes:

[snooper2]

15. Hillary Supporter Pack

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Dr. Strange]

60. Does it come with the Hillary nutcracker?

Or is that not progressive?

[MzNov]

17. Wrap your gifts in recycled plastic or paper bags, newspapers, then recycle. Nt

[mod mom]

22. I use scarves, fabric and pillowcases. No recycling involved.

[K8-EEE]

25. Great idea! I love the dish towels at Trader Joes

never thought to use them as wrapping though.

[mod mom]

27. and for that added "mod mom" touch, I have purchased beautiful ribbons to make

the packages look extra special, (which I re-use every year) so no tape is needed.

[calimary]

41. The comic section is great! So are colored ads and magazine pages.

Especially ads for luxury items. Glams up your present.

[mod mom]

18. GREAT FOR KIDS-Adopt an endangered animal from WWF:

We started this with birthdays this year and are continuing through the holidays:



https://secure.worldwildlife.org/ogc/index.cfm?sc=AWY0800WC000

[AlGore-08.com]

19. You can also adopt endangered animals through Defenders of Wildlife

You get a stuffed animal for doing so (I think you get a toy with WWF adoptions as well):

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Ecommerce?store_id=5381&VIEW_HOMEPAGE=true&FOLDER=0&TYPE=&NAME=&s_src=WIY08WDADOPT&s_subsrc=WIY08WDADOPT_web&JServSessionIdr012=xgc1cyu042.app27a

F.Y.I. Most zoos have adoption programs as well, which allows the child/children to see the animal that has been adopted. Here's the San Diego Zoo's adoption page:

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/adopt/index.html

[mod mom]

21. Mu daughter had previously adopted a koala at the Columbus Zoo but shortly after she did

they re-located the koala to Dallas without notifying her. She was really upset that "her" koala was living in Texas near bu$h. We switched over to WWF and you do get a stuffed animal, photo and adoption papers.

[Kajsa]

55. Defenders of Wildlife Adoption Center

is a great gift idea.

My mom's getting a polar bear ( she loves them!).
She's an animal rights activist ( but doesn't fully realize it)
- meaning what she believes in totally jives with
DofW, HSUS and NRDC's mission statements.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

20. Reusable shopping bags...

There are some great sets at this site, including produce bags!

http://www.reusablebags.com/store/shopping-sets-c-1.html

[CT_Progressive]

23. All I want for Christmas is some Party Backbone and my Constitution Restored ...

... in that order.

[K8-EEE]

26. That item might be available in 2008

after the election, but it seems for now backbone is out of stock! :(

[Sabriel]

28. A nice can of Impeach-mints

They also carry Indict-mints, along with Che Guevara dolls and "Disappearing Civil Liberties" mugs":

http://www.philosophersguild.com/index.lasso?page_mode=Product_Detail&cat=food&skip=12&item=0517

[K8-EEE]

30. I'm sooooo getting those mints!! THANKS n/t

Wow I'm getting a lot of shopping done today, GREAT SUGGESTIONS!

[Fleshdancer]

32. progressivekid

www.progressivekid.com

From the site:

Our unique, planet-friendly products support the development of progressive kids! At ProgressiveKid every day is Earth Day. Check out our kid gifts and newborn gift ideas, children's educational toys and games, eco-friendly water bottles, planet-friendly party box, baby organic cotton clothing, child growth charts, young writers journals, cooperative games, kid music CDs, poetry books and other books for children. Read On a Ledge for thoughts on green living and progressive parenting. Visit What's New for gift ideas and to see the latest at PK. Look around our site for info. and tips on how to grow your progressive kid.

[K8-EEE]

33. Wow! Def gonna pass that one along!

Love it!

[K8-EEE]

34. Writers Guild Strike Tees....

The strikers are selling these in Hollywood, here's some cool Cafe Press versions.

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/writers+guild/-/pv_design_prod/pg_1/p_storeid.189096503/pNo_189096503/id_23633946/opt_/fpt_/c_666/

[calimary]

42. Excellent!

Kick!

[kineneb]

35. hand-knit items, small gifts from thrift store

oil paintings (by me). No money to buy new stuff, except materials. Will buy a book on drawing technique for a friend. Other than that, if it isn't hand-made or recycled, it isn't going to happen.

My contribution- I am not contributing to the waste stream.

[LeftCoast]

36. Go to your local Farmer's Market. Get fresh organic fruits and vegies and can them

Give them later to all your friends and relatives. That's what I'm doing.

The gift list so far (all organic):
Strawberry Jam
Peach Jam
Plum Jam
Beets pickled in Red Wine
Herbed String Beans (needs pressure canning)
Pickled Okra
Whole tomatoes
Cucumber pickles - crock fermented

It's been a blast.

[MsRedacted]

37. Donating to Charity in the Persons name.

[calimary]

38. Amnesty International - the Save Darfur album of John Lennon songs.

Go to http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org and click on "Shop" then "Music & Video".

Or, my other favorite (besides Heifer International) is http://www.nwf.org/ - National Wildlife Federation. You can adopt a polar bear and give or send a cute little stuffed bear - or other endangered animal stuffed toy - to a kid you know and love. I sent a bunch of those to friends with kids and other kids - and they raved. Even sent one to a girlfriend and she was thrilled, also. Plus, the older recipients very much appreciate the meaning behind the gesture. Go to the site, click on "Shop", and then "Adopt an Animal" - or the link to "Visit Our NEW Wildlife Adoption Center". Just 25 bucks and you can really perk somebody up, and contribute to saving endangered species.

Also there are other links to organic flowers and coffee that contribute to NWF. "Organic Bouquet" was offering peace wreaths last year, which were awfully nice.

Also: Buzzflash has lots of gifts in its online store, including fair trade coffee and chocolates and mints.

http://www.buzzflash.com/store/

And then, there's this:

http://www.impeachbushcards.com/

[calimary]

40. One more rec? Just one more?

Make this one last - the ideas are really good!

[ima_sinnic]

43. Syracuse Cultural Workers have beautiful calendars, t-shirts, posters, books

If you are not familiar with Syracuse Cultural Workers Peace & Justice Publishers, check them out! I bought 3 boxes of holiday cards from them a couple of weeks ago and in my order also received a really nice catalog. They also sell in wholesale quantities.

http://syracuseculturalworkers.com/

[orleans]

45. this was my idea and no one responded--it's archieved now

but i still think it's a good idea--here's the link
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2278181

[ima_sinnic]

47. wow--great links!

it's weird and disheartening the way a post will sometimes sink without a reply, and then the same topic a litle while later gets all kinds of responses.

I think you should copy and paste your post from that thread into this one--lots of useful links there, and you put some time into it.

[DFW]

46. For the coin collectors in your family

[SoCalDem]

48. Pay a bill for an elderly relative..n/t

[Joanne98]

49. eco-friendly jewelry

JUTE

[Annces]

50. Hand-made cards

Other than that, for some people I buy stuff because that is what they want, popular stuff for kids.

[Hun Joro]

51. What a great thread.

I always agonize over what to get for certain family members, and this year I am particularly worried about gifts for my granddaughter. This is going to be a tremendous help. Thanks!

[Fierce]

52. Anything with a union label.

Any toy made in the USA.
A donation to Heifer International, which is awesome.
Anything handmade.

[mdmc]

53. made in America toys!

I am buying my dad and antique wooden car.
I am buying my nephew a handmade wooden truck.

One item was made in America back in the 30's.
The other item was made in America last year.

Just google "handmade toys" and look for the ones made in America.

[wiggs]

54. Make donation in recipient's name for africa micro-loans. We did this last

year...Kiva was the name, I believe. This is something to feel good about...most of us don't really need more "things".

[joe_sixpack]

56. Carbon credits

just kidding :beer:

[calimary]

57. YES!!! It went to the Greatest page!

So glad!

Here's another worthwhile one - from the International Fund for Animal Welfare:

Visit www.AnimalGift.org

[calimary]

58. Did you see this thread? A link to verify toys NOT made in China.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2321531

[zanne]

59. Give to a charity on someone's behalf.

We have enough toys. So do our kids. Let's help the world's impoverished for a change.

[Beaverhausen]

61. Shop at The Hunger Site, The Animal Rescue Site, etc.

http://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/site.do;jsessionid=C25CDDCFFC91E14540EE1E08DC3D413C.prod-b?siteId=220&link=Store_Header_ARS_to_THS

http://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/site.do?siteId=310&origin=100806

Great gifts, very unusual stuff, lots of it is free trade.

[Hekate]

62. Bookmarked!

:hi:

Hekate