3 of the Best Green Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Looking for unique gift ideas for Mom? These three Mother's Day gift ideas are definitely for the Mom who likes something different, plus they're planet-friendly too so she'll have something extra to smile about every time she uses them! 

1. For the green thumb mom who loves a farmer's market: Garden Trug/Shopping Basket
This lovely shopping basket is ideal for picking produce at farmers' markets (reducing plastic shopping bag use) or in your own garden as it does double duty as a colourful garden trug. Perfect for transporting seeds, seedlings or homegrown vegetables and flowers, this award-winning basket is made from waterproof nylon and features four rubber feet plus a cushioned handle. Basket $29 Separate cover available $8

2. For the cooking mom who avoids toxins and plastic: Natural Beeswax Food Wraps
A natural alternative to plastic wrap and foil, these biodegradable hemp/cotton reusable food wrap covers are coated with beeswax are used in the same way but are far more safe, effective – and reusable, so they stay out of the landfill.  Ideal for covering cut fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and all kinds of dish ware. 3-pack of varying sizes $15

3. For moms who like a bath without chemicals: Aloe Jojoba Biodegradable Bubble Bath
This fully biodegradable bubble bath will not harm our waterways but it will leave skin feeling smooth and conditioned. The naturally-derived formula creates what we can only describe as the bubbliest bubble bath ever plus the use of pea protein means it's gluten-free and safe for use those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease. Made in Vancouver and available with a light coconut scent or fragrance-free. $13.95

Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle - Mother's Day Giveaway

A hydrated mom is a happy mom. Did you know that once you hit the point of feeling thirsty you’re already dehydrated? Tiredness, dry skin, headaches, dull sunken eyes, dizziness and constipation can all be signs telling you it’s time to re-hydrate. Yet keeping your water level up while on the go can be tricky. A great water bottle you love makes it easier. Now you can win one in our Mother's Day Giveaway! Simply tell us your favourite water bottle colour and you could win a non-leaching, recyclable, reusable Lifefactory glass water bottle - one of our most popular bottles ever!  

********* This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner Robyn L.! *********

HOW TO ENTER

Step 1
Tell us which is your absolute favourite water bottle colour from our collection of glass water bottles – and you could win a 450ml Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle. Value $26 

Leave your answer in a comment below or email it to us at customerservice(at)lavishandlime(dot)com with 'Mother's Day Giveaway' in the subject line. This giveaway closes at midnight PST, May 11th, 2013. The winner will be chosen and notified on Mother's Day. **Please be sure to include your name and email address so we can contact you if you win.**

Step 2
Share it for a better chance to win it! Leave separate comments for each share and receive extra entries.
- Subscribe to receive our Lavish & Lime email newsletter (and save 10% when you do!)
- Like, share or comment on a post about this Giveaway on our Lavish & Lime Facebook Page - the more likes, shares and comments you do, the more chances to win
- Click the 'like' button on any or all of our Lifefactory Bottles product pages(the more the better!)
- Pin this post on Pinterest
- Tweet this post on Twitter:
#Win a @Lifefactory glass bottle for Mom in the #MothersDay #Giveaway at @LavishandLime CAN/US http://bit.ly/12H9YED #eco #green 
*tweet daily for more chances to win

LIFEFACTORY DISCOUNT CODE

Water bottles make great gifts for all the moms in your world, including you! Choose from our selection of the top glass and stainless steel bottles on the market and use code LUVMOM through May 8th to receive 15% OFF for Mother’s Day!

ABOUT THE PRIZE

Lifefactory Water Bottles
Stylish Lifefactory reusable glass water bottles are not only the right choice for anyone concerned about BPA leaking into their drinking water, but also for anyone who likes to see exactly what they're drinking. Unlike other bottle options, see-through glass allows for 100% thorough cleaning; what you see is what you ingest. Glass also preserves water's true taste and is fully recyclable. Plus a colourful plastic sleeve on these glass water bottles helps prevent breakage. Choose from a variety of colours, two sizes and two tops – the classic screw cap or the newer flip cap spout. The glass is made in Europe, the protective silicone sleeve in the USA.

The winner will be chosen in a random draw. Deadline for entries is 11:59pm PST Saturday, May 11th, the giveaway closing date. The winner will be notified by email on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12th and announced thereafter. Open to residents of Canada and the U.S. who are over the age of majority in their province, territory or state of residence. Prize must be accepted as awarded and may not be transferred or exchanged. They are not redeemable for cash and are non-refundable.

New from Envirosax Bags: Sesame Street Faves

Who doesn't like Sesame Street? From Oscar the Grouch to Cookie Monster and now fairy-in-training Abby, favourite kids show Sesame Street has something for everyone – even adults. The latest reusable shopping bags from Envirosax featuring favourite Sesame Street characters are perfect for anyone who wants to take a retro eco walk down memory lane. The bright colours and cartoon-like graphics combined with the practical benefits of these handy Envirosax bags: lightweight, water resistant, holds 44 lbs., no toxic chemicals, reinforced seams, folds down to the size of a piece of sushi, make Sesame Street a hit with adults too! Ideal for shopping, our funky Sesame Street Envirosax bags are good for carrying pretty much anything from sports gear to books to picnics and more. For an economical option, check out our Envirosax Sesame Street 5-pack pouch.

Why Use Non-Toxic, Water-Based Nail Polish?

Guest post from Ginny Cardenas, Hopscotch Kids & Scotch Naturals

Any mother raising girls knows that at a certain age, glitz and glam become all of the rage. From lip gloss to eye shadow, every inch of the house is covered in smudges of color. Girls come home from birthday parties decked out in trendy fashion styles that scream, “I am here to make a statement!” My home is not immune to this type of display as she has three girls who are constantly trying to express themselves through vibrant colors and glitter. Like most moms who try to make the best decisions for their children, I started to question the beauty trends of not only young girls but adult women as well. I know what we put on our bodies also goes in our bodies. I began to research the chemicals that we use in our beauty routines. What I found was that what we use to make ourselves beautiful is actually a toxic concoction of ugly chemicals.  

Through research it became clear that nail polish was the worst offender. Chemicals such as nitrocellulose, toluene, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and formaldehyde are present in many of the nail polishes that we use on a daily basis. One whiff of the noxious fumes that seep out of nail polish bottles would tell you that there is something toxic about traditional nail polish. Your gut reaction would not be wrong. The chemicals in traditional nail polish are known carcinogens, neurotoxins, endocrine disruptors, skin irritants, and environmental toxins. Once my research was complete I decided that something had to be done, and I would be the one to do it. Enter HopscotchKids and Scotch Naturals; non-toxic, water-based polishes that are designed for good, clean fun.  

My team and I believe that you should not have to sacrifice safety for beauty. Our products allow women and children to look and feel their best while making choices that are not only better for them, but the world around them. And with salon-quality durability and tons of trendy colors to choose from, switching to a water-based nail polish means you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for safety either.

Find out more during our Healthy Nails Healthy You Facebook Q&A with Ginny Cardenas this Thursday, June 21st, 10am to 8pm PST. You'll be able to ask any questions you like and receive answers from an expert! Plus there will be some fantastic nail care products to be won!

5 Green Gifts for Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day is a great time to celebrate the one mother we all have in common: Mother Earth. So when choosing thoughtful, loving gifts for Mom keep the planet in mind too. It's easy, it might just take an extra little bit of green thought. Here are five eco-friendly gifts for Mom this Mother's Day to make her smile.

1. Make a meal. Our top pick would be Mother's Day brunch made with local and organic ingredients for a lazy Sunday morning. Even better, try these make ahead brunch recipes and guarantee the meal itself will be all about relaxing for everyone involved. Not only will you save gas and money not going to a restaurant, but do you really want to stress over a reservation for Mother's Day?
2. Give a gift she'll use. Any green-minded Mom would appreciate a handy little eco-friendly bag like our zippered Rume Mom Reusable Baggie. PVC-free and lead-free, it's also tested food-safe so, like Mom, it can do pretty much anything. This bag is great for carrying everything from snacks to makeup in a purse, bag, backpack, glove compartment, pocket or suitcase. Plus, it's personalized with the word 'Mom' on the front in 50 different languages making it educational and charming, what Mom wouldn't smile at that?
3. Pamper Mom. Luxurious Aloe Jojoba Bubble Bath paired with Rice Bran Oil Moisturizing Lotion and a pack of Three Blossoms 100% Soy Tea Light Candles scented with lavender, chamomile and orange blossoms make for a relaxing biodegradable bath experience with pretty, calming scents she's not soon to forget. Top it off with some natural nail polish in one of spring's hottest shades plus a bottle of spray soy remover and there's no need for her to drive all the way to the salon.
4. Buy her a drink. The eco-friendly, reusable kind, of course which means tap water in a new bottle. For a sleek-looking stainless steel option go with Oprah's favourite: a double-walled S'well bottle for sustained insulation and beverages that keep cool for literally hours and hours. If a glass bottle in a colourful and funky protective silicone cover is more her style, try the original Lifefactory water bottle screw cap and the new Lifefactory flip cap bottle for travel. For active Moms, collapsible Vapur bottles are a great option for rolling up and zipping into a pocket when empty during a hike, bike or walk.
5. Give a hand in the garden. Whether it's a hanging basket, patio pot, window box or even an apple tree in a bag, more greenery can only be healthier for the environment and Mom too. Join her outside and help do some planting. Try choosing native plants for the garden that require little water or fertilizer and no pesticides. A great gift for the oenophile Mom is the Wine Lovers Pocket Garden Kit and for the cat lover, a Wheat Grass Garden in a Bag.

Give a Gorgeous Gift of Empowerment

We've just received our first shipment of gorgeous eco necklaces and bracelets from socially minded company 31 Bits - and we're thrilled! We love this jewellery for three reasons. First, it looks phenomenal. If it didn't look good it wouldn't be worn. Personal faves include the Tally Berry Blue bracelet and the extra long Bella necklace -- the compliments are endless. Second, it's made from recycled bits of posters, fliers and textbooks and sealed with a non-toxic, water-based varnish so it's eco-friendly. Third, it helps empower individual women in Uganda to rise above poverty. The concept behind 31 Bits is to help individual women with a holistic approach to development, meaning not only do the creators of this jewellery receive a sustainable monthly income, but they also receive finance training, English lessons, health education, business training and spiritual support. It's just as much about the consumer as it is about the creator. To be frank, we love this concept. Give a lovely bracelet or necklace this Christmas -- or treat yourself! -- and you'll be giving the gift of empowerment to woman who needs it. For more, click here.

Envirosax Bags: the perfect gift for women

They're not romantic, they're not luxurious and as a concept, they're not particularly unique. Yet reusable Envirosax shopping bags are the perfect Christmas present for any woman on your list for three reasons. 1. Envirosax bags are built fairly large to hold lots of stuff - whether it's groceries, workout gear, books, whatever - up to 44 lbs. or two plastic bags of groceries. Plus the double stitch design ensures they last. 2. Envirosax bags look great. These are designer bags that are definitely 'on trend' with new stunning bags every season. Take your pick from florals, romantics, the season's hottest animal prints, or go retro with Sesame Street Envirosax. 3. These bags roll up to the size of a piece of sushi and come with an Envirosax pouch option to keep them in - all organized, all in one place for easy storage and transport. For a gift that's guaranteed to be well received, we vote Envirosax. For more, click here.

5 Mothers Day Presents for Green Thumb Mom

Looking for unusual gifts for Mother's Day 2011? We've got some great organic gardening Mother's Day presents perfect for any Mom with a green thumb -- or any Mom who enjoys looking at a bit of green. These unique Mother's Day presents are all about Mom growing her own flowers and herbs and enjoying the satisfaction of watching them flourish. Available now for Mother's Day delivery.

Post by Louise

Here are five of our top eco-friendly gifts for Mother's Day 2011. All are new to our eco garden collection, except the first, our Happy Mother's Day Garden in a Bag -- a perennial favourite!

Happy Mother's Day Garden in a Bag $12
Mom can grow her own colourful zinnias - everything she needs is in the bag!Hydroponic Basil Grow Bottle $39
Grow sweet-smelling basil in a recycled wine bottle with reusable clay pebbles with this unusual hydroponic growing kit.Flowering Gardenia Bonsai Kit $35
A recycled steel growing box, scissors, gardenia seed, growing material and instructions are all included in this attractive bonsai kit. Perfect for a first Mothers Day.Hummingbird Scatter Flower Garden Gift Pack $12
Plant organic seeds that bring hummingbirds to you! Contains close to 20 different varieties of flowers and covers 100 square feet.
Urban Lavender Bamboo Grow Pot $23
Grow lovely scented heirloom lavender in a contemporary leak-proof bamboo pot.For more green gifts for Mother's Day 2011, visit our eco boutique Lavish & Lime. If you have any thoughts or ideas about Mother's Day gifts or Mother's Day in general, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

12 Unusual Eco-Friendly Gifts for Christmas

Looking for the hottest, the latest, the most unique eco-friendly Christmas gifts on the market? So are we and for Christmas 2010, we've found some of our most exciting gifts yet.

Here are our top 12 Christmas gift picks for 2010.

1. For Inquisitive Him: 3-in-1 Solar Powered Transforming Robot $25

2. For the Slightly Edgier Her: Recycled Vinyl Record Cuff $25

3. For the Skater in Him: Recycled Eco-Friendly Skateboard Cufflinks $34

4. For the Golfer: Biodegradable Golf Tees made of Wheat $6


5. For Bath Loving Her: Pure Milk Bath Powder (& matching soy tea lights) $18/$8.50

6. For Anyone Who Drinks Tea: Travel Tea Glass $24

7. For Speed Racers: Speed-o-Meter Metal Bike Bell $24

8. For Keeping Warm: Reclaimed T-Shirt Panel Scarf $30.50

9. For Keeping Time: Smiley Water Powered Alarm Clock $45

10. For the Cheeky Monkey: Recycled Cotton Monkey Scarf $29.50

11. For the Happy Shopper: Retro Sesame Street Envirosax Bag 5-Pack Pouch $44.95

12. For a Splash of Colour: Natural Felt Ball Necklaces & Bracelets $25/$10

All 12 unusual green gifts for Christmas are available at eco boutique Lavish & Lime. View the hundreds of eco gifts we stock online and in our warehouse showroom in Vancouver at www.lavishandlime.com. If you have any thoughts or comments about unusual gifts for Christmas, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Travel Tea Infuser Mug is Ideal for On the Go

Tea drinkers rejoice! Now you can enjoy a proper cuppa of loose leaf tea on-the-go with our Travel Tea Infuser Mug. The thermal double wall construction features non-leaching glass inside and a large, easy grip handle. The fine stainless steel mesh filter is ideal for roiboos and herbal teas.

The health-conscious inner glass wall of these unique tea travel mugs is BPA-free with no potentially toxic chemicals leaching into your tea. The exterior of the mug is made of safe and durable polycarbonate plastic that's on-the-go friendly.

A built-in stainless steel fine mesh filter keeps tea leaves in the tea and out of your mouth. It works just as well with tea bags. The filter is easy to remove for quick access and easy cleaning when adding or emptying loose leaf tea. The clear walls allow you to see through to your tea as you enjoy it! The lid and drinking lip on this tea infuser mug are both BPA-free and the double wall construction ensures your hot tea stays warm for about an hour.

Similar in design to our popular Travel Tea Glass, the Travel Tea Infuser Mug is slightly shorter and wider for a large stable base and features a handle for easy gripping.

The mug style is great for home and office and 'on the go'. Simply add hot water to enjoy your favourite loose leaf tea.

Say no to single use disposable cups for your tea when you're out and about - take your travel tea infuser mug instead!

The travel tea infuser mug is available at online eco boutique Lavish & Lime. For more greener living ideas, visit www.lavishandlime.com. If you have any thoughts or comments about tea travel mugs or on-the-go drinking in general, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Green Hits the Big Screen in Sex and the City 2

A bag made from recycled candy wrappers made it onto the set and into the hands of Samantha Jones (played by Canadian actress Kim Cattrall) in the recently released Sex and the City 2.

Naturally the bag appeared in a shopping scene. It's called the Silver Mega and retails at US$178.

Want to buy one? Let us know and we'll see about bringing it into Canada for you. Contact us at customerservice@lavishandlime.com.

For more greener living ideas, visit Canada's online eco boutique Lavish & Lime. Have a thought about this bag or Sex and the City 2? Please leave a comment below - we'd love to hear from you!

The Best Teacher Gift to Show Appreciation

We worked closely with our local Canadian jewelry designer to come up with what is perhaps the best teacher gift ever.

It's the apple inspire necklace made of sterling silver and three charms, including a Swarovski crystal. We've already road tested it as a preschool teacher gift - and it's worked a charm. She said she loved it.

For the apple inspire charm necklace and more great teacher gift ideas, visit Lavish & Lime. If you have any thoughts or ideas about teacher gifts in general, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you.

Glass Water Bottle Dropped without a Crack

Our curiosity got the better of us today. We were told our new glass water bottles were virtually unbreakable and today we tested them for ourselves - we dropped one from waist height onto a rock hard floor.

Yes, we half shut one eye as it went down and yes, we winced with the clunk sound at contact, but guess what?

Not a crack. Watch for yourself here.



We liked this glass water bottle before today. Now we love it and it's protective yet funky-looking silicone cover. We're sure you'll love it too.

Choose from six different colours - all available online now at eco boutique Lavish & Lime. If you have any thoughts or ideas about glass water bottles or water bottles in general, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

5 Good Teacher Gifts to Show Your Appreciation

She taught our daughter to read and so much more. We'll be forever grateful to our Grade One teacher this year and so will our daughter, although she doesn't realize it just yet.

You say thanks to your kids' teachers, but we all know there's definite truth to the old adage 'actions speak louder than words'. Here are five good teacher gifts to show your appreciation for the work they did all year long.

1. Inspire Charm Necklace - a sterling silver keepsake necklace that sums it all up with three lovely charms: a rectangular charm engraved with 'inspire', a circular cutout of an apple and for a bit of bling, a clear swarovski crystal rondelle. LOVE the apple.

2. Slingsax Hands-Free Shoulder Shopper - give her - or him- something to be used like this handy messenger-style shopping bag with adjustable ties that rolls down to the size of a piece of large sushi for easy transport in a purse, pocket or glove compartment.

3. Glass Water Bottle - help make spending all day in the classroom a little bit easier with this 22 ounce funky water bottle that's made of non-leaching, tasteless, virtually unbreakable glass. The protective silicone cover comes in six different colours.

4. Garden-in-a-Bag - give the gift of life, plant life that can be enjoyed all summer and beyond. Your child can decorate and personalize with a message the outside of this leakproof bag that contains everything needed to grow pretty violas.

5. Collapsible Shopping Eco Basket - a tried and true favourite that is appreciated all year long whether for shopping, gardening, picnicking or carrying pretty much anything else. Our preschool teacher still brings hers to school every day with her lunch, papers, keys, etc.

For these and other good teacher appreciation gifts, visit online eco boutique Lavish & Lime - packed with hundreds of everday essentials and gifts with an eco twist. If you have any thoughts or comments about the perfect teacher gift, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Garden in a Bag: a Great Green Gift

We never realized how much joy a window plant could bring - until we started to grow a garden in a bag of our own.

The girls wanted to try one out and we didn't get around to planting our Chocolate Viola until late in the summer - about mid-August. The daily question - pretty much every day from planting - was, is it up yet?

It took a little longer to germinate than the 7 days on the package - probably about double that. Might have had something to do with the cloudy days but once the little green sprouts popped up, they just kept coming and still are! This plant has been blooming now since early October and - to my own personal delight while I'm washing dishes - it's continuing to do so right through December! They truly can be grown year around. Gorgeous little flowers that yes, do carry a faint fragrance of chocolate.

The girls have long since lost interest - after our eldest took it to school for sharing (aka the modern version of show & tell). Now it's our little project. How long can we keep it going? We'll keep you posted.
The little seedlings pop up - much to the kids' delight!

It seemed like just a few weeks and we had some great foliage on the grow.
Then the plant just kept growing...and growing taller and taller.
And the flowers kept coming and coming until things got a little too tall and floppy... so we gave it a wee trim. Now it's just bushy and healthy and flowering - again!
A garden in bag would make a great secret santa gift - would liven up the office - or make someone's day who maybe doesn't get out so much anymore. Bring the greenery inside!

View our full range of Garden-in-a-Bag flower and herb plants at Lavish & Lime. Check out our Butterfly and Bird Lover's Scatter Gardens and our Pocket Gardens too - great stocking stuffers for any gardeners on your list! If you have any thoughts or ideas about gardens in a bag or gardening indoors generally, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

WIN a Funky Recycled Sterling Silver Necklace!

If you're looking for a unique gift for a favourite gal on your list, or perhaps something special to dress up your own Christmas outfit, you may just be in luck.

We're giving away one of our gorgeous, sterling silver asymmetrical necklaces to one lucky Facebook fan! This necklace is made by hand in Canada from recycled, re-melted and recombined sterling silver components.
To enter, simply become a fan on our Facebook page and leave a comment telling us about your best ever Christmas present. Increase your chances of winning: encourage your friends to enter too and if in their comment, they mention your name - that's another entry for you!

The winner will be chosen on December 19th so we can get the necklace out in time for Christmas.

Hope to hear all about your best Christmas present soon - good luck!

Top 5 Green Gifts for Women

While practicality sometimes guides our gift-giving sensibility, making it special should also be in the mix - especially when it comes to the women on your list, or you for that matter.

We've come up with five gift picks for her that you know she'll use yet are guaranteed to make her feel special - plus they're all good for the planet too!

1. Bamboo Dreams Nightshirt
Why it's a top pick: Night or day, this is a nice fitting long shirt that feels so incredibly soft and luxurious she'll never want to take it off. Plus it comes in a handy reusable bamboo bag.
What makes it green: Made from 95% viscose from bamboo/5% spandex with non-toxic and AZO free dyes. Bamboo is considered nature’s most sustainable and naturally regenerative resource.

2. Will Cook for Shoes Apron
Why it's a top pick: She has to wear something to protect her gorgeous little black dress when she's cooking a storm, so why not make it a bit glam and humorous. A definite ice-breaking talking point.
What makes it green: Made in Canada.

3. Bamboo Dreams Short Wrap
Why it's a top pick: Totally versatile, this lightweight wrap can be worn tied up at the waist or open for a more fluid look. Again it's so incredibly soft, the question will quickly become, what won't she wear it with?
What makes it green: Made from 95% viscose from bamboo/5% spandex with non-toxic and AZO free dyes. Bamboo is considered nature’s most sustainable and naturally regenerative resource.

4. Pink Bedol Water Alarm Clock
Why it's a top pick: It's totally pink! Plus it's so cool that it runs on tap water - every morning she can wake up knowing she's starting out the day doing a little good for the planet.
What makes it green: Runs on natural energy - water - with no batteries, no electricity and no chemicals.

5. Recycled Silver Leaf Imprint Necklace
Why it's a top pick: It's gorgeous. It goes with everything. The leaf imprint and long shape is so unique, it's a definite source for compliments.
What makes it green: Made from recycled, re-melted, and recombined sterling silver components. Handmade in Canada.

For these and a great selection of unique, affordable green gifts for everyone on your list, visit Canada's eco boutique Lavish & Lime. If you have any thoughts or ideas about great gifts for women, please leave a comment below - we'd love to hear from you!

Top 10 Green Gifts for Christmas 2009

Looking for something a bit different? The products on our Top 10 List have made the cut for their innovative designs, bright colours and uniqueness. Most are new to the market this year. Feel good about the gifts you give - give green.

1. Bedol Water Powered Alarm Clock
For: Him/Her
Why it made the list: A clock that runs on tap water is not only cool but the greenest a digital timepiece can be. Plus the unique water droplet shape gives it a contemporary look and it comes in pink - plus charcoal, green and blue.
What makes it green: No batteries, no electricity, no chemicals - just 100% natural power from water makes this clock run.

2. Herbal Tea Pocket Garden
For: A tea drinker with a penchant for gardening
Why it made the list: You can blend your own tea. There's seeds and gardening stakes to grow your own herbs for tea plus a guide telling you how to harvest and blend your own. Pocket Gardens also available for: wine lovers, chocolate lovers and chefs. $17
What makes it green: Five varieties of natural seeds, natural wooden gardening stakes - all in a recycled steel container.

3. Recycled Rubber Passport Holder
For: Him
Why it made the list: It's classic black with a slightly edgy, grooved look. The fact that it's waterproof and features protective rustproof brass corners makes it ultra practical. Matching travel wallet and business card case too. $22
What makes it green: It's made from tires that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Made in Canada.

4. Envirosax La Boheme Resuable Shopping Bag 5-Pack Pouch
For: Her - teacher, friend, sister-in-law
Why it made the list: These newest designs are so gorgeous there's no doubt they'll be used for much more than groceries. Give up the bulky store logo'd bags in favour of these handy little numbers that fold down to the size of a piece of sushi yet carry the equivalent of 2 plastic bags of groceries. The 5-pack is a money saver - great for splitting and using as stocking stuffers. $43 What makes it green: Reduces plastic bag use and the amount of non-biodegradable plastic going into our landfills and oceans. The inks and dyes are all eco-friendly.

5. Ancient Roman Glass Trio Necklace
For: Her
Why it made the list: This necklace takes recycled glass jewelry to the next level - the three pieces of glass are 900 to 1200 years old and date back to the Roman Empire. The glass was unearthed in the last few years in Afghanistan and some of it still has rustic sedimentary crust. $60
What makes it green: Recycled glass pieces. Made in Canada.

6. Natural Girl Power Beauty Sleepover Kit
For: Green-minded tween girl
Why it made the list: An all natural product with funky packaging made specifically for girls. Contains 6 different beauty products that smell fruity, wonderful and they're all natural so safe for young girls to use. $25
What makes it green: Each product contains real fruit and floral extracts, plus veggie-based cleansers, soy and natural beeswax. No parabens, no aluminum - no harsh chemicals. Made in Canada.

7. 6-in-1 Solar Educational Kit
For: Green-minded tween boy
Why it made the list: This one kit produces 6 different workable models he can play with for hours after he builds them. All the parts and tools are included in the kit and there's no need to buy batteries. $23
What's green about it: Teaches kids about the value of alternative solar energy. No batteries required.

8. Reclaimed Wool Animal Puppets
For: Any child
Why it made the list: They're soft, cozy, funky, fun and bright. They encourage imaginative play and creativity and look just as good on display as decor in a child's room as they do on a hand. $33
What's green about it: Made from reclaimed wool sweaters. Made by hand in Canada.

9. 70-Piece Natural Log Cabin Building Set
For: Children 3+
Why it made the list: The logs are hand cut and fit together easily and snugly to create larger structures than most building sets. Building helps children develop problem solving skills and creativity. Comes packaged in a 100% natural cotton bag tied with rope. $25
What's green about it: Made using wood obtained from mills that follow sustainable forest management practices. Each piece is tumbled for a smooth finish and left in its natural colour - no dyes, no harsh chemicals. Completely non-toxic.

10. Classic Eco Teddy Bear
For: Baby/Any child
Why it made the list: Cute is in and this bear is it. Super soft and luxurious looking - like traditional plush - but good for the planet too. Matching baby bear available. $36
What's green about it: Made by hand from 100% soy fibre. The stuffing is 100% kapok, a golden silky fibre known for its hypoallergenic qualities and softness. Kapok is a sustainable rain forest crop.

For these and other unique and affordable green gifts for everyone on your list, shop Canada's eco boutique Lavish & Lime or call toll free 1-877-216-5463, in Vancouver 604-922-2220 and we'd be happy to help!