5 Great Men's Gifts for Christmas 2012

More often than not, it seems we save the hardest to buy for - until last and with Christmas shopping, this usually includes at least one or two guys. Wrap up your list with these five great mens gifts for those hard-to-buy-for men in your life from our eco collection at Lavish & Lime. If you're looking for something a little bit different, that unique gift for him that will 'wow' him Christmas morning - look no further. Here are our top five. For more gifts for men, click here.

1. Keep him happy with the latest in hydration technology
Double walled Black S'well Stainless Water Bottle  $36
2. Style up with eco-friendly cufflinks
Recycled skateboard cufflinks with silver-plated hardware. $35
3. Speedy sustainable travel
Hand painted all metal bicycle bell $24
4. Cracked heels? Not anymore.
Soothe his soles with beeswax foot butter foot care lotion stick $13.50
5. Recycled rubber tire accessories for the traveller
Eco-friendly recycled rubber luggage tags $10

Hydrate Dad: Bottles Make Great Father's Day Gifts

There's all kinds of Dads and there's all kinds of eco-friendly, reusable water bottles to keep them  hydrated this summer. We're not just talking about water bottles of different shapes and sizes, but different materials, capabilities, design and function. The right bottle for the right Dad makes a great green Father's Day gift. For the outdoors Dad, a great option is the Vapur Element Collapsible Bottle with its integrated flip top cap. Ideal for hiking or walking, this funky water bottle is not only lightweight but when empty can be folded and popped in a pocket for easy transport. Choose from Vapur Earth, Water or Wind. For cycling Dad, the double walled S'well bottle is perfect. The slim, ergonomic design fits into any bike holder and keeps water cool for 24 hours. The new navy, olive green and black matte colours make a great Father's Day gift. For the wine-loving Dad, try the S'well wine bottle which again, keeps contents chilly cold for hours and hours but this one holds 750ml, perfect for decanting that bottle of Pinot in the park. For executive Dad, the non-leaching Lifefactory glass water bottle is ideal for keeping on his desk. The protective silicone cover makes for an interesting talking point and the wide mouth allows for ice cubes. Choose from two types of lids: classic screw top or flip cap top. A rainbow of manly colours too! For more, check out our complete collection of reusable water bottles.

Rubber Travel Accessories: Perfect Father's Day Gifts

Travel accessories can be stylish, should be waterproof and must be durable. Recycled rubber ticks all the boxes and is an ideal material for passport covers, luggage tags and more. Not only do recycled rubber accessories stand up to the rigours of travel but because they're crafted from reused tires and other post production rubber waste, they're earth friendly too. The material is reduced to powder, mixed with polymer resin and extruded in a cold process. Eco-friendly recycled rubber passport holders, key chains, luggage tags and card holders make perfect Father's Day gifts, plus they're designed and produced in Canada. How's that for green innovation, eh? For more, click here.

5 Best Green Father's Day Gifts for Dads for 2011

Looking for an unusual father's day ideas to surprise Dad on Sunday, June 19th? Here are five great green gifts for dads that he's sure to love. All are either eco-friendly, natural/non-toxic and/or made in Canada. Each one is for a different kind of Dad, can you spot one for yours?

Post by Louise

1. For Boarder to Boardroom Dad: Recycled Skateboard Cufflinks
Made from recycled skateboards, these links are sure to ramp up Dad's style. Choose from green turquoise, indigo, fuschia and our newly arrived fire engine red.

2. For Biking Dad: All Metal Bike Bell
Whether he cycles to work or spends weekends biking off road, a funky bell like this Speed-o-Meter simply makes safety sense.
3. For Zen Dad: Elm Tree Bonsai Kit
Zen Dad can zone out and focus on gardening. This recycled steel growing box contains everything Dad needs to relax, focus and grow his own bonsai tree, including the all important scissors.
4. For Golfer Dad: Biodegradable Golf Tees
We're sure he stays the course on course but in case he doesn't, this pack of 50 eco-friendly golf tees made of wheat will biodegrade in the bushes within 90 days, so no worries about impacting the earth.5. For Chef Dad: Hydroponic Basil Grow Bottle
Place on the kitchen window sill and he'll be able to keep fresh herbs at his fingertips. Everything needed to grow sweet-smelling basil is contained in this recycled wine bottle.
For more green living ideas and unusual gifts for fathers, visit our eco boutique Lavish & Lime where you'll find hundreds of everyday eco finds and unusual gift ideas that are good for you, your family and the planet too.

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!

Bedol Water Clock Now in Canada: how it works

Anyone who's seen our new Bedol Water Clock agrees it's one of the coolest green gadgets for Christmas 2009. They also ask, how does it work?

This unique digital clock runs on tap water. No batteries, no electricity, no chemicals and no winding - just 100% natural power. It's the greenest timepiece of its kind.

The power comes from a charge created by the ions in the water when they interact with the two metal poles inside the clock. The ions in the water are turned into electrical current for continuous, clean energy. Simply fill the tank with tap water ... and the Bedol Water Clock is all set for perfect timekeeping. Depending on the ingredients in the local water system, some people report it’s necessary to change water after 6 – 12 weeks, for others it just keeps running. When you do change the water the microchip remembers the time while you are doing the refilling.

The previous model of the Bedol Water Clock required lemon juice to work. Launched just last month, this new model features the addition of an alarm and works on water alone. It's a great gift under $35 for any green-minded person on your list - and an ideal travel accessory for any globetrotter.

The Bedol Water Alarm Clock is available online in Canada at Vancouver-based eco boutique Lavish & Lime.

If you have any thoughts or ideas about our new water clock, we'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below.

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!

Global Warming: where are you?

We can't believe it. Snow in March - in Vancouver!

We've had our heads down lately working on a whole bunch of exciting new changes at Lavish & Lime (debuting in April) and when we popped our heads up for some air, what did we get? Snow. Shocking snow.

The kids loved it - as you can see from their early morning masterpieces here - but it's been so cold. Growing up in Vancouver and Scotland respectively, we're used to wet grey not sunny cold. So are the plants - the daffodil buds and blossoming crocuses were covered.

There was something in the press recently about global warming being a bit exaggerated by the Russians and given the fact that the temperature in Vancouver this past week was 10 degrees below average at times, it makes you wonder just a little...

Anyway, don't put those fleece socks or scarves away just yet. They're great for keeping cozy and the fleece socks are truly fab for skiing - if that's what you're up to during Spring Break.

Whatever you do over the next week, enjoy!

Visit Lavish & Lime and keep the whole family warm with Canadian-made fleece socks and a range of colourful scarves - including a selection made from bamboo.

5 Ways to Give Green Love on Valentine's Day

The most romantic day of the year is just around the corner (already!) and this year, it's easier than ever to give green love.

With a little forethought you can take a few easy, eco-conscious steps on February 14th and make it a truly feel good occasion all around!

Here are a selection of sweetheart offerings to help impress your Valentine.

1. Buy a gift made from recycled or other earth-friendly materials, but don't feel you have to compromise on style. You can give a gift that's green and looks good. The days of these two being mutually exclusive are over with the introduction of the concept eco-chic. If it's a heart you're looking for, go for the natural love necklace - a dark wooden heart pendant hanging from two sterling silver chains, or perhaps a pair of adorable dangling hearts - sterling silver threader earrings, both made in Canada from reclaimed wood.There's also the ultra soft bamboo nightshirt that can double for daywear. Show your love for him with a practical reusable sport twist water bottle in deep, luxurious red.

2. Save gas and snuggle up for a movie night in with a pizza and a bottle of bubbly. Heat things up with a crackling fire or simply grab a cozy throw - try a lightweight mohair throw (with a stunning recycled yarn fringe) in robin's egg blue, perfect for two. Choose a suitably themed flick that's all about love. Our favourite romantic picks include Phenomenon (He says, 'Will you love me for the rest of my life?' as his is about to end, and she says 'No, I'll love you for the rest of mine.' ...sniffle) Pretty Woman (LOVE the part when he snaps shut the necklace box) and As Good As It Gets (poor, Keanu; good ol' Jack gets her in the end). Any favourites you'd recommend?

3. Make a card. Remember way back when you used to make those paper hearts with red construction paper, white doilies and way too much glue? Remember your sense of achievement and the smile on your Mom's face? Well, there's no reason not to do it now, except now there can be a bit more to it. Include photos, recycled bits of paper, ribbons, greetings cards you've already received or anything else you can think of. Go on, lose yourself for an hour. Check out these card-making ideas if you're stuck, then let yourself go. Nothing melts a heart more than the thought of the time and effort put into a homemade gift and you might just be surprised at how creative you can be!

4. Give a foot massage. Who wouldn't love you for one of these? Wash them, dry them, exfoliate and invigorate them with a good brush, then massage using soothing foot butter made with carrot oil which restores moisture and leaves them baby soft. You can wrap up separately a coconut foot brush - ethically made in Sri Lanka - or a Canadian-made, all natural and paraben-free foot butter. We recommend giving them together as a foot brush gift set, packaged nicely in a lime green jute bag.

5. Serve up your gift on a tray with breakfast in bed. Everyone loves a bit of pampering and starting off with some sweetheart waffles and berries, eggs benedict or even simple tea and toast is certain to make your Valentine's day. Buy local produce, eggs, bread and other ingredients wherever possible, not only are they fresher but you can do your bit to boost the local economy. Check out spud.ca for a great selection of organic and other groceries delivered fresh to your door.

Visit Lavish & Lime for more great Valentine's Day gift ideas for him, for her and the little ones.

Today's Deal: Hip Flask

Our Daily Deal today is a salute to all the Burns Suppers happening tonight on the eve of Robbie Burns Day tomorrow. After all, what better occasion to sample a wee dram!

This chic little flask makes a great gift for groomsmen (stock up now for that summer wedding!), a milestone birthday or any other occasion that calls for a keepsake gift for him.

We've reduced the price by 50%, and only while stocks last. Simply click below for more information and to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Leather/Steel Hip Flask
Was: $38
Now: $19
SAVE 50%

BUY NOW
This stylish stainless steel flask is wrapped in black leather and contrast stitching for a contemporary twist on the classic gift for him for any occasion. The screwcap lid is attached with a hinged arm to ensure the flask never goes lidless, even if the owner does. Holds 5oz.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

5 Reasons to Wear a Scarf Now

Here, in no particular order, are our top five reasons why we think people should be wearing scarves right now.

1. Aside from clutches, scarves have been pegged the 'in' accessory for the 08/09 winter season. You do want to be 'in', don't you?

2. Hey, it's still really cold out there! Especially with the incessant fog here in Vancouver. Keep warm and ward off those chills.

3. Everyone else is doing it - read celebrities - even style icon David Beckham or our Becks as we so fondly like to think of him.

4. If you're pregnant, a big colourful scarf is great for drawing attention from your growing bump and encouraging people to actually focus on your face when you're speaking to them.

5. It's a great way to update your winter coat without breaking the bank! Add a splash of colour or a striking stripey pattern - a little goes a long way on neutral coloured outer wear, especially since you've been wearing it now for a couple of months and you're nearing the home stretch.

Oh, and here's one more reason to wear a scarf:
6. They're on sale at Lavish & Lime now from just $14! Choose from a selection of bamboo, oversized mohair-esque and colourful stripey scarves all reduced by 30%.

For more great deals, check out our Winter Sale at Lavish & Lime, on now until January 31st.

Today's Deal: Cow Fleece Socks

Our Daily Deal today is a timely must-have because let's face it - it's still cold out there!

Funk up your feet with these anything but boring socks. Great for indoors and out - and they're made in Canada.

Kit out the whole family - we have sizes from XS kids to XL adults!

For today only we've reduced the price by 40%, and only while stocks last. Simply click below for more information and to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Cow Fleece Socks
Was: $18/$16 (adult/kid sizes)
Now: $10.80/$9.60
SAVE 40%

BUY NOW
The contour fit makes these super soft socks just as good for keeping warm in shoes and boots outdoors as they are for cozying up inside. Fleece wicks moisture away from your skin and dries quickly. Flat lock seams ensure no rubbing or chafing. Stay up without cutting off circulation. Make great bed socks. Wear well with no fading, shrinking and they won't mat or pill. Hypoallergenic. Anti-skid sole on kids' sizes ONLY. Match with shoe sizes here.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

What to give the Un-giveable Man

Un-giveable men. Everyone has at least one on their list, be it a dad, a grandfather, brother or even husband.

These are the guys that seem to have everything they could ever want or need. The ones you wrack your brain over. No matter what fantastic gift you might think of they either have it, they end up not liking it or they just went out and bought it for themselves.

We've come up with five top picks for these challenging recipients so you can start enjoying the lead up to Christmas.

1. Modern: Neoprene Duffle Bag
Made with extra thick stretchy 4mm wetsuit grade neoprene, this water resistant bag insulates and protects. Funky new hardware which attaches a shoulder strap through a unique loop sewn right into the bag itself makes the whole bag act as a suspension system between him and his load. $120

2. Fun: Retro Bowling Set
This high density foam-rubber bowling set for indoor or outdoor play. Comes complete with pins, balls and placement mat in a handy carry case. $84

3. Stylish: Silver Round Cufflinks
Because a man who wears cufflinks, will always appreciate another pair. Clean curves in 9 grams of sterling silver, these are two links he will never tire of. $45

4. Classic: Leather Overnight Bag
A structured black leather bag that easily stands open on its own to make packing a breeze. Classic and sleek. $160

5. Funky: Cow Fleece Socks
Keep him warm on the slopes or cozy up with him apres ski. These funky socks feature flat seams and a contour fit so are as perfect for indoors as they are out. Fleece wicks away moisture and dries quickly. Made in Canada. Men's sizes 5-13. PS. Matching women's sizes too. $18

For more great gifts for men, visit Lavish & Lime for our complete gift collection for Christmas 2008.

5 Christmas Gifts for Him Under $50

Despite the downturn, Christmas is still on the horizon and rapidly approaching, so we've come up with five top gift picks for the men in your life at recession accessible prices - all under $50.

We hope you like them. We know he will.

Boyfriend: Fleece Cow Socks
Keep him warm on the slopes or cozy up with him apres ski. These funky socks feature flat seams and a contour fit so are as perfect for indoors as they are out. Fleece wicks away moisture and dries quickly. Made in Canada. Men's sizes 5-13. PS. We have women's sizes too, if you like to match! $18

Boss: Laken Sport Water Bottle Blue
He's always trying to motivate you, now it's your chance to turn the tables. Made in Spain using 100% recyclable aluminum, this bottle has a handy twist spout with extra leakage security, walls 30% thicker than all other aluminum bottles and a BPA-free inner coating that extends 100% throughout the inside ensuring no liquid comes into contact with the aluminum. More lightweight than steel, no after taste. $26

Husband: Silver Ball Cufflinks
Treat him to a classic he'll wear on his wrist. Sleek spheres totalling 9 grams of sterling silver, these are two links he will never tire of. $45

Dad: Crank Radio/Flashlight
Always safety-conscious, Dad will love this rubberized compact combo featuring a self-charge crank and solar panel powered radio, flashlight and cellphone charger all in one. Impressive crank to power ratio - a 1-minute wind gives 20 minutes of radio play or 30 minutes of light. Great eco-friendly gift he can show the grandkids.$32

Grandfather: Classic Moleskine Notebook
Encourage him to write down his thoughts, his life story in this keepsake black notebook. Moleskine is the legendary Italian-made notebook used by European artists and thinkers for the past two centuries. $16

For more great gifts for him both under and over $50, visit Lavish & Lime.

Green Gift Guide: Top 10 Eco-Chic Gifts for Christmas

Green is definitely the new white this holiday season.

Think eco-friendly and feel good about the gifts you give. Plus they don't have to be boring, or beige. Bright colours and innovative designs mean this Christmas going green never looked so good.

Here's our guide to the top 10 eco-friendly gift picks for her, him and the little ones for a green Christmas.

1) Market Tote 3-Pack: for Her
Why a great green choice? Cuts down on plastic bag use and helps reduce the landfill. Made in Canada so minimal carbon footprint.

Fashion meets function with this stylish grocery tote. Made of 100% cotton with a comfortable webbed handle, it holds up to 3X more than the average plastic shopping bag and includes an interior elastic band for storing a bottle upright. $40

2) Recycled Rectangle Necklace: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handcrafted in Canada using recycled, re-melted, and recombined sterling silver components.

This unique rectangular pendant can easily be worn two ways - horizontally for a wide angle look or turned to the vertical. The rectangle hangs from a delicate, double chain that loops around the sides of the pendant. $52

3) Discs of Life Reclaimed Wood Necklace: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handcrafted from recycled African ebony hardwood. Made in Canada so a minimal carbon footprint.

This chic silver string of five eco-friendly wooden shapes is certain to make a lasting impression. 32" length $92

4) Bamboo Nightshirt: for Her
Why a great green choice? Bamboo is considered nature’s most sustainable and naturally regenerative resource. Bamboo fabric is softer than the softest cotton on the market today and is grown without fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides and is biodegradable. This nightshirt is made with non-toxic and AZO free dyes.

A super soft option for comfy nightwear that also looks and feels great as a long shirt with jeans. Short sleeve, rounded neck, falls above the knee. 95% viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex. S,M,L in black and cielo blue available $49

5) Purple Clutch: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handmade in Canada using high quality naugahyde vinyl from the USA - free of solvents and ozone depleting chemicals - a hard wearing alternative to animal leather and all the resources used to raise animals.

Purple is the colour of the season and this clutch is it. Two snap pockets, sturdy zip and easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. $36

6) Wooden Pirate Ship: for Kids
Why a great green choice? Made from replenishable rubber wood which is preservative free and processed naturally. No harmful additives or coloring are used and all paints are tested for safety. Made by PlanToys which practices the “Three R’s” of green living: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Their manufacturing processes are designed to reduce waste and save energy.

This wonderful pirate ship includes a one-eyed black beard and a dastardly crew of four, with lifeboat and hungry croc. Age 3 years + $55

7) Bug Balance Game: for Kids Why a great green choice? Made from replenishable rubberwood which is preservative free and processed naturally. No harmful additives or coloring are used and all paints are tested for safety. Also made by PlanToys®.

Roll the dice and catch the bugs and then place them on the tree to see how long they can stay on for. The tree is 10.6" high. Age 3+ $25

8) Soda Can Robot Kit: for Kids
Why a great green choice? Gives kids a hands-on education about the value of recycling everyday objects.

Build, recycle and create a unique robot that is as much a science project as it is a toy. The robug emits a buzzing sound like a real bug and moves across the floor. Great fun from a recycled can (not included). Crank and wind energy kits also available. Ages 8+

9) Mini Crank Lantern: for Him
Why a great green choice? Offers a real alternative to grid electricity or fossil fuels. Made by Freeplay Energy, who through its non-profit Freeplay Foundation has distributed more than 160,000 Lifeline radios since 2003 in Africa and beyond, conservatively reaching six million listeners and making Freeplay the world leader in transferring wind-up technology to those least able to access the information and education that could help lift them out of poverty.

Reputedly the best self sufficient rechargeable lantern on the market. When you wind for power, the self-charge mechanism converts over 74% of your kinetic energy into stored electricity. The task light is ideal for reading at night, and an effective flashlight for walking around the campground. $32

10) Mohair Throw: for Anyone who Likes to Be Warm
Why a great green choice? Recycled yarn samples have been used to create the fringe.

A colourful, multi-texture rainbow fringe accents this stunning, lightweight mohair mix throw. The robin's egg blue colour adds an instant touch of elegant coziness to any room. Also available in white snow, dark grey and chocolate brown. 70"x53" $160

These and other eco-chic gifts are available at Vancouver-based online boutique Lavish & Lime. We ship across Canada and offer a $5 gift wrapping service plus gift enclosure cards with a personal handwritten message - for free.