A membership to the Dallas Arboretum buys a year's worth of outdoor experiences, including reciprocal membership to 200 gardens worldwide.

Nov. 30, 2018

Show your love for the Earth by choosing sustainable options when you spend money this holiday season. Stores all across the Metroplex take note when you vote for the planet with your dollars. Each of the finds on our list makes a statement that is as green as a holly leaf. All pricing listed is subject to change and is at the discretion of the individual merchants.

AVAILABLE LOCALLY:

Spiral Diner Gift CardSpiral Diner Gift Card

The all-vegan Spiral Diner opened their doors in 2002 in Fort Worth before most people even knew what the word ‘vegan’ meant. Now their trio of restaurants are the hippest meat-free spots in DFW. Pick up some gift cards at their Fort Worth, Dallas or Denton locations (or online) and treat your bubba to meatless, manic, madcap mountains of deliciousness. He’ll go nutty for Nachos Supremo  ($12.95) made from cashew-based nacho Spiral dessertcheese and topped with quinoa, black beans, black olives, cilantro, corn, tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, guacamole and pickled jalapenos. For dessert, make sure he orders The Deathstar Sundae ($9.50), a warm chocolate pecan brownie covered with a shot of hot espresso, topped off with I-Scream, whipped cream and a cherry. This dessert might just be able to save our whole planet! Spiral Diner.com.

Santa GourdCarved Santa Gourd Ornament

If you haven’t hit the downtown square in McKinney yet this year, you’re in for a treat. Each shop is cuter than the one before and many offer eco-friendly, handmade and local gift ideas. One of our fav’s is Fair & Square Imports, owned and operated by Andrew and Kate Jones. Kate and Andrew share a passion for helping artisans in underdeveloped nations find a market for their goods. Their store is packed with Fair Trade and eco-friendly products from over 40 countries including these adorable Santa ornaments. Contemporary Peruvian master gourd carvers follow a tradition more than 4,000 years old as they create these intricate gourds with simple hand chisels and then naturally color them with fire. Sizes and Santa design will vary as nature and the artist intended. Approx. 2 inches by 2.5 inches H. $15.95. Many other unique gifts sold online at FairandSquareImports.com. Fair and Square Imports, 219 E. Louisiana St., McKinney 75069

Dallas ArboretumDallas Arboretum Membership

The Dallas Arboretum is an area treasure. Nestled on the banks of White Rock Lake, the Arboretum encompasses 66 acres of the former DeGolyer Estate. Holiday at the Arboretum features the return of the magnificent The 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit, as well as 500,000 lights throughout the garden at night, trimming the architecture of the historic homes and lighting the canopies overhead – including a 30-foot-tall tree at the center of property. A favorite holiday gift is an annual Arboretum membership that includes free admission and parking, 362 days a year along with special members-only events, plus reciprocal admission to more than 200 botanical gardens and arboretums worldwide. $92 individual; $135 family; $181 family plus Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden admission and up. For more information or to visit their delightful gift shop online anytime, go to DallasArboretum.org.

Patagonia teePatagonia Responsibili-Tee

Once again REI sounds the call to enjoy the planet both indoors and out. Their products encourage both the mind and the body as we immerse ourselves in nature. What better way to honor our beautiful planet? Their 100 percent recycled long-sleeved T-shirts by Patagonia are made from 4.8 plastic bottles and .26 pounds of fabric scrap – plus each one saves 63 gallons of water during manufacturing compared to a conventional cotton T-shirt. Fair Trade Certified sewn and it made with cotton from the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative. Buy one for him and one for yourself and then hit the trail. Various Colors. $45 each. REI, 5929 E Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231.

Free Spirit BlanketFree Spirit Creations Blankets & Scarves

Trinity Haymarket is proud to offer Free Spirit Creations – locally-made, Native American, hand-loomed wonders made from a soft cotton-blend in a brilliant rainbow of colors that can be used for multi-purposes from a bed cover, picnic blanket, outdoor concert seating or a great couch throw. Machine-washable on gentle, they are made to last for several generations. This is a gift that can be handed down again and again. Unbelievably priced at $75 for the blankets and $35 for the scarves. Shop the full selection at this fun and fabulous store that is the best kept secret in west Dallas. Trinity Haymarket, 1715 Market Center Blvd, Dallas 75207. 

Rooster Home & Hardware CookiesDave’s Sweet Tooth Toffee & Wackym’s Kitchen Cookies

Rooster Home & Hardware is serving up dozens of local and USA-made treats for the holidays including this duo that aims to please:

Retired Detroit firefighter, Dave Chmielewski, loved making his homemade toffee – and his son, Andrew, loved to eat it. One day, they launched a company and now their scrumptious confections are sold all over the USA. Natural ingredients and gluten free – no preservatives or artificial flavors. Kosher certified. As seen on The Today Show and Good Morning America. $7.99 at  Rooster Home & Hardware.

Paul Wackym started his cookie enterprise in 2008 and it has become a DFW must-have. Paul uses only fresh ingredients such as real butter, cane sugar and unbleached/unbromated flour – with no artificial flavorings or preservatives. Tons of flavors including Snicker Doodle, Cornmeal Rosemary Shortbread, Margarita and this writer’s fav; Salted Caramel. Gift-boxes available for the holidays. $6.99-19.99 at Rooster Home & Hardware, 10233 East Northwest Hwy. Suite 409, Dallas 75238.

Nest ThermostatNest Learning Thermostat

One of the greenest gifts that you can give your fella and family is a programmable thermostat that can save you from 15-20 percent on your energy bills. Nest leads the way with its third generation Learning Thermostat with built-in Wi-Fi that allows your guy to easily control your home’s climate from his phone, tablet or laptop. The auto schedule feature uses advanced sensors and algorithms to create a custom temperature plan that conserves energy and keeps the family comfortable. Auto away reduces heating and cooling in your empty home by automatically turning itself down after you leave. $249 each at Lowe's stores nationwide. Watch for holiday specials. Also TreeHouse in Dallas and Plano carries a line of Nest products, including the thermostat.

Rechargeable batteries and chargerEnergizer Rechargeable AA Batteries & Charger

Your guy will never throw away another battery when he can simply recharge them. Energizers are the world’s first rechargeables made partly with recycled batteries themselves. They arrive pre-charged and ready to use and each one helps save money and create less waste over time, reducing environmental impact. They can be used up to 1,000 times and the charge lasts up to one year in storage. Use to power up everyday devices like toys, digital audio devices and wireless electronics and keep the power going. Set includes Battery Charger with 4 AA Batteries. Works with AAA rechargeable batteries too. $15.48 at Home Depot stores around town and online.

AVAILABLE ONLINE:

Re-geared Texas flagBike Chain Texas Flag 

The quote on ReGEARED’s shopping page is a delightful introduction to a unique local craft shop, “Welcome to ReGEARED - where Santa's elves are under way making some of the most unique handmade gifts!” Their eclectic mix of ‘gear’ is sure to please guys of all ages – and each one helps to keep old bicycles out of landfills. Since this Grapevine-based, women-owned company was established in 2010, they have recycled over 7 tons of bike parts. Our pick from their selection is a retro Texas flag made from an ‘upcycled’ bike chain, hand-painted in Texas-patriotic colors then clad in a reclaimed wood frame. Just the thing for home or office, it is 7 inches by 9.5 inches and could look great nestled on his desk or bookshelf. Other states and custom orders also available from $95 at Re-GEARED.com.

Reusable Utensils and StrawSimply Straws Reusable Adult Utensil Kit

National Geographic Magazine has been a world leader in sustainability for more than 100 years. Their online shop offers a wide variety of books and eco-friendly gifts for the globe-trotter and couch potato alike. One of our favorites is this handy tableware pack that can help to cut down on take-out waste. The Simply Straws kit includes: Adult-sized bamboo fork, bamboo knife, bamboo spoon, bamboo chopsticks, Simply Straws classic 8-inch clear glass straw, Simply Straws classic brush to help keep the straw clean and sanitary and a handy utensil holder made from RPET recycled plastic with carabiner to snap on belt or backpack. Perfect for camping, beach outings, school and work lunches or taking to your local eatery. $21.95. NationalGeographic.com.

Hair oilGroom Hair Treatment

If your fella suffers with an itchy head or maybe his tresses just need a boost, give him this nourishing oil by Flynn & King that will hydrate and condition his hair, roots and scalp. Your man can use it as either a rinse-out therapy or leave-in conditioner. Organic castor oil strengthens hair and encourages regrowth; argan, rosehip, meadowfoam and jojoba oils will hydrate and soften his locks, while also promoting the health of his underlying skin. Based in Brooklyn, Flynn & King was founded by a makeup artist with a history of skin sensitivities and the daughter of a soap chemist. The company uses organic, sustainable and wild-crafted ingredients to create a variety of products. $35. ShopEthica.com.

Badger balmBadger Sore Muscle Rub  

The Choosy Chick brings together a cavalcade of green gift ideas for your guy including Badger’s Sore Muscle Rub that softens his skin as it gently soothes and relaxes tired, sore muscles. Blended from cayenne pepper and ginger with extra-virgin olive oil and beeswax, Badger’s is a magical balm that does so much more than traditional formulas. Badger founder, Bill Whyte, created this original sore muscle rub to salve his own aches and pains from regular Aikido practice. It has become a best-seller from this company that lives and breathes sustainability. In 2018, Badger’s was Honored as ‘Best For the World’ and ‘Best for the Environment’ by B Corporation. Badger Sore Muscle Rub is an ideal stocking stuffer for $9.99. Check it out and more at TheChoosyChick.com.

 

MORE 2018 GREEN GIFT GUIDES:

Eco-friendly gifts for women

Eco-friendly gifts for kids

Eco-friendly gifts for pets


Stay up to date on everything green in North Texas, including the latest news and events! Sign up for the weekly Green Source DFW Newsletter! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Main category: