2007 Green Gift Guide
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Let’s face it. Christmas is less than two weeks away, and if you’re anything like we think you are, you’re still scrambling for the perfect gifts. And you know what? That’s ok. Because IHL is here to help. Even better, we’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of fabulous eco-friendly gifts that have not just style, but also substance. Herewith, our first ever Green Gift Guide.
FOR YOUR MEN
Boyfriends, husband, whatever situation you might find yourself in romantically, you know he’s expecting something (just be happy he doesn’t expect it to come in a baby blue box with white ribbon). If he’s a watch wearer, he’ll love Citizen’s Eco-Drive Stainless Steel watch, powered entirely by solar energy. Whether he’s outdoorsy, or in the office all day won’t matter, the watch charges on natural and artificial light. Available by order at Amazon.com for $135.00. Pssst, it’s also on sale, but we’ll never tell ……
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If he’s a sports fan (and really, what guy isn’t) then he’ll love eco-artware’s Stadium Cuff Links. Knock one out of the park with these incredible pieces, which are made from recycled stadium seating recovered from New York’s Yankee Stadium and Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Each set is engraved with the name of the stadium on the back and comes with a certificate of authenticity. The cuffs are available in two colours: natural wood cut from the core of the chairs, and a painted finish from the seat’s outer surface. Now who wouldn’t want to wear some American baseball history on their sleeve? Yankee Stadium cuffs are currently out of stock until January, but Wrigley Field cuffs are still available - for now - for $150
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FOR YOUR OF-THE-MOMENT SISTER
Sisters. Always so hard to buy for and yet probably one of the most important people on your list (remember that time you stayed up REALLY late talking about boys and drinking mom’s rye stash? Well, at least we do). So yes, we’d say there’s some pressure when it comes to sis. If she’s a literary type, she’ll probably love JuNxtaposition’s earrings. Fashioned from recycled typewriter keys, our faves are the ivory coloured “Shift Key� drop style, and for just $30 you might just have to buy yourself a pair, too.
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Feeling a little more spendy? Jorg & Olif’s new Scout bicycle will have her zipping all over town carbon free, and looking incredibly fab while she does it. Known for being forgivingly kind to well heeled ladies (you can wear your Miu Miu’s and not a splash will soil them) this wonderful little city bike also turns a lot of heads. Order now, and she’ll be riding by spring, just in time for the season’s flower dresses. Bikes start at $545.
BUY IT HERE
FOR YOUR BOSS (come on, a little kiss-up never hurt anyone)
Nothing says, “I deserve a raise� like a fabulous gift for your boss’s home. This year we’ve found something ultra cool that won’t put a crimp in your budget (especially if you’ve been jipped on that Christmas bonus). For $40, the Sun Jar by SUCK is an incredible piece of solar powered technology. By day it soaks up the sun, by night it glows with a soft light perfect for backyard patios or windowsills. It’s probably one of the coolest things we’ve seen this year, and we bet your boss will think so, too.
Another eco-friendly alternative for the home are Ting’s seatbelt cushions. Woven from reclaimed seatbelts, the cushions are surprisingly smooth, stylish, and visually impressive, with a design that doesn’t show a single seam or zipper. Chose from a variety of colours and sizes, starting at 40 euros.
FOR YOUR BFF
Like your sister, the BFF is another one that’s tough to buy for. One thing’s for sure though, you can never go wrong with an “it� bag. While we’d love to say we’ve discovered a secret stash of Anya Hindmarch’s “I’m Not A Plastic Bag� totes, we’re happy to settle with a Market Bag by Jaye Hersh, especially since Shop Intuition is donating $35 of each bag sold to the International Rescue Committee. You’ll be an even bigger hero when you have her initials monogrammed on the stripes, so that her bag will never be mistaken for anyone else’s (unlike some other “it� bags we know). $85, monogramming extra, available at shopintuition.com
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Besides bags, the other thing we’re pretty sure our gal pals can’t get enough of is jewelry. Far from being mass-produced, Pequitobun jewelry is crafted from vintage pieces that have been taken apart and lovingly reassembled into some of the most gorgeous drop earrings and necklaces we’ve ever seen. Part bohemian, part romantic and all style, no two pieces are the same in this collection. Even better, now you can both wear something by the same designer and not have to worry about calling each other about it first. Prices vary depending on the piece.
FOR YOUR BROTHER
While most of the time he’s trying to act like he doesn’t care if he looks cool or not, you and I both know he does. That’s why when you give him a classic button shirt from Twice Shy, he’ll act like it’s no big deal. But the next time some cute young thing comes up to him and tells him that she likes his shirt, he’ll love saying “it’s also made with organic cotton.� And when she gives him her number, he’ll only have you to thank. $71.00 at twice-shy.com
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If he’s a little more on the anti-establishment side, consider buying him a pair of BlackSpot sneakers. Designed by John Fleuvog and made in a union shop in Europe, these chic shoes are actually sold by Adbusters, the magazine that’s been at the forefront of calling corporate America’s bluffs. Sure they might look like a cooler Chuck Taylor, but everything about these shoes is anti-Converse, right down to the blank white circle on the side. $75 at Adbusters online culture shop.
BUY IT HERE
