Candy consumed and pumpkins composted, fall is over, and the unofficial fifth season, Holidays, begins. Planning and preparing for the holidays consume November and December days, and gift giving takes center stage.

There are many ways to incorporate some eco-friendly gifts as you shop and buy.  And why? A few reasons green gifts rock, in our and PureZing.com’s opinions:

-If the recipient throws it away, at least it’s biodegradable.

-Because friends don’t give friends icky chemicals.

-If the gift reflects what you think of the recipient, a green gift means you think they’re non-toxic, authentic, and socially responsible.

-Every gift we give comes with an environmental price tag, and green gifts wear the lowest-marked ones. We all love low prices, right?

-From pure and fragrant 100 % soy Kobo Candles, baby-soft organic cotton stuffed animals by Lana, handmade and low-fire ceramic vases and vessels by Perch and 100% organic Bamboo dining and kitchenware by Bambu, eco-friendly gift options abound.

As you pen your lists and plan your purchases, check back with Olive and Myrtle for budget-conscious recycled, repurposed, sustainable green gifts. Also coming up: green gift options the way you shop for them: For Her, For Him, For Pets, For Kids, Hostess Gifts, and more.

Happy online shopping! (Which is not only a greener way to shop, but a saner way, too—no malls, crowds, parking lots, or lines. Just you and your computer, maybe some pajamas and hot chocolate….)