Eco-Friendly February Tasks

Can you believe it’s already February? Last year seemed like the longest year and yet it also flew by so quickly! With February already in full swing, there are lots of things we can do this month to kick start our goals for an environmentally friendly New Year!

VALENTINE’S DAY– Yes, yes, I know most people think this holiday is a marketing ploy, and I gotta admit, brands probably make tons of money for this holiday. Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, I think it’s a fun tradition to begin or continue with your children. The colors of Valentine’s Day is quite festive – reds, pinks, lavenders, and even blues. But how do we make this holiday more eco-friendly? Candy wrappers are bound to be thrown into the trash along with other plastic and not so easily recyclable items. Here are some tips to keep it eco-friendly:

  • Send e-gift cards. This might seem less sentimental, but you don’t have to send gift cards to only your significant other. You can send them to your friends, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, teachers, and the list goes on! Electronic gift cards are fast and don’t require any shipping via mail or using those pesky unrecyclable plastic cards.

  • Purchase locally grown flowers or from family-owned farms. Locally grown flowers require less carbon footprint to ship and flower farms owned by small families usually have more unique and fresher varieties.

  • Try making a vegetarian feast for Valentine’s Day with these dishes: – Exotic mushroom pasta by using oyster mushrooms, Shitake mushrooms, or Enoki mushrooms. You can find the more exotic versions at Asian grocery stores and natural grocery stores. – Heavenly Layer Dip, which uses red tomatoes, red bell peppers, sour cream, light shredded cheese, olives, and strawberry jam (or any berry flavored jam). – Chocolate covered fruits such as chocolate-covered strawberries, peaches, mangoes, or any other unique fruits.

  • Most children love to be spoiled on Valentine’s Day! Gift them with homemade heart shaped cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries and mangoes, and a special trip to a local zoo or museum (if they are open in your area).

CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR – This year is the Year of the Ox so it’s important for those born under the Ox sign to be especially aware. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year is a huge celebration every year. But with the pandemic and safety concerns in mind, families might have to celebrate with only their immediate household. Traditionally, there are parades, firecrackers, and huge family and friends gatherings, so you would have to see what your state, country, and city have restrictions on. To make it eco-friendly this year, here are some tips:

  • Red envelopes are traditionally given to children or unmarried young folks. It’s still okay to give cash as cash is a recyclable and reusable commodity.

  • Celebrate the traditions of Chinese Lunar New Year by reading books. There are some great books that children can read to learn all about this holiday. Include books with pictures to make them more festive.

  • Decorate with paper decorations. Red is the traditional good luck color for the new year. You can find paper decorations at specialty Asian stores to decorate your house with.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH – During Black History Month, it’s a great way to teach children about historical and iconic leaders who helped change the world. Purchase books with pictures that can be read every year.

VEGANUARY – The month of January was to celebrate Vegetarians and Vegans. But we could still continue with this tradition through February. Try to include at least one vegan or vegetarian meal during the week. Vegetarian dishes are fairly easy to make and don’t have to be just salads. You can make vegetarian pasta, vegetarian soup, and vegetarian tacos. Reduce the amount of animal protein to up to 3 times a week. Meat production is one of the largest polluters in the world and one of the biggest hidden pitfalls in carbon dioxide consuming our planet.

CAMPUS CLEAN UP – Depending on where you live and the safety protocols at your school, you can host a campus cleanup day. With the permission of the school principal, teacher, or an environmental club, pick a day where students can go around the school campus to pick up trash and or/pick weeds. A campus cleanup day promotes environmental awareness of trash and how students can help keep our schools and communities clean. Be sure to wear gloves while doing the cleanup.

SPRING PLANTING – With the spring season sneaking upon us, now is the best time to start your indoor seed planting. When you plant your own vegetables and fruits you get the full quality of your bounty and children can learn the growing process from seed to harvest to eating them! Easy plants for children to grow include: Peas, beans, beets, carrots, radishes, and sunflowers. Planting your own garden also helps with cleaning the atmosphere, reduces carbon footprint, and promotes healthier eating. Start by planting the seeds indoors and then transplant them outdoors when it’s warmer.

Start off the year with a goal to be more environmentally conscious in everything you do and buy. Take small steps if you’re just starting out and soon you’ll become an advocate for the planet!

*photo courtesy of Arbor Day Foundation, Food&Wine magazine, KidsGardenNews

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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How to Boost Your Immunity For 2021

If 2020 was the year of challenges, then 2021 should be the year of “building your immunity”. I think we’ve all had our share of health problems, whether they are genetic or brought on by unhealthy habits. But what I’ve learned from the pandemic and seeing how others are building their immunity, it’s clear that maintaining your health is one of the most important aspects in beating most illnesses.

While some of us are lucky with long term great health – never really getting sick except for a few sniffles here and there. The majority of people tend to get a few colds throughout the year or even the flu once or twice. Add in COVID health issues, we must do all that we can to maintain good health and prolong our good practices.

Below are some ways you can boost your immunity throughout the year, with emphasis for those with special dietary choices:

– EAT A BALANCED DIET RICH IN FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. I can’t say enough how important it is to eat as much fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. Originally established as the “5 A Day” campaign by the World Health Organization , doctors and scientists determined that adults need to have at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables during the day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But rules have changed in accordance to where you live as well as your own lifestyle. However, to maintain good health, eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables still helps in the prevention of most illnesses and diseases. For children – cut that by no more than half the amount so that children can build healthy minds and bodies.

– REDUCE OR ELIMINATE SUGAR AND SALT. While our bodies do need a bit of natural salt and sugar, heavy amounts during the day can cause detrimental health issues later on in life. Obesity as well as many other health issues can cause problems with both your health and lifestyle. According to WHO, salt intake should be no more than 5 grams per day. Sugar should be no more than 10% of total energy intake. Reduce that even more for younger children.

– REDUCE STRESS. While that sounds easier said than done, when you’re committed to reducing stress factors in your life, you will eventually see a difference in your own health and mentality. Find ways of reducing stress such as meditation, slow stretching and exercising, taking walks, or reading books can be beneficial for both children and adults. Remember that children have the same stress response that adults do so keep an eye out for your kids when they are feeling stressed.

– EXERCISE. Exercising has been around since the dawn of time. Even animals do some form of exercising. Exercising helps boost the immunity as well as tone muscles and ligaments. At least 30 minutes of exercise is sufficient and adjust according to age and ability. Jogging, brisk walking, jumping ropes, and just running around are great ways to get some exercise in.

– SLEEP. Getting the proper amount of sleep is crucial in maintaining balance. As an adult, you already know how less sleep can affect your lifestyle. Imagine how tiring it is for children when they don’t get enough quality sleep. According to studies, children ages 3-6 should get approximately 10-12 hours of quality sleep each day; ages 7-12 years old should get approximately 10-11 hours of quality sleep each day; ages 12-18 years old should get approximately 8-9 hours of quality sleep each day.

– EAT PROBIOTICS. Our gut (digestive and gastrointestinal tract) helps break down food to deliver the necessary nutrients our bodies need. When we feed our bodies healthier food choices, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and plant-based milk, our gut has a better chance of appropriating these important nutrients to ensure a healthy body. Probiotics are live bacteria in our body that helps fight off certain infections and illnesses. Most people can tolerate probiotic foods such as yogurt and other fermented foods. Be sure to check labels to ensure the fermented foods contain live probiotics.

– TAKE SUPPLEMENTS. Many people nowadays do not get the proper amount of vitamins and minerals in their food. Taking supplements can boost your immunity if you’re lacking in the proper amount of vitamins. Vitamins vary by degree of efficacy, age of recipient, and type. Depending on your age and your health issues, taking supplements can fill in gaps in your daily food intake. Check with your local natural grocery store and speak with a vitamin expert on the right kind of vitamins for you. Children as young as 5 years old can take vitamins and supplements but be sure not to rely solely on vitamins and supplements.

IMMUNITY-BOOSTING FOODS FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL DIETS:

– VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS. Because vegetarians and vegans do not eat animal protein, they can lack the importance B12 vitamin. This results in being more tired, having memory issues, and less physical balance. Eat foods rich in Vitamin B12 such as non-dairy milk and nuts.

– GLUTEN-FREE. Some people are gluten-intolerant or gluten-sensitive. Some simply choose not to eat gluten made food. Gluten can do harm in digestive tracts for those who are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease. Choose gluten-free foods that are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as nuts, quinoa, and gently cooked vegetables.

– DAIRY INTOLERANCE. An intolerance to dairy food or lactose (basic sugar found in animal milk) can lead to stomachaches, bloating, and overall lethargy. In order to have some kind of calcium, protein, and healthy fat, those with lactose intolerance should choose foods such as plant-based milk including almond and soy which are usually fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

– NUT ALLERGY. Those with nut allergies can have life-threatening illnesses even death if exposed to certain nuts. The most common allergy is the peanut. In order to get the proper amounts of vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium, choose nut-free foods such as eggs, sunflower seeds, and whole grains.

With diligence, determination, and a true desire to live a healthier life, we can increase our immunity by following the above steps. Speak with your health practitioner or certified health coach for more in-depth diagnosis of any health issues. Generally speaking, building your own immunity takes time and practice and really getting to know what your body truly needs to be healthy.

* portions of this post was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op (www.newhope.com), a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.

*photo credit gardenoflife.com, newhope.com, haliborange

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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20 Life-Changing Habits to Make Now

Every new year do you make resolutions and promises for a better year? While most of us might make some form of a New Year’s resolution, carrying it through is an entirely different story.

But if you are to make any kind of promises to yourself for 2021, start by taking care of your health and lifestyle. The choices we make and the actions we take all cumulates to an end result we can either be proud of or wish we could have done better.

Below I’ve gathered 20 tips you can begin now to help improve your life. We don’t have to be perfect or do perfect things. But we should do whatever we can to improve ourselves.

1 – Practice self respect. No one truly knows you more than yourself. Remember that no matter how old you are and where you are in life, taking care of your mind and body will help you through many obstacles.

2 – Slow down. In the fast-paced digital world, are we not mostly staring at our screen every few seconds? Or perhaps our minds are constantly thinking about one thing or another? Take time to slow down so that you can act and think appropriately.

3 – Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. We all know by now that eating an equal balance of fresh fruits and vegetables can help our minds and bodies. Vitamins, minerals, and supplements are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Invest in organic and local fruits and vegetables that can help prevent certain illnesses and diseases.

4 – Appreciate nature. We are all born from nature, therefore we must protect nature itself. What is nature? It is our environment, which includes the air, the trees, water, and our atmosphere.

5 – Don’t be wasteful. Buy less and use less.

6 – Achieve higher learning. Don’t let learning new skills stop you from growing. You can always achieve a higher form of learning no matter your position in life. But most importantly, learn about things that make you a better person.

7 – Be kind. Children are taught at a young age to be kind to their friends and teachers. Sadly, many people grow up forgetting that very important skill. To be kind to others does not mean weakness. In fact, it takes a bigger person to show kindness when there is adversity.

8 – Be humble. There are situations in life where you need to speak up about yourself, and situations where it’s best to stay silent of your achievements.

9 – Be adaptable. In a perfect world we would all get along and agree on everything. But life will bring you many challenges so be prepared to change and adapt to the situations.

10 – Learn to cook. My father used to always tell me that if you can cook at least 5 dishes, you’d never starve.

11 – Learn a new skill. When we were in school, we had many choices to learn a new skill whether it was an instrument, a new language, or a new sport. Learning new skills that go beyond your comfort zone helps your mind and body grow.

12 – Learn compassion. We’ve all seen some form of tragedy whether it’s our own or someone we know. Compassion comes from a deeper understanding of another person’s perspective.

13 – Have 3 trustworthy friends. When we’re young, friends can come and go. But as we get older, life experiences teach us who we can trust, and keep away those that will do us harm.

14 – See character not color. Young children have the innate ability to not judge others by the color of their skin. They choose friends based on similarities and compatibilities.

15 – Try vegetarian for a week. Not choosing to eat animal protein can do wonders for your health and your livelihood. You’ll feel more energized and you’re helping prevent the unnecessary slaughter of animals for food.

16 – Wake up each day with a positive confirmation. Life can have many ups and downs. But if we remember to count our blessings, we can have a better outlook each day.

17 – Cleanliness. Cleanliness goes hand in hand with a clearer mind. When we see clutter and junk around us, our mind has a harder time processing clarity.

18 – Have faith. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, it’s important to have some form of faith that can guide you to healing and recovery.

19 – Learn from your mistakes. We all make mistakes whether you’re young or older. But learning from mistakes that we make ourselves or watch from others, we can also learn to outgrow those mistakes and try not to repeat them again.

20 – Invest in quality. With most things in life, you do get what you paid for. Invest in some higher quality products in life, whether it’s a great pair of shoes or a must-have watch that can last for many years.

*photo from thriveglobal.com

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Words of Wisdom for the Future Us

We can pretty much all agree that the year 2020 was not what we had hoped for. There were turmoil, angst, confusion, division, and a lot of pain for many people. Each new year, most of us hope for a better future; a future where we can dig out of our darkness and walk into the light. But what can 2021 bring us? While many of us might still be struggling, the hope that lives in our hearts remain there, nonetheless.

I’d like to share some phrases and proverbs for 2021. Perhaps you can write some of these down or remember them when you need them the most.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Chinese proverb – Big goals are achieved through many small actions.

“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” Chinese proverb – Slow growth is better than stagnation.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” Chinese proverb – It is best to start a project as soon as you can.

“If you want happiness for a lifetime; help someone else.” Chinese proverb – Happiness comes through helping others.

“Giving your son a skill is better than giving him 1,000 pieces of gold.” Chinese proverb – It is better to support your child with education than money.

“To understand your parents love you must raise children yourself.” Chinese proverb – Only parents know what it is like to raise children.

“A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month’s study of books.” Chinese proverb – Wisdom is sometimes more important than knowledge.

“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you can not fool all the people all the time.” – Abraham Lincoln.

“Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” – Abraham Lincoln.

“I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” – Abraham Lincoln.

“We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it.” – Abraham Lincoln.

“The time comes upon every public man when it is best for him to keep his lips closed.” – Abraham Lincoln.

“The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.” – The Dalai Lama.

“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” – The Dalai Lama.

“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” – The Dalai Lama.

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – The Dalai Lama.

“Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance or my kindness for weakness. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.” – The Dalai Lama.

“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” – The Dalai Lama.

*** And if you ever need some hard truth in your life, talk to children. They will usually tell you how they feel about a subject without prejudice. – Happymomblogger.

I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year!

-credit to thoughtco.com

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Small joys tag

SMALL JOYS TAG

Thanks to The Okay Mommy for nominating me in this bloggers holiday tag! It was so fun reading through The Okay Mommy’s post on what brings her joy and seeing all those fun and delicious photos!

Here are the rules if you get tagged or if you want to start your own tag! Please include me in the tag group too as I’d love to see what brings you joy!

Rules:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you

  • List 15 of your joy

  • Nominate 5 other bloggers/writers that bring you joy and feel free to say why!

15 Things That Bring Me Joy:

1 – My son! Your kids will probably always be your number one joy, even on days they drive you crazy! 🙂

2 – My family. And yes, this extends to outside my immediate family!

3 – Hot tea. There’s nothing like a hot cup of green or herbal tea. I drink it most religiously and have to have a cup every day. Green tea is my most favorite due to its health benefit and its slightly earthy flavor

4 – Cooler weather. I’m from Northern California so I’m used to the cooler weather. Plus, it’s a good excuse to bundle up on some cozy clothes!

5 – The Sun. Yes, yes, I know I just said I like cooler weather, but I also love the sun! The sun warms me and yet the quality of it makes me feel a bit like a Kryptonian 🙂

6 – Gardening. l love plants of all kind. Gardening is relaxing and can be rewarding. I’ve enjoyed gardening since I was a little girl, working alongside my parents in our yards and learning all I can from them.

7 – Books. I love to read! I’ve been an avid reader since I could pick up a book. Books help take me away to faraway lands and people that I wouldn’t normally meet.

8 – Writing. I love to write! Ever since I could pick up a pen or pencil, I was always writing something. Writing is a great stress reliever and can bring such wonderful creativity to anyone’s world.

9 – Disney and their entire franchise. There’s just something so magical about Disney. The creativity and imagination that Disney brings to the world is just amazing. 

10 – Laughter of kids. There’s just something so darling about a young child’s laughter. Their whole faces light up when they’re happy and laughing. Especially the giggles. The giggles are so sweet!

11 – Kittens and puppies. Heck, any baby animals are so darn cute!

12 – Godiva chocolates. I don’t eat a lot of sweets, but when I do, it’s gotta be Godiva! 🙂

13 – Being creative. It’s so fun to just let your creativity out!

14 – Finding rare and unique treasures at my parents house. My parents are artists and collectors and I’m always finding some wonderful treasures there!

15 – And certainly last but not least. The magic of friendship. I’ve been pretty fortunate to have met some wonderful friends throughout the years. These are friends that accept you for who you are and they will stick by you no matter what.

I would like to nominate the following bloggers/writers:

@BloggyMoms (Tiffany Noth/Bloggy Moms Influencers)

@theravenangel (https://www.janellrhiannon.com/)

@msrachelteodoro (https://www.rachelteodoro.com/)

@gabbyabigaill (https://gabbyabigaill.com/)

@mark_kastens (https://markkastens.com/)

 

*photos from Pinterest and Martha Stewart blog.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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2020 Guide to Eco holiday gifts

As we’re getting closer and closer to the huge holiday in December – you know, the one where a chubby and jolly old man with a white beard and red suit comes down the chimney to drop off some packages- or whatever holiday you celebrate this winter season, it also comes down to gifts and celebrations. But this year has been a strange and tough one for most of us. With the pandemic restricting traveling and gatherings, we really have to decide what is safer, smarter, and better. I’m here just to give you some ideas for an eco-friendly holiday season. And while most of us are hunkering down for the holidays, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy ways of celebrating while also giving back to our planet.

Below I’ve listed 20 ways to go eco-friendly this holiday season. As times change, so do our options for buying responsibly. There are a wonderful assortment of companies that sell products and services that also supports the environment.

STOCKING STUFFERS:

If you prefer giving stocking stuffers as main presents or just looking for something fun for your family, stocking stuffers are always a great way to bring some cheer.

1 – Fairtrade chocolates. Fairtrade isn’t a new term, but it’s a word that a lot of people don’t fully understand. Fairtrade simply means companies create a partnership with those in third world or developing countries to ensure they get a fair trade in equity and practices. So, whenever you’re buying chocolates, try to buy from companies that support fair trade. Great companies to support are Equal Exchange, Divine Chocolates, and Theo Chocolates.

2 – Reusable straws. Reusable straws should always be in your purse or backpack. Single-use plastic straws are so 2018. Try supporting brands such as Mermaid Straw, and Young CEO Squad.

3 – Mini or small tins of tea, cocoa, and coffee. Who doesn’t love a cute metal tin filled with something uniquely delicious? These metal tins are infinitely reusable and recyclable due to their materials. Great companies to buy small tins of goodies are Tea Drops, Clarks Cubes, and Mountain Rose Herbs. 

4 – Lip balms. Who can’t use a lip balm now and then? They’re extremely useful during colder weather, climate changes, and when traveling. Plus, lip balms are great for any age and gender. Great companies to support are climbOn, Eco Lips, and Burt’s Bees.

5 – Bar lotion. Lotion in bottles are great. But what’s even better and more eco-friendly are lotion bars. They’re basically concentrated lotion set into a specific shape, usually a round disc or a square. They are usually held inside metal tins or compostable containers. And they last a whole lot longer than liquid lotions. Some of my favorite brands to support are climbOn, and Moon Valley Organics.

6 – Reusable utensils set. Whether you are a germaphobe or just like using your own utensils when eating out or at the office, there’s nothing like a shiny set of utensils. You can find some really nice looking ones that everyone will surely envy! Great companies to support are Mermaid Straw, and United By Blue.

FOR KIDS:

What is the holiday season without spending some money on kids? Whether they are your kids, your relatives, or friends, giving kids what they really want for Christmas or the holidays is the best form of gift giving. If you can find out what the kiddoes enjoy, then find eco friendlier options.

7 – Gift cards. Back in the olden days, a wrapped gift might bring a shine to a child’s eye. But, in the new age of self awareness, kids might want gift cards or cash instead. That’s because there are so many options to choose from nowadays. And if they prefer buying something that’s more unique and can’t be readily found in brick and mortar stores, then they might have to purchase online. And quite honestly, wouldn’t you rather give them gift cards or money so they can buy something that they really want instead of things that’ll just end up in their closets? You can always place the gift cards in a reusable box or tin or bag. Better option is to send an e-gift card to reduce plastic waste.

8 – DIY kits. There’s just something unique and satisfying when you’re putting together your own project. DIY or Do-It-Yourself kits are all the rage. Plus, they can be enjoyed anytime of the year and offer great assortments for any age and gender. They can range from DIY baking kits, to birdhouses, to jewelry. A great company that makes fun and educational DIY STEM kits is Green Kids Crafts.

9 – Reusable beverage bottles. With kids in school most of the day for at least 17 years of their lives, they sure could use their own reusable water bottles. Having their own reusable water bottle prevents germs from spreading and they can carry it wherever they go. Most teachers allow reusable water bottles in classrooms so students don’t have to get up to get a drink of water. Find some fun and unique bottles from Mermaid Straw, Kleen Kanteen, and Simple Modern.

10 – Books. Okay, okay, I know I always suggest this, but I love books and that’s because I started reading at a very young age. The joy of reading started when I was gifted with some really fascinating titles which led to my love for writing. Most kids will like reading so there’s always a book or two to find for them. If you know what authors or genre the child likes, it’ll make it easier to gift them the books they want. If not, you can always give them a fun and thick book about their favorite pastime or hobby.

And for great book ideas, check out Great Schools.

*** Parents: For some awesome book and merchandise gifts, check out LuvBooks. Use code: LUVSUZAN at checkout for 10%off! (this website is great for parents as they are more geared towards adults!)

11 – Building sets. At one point or another in their lives, kids will have had at least one building set. It could be blocks, logs, or robots. Building sets are great for hand-eye coordination, flexibility, and creativity. One of the biggest and most well known building set brand is LEGO. Aptly named “play well” in Danish, LEGO bricks are akin to childhood as apple pie is to ice cream. They last a lifetime, can be passed down to future generations, and they created a new “take back” program where you can send your used LEGO bricks back to the company to be donated to charities. LEGO are great for any age, gender, and experience.

FOR TEACHERS:

Our kids have some pretty hard working teachers, especially for this year. The best way to thank them for their dedication to their occupation is to gift them something that they’ll really love. Most teachers appreciate gifts that aren’t classroom related. They’ve probably received many “Best Teacher” mugs or photographs of your kids in homemade frames. Instead, try sending them something that they’ll use and is environmentally friendly. You’ll also be sending a message that you care about the environment too.

12 – Reusable beverage bottles. Depending on the grade they teach, most teachers are unable to leave their classrooms to use the bathroom or get a sip of water. Give them a nice, sturdy, and elegant water bottle that they can put their fresh water in.  Companies to support are Mermaid Straw, Kleen Kanteen, and Simple Modern. The best ones are made from stainless steel, glass, and bamboo. They last for many years and are easily recyclable once they break down.

13 – Hand lotion/bars. Teachers are constantly using their hands, whether they’re turning pages, writing on whiteboards, or tying shoelaces. Give them the gift of soft and supple hands. As mentioned above, lotion bars last a lot longer than liquid versions and you can find ones made with soothing and uplifting scents. Try companies such as climbOn, and Moon Valley Organics.

14 – Fairtrade and Organic Coffee and Tea. Give teachers great tasting hot beverages that are made sustainably, organically, and fair trade. Try brands such as Equal Exchange, NumiTea, and Lavazza Coffee.

15 – Plants. Nowadays, you can find a plethora of plants for all kinds of people. Whether you have a green thumb or a black one, plants are fairly easy to take care of after years of cultivation and research. Plus, plants are adorable sitting in a classroom or on a table and they bring a wholesome quality to every room. Potted plants are best to start for those who are beginners. Great choices that don’t require a lot of care are succulents, Philodendron, herbs, violets, and cultivated bamboo.

ECO-FRIENDLY AND BUDGET-FRIENDLY GIFTS:

This holiday season might mean less spending for many people. But if you still want to pick up a gift or two for a loved one, then here are some suggestions that are low budget but still pack a lot of heart and soul into them.

16 – Homemade gifts. If you love to cook or are really crafty, then you’ll probably enjoy making your own gifts. Bake delicious holiday-shaped cookies and put them into a nice tin. The recipient can in turn reuse the tins and might possibly return it with their own creation! Or make homemade candles. Be sure to use soy wax(for vegans) or beeswax to prevent chemical toxins emitted into the air while burning. You can make a big batch of candles to give as gifts and place them in glass jars to be reused later on. Check out a great resource from Mother Earth Living magazine.

17 – Hand drawn artwork. Whether you are a professional artist or just like to dab in paint or pencils, you can create some really unique and one-of-a-kind artwork. Put them into a pretty glass frame and if you’re inclined to make it extra special, make a drawing of the family members or family pets.

18 – DIY food kits. Sometimes you’ll find great curated food gift boxes but they’re usually at a hefty price. You can create your own food gift boxes by buying products that you know the family or person will like. Some great ideas are cookie kits where you add a couple of cookie cutters, a glass jar of flour (measured), chocolate chips, a cotton towel, and instructions. Also try soup kits where you can add bags of beans, lentils, salt, pepper, and croutons or crackers. Place your carefully created food kits into a nice wicker basket or wooden crate for reuse later on.

19 – Board games and puzzles. With technology in practically every household these days, it’s nice to be able to have a couple of old fashioned board games and puzzles. Plus, they can bring hours of fun for the whole family. Try board games such as Monopoly and Clue and puzzles that have at least 1000 pieces to start with. These board games might stay in the family for years or can be easily donated later on.

20 – Monogrammed gift. You might think that a monogrammed mug or sweater might be expensive. But depending on what it is, you can find an elegant monogrammed mug that’s as low as $8. Better yet, buy a nice quality scarf or cotton tote bag and embroider or sew their initials on it. These gifts create a personal touch and help your recipient from getting their stuff stolen.

No matter what your holiday preferences are this year, you can make it fun, relaxing, and memorable. If you’re mailing gifts, be sure to check the shipping deadlines so your gifts will arrive on time. If you’re delivering in person in a safe way, then dropping your gifts off at the doorstep or a smaller get together is another option.

We can all be safer this holiday season if we just try and remember that the holidays are about being safe and peaceful. Even before the pandemic hit the world, we still wanted our family and friends to feel safe during the holidays and to have less stress and worries. And if you can’t travel or give extravagant gifts – your recipients will most likely understand this time of year.

From my family to yours – we wish you a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season!

*photo credits to BHG.com and Mermaid Straw.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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