Why It's Good:
Let's face it: Men kinda get the short end of the stocking when it comes to gifts. Women are just easier (and more fun) to shop for. But with a little online digging, we discovered some great green finds for the guys on your list this holiday.
Why It's Green:
See below for why our picks for your favorite fella will turn him into an eco-hunk.
Where To Get It:
Click on the above products for a direct link to the retail site.
The Gorgeous and Green Guy
If you're like my über-organized friend Angie, you've already done most of your holiday shopping—five stars if it's wrapped already! But I'm betting you've still got a few names on your list...like Tom, Dick, and Harry. To the Men We Love: You are not easy to shop for. And I know you don't want another tie this year—you only used it to wrap up your hiking gear. I admit, in the eleventh hour (i.e., every Christmas) I usually wind up giving both guys and girls fancy chocolate, candles and, well, soap—hey, everyone bathes. But instead of saving the men until the last minute (when you end up grabbing a multi-pack of dress socks and gold-plated nose-hair clippers out of sheer desperation), start now, and you'll have time to get him something he might actually like:
Tivi Stave cufflinks, $100: Watch out—wearing these super-cool, hand-silkscreened cufflinks fashioned from repurposed Jack Daniel's oak barrels may revive his lone-cowboy fantasies—but we're sure you'll rein him in. A surefire conversation piece at your in-laws' holiday dinner.
Be Carbon Neutral silver and black ring, $110: Stylishly minimal and Al Gore-approved, this everyday ring carries a special reminder to fight global warming. Part of a new line designed by Anthony Aletto, the ring is handmade locally—and carbon neutrally—in NYC of reclaimed sterling silver with black enamel detailing. Proceeds make the wearer carbon neutral for one month via donation to the Carbon Fund, focusing on renewable energy and reforestation projects. Comes with eco-educator David de Rothschild's book on tips for greener living.
Libeco Home linen Hamilton pajamas, $190, and Tibo robe, $203: From one of the best names in linen, these classic loungewear pieces send a subtle message to the one you love cuddling up to—but don't love seeing pasty and bare-chested over breakfast this winter. Robes aren't for grandpas only—we think they're sexy, and this ecologically grown fiber from the flax plant (like hemp, flax is ultra-versatile, requires little pesticides/fertilizer, and is biodegradable) is soft and absorbent, and keeps its character through many a wash. Libeco fabrics are made with dyes that meet new EU toxicity standards in facilities with a top-notch water recycling system.
D.I.G.S. Marin bath collection, prices vary: Here's hoping he'll ditch that slimy travel-size soap dish and put the bucket (a.k.a. trash can) back in the broom closet. And wouldn't it be nice to have a tissue to blow your nose into this season? (We know, we know—"That's what t.p. is for....") Give his bachelor bath a makeover with matching FSC-certified sustainable wood items: a soap pump, tissue box holder, trash bin, tumbler, and more. We'll leave the fight over stubble-rubble to you.
Banana Republic men's fragrances, $45-$58: Perfect for following up that clean shave in his gorgeous new bathroom. Ladies, you'll have a hard time keeping your paws off him after a whiff of these delectable scents. (We like Cordovan—woody with fig, nutmeg and leather notes—best.) We wish the fragrance was greener, but applaud the packaging regardless—the bottle is handsomely boxed in certified sustainable wood, made in the USA. Click here for more info regarding BR's eco-commitments.
Entermodal black leather flip case, $140: This eco-conscious, Portland-based company's slim, minimalist
wallet-slash-cardholder will—as part of the event swag—hit "It" status next month with celebs and filmgoers at Sundance film festival. Get a jump on the trend and give this sure bet to the hipster (teenagers, anyone?) on your list. Reduces unsightly back-pocket bulge. Click here to read more about how and why Entermodal's manufacturing model is green.
Tarma Designs bottle openers, $21.98: That's right, we saved the cheapest and best for last. Your own dear Homie (Simpson) is a simple man at heart. What really sets his heart a-hiccupping-flutter? Not three little words, just one: Beer. Unleash his inner belch with the recycled stainless steel gift that keeps on...uh, giving. Not only will you seem the most thoughtful woman in the world—trust me, this is the one he'll tell his buddies about—at this price, get a few and strategically place wherever his suds-lovin' heart desires. Sure to bring you lots of Cheers! this holiday.— Elizabeth McMullen