It’s the thought that counts, and if your thoughts are green then you’re probably thinking about low impact giving for the holidays.  Here are some suggestions to get you going if you’re still looking for the right gift for someone special!

Make a donation to a sustainable cause or organization in someone’s name.  We all have people in our lives that seem to have everything.   If they support green causes making a donation in their name to an organization that’s saving our planet is a great way to go.  They feel good, you feel good and the organization is thrilled.  There are many to choose from when it comes to donations. 

Locally, the Montgomery Countryside Alliance and Red Wiggler Community Farm have been recognized by the Catalog for Philanthropy – Greater Washington for the work they do. 

Prefer to support something global?  Then consider a donation to an organization like Heifer International or the The Nature Conservancy.  All of these organizations accept donations online, and there are many, many others.

Give a gift card from a business that supports sustainable living.  Have someone on your list that wants to green their lifestyle but needs a little motivation?  Get them a gift card from a local cycle shop, an athletic store that sells great walking shoes, an organic grocery store or any business that supports a greener lifestyle.  They’ll appreciate the gentle nudge toward more sustainable living.

Give something to make the receiver’s life greener.  Want to do something more than a gift card?  Buy something tangible to make their life more sustainable.  A full or half-share in a CSA is a weekly green version of the ‘Fruit of the Month Club’ – minus the shipping and packaging - and a great way to eat healthier and support local farmers.  

An energy saving appliance is a great gift for someone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint.  Check Savenia Labs’ ratings for guidance on the most energy efficient appliances. 

Want to help someone reduce their plastic consumption?  Lunchskins by Three Green Moms replaces plastic sandwich bags for lunch or storage.  Paired with a soup thermos it’s a low impact way to bring lunch to work every day.  And with Montgomery County stores charging consumers for plastic bags as of January 1, 2012 a set of cloth bags for shopping is a great way to help someone start the New Year greener.

Do something for someone to help them reduce, reuse and recycle.  Clear out a garage, a room, or a basement for someone who doesn’t have the time or the energy.  Set aside what’s valuable, donate what’s in good condition but no longer needed and recycle the rest.  For the overwhelmed or older individuals the gift of time to do something they can’t get around to doing can be the greatest gift of all.  You’re both helping the planet, you’ll probably find something they forgot they had, and you'll help pass along something that could be someone's newly found treasure.

Make something for someone with your own hands.  There’s nothing like receiving something handmade from someone in your life.  It never gets old.  Whether you make cookies, put together an indoor kitchen garden from pots of herbs or pull together photos of a place you’ve shared it will be special and low impact. 

No driving to the mall to buy something shipped from a faraway land – just you, your kitchen or dining room table, and your imagination.  To the receiver, it’s a gesture they’ll cherish forever and you’ll have fun using your creativity.