Local Guide to
Kids
W
e know it as the most wonderful time of the year, yet too often the holiday season pushes wellness to the back burner and heightened consumption trumps efforts to go green. For this year’s gift-giving season, Natural Awakenings has gathered meaningful and practical gift ideas from local businesses to ease the stress of holiday shopping. To make gifting even simpler, pair our findings with creative themes that initiate new traditions. Try the four-gift rule with kids: one thing they want, one thing they need, one thing to wear and one thing to read. Suggest exchanging locally crafted items with out-of-town family members so everyone receives a unique gift they’ve never encountered before. Consider shopping throughout the year when inspiration strikes, and then store items in a gift closet; it cuts down on holiday to-dos. Or turn from packaged products altogether to gift certificates, prepaid memberships and charitable donations. With friends and family in mind, have fun practicing conscious consumerism with these ideas for gifts of wellness and sustainability. You’ll also find naturally appealing gift ideas for kids, pets, relatives and friends at the Natural Awakenings webstore, NAWebstore.com.
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New Orleans
Accessories with a Conscience
Accessories are always good gift options. Look for pieces that are made of sustainable or recycled material or are fair trade. Passion Lilie Locally designed and fair trade manufactured dresses, skirts and scarves. Available online at PassionLilie.com. Uniquitys Purses made of repurposed materials, each one of a kind. Available at the Frenchman Art Market and Verve (1110 Canal St.), or online at Uniquitys.com. Art of Sole Individually designed contemporary jewelry and crafts Available online at ArtofSole.com.
For Furry Family Members
Before purchasing another squeaky toy or rawhide bone for the four-legged members of the family, consider conscious gift alternatives for Fifi and Fido, too. Here is a local one. Marsh Dog All natural treats made from mainly locally sourced fresh ingredients including: nutria, sweet potatoes, oats, eggs, molasses, parsley and cayenne pepper. The company has been named Business conservationist of the Year by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation for helping to support saving Louisiana wetlands. Check their website MarshDog.com for retailers carrying the product or purchase online.
NOLAHealthyLiving.com
Avoid the commercialism of big-box store toy aisles by instead visiting a smaller, locally owned retailer in search of ecofriendly and educational gifts for the little ones. ZukaBaby Specializing in eco friendly and nontoxic toys and other baby and child products, including cloth diapers, breastfeeding supplies, baby carriers, natural toys and locally made baby items, available at the store, 2122 Magazine St, NOLA and at ZukaBaby.com. See their ad on page 28.
Locally Delicious
Local food products for loved one’s near and far are always welcome. Louisiana Sisters Unique gourmet food products with a Louisiana flavor. Products: spiced olives, pepper jelly, spiced Martini olive juice, bloody Mary mix, spiced tapenade. Gift boxes and giftware. Available at LouisianaSisters.net and at Rouses and Acquistapace’s markets. GoodEggs/nola Gift certificates for locally sourced produce and food products ordered directly from the farmer/producer for pickup at a number of locations or delivery for a fee. View products available at GoodEgg.com/nola.