Dec. 8, 2024

Giving eco-friendly holiday gifts is a thoughtful way to celebrate the season while promoting sustainability. Here’s a list of top green gift ideas that are thoughtful, sustainable and perfect for the environmentally conscious:

CHA CHA CHAI

Dallas-based mother and daughter duo Arpitha and Shravani were longing for the flavors of their homeland  so they created — Spicytude to share Indian culinary traditions with everyone. My family has become obsessed with their Chai Masala, a delicious tea that will become your new morning favorite. 

Chai Masala is a bold, aromatic blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves. Designed to elevate your tea experience, the hot beverage delivers a rich, flavorful caffeine pick-me-up with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. 

Spicytude's Chai Masala makes a cheery holiday gift. Courtesy of Spicytude.

Make it the old-fashioned way, boiled on the stove, with hot water and any choice of cream or milk. It’s well worth the effort for a drink that is as much of an experience as it is a beverage. 

$15 for a tin that makes 12 to 15 servings. (One serving = 8 oz cup, 2 to 3 teaspoons.)

Combine with three of Spicytude’s spice tins in a lovely gift box for $60, plus local shipping. Includes recipe cards with each kit. Find Spicytude at the White Rock Local Market and the McKinney Farmers Market on Saturdays as well as the Dallas Farmers Market on Sundays. Also available at Spicytude.com and local specialty shops.

V FOR VICTORY GARDENS

The Irving-based Victory Seed Company sells starter seed kits as well Tuli Fisher's blacksmith-forged garden tool collection. Courtesy of Victory Seed Company.

Victory Seed Company in Irving promotes the age-old tradition of Victory gardens that were popular during WWII. The company's mission is to “help protect open-pollinated and heirloom seed” varieties and they take this very seriously. 

Their vintage commercial seeds as well as heirlooms will help your gift recipient bring back a piece of history. Whether it’s to grow a beautiful greenspace or simply save on the weekly grocery bill, VSC’s Victory Garden Starter Pack includes 10 seed varieties for creating one’s own little patch of Eden, including broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, lettuce, spinach, bell peppers and tomatoes, all chosen for our southern climes. 

Designed to inspire self-sufficiency, this pack is ideal for urban spaces or backyard gardens, helping cultivate a thriving green oasis while promoting health and sustainability. 

$25 at VictorySeeds.com. While on their site, check out Tuli Fisher's blacksmith-forged garden tool collection, handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana. $62 each and built to last a lifetime.

TREETOP ADVENTURES

An annual pass or a gift voucher to the Trinity Forest Adventure Park makes a great gift for the outdoor enthusiast. Or visit Astra Lumina, an immersive outdoor holiday experience, with the whole family. Pictured at top. Courtesy of Trinity Forest Adventure Park.

Give the gift of the outdoors at the Trinity Forest Adventure Park in south Dallas. 

Locals Brad and Judy Lee opened the 7-acre park a decade ago to encourage families as well as corporate customers to challenge themselves on a demanding mix of trails and obstacle courses including wobble bridges, tight ropes, ladders, cargo nets and zip lines that meander through the trees, some as high as 50-feet above terra firma. 

The couple’s daughter, Katy Lee Girres, notes that her parents are devoted environmentalists and naturalists and that they make every effort to keep the land in its natural state wherever possible. 

Prices start around $50 per person for kids and seniors, with adults around $60 each. An annual pass is $180. Gift vouchers are also available.

Linger after dark for Astra Lumina, an immersive adventure combining nature, starlight and technology for an experience that the whole family will remember. Tickets start at $27.

Visit the Trinity Treetops and Astra Lumina websites for more information.

WATERCOLOR YOUR WORLD

frisco-based artist Swetha Kalluri has designed watercolor kits for beginners. Courtesy of Magnolia Art Co.

Inspire the budding artist in your life to find their creative muse at home, work, school or even on the trail with Magnolia Art Co Watercolor Kits. 

The kits are created by Frisco-based artist Swetha Kalluri to allow anyone to become proficient at painting, quickly and without stress. The designs range from luxurious cats to playful crabs, perfect peonies to a whimsical cow with flowers for a hat — and Komal adds new options often. 

Each one is easy to use for anyone from beginner to advanced and would make an ideal gift for teenagers to seniors. 

$28/kit – and everything that you need is included except water. 

Kalluri also teaches groups to paint in her workshops held at various local venues. What a perfect idea for a holiday party, baby or wedding shower or corporate retreat! 

Her Instagram is loaded with informative videos and even a bird’s-eye-view of the artist at work herself. Order kits online at MagnoliaArtCompany.com or drop by Mosaic Makers in the Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff.

ECO CLEANING

Swedish Dishcloths are reusable, compostable and make great stocking stuffers or hostess gifts. Courtesy of Earth Ahead.

Here’s a way to bring beauty to your everyday chores. Snare some of these Swedish Dishcloths with sweet floral designs, perfect for the garden lovers in your life, made by Earth Ahead and sold on Etsy. 

We love them and have several in our own home. We use them in the kitchen for dishes and spills (they soak up 15 times their own weight). Then we retire it to the bathroom or garage as it becomes older. 

The best part is that since they are made from a blend of 70 percent cellulose and 30 percent cotton, they’re totally compostable. 

Pack includes six designs for $30. 

Another Etsy favorite are these reusable hand towels, made by Earth and Son in California, starting at $10.49/four pack. 

Use for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts or even keep some for yourself! 

Pair them up with a ReUsable Swiffer Style Duster by TS Designs, also on Etsy for only $4.99 each, and never use Swiffers again, one of the most wasteful products ever made.

PLANT-BASED SPREAD

TLC Vegan will host a plant-based holiday dinner on Dec. 20. Courtesy of TLC Vegan.

Sometimes the best gift is your own time. Share an amazing plant-based holiday dinner with someone special at TLC Vegan on Dec. 20.

Hosted by world-renowned Chef Troy Gardener, the Chef’s Holiday Feast 4 Beasts will be a memory to keep forever. 

Arrive ready to enjoy a six course tasting menu that celebrates holiday cuisines from around the world. You and your guest will start with a generous Charcuterie, French Onion Soup and Jicama and Carrot Salad then progress on to the main course of  vegan “Beef” Wellington with Ricotta Tortellini. Finish off with your choice of dessert including Vanilla Gelato, Purple Sweet Potato Cake or Black Forest Cake. OMG! 

Tickets are $100 per person and you also have the option of mocktail or cocktail pairings as an add on. Reserve your dinner now because space is very limited.

DEEP IN THE HEART

Courtesy of Old Bones Chili Co.

The Go Texan Holiday Gift Guide showcases a wide array of Texas-made products, perfect for Texans near and far. Featured items include handcrafted goodies from across the Lone Star State, such as candles to coffee, bingo to beard balm. 

Highlights include artisanal spices, handcrafted soaps, gourmet sauces and locally produced teas, all emphasizing artisan-made pride and quality craftsmanship. 

The guide is a part of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Go Texan program, an initiative to support local businesses and promote Texas-made products​. 

One of our favorites is Old Bones Chili Co Buffalo Sauce – with two kinds of habanero chilies to impart a distinctive, but not too hot, kick that your giftees will enjoy. Ideal for roasted veggies or cauliflower bites – try it on pop-corn! It’s full of flavor, bright, smooth and buttery (without butter). 

Made right down the road in Houston, it's the brainchild of head chef and chili wizard Joshua Ngaire. 

Check out the full Go Texan Holiday Gift Guide. Learn more about Old Bones Chili Company’s other flavors.

NIGHT LIGHTS

The Christmas Village at the Dallas Arboretum is one of the festive outdoor events held this holiday season. Courtesy of Dallas Arboretum.

The entire north Texas area is decking out for the holidays with events from Weatherford to Tyler. A few standouts include: 

Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum returns with their beloved Christmas Village. This year’s celebration marks the 10th anniversary of The 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos. Special events include visits with Santa and Christmas Village Vendors as well as Seasonal Dinners and holiday decor at the historic DeGolyer House which is regaled in a fruit theme for the season. Visit their calendar for dates and details.

The Festival of Lights opens Dec. 13 and runs through March 31 at the Texas Discovery Gardens in Dallas. Courtesy of TDC.

Texas Discovery Gardens is also hosting its Festival of LIghts Dec. 13 through March 31. Enjoy walking through Texas Discovery Gardens’ 7.5 acres of lush gardens illuminated with larger-than-life lanterns. The family event features performers, artisian venders and food and beverages. See event page for details.

Discover more Dallas-area holiday events.

Lightscape continues through Jan. 5 at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Courtesy of FWBG.

The Fort Worth Botanical Garden is a winter wonderland during their annual Lightscape, in collaboration with Sony Music. This magical show features custom-designed LED light installations in harmony with nature with a festive atmosphere that will enchant guests of all ages. Peak prices are $25-$35, with several discounted days available.

Also don’t miss the FWBG’s sixth annual Holiday in the Garden on Dec. 14, with local vendors, a visit from Santa, a kid’s craft zone, face painting and more. Also, enjoy free admission to the Botanical Garden itself on Dec. 18 in celebration of their 90th birthday. What a spectacular gift for all of us!

Find more Fort Worth area holiday events here.

2024 Green Gift Guide Series

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2024 Last Minute Green Gift Guide

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