One thing I love about November is the urge to cozy up. And while most people probably equate coziness with sitting by the fireplace while staying wrapped in a thick blanket, I’m here to tell you that you can feel cozy outside, too. All you need is the perfect scarf! Here are some we guarantee you and your family will never want to take off:
Best Baby Organic’s Hat-Scarf ($24.50) is a two-for-one deal, since it doubles as a hat. What’s more, it’s made from 100% natural wool by Ecuadorian artisans.
Your kid can show her love for planet-friendly fashion and stay warm at the same time with the Cagoule Fleece Heart Scarf($12.99). It’s made from 85% post-consumer recycled soda bottles, and colored with lead-free dye!
Moms and teen girls will love the Scarf of Many Sweaters by 1000 Markets ($50). It’s upcycled from—you guessed it—old sweaters, and is long enough for plenty of cozy wrapping.
Keep the guys in your life cool (fashion-, not temp-wise!) and comfy in the Bamboo Rib Narrows Scarf by Isotoner ($30). Best of all? It’s made from 70% renewable materials.
Our friends, the Meal Makeover Moms, are currently holding a healthy eating prize pack giveaway featuring a one-year subscription to KIWI Magazine, two BPA-free plastic plates, two board books to get kids excited about eating their fruits and veggies, an eco-friendly tea set, and all-natural dish soap. Want to enter? It’s easy! Visit this post at the Meal Makeover Moms’ blog, and leave a comment describing a green lifestyle change your family has recently made. Good luck!
For older kids, the Eco-Friendly Backpack from Lands’ End is made from 100% recycled fabric, and can hold a laptop case and MP3 player. $39.50, landsend.com.
Crocodile Creek has cute packs for the younger set in a variety of nature-themed designs. Even better, they’re PVC- and phthalate free. $23.95-$29.45, amazon.com.
Fleurville’s Kid’s Messenger is perfect for style-conscious students, and is PVC-, Teflon-, and lead-free. There’s even a removable insulated lunch bag! $50, fleurville.com.
The next time you’re thinking of sending someone a bouquet of flowers, support a non-profit at the same time by choosing Flowers for Good. The line comes from Organic Bouquet, an earth-friendly flower company that offers sustainbly-grown, mail-order bouqets and arrangements.
As a part of Organic Bouquet’s larger mission to promote environmental and social responsibility, the Flowers for Good program was established to help non-profits by donating 5% of each purchase to the organizations. What’s more, there’s a wide range of non-profits from which you can choose to support, including The Nature Conservancy, The Humane Society, and The American Lung Association. They’ve got everything from roses to calla lilies, so check it out!
With uses for personal care, cleaning, laundry, and of course–cooking, baking soda is the ultimate DIY multi-tasker. It’s also incredibly inexpensive, and super earth-friendly (aside from the fact that it’s a non-toxic chemical compound, using versatile baking soda to do 10 jobs rather than buying 10 different products really cuts down on waste!). Here are 10 of my favorite ways to use baking soda, what about you?
Face mask. This works especially well for oily skin–form a paste with 2 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. honey and leave on face for 10 minutes to tighten pores and banish blackheads.
Fabric softener. Surprise, surprise! Conventional fabric softeners can contain a multitude of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. To keep clothes soft, just toss 1 cup of baking soda in with the wash. Bonus: It can remove heavy stains and odors, too!
Shampoo. OK, maybe not all the time. But in a pinch, it works! Add 1 tbsp. of baking soda to 8 oz. of water, then work through hair. Follow with a clarifying rinse made up of 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and another 8 oz. of water.
Normally, we’re not a big fan of disposables when it comes to dish- or flat-ware. Cups or plates made from Styrofoam are difficult to recycle, and so usually end up in landfills for near-eternity. And similar paper items may biodegrade more quickly, however, they’re a big drain on resources. Since no one wants to lug a nice set of glasses, dishes, and silverware to the beach, park, or campground, this disposable dilemma can sometimes make planning a casual outdoor picnic or barbecue somewhat challening.
Enter Bare, a new line of earth-friendly disposable dishware by Solo. Many of their plates and cups are made from plant-based, renewable resources instead of plastic, and are also easily compostable. The cups that are made from plastic contain 20% post-consumer recycled material, and are easily recyclable.
And yes, when it comes to going green, Solo really means it. To demonstrate their commitment, they’ve partnered with the Keep America Beautiful campaign, whose mission is to prevent litter, reduce waste, and increase recycling. Donations from the Bare by Solo line will support helping consumers learn all about ways to keep our country–and our planet–looking great.
Here are some of our favorite places to find sustainable goods. Have an earth-friendly store or company you love? Share it with us in the comments!
KellyGreen Way, an online, green lifestyle boutique, boasts a variety of hand-picked, planet-friendly items including body, skin, and home products. Further, everything there is recyclable, reusable, fairly traded, or handmade.
Find reusable diapers, bedding, plus nursing accessories at Organic Caboose. All their products are cruelty-free and 100% grown and sewn in the USA.
Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goodsseeks to help smart parents make better choices for their baby and better choices for the environment with a selection of organic toys and corn-based baby plates and utensils.
Score green deals at Pristine Planet, which allows customers to compare prices on similar items plus share reviews on eanything from hemp dog leashes to earth-friendly motor oil.
Eco-Wise calls itself the earth-friendly everything store, and for good reason: In addition to featuring the usual organic clothing, linens, or cleaning supplies, the website features tons of items devoted to home improvement, including eco flooring, paints, and tools.
In honor of our KIWI staffer Marygrace, I decided to give the bride-to-be some tips on how to throw an eco-friendly bash. Sure planning a wedding is a lot of work and can be very time consuming and expensive but if you take the time to research you will find there are a few ways to make your wedding friendlier on the environment. First come the decorations. Opt for organic flowers instead of fresh cut ones or use lemons or limes in pretty vases for decor. Next, location. Choose a location that is within close proximity to your loved ones so they do not need to travel far distances and also bring up the option of carpooling to omit less gases into the air. When it comes to dining, choose a vegetarian dish and serve it on reusable plates. No need to waste here! Also opt for handing out homemade gifts to the guests such as granola or another baked goods instead of wasting paper or plastic product giveaways. When it comes to the cake, use organic mixes which can be found at any local grocer. Last, when choosing a honeymoon destination, research eco-tourism spots and find sustainable hotels and locations where you and your significant other can have a big impact on your lives but not the earth.
With a full line of body care products for pregnancy, labor, post-partum, and breastfeeding, Earth Mama Angel Baby has new and expecting moms covered in organic goodness. The line was created by moms who view pregnancy the way our foremothers did, as a phenomenal natural process to be honored accordingly. Their offerings feature eco-friendly packaging and 100% natural, vegan ingredients for lotions, potions, sprays, and oils you can feel good about. We’re big fans of their Mama-to-Be Tea Sampler, which makes a cool, unexpected shower gift. Learn more at earthmamangelbaby.com.
If the name Pure and Little doesn’t give you enough warm fuzzies, try their logo on for size: Organic. Baby. Love. Ahhh! I’m sold. The company offers organic baby clothing, bedding, and accessories like bath products, books and music, and plenty of plush toys. Spring and summer babies can keep comfortable in Pure and Little’s organic cotton onesies (we love the peace out natural), while fall and winter babies will stay toasty with a unisex kimono jacket. But my very favorite? The Baby Fred monkey plush. He just looks so happy! More at pureandlittle.com.
If a Prius is beyond your budget right now, try a new kind of hybrid: gDiapers. Perfect for the eco-conscious mom-to-be who isn’t quite ready to embrace cloth diapers full on, gDiapers are made of a washable cotton outer with a disposable, plastic-free liner that can be flushed down the toilet, composted, or tossed in the trash (they decompose in about 90 days.) A starter kit is available at gDiapers.com, or try their gBaby Shower Gift, featuring the starter kit, an extra cloth outer, and a case of flushable refills. Oh, and the “g”? It stands for green!
This month, Congress is cracking the whip when it comes to toxins in children’s products. Thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), little ones now have greater protection from exposure to dangerous substances. As of February 10th, all items made for young children must be tested for levels of lead as well as a group of toxic chemicals known as phthalates. The new standards under the CPSIA are great for our children, but they’ve also led to complaints from small manufacturers who feel threatened by the high cost of laboratory testing. We’ll keep you updated on the risks and benefits of this important act in the following weeks.
– Sara, KIWI intern and advocate of trustworthy toys
While I’m more than ready for the arrival of spring, it seems winter isn’t quite yet ready to loosen its harsh grip just yet. We’re still receiving regular blasts of Arctic air here in New Jersey, and this week’s especially windy weather has been doing a number even on my oft-oily skin. Since spending money on expensive moisturizers doesn’t really fit into my current budget, I instead turned to raiding my fridge and pantry for some skin-quenching inspiration.
I always knew honey was a super beneficial food-it contains a number of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that make it a healthier alternative to white sugar. What I didn’t know is that honey is a humectant, meaning it absorbs water from the air… meaning it’s a great natural skin moisturizer! What’s more, its antibacterial properties will destroy my pesky pimples in a snap.
The fat in egg yolks, avocado, and olive oil causes these foods to act as emollients, which are natural moisturizers that smooth and soften skin. (Allow me to indulge my inner science geek by letting you know that emollients contain three basic properties: occlusion (provides a layer of surface oil to stop water loss), humectants (like honey!), and lubrication.) These foods can be used topically, but will also provide moisture from the inside out of you eat them, which is the perfect excuse to tuck into some guacamole, or drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on just about anything.
And speaking of the inside out, there’s a number of herbal teas that can give your skin the extra moisture boost it craves. Make your own tisanes (fancy word for herbal tea) by steeping marshmallow, dandelion, peppermint, or chamomile in hot water.
Finally, remember that what you do do about your dry skin is just as important as what you don’t. Cleanse your face twice a day at the maximum, and use warm rather than hot water. Further, keep in mind that soap can have a drying effect on skin. You might be better off washing up with oat flour or almond meal mixed with soothing aloe vera.
– Marygrace, KIWI intern and developer of DIY beauty
I have a confession. I am obsessed with lip moisturizers. I can’t get enough. A few weeks ago, we wrote about natural lip balms. Being that I am always on the lookout for new lip companions, I feel a responsibility to continue this conversation and introduce more natural lip care.
Self-described as lip butter, I see no better explanation for this smooth, hydrating creation. The consistency is just right, not too thick and not too thin. Added bonus: this USDA-certified organic stick contains all natural ingredients, no animal testing and paraben, petroleum and phthalate free.
Post a comment and let me know what natural balm your lips crave.
– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of lip beauty (if you didn’t already get that from the blog)
It’s no secret that the healthiest, most delicious foods come from natural sources. Organic Valley’s milk, cheese, eggs, and meats are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides for authentic food that truly nourishes. A family farm co-op, Organic Valley aims for continual improvement and transparency, making their products food you can really feel good about. Coupon lovers click here.
–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of all things natural
Sweet Pea Products knows sensitive skin. Created by a certified infant massage instructor who was dissatisfied with the lack of natural baby massage oils, all items with the Sweet Pea name are 100% natural and fragrance free. With a collection of unique baby products including serenity balm, lavender and tea tree soap, and herbal tub teas, Sweet Pea will calm your child’s skin while giving you a piece of mind. Enjoy a 20% discount with coupon code KIWI.
It’s easy to say no to preservatives and additives with Tastybaby’s organic frozen baby food. They might be serious about nutrition, but with flavor names like “Corn in the USA” and “Peas on Earth,” TastyBaby knows how to have fun. What’s more, all the food is gluten-free, and is packaged in reusable, BPA-free cups. Getting a stamp of approval from eco-conscious moms like Cindy Crawford, Ali Landry, and Lisa Loeb, try a Tastybaby gift basket for a great shower gift!
– Marygrace, KIWI intern and fan of eco-consious moms
Earth’s Best’s new diapers are chlorine-free and contain corn- and wheat-absorbent materials. Made with annually-renewable resources to reduce petrochemicals, they pair perfectly with Earth’s Best durable, chlorine-free wipes, which are all-natural and contain soothing vitamin E and aloe. Soft and gentle, they’re perfect for stashing in your diaper bag to double as on-the-go hand and face wipes.
– Marygrace, KIWI intern and trying to be reliant on renewable resources
Sock seams making your child scream? Made with a polyester and lycra blend, SmartKnitKIDS socks are seam-free and comfy as can be. They’re available in white, pink, purple, navy and black, and come in a variety of sizes for kids of all ages. Check them out at therawear.com and use coupon code KIWI for 10% off at checkout.
Feel the difference of natural with Noli n Naliskincare line, available for both mom and child. Certified organic, these eco-friendly products nourish the body from the outside in with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and calendula. Think soothing belly butter and nipple salve for moms, and gentle shampoo, bubble bath, and detangler for little ones. Use coupon code KIWI for 25% off your purchase.
– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of body nourishment
Helping build healthy bones by aiding in calcium absorption, vitamin D is an important nutrient that’s often hard to find in foods.Baby Ddrops are an easy way to provide your child with the daily recommended amount of vitamin D, minus the unpleasant taste or clumsy droppers that often accompany supplements. The unique bottle dispenses 400 IU of vitamin D in one easy drop, which can be used while breastfeeding, on baby’s pacifier, or mixed into a child’s food or drink. For $2.00 your next purchase, call 888-234-5656 and mention code KIWI!
– Marygrace, KIWI intern and promoter of vitamin D
Check out the Lil Diaper Depot for a great selection of eco-conscious products. You can ditch disposables for good with their organic cloth diapers, or swaddle baby in an eco-fleece baby blanket made from recycled soda bottles. The company caters to moms, too, with super-soft, organic nursing pads, extra-comfy body pillows, and stylish diaper totes. Pick up a gift certificate for an upcoming baby shower, or register for your own. Receive 10% off your first order with promo code KIWI9 before 2/28/09.
–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of eco-conscious proudcts
If you’ve read our Super Healthy Super Bowl suggestions, you’ll see that we are big fans of popchips!
They’re definitely a different type of chip. Neither baked nor fried, they apply pressure, and pop it’s a chip! Plus they’re all natural with half the fat of fried potato chips, trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol. They have five crunchy flavors (I love their salt and pepper flavor the best!). You can find them pretty easily at Whole Foods Market, Target and Jamba Juice, and many other stores (check out their website for locations near you).
Your baby can stay warm in the cold with this adorable 100% organic cotton baby cap. Sold individually or in sets, it makes a naturally wonderful gift. Cute and comfy, these caps are a must have. For only $6 your baby can rock this hat in natural or brown. Receive 20% off when you type KIWI20 at checkout! Get it now at Wee BE Organic Baby Cap.
By now, we’re all plenty familiar with the fact that many types of reusable, plastic bottles are unsafe-full of toxic phthalates and BPAs, drinking from these bottles can do serious harm to your body. Imagine, then, the impact such chemicals could potentially have on babies that drink from plastic bottles on a regular basis. With smaller bodies and rapidly developing systems, they’re left extra vulnerable to these dangers.
Enter Green to Grow’s collection of non-toxic bottles and nipples. Their BPA- and phthalate-free bottles ($9.99-$10.99) are made from 100% recyclable PES, an alternative plastic that’s safe for babies and the environment. Contrary to traditional, rubber counterparts, their nipples are made from heat-resistant silicone without any harmful nitrosamines ($5.49). And if Green to Grow hasn’t already made your life a little easier by providing a sound piece of mind, their products are completely dishwasher safe. Talk about milking a good thing!
My neighbor just had a baby boy. Infants and their security blankets are like peanut butter and jelly…they go perfectly together. I found a soft security blanket with assorted tags adorning all four sides called Little Taggies Naturals. These blankets are made with 100% certified organically grown cotton fibers, pure silk ribbons and safe dyes. For $28.95, you can buy one too attaggies.com or your local specialty gift shop.
I love buying baby clothes. When I was younger, I remember going shopping with my mom and my best friend. While my mom was busy looking for clothes, my bf and I pretended to shop for baby clothes. Now, my friends are having kids and I can actually buy clothes for real babies. My new favorite line is Organically Grown. It is affordable 100% pure organic cotton baby wear. How affordable? $22-$38 at Macy’s and Gottschalks!
My cousin, Maggie, lovesThe Earth Friends dolls. She takes Jayden everywhere she goes. I know she’ll be happy to receive another eco groovy doll to add to her entourage. They are handmade in California and inspire to learn to honor ourselves, each other and our planet. The best part is that all of the materials are either recycled or organic.For $64, you can get one for girls and boys at Whole Foods nationwide or theearthfriends.com.
Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Instead of dreaming about turkey and cranberry sauce, most of us are already thinking about what to buy our families for the holidays. Don’t stress; KIWI is here to help. From now until December 25th, we will feature a gift-a-day. We invite you to share your favorite holiday buys by posting a comment below.
My partner, Mike, asked for a new car for the holidays. With fuel efficiency (and budget) in mind, I am going to buy him the H-racer 2.0 from Horizon Fuel Cell Techonolgies. They have a complete line of 10 clean energy science kits. You and your children can discover the automotive technologies of the future by building and driving a hydrogen fuel cell car.
H-racer 2.0 is a real-working future car is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Purchase at www.horizonfuelcell.com for $119.
And, yes, KIWI does know how to pick them! Liz Abzug, our esteemed advisory board member was just named by Women’s eNews as one its 21 Leaders for the 21st Century. The award goes to 20 women and one man who “are dedicated to improving the lives of women in their homes, in their communities, in their nations and across the globe”.
Here’s what Womens eNews has to say about Liz:
“Liz Abzug, a third-generation New Yorker, founded the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, named after her mother, a former member of Congress and international women’s rights activist. This generation’s Abzug guides female teens as they study political advocacy and develop strategies to impact their communities. In November, Abzug brought together hundreds of women from all generations to commemorate the 1977 National Women’s Conference organized by her mother. Abzug’s goal is to ignite the flames of the next wave of women’s rights movement.”
Women’s eNews will do an expanded profile of Liz over the next few days, so make sure you visit their site. KIWI profiled the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute in our February 2007 issue. Click here to read “Mentoring Young Minds”.
Congratulations Liz! Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us at KIWI and to women and girls everywhere!
I am sure some of you have received the latest issue of KIWI. For our January/February issue, KIWI had a special “delivery.” (Ignore the lame pun!) We rounded up some wonderful gift ideas for parents-to-be in our “Oh, Baby!” green baby shower feature. Obviously, we can’t mention everything in the magazine, but luckily for us, we have KiwiLog and everything we wanted to include… we now can. Hooray!
Our first in our blog series on baby shower gifts is the Chubby Bunny and Snuggle Blanket sold by Happy Healthy Baby. Both pieces, the bunny and the blanket, are 100% organic cotton and dyed with metal free dyes. The doll is 7″and the blanket is 29″ X 29″. If you are searching for the perfect snuggle buddy for your baby or a friend’s baby, this bunny and blanket duo should fit the bill. And look how cute!
Received a gift card for somewhere you don’t shop or would ever even consider stepping in? We all have faced this problem. What am I going to do with a $25 gift card to Outback Steakhouse? I am vegetarian! Why do I have a gift card to Toys R Us? My kid does not need anymore toys!
Well, worry no more. You can trade, swap, and sell your gift cards at Swapagift.com. You can pay your bills here, fund raise with this site, and exchange your unwanted card for Visa. Have a gift card that you simply do know what to do with? Can’t re-gift it? Head over to Swapagift and get a gift card you really want.
Can’t think of a gift card you want? Try selling them back at GiftCard Buy Back. (Who couldn’t use a little extra money?) Simply search their database for the gift cards you have, sell the cards and receive cash.
What do you do with your unwanted gift cards? Leave your answers in the comments!
What can you get someone at the last minute? Running around getting gifts for Bobby, Suzie, Aunt Lilly, Uncle Joey and Grandpa Ed, you have simply forgotten cousin Debbie. What to do? Gift cards are good way to give a thoughtful gift in a short amount of time. Here are some of KIWI’s recommendations for gift cards:
-A great way to give the gift of music without the bulk of CDs:
-Plenty of organic and natural options for the eco lover in your lot: Amazon.
-Target’s organic and eco conscience products options are growing: Target.
-Search for an local or organic restaurant, a dinner out is always appreciated: The Eat Well Guide.
-Let your loved ones buy whatever they want: Visa Gift Card.
-Nordstrom has a gift card for every occasion (a late Hanukkah gift, Christmas or Kwanzaa): Nordstrom
So hurry up and click away! Last minute gifts do not have to be bad gifts!
As kids, we all love toys we put together, like Legos and Build-a-Blocks and Lincoln Logs– all great toys. But as environmentally conscience parents, how do we choose the best imaginative gifts that are safe for our children and our environment?
Here is a toy that will satisfy your little builder and your eco-conscience. This Solar Lego-Style Helicopter is a must have for the little scientist in your family. It’s a great way to learn about reusable energy, solar power and building techniques– all tools for a innovative kid.
The building blocks are not compatible with other brands of building toys, but the rotor blade, panel and motor are compatible with Lego, K’Nex, Fischer Technik, Atco and Eitech.
Everyone loves a good pair of jeans. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a new pair of jeans. It’s like a birthday party for your legs. Well, anyway, sometimes it is hard to get your husband, brother, uncle or son to try something new. That’s why today’s gift is a wonderful ruse for the reluctant male.
Here’s the solution! Organic Levi’s. Yes, Levi’s. And the best part? They are from Target. These Levi Strauss Signature® Organic Slim Jeans - Tattered are one of the four organic options available. They are also an affordable $34.99 versus a lot of more expensive jeans that aren’t even organic. So if you have a Levi loving man who doesn’t want to try new things, this is a sneaky way to get him into organic. (And come on, you know best, right?)
It is the season of giving. So why not go all the way and give a gift that your little one will love and so will the environment? Changing the Present allows you to adopt a penguin, feed a hungry child, and much more. They want to “change the present, one gift at time.”
So for this holiday season, why not adopt a penguin in your loved ones name? Your gift to Adopt A Penguin will enable Defenders of Wildlife’s work with automakers and members of Congress to raise the standard fuel efficiency of cars and trucks. This gift will help save the penguins, among other animals.
Do you have a teen that loves to write? Maybe someone you know is going on a trip and needs a great journal to travel with? If that is the case, KIWI has just the journal gift for your loved ones.
These beautiful journals are Vintage Sari. They are handcrafted by Rajasthani artisans and filled with 100% heavyweight recycled cotton paper. Available in three color patterns: Merlot with Silver, Taupe with Floral Design and Purple with Floral Design. Sure to be a hit with the writer you know.
It’s almost winter time, but it has already snowed here on the East Coast. Sweaters, mittens, gloves, boots and scarves are an everyday need now. That is why today’s gift is perfect for the chilly weather.
This adorable sweater from Oeuf is well too cute for words. Seriously, just look at it! It has built in mittens! No more telling your tiny kittens that they may have no pie.
Made with 100% alpaca wool for warmth, and of course comfort, this sweater just cries HUG ME. And what a coincidence, that the name of this adorable– the Hug Me Sweater!
Time for a little shameless self promotion. I have showed you clothes, toys, jewelry, chocolate, purses and shoes! Now it’s time to think about where you can get wonderful gift ideas, among a plethora of other information, all the time? KIWI Magazine of course.
Our magazine makes a wonderful present. Do you know any parents that need some recipe advice? How about some nutrition advice? Or maybe a fun craft to do on a rainy day? KIWI has it all. KIWI features the latest in everyday natural and organic style, geared towards helping moms and dads raise their families in the healthiest way possible.
Also, for a limited time, you will get the KIWI Best 25 Recipes of 2007 as a free download when you order a gift subscription. So a gift for a loved one and a gift for you. Can’t beat that, can you?
To subscribe, call 866-204-4704 or visit our website.
Today’s KIWI gift idea is for the little gamers in your family. Whether they play on the computer, the Play Station, or the Wii, this gift is the shirt that little boys and girls won’t absolutely hate getting. (Say goodbye to the “Aw, more clothes?” and say hello to “Yes! This is AWESOME!”)
The Longsleeve Joystick Jersey is 100% cotton and made in the USA. It is available from size 2T-4T (More sizes are available on Inky Dink’s site). Made by Inky Dink Tees, their designs have fun, crazy images like the Joystick Jersey, pirate themed and who could forget pink unicorns. Personally, I might have to buy this adorable longsleeve shirt for my video gamin’ nephew.
Available at Spunky Sprout, $32. (On sale for $28, right now!)
Know someone with a big sweet tooth? Vere Chocolate (pronounced very) is an excellent option for someone who loves decedent chocolates.
KIWI’s pick out of all their wonderful options? The Truffles. Enjoy Vere’s unusual and wonderful flavors: rich Cream, lush Cognac, bold Coffee and floral Earl Grey Tea. Yummmm! These chocolatiers start with sustainably grown, pesticide-free cocoa beans and sweeten them only enough to enhance their rich, distinctive flavor. Also the cream used in the truffles is all locally grown. My mouth is watering just thinking about these delicious truffles.
Available at Vere, 4 piece box (1.4 oz.) for $10 or 16 piece box (5.7 oz.) for $35.
Today’s gift is very unique. It is a pair of TOMS Shoes. I mentioned TOMS in my previous blog about Hanson. This shoe company is doing something to make a difference in the lives of children all over. So you need a great gift that will make you & the person you are buying them for feel absolutely wonderful, TOMS is the way to go.
Pictured to the left are a pair of TOMS shoes. I find this pair so adorable I can barely stand it (Mom? hint, hint ;)). Anyway, this pair in particular is the Gold Stripe Woven TOMS. This upper part of the shoe is woven fabric and the insole is soft leather. The sole has a textured bottom for traction. Plus every pair you buy, a pair of shoes goes to a child in need. Priced at $48, you are truly getting 2 pairs of shoes for the price of 1. And on top of scoring an awesome present, you are helping someone less fortunate. Truly a fitting shoe for the holiday season.
TOMS come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are available in Mens, Womens, and even Tiny TOMS.
Have an elegant party to attend? Or perhaps someone on your gift list is particularly hard to shop for. This handbag from World of Good is perfect for a night out or it is a wonderful gift idea! (I won’t tell if it happens to be a gift from you to you!)
The Square Deal Handbag is handmade from buffalo horn, beads and silk. It is made by men and women of the Nam Dinh province in Vietnam. This aesthetically pleasing purse is crafted under fair trade conditions. To top it off, some of the profits go to care for handicapped orphans in the community. This handbag is truly a gift that gives back, over and over.
So if you want your recipient’s face to shine as bright as the freshly fallen snow, the beautiful Square Deal Handbag is just the gift!
Today’s gift is something for the whole family. Who hates sitting at the dinner table filled with awkward silences? I know I do! I know my mom always says, “I don’t understand why our family cannot think of anything to say to one another!”
So, with this in mind, “The Box of Questions” from The Box Girls was brought to life. Tired of the same holiday conversations? Want to spice up the usual “How’s work?” and “How’s the kids?” questions some new ones?
On the last night of Hannukah, break out the “Hanukkah Box of Questions.” Each box contains 35 questions like “What miracle have you witnessed in your life?” and “How does your family make Hanukkah more meaningful and less materialistic?”.
The Box of Questions is available for lots of holidays. They have one forChristmas.With questions like, “What gifts do we give at Christmas that do not come in a box?” and “What is your favorite Christmas movie?”, these boxes are sure to keep awkward silences at bay and keep the cheerful conversations going.
Every Christmas Eve, my mom gives my sisters and I pajamas. When we were little, Santa Claus would stop by and drop off our pajamas himself! Today’s gift is something that will make all moms and dads (and me!) remember their first pair of holiday pajamas.
These timeless pajamas are a throwback to the days of wanting a Red Ryder BB gun! Available for ages 3 to 9, at Nubius Organics, these Under the Nile long johns make a perfect holiday present. And for only $29.00, they are practically a steal. Even better? Under the Nile apparel is made from 100% organic Egyptain cotton and produced under fair trade conditions.
This pajamas are so cute. I know I would have loved getting them from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve!
TruKid was born the day some of my kids got into my expensive wrinkle cream AGAIN and told me how much it stung. A sudden lightning bolt– it dawned on me that potent ingredients in my skincare might not be so good for my children’s young skin. I also came to realize that there are many products marketed towards babies but nothing for kids. This inspired me to create a skincare line for kids.
As a mother, my vision is to deliver healthy options for parents looking for natural solutions that will help teach their children proper hygiene and skincare. Like I always say, “What goes on a child’s skin is just as important as what goes in their tummies.” Adult consumers want to use products that are all natural and chemical free and they should be able to make the same choices when it comes to their kids.
During the process I discovered that 90% of personal care products on the market use potentially toxic ingredients. Many of which may be harmful, not only to adults, but to young children and their growing bodies. Knowing this, my goal became to create products that are truly natural. TruKid products are safe and free of harmful chemicals like parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). After choosing only good-for-you ingredients, I was able to come up with friendly scents and easy to dispense bottles.
I feel by taking care of kids at the youngest age, we are teaching them how to take care of themselves as they grow. Through this process I have also come to notice that children have the “mine-all-mine” attitude with their own TruKid products, which in-turn keeps them out of my stuff. (Phew!)
TruKid includes 11 kid-friendly products, all of which are basics like Sunny Days Sunscreen, Bubbly Body Bar Soap, and Hero stick (a healing salve that can be used as a natural alternative for bruised knees or scraped elbows). The products are also conscientiously priced for the parent; prices average $9 -$16 per 3.5-4 ounce bottle.
Look for the “TruKid Smart Label™” seal of approval. This label ensures parents that the ingredients are free of harmful ingredients, natural, nontoxic and safe. Additionally, Trukid has also made a pledge with the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. This coalition’s goal is to protect consumers and workers by requiring the health & beauty industries to phase out chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health issues, and replace them with safer alternatives.
“Have no fear when the waters rise
We can conquer this great divide.”- “The Great Divide” by Hanson.
Confession time: Hanson is a band I have loved for 10 years. 10 years of going to concerts and 10 years of buying CDs, singles, T-shirts, posters and keychains. Yes, I was one of those crazy girls. But I must say, following this band has given me pride, especially lately.
First, Hanson released a single off their album The Walk entitled “The Great Divide,” where proceeds went to AIDS relief in Africa (lyrics are above). Did they stop there? No. For their The Walk Tour, they partnered with Toms Shoes. Toms Shoes is an amazing shoe company. Each pair of shoes that is purchased, a pair is donated to a child in need. Hanson sold Toms Shoes at each one of their concert dates. Hanson also held one mile walks in each city to raise awareness about the plight of kids in Africa. To top this, they did these walks barefoot.
All of this was leading up the 50,000 shoe drop in South Africa with Toms Shoes. Last week, Hanson went to South Africa to see all their hard work realized. They visited schools and put shoes on children’s feet.
It is amazing what people can do. Hanson is a family band with children of their own, and they are using their music & celebrity for something good. We love that here at KIWI. We applaud you, Hanson, for not being Paris, Lindsay, or Britney. I knew there was a reason I loved you guys from the start!
With all the traveling coming up, sometimes finding a babysitter in a strange city is hard. That’s why I was so excited when I found out about SitterCity (and why it’s our pick of the week).
Spending the week at Grandma’s in Chicago sounds like a great idea. But what to do with the kids when all the adults have to leave? Call a sitter, or look up one online! SitterCity has a searchable database of all the babysitters, nannies and child care professionals in a certain area. Just type in your zip code and begin your quest for the perfect sitter.
Worried about the sitter’s credentials? SitterCity has:
A four-step screening process
Access to background checks
Comprehensive sitter profiles
Sitter video interviews
What’s even better? Leaving for a while and do not want to put your dog/cat/bird/snake in a kennel? SitterCity has a pet sitter database, as well. It’s a great resource and just takes one more thing off of that long list of things you have to worry about. Membership is required, but a small price to pay for piece of mind. What’s also great? You can give a membership for a gift. (Check two things off that list of things to worry about!)
Who doesn’t love Build-A-Bears? I know I do. (I have one and I’m 23! And look how cute that ghost is!). They are so cute and it’s wonderful that kids (and adults) can create their own stuffed animal friends– pick exactly which animal, what clothes it should wear, and even give it a name with a birth certificate.
KIWI loves companies like Build-A-Bear, ones that encourage a child’s imagination. We love it even more when they give back to the community and to the Earth– that’s why this fuzzy friend is our pick of the week, this week. In honor of Build-A-Bear’s 10th Birthday, aka their “Year of Friendship,” they planned an extensive party– full of giving back! Among their plans are their “Stuffed With Hugs” and “Huggable Heroes” programs. “Stuffed With Hugs” invites kids to make bears to donate to children’s organizations– for free! “Huggable Heroes” works to encourage children to give back to their communities.
Our favorite part is that this adorable company is going to plant more than 280,000 trees in celebration of their 10th birthday! The first 10,000 trees were planted in Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests in Arizona on October 16. These trees are a result of the “Friendship Forrest” campaign held in the workshops in the US, UK and Canada where guests were asked to donate a tree in honor of a friend or family member.
One thing I love about November is the urge to cozy up. And while most people probably equate coziness with sitting by the fireplace while staying wrapped in a thick blanket, I’m here to tell you that you can feel cozy outside, too. All you need is the perfect scarf! Here are some we guarantee you and your family will never want to take off:
Is your kid in the market for a new backpack this year? Here’s some of our favorite eco options.
The next time you’re thinking of sending someone a bouquet of flowers, support a non-profit at the same time by choosing Flowers for Good. The line comes from 
With uses for personal care, cleaning, laundry, and of course–cooking, baking soda is the ultimate DIY multi-tasker. It’s also incredibly inexpensive, and super earth-friendly (aside from the fact that it’s a non-toxic chemical compound, using versatile baking soda to do 10 jobs rather than buying 10 different products really cuts down on waste!). Here are 10 of my favorite ways to use baking soda, what about you?
In honor of our KIWI staffer Marygrace, I decided to give the bride-to-be some tips on how to throw an eco-friendly bash. Sure planning a wedding is a lot of work and can be very time consuming and expensive but if you take the time to research you will find there are a few ways to make your wedding friendlier on the environment. First come the decorations. Opt for organic flowers instead of fresh cut ones or use lemons or limes in pretty vases for decor. Next, location. Choose a location that is within close proximity to your loved ones so they do not need to travel far distances and also bring up the option of carpooling to omit less gases into the air. When it comes to dining, choose a vegetarian dish and serve it on reusable plates. No need to waste here! Also opt for handing out homemade gifts to the guests such as granola or another baked goods instead of wasting paper or plastic product giveaways. When it comes to the cake, use organic mixes which can be found at any local grocer. Last, when choosing a honeymoon destination, research eco-tourism spots and find sustainable hotels and locations where you and your significant other can have a big impact on your lives but not the earth. 
Our first in our blog series on baby shower gifts is the 
-A great way to give the gift of music without the bulk of CDs:
Here is a toy that will satisfy your little builder and your eco-conscience. This 
Here’s the solution! Organic Levi’s. Yes, Levi’s. And the best part? They are from Target. 
It is the season of giving. So why not go all the way and give a gift that your little one will love and so will the environment? 
These beautiful journals are 
It’s almost winter time, but it has already snowed here on the East Coast. Sweaters, mittens, gloves, boots and scarves are an everyday need now. That is why today’s gift is perfect for the chilly weather.
chocolate, purses and shoes! Now it’s time to think about where you can get wonderful gift ideas, among a plethora of other information, all the time? 
The 
KIWI’s pick out of all their wonderful options? 
Pictured to the left are a pair of TOMS shoes. I find this pair so adorable I can barely stand it (Mom? hint, hint ;)). Anyway, this pair in particular is the 
So, with this in mind, “The Box of Questions” from 
These timeless pajamas are a throwback to the days of wanting a Red Ryder BB gun! Available for ages 3 to 9, at 
TruKid includes 11 kid-friendly products, all of which are basics like Sunny Days Sunscreen, Bubbly Body Bar Soap, and Hero stick (a healing salve that can be used as a natural alternative for bruised knees or scraped elbows). The products are also conscientiously priced for the parent; prices average $9 -$16 per 3.5-4 ounce bottle.
Spending the week at Grandma’s in Chicago sounds like a great idea. But what to do with the kids when all the adults have to leave? Call a sitter, or look up one online! 
KIWI loves companies like 
