Here at KIWI, moms are very important to us and to the future of our green babies.  Give your mom an easy, inexpensive Mother’s Day gift by nominating her for our Moms of the Revolution contest. Share her story on how she is revolutionizing the way kids in your community eat. Revolution Foods and KIWI have teamed up for this wonderful, inspiring contest and it does not come as a surprise that others are appreciating how important this contest is. TreeHugger, a well known website focusing on going green, has just mentioned our MOTR contest and we could not be more thrilled! Thanks for your support TreeHugger!  Check it out.

– Brittany, KIWI staff and wishing all moms a happy mother’s day

This Mother’s Day, don’t forget the mamma that takes care of us all—the earth! Give your family a nudge in the green direction to seek out a Mother’s Day gift that shows their love for you and the planet.

Go With Organic Blooms. Point your family toward local farmers’ markets for pretty daffodils, peonies, and ranunculus, which are all in season during May. They can also seek arrangements at orangicbouquet.com.

Wrap Yourself in Silk. If your trusty flannel bathrobe is starting to look shabby, a new silk one will make every night feel like an at-home spa. Check out VivaTerra’s floral, kimono-style robe.

Make it Sweet. Tell your family you’ll be willing to share if they give you a sweet treat this Mother’s Day. Try an organic chocolate sampler from Dagoba, which practices full-circle sustainability in their growing, buying, and manufacturing processes, or a handmade vegan cookie sampler from organic, fair-trade baker Liz Lovely.

Take a Spa Day. Sometimes, the best gift is a little rest and relaxation, so make sure your family knows the name of your favorite holistic spa. A soothing massage, cleansing facial, and tranquil environment will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to dive back into the crazy world of mommyhood.

Get Reading. Sharing a mom-themed bedtime story with your little ones is the perfect way to top off this family-filled day. Here are some books to get your started:

• Mama’s Kiss by Jane Yolen. If someone blows you a kiss and you don’t catch it, where does it go? Follow a little girl as she chases momma’s missed kiss all over the place and finally catches it. The illustrations are perfect, showing a fluttering, flittering, elusive kiss.
• LIFE with Mother by The Editors of Life Magazine. Honestly, some books should simply come with a complimentary box of tissues. Life Magazine has compiled a gorgeous photo tribute to moms around the world. The photos in both color and black and white are incredibly touching. They depict the intense bond of mother and child. A few famous faces appear, but this is every mom’s story.
• Mommy, Mama, and Me (board book) by Lesléa Newman (Tricycle Press). This sweet little board book takes a look at a family which has two moms and the happy style of play and love that each mother has. The illustrations are simple and perfectly accompany the text.

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!

Marygrace, KIWI intern

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

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

Handmade valentines are truly gifts from the heart. A family fun project is making paper embedded with flower or veggie seeds. You’ll end up with Valentines that keep on giving. In addition to junk mail or other bits of paper, you’ll need some window screen, water and a blender. And if you’ve been looking for a way to recycle that dryer lint, you’ve found it! Learn how to make paper yourself or if you’re not into papermaking, seed-embedded cards can be purchased at GreenfieldPaper.com.

–Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at CelebrateGreen.net.

To some, the downturn in the economy is seen as a barrier to celebrating green. To us, it’s an opportunity.

We admit that we’re a couple of glass half-full-ers, but we think that if you’re concerned about your bills and how-in-the-heck you’re going to plan an eco-considerate party for your soon-to-be eight-year old, it’s the perfect time to try frugality on for size. After all, your great grandmother probably did it and so did her friends. And the truth is, living simply is at the core of “going green.”

Whether the upcoming celebration is Valentine’s Day or a birthday, this year, instead of doing what you’ve always done, why not try to stage it without spending a penny? Or replace gifts with activities? Or let your true love know you long for a poem he’s written himself?

You may just find that hard times give rise to great times.

– Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.NET

Wrap your gifts in the next best thing to love—not paper, but fabric wraps that can be used over and over again. Think origami using material instead of paper. Make your own with fabric scraps, silk scarves, even napkins. You no longer need tape or ribbon. The techniques are so simple, any child who can tie a knot can do them, yet the results are beautiful and sophisticated.

Download and learn the simple techniques from www.Furoshiki.com. No material at hand? You can purchase fabric made just for this purpose. Looking for something sophisticated? Check out www.Bobowrap.com. Genuine traditional patterns? Try www.Buy4AsianLife.com.

–Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

This season, you can give a gift that has deeper meaning. Whether you want to save the planet or support a cause that has special meaning to you; a donation of any amount makes a BIG difference.

Here are some of our favorites:

Carbonfund.org is leading the fight against global climate change, making it easy and affordable for any individual, business or organization to eliminate their climate impact and hastening the transformation to a clean energy future.

Oceana is protecting the world’s oceans and seeks to make our oceans as rich, healthy and abundant as they were in our grandparents’ youth. Plus you can adopt-a-creature and take home the whole fuzzy ocean family!

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Unsure about what to give teachers, babysitters and friends for the holidays? Say it with soy! In very little time you can create eco-friendly and recyclable candles that will spice up a room. And you’ll literally be giving the gift of light. We have helpful hints and instructions. To get started click here.

Feeling even more eco-crafty?

KIWI’s got your back. Our eco-crafts page will keep your family busy. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/ecocrafts/index.php

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Thinking about helping a friend or teacher go green? Try this! Green Irene Green Gift Bags. They are filled with selected eco-friendly home products like toxic-free cleaners, stainless steel water bottles, energy-saving light bulbs, low-flow shower heads, soy candles and more. Their assortment of 9 Green Gift Bags are practical, green gifts, perfect for family, friends, party hosts and teachers. Each gift bag comes “wrapped” in a reusable nylon bag and can include a personal message. Green Irene Green Gift Bags range from $30-$285 and can be purchased at HaveAGreenHoliday.com.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Wanna be an apparel designer for a day?

At mom-owned company The Happy Tomato, you “Grow Your Own” design when you select one of their retro-cool hand-carved block designs–and put it on anything from a Fair Trade Playdress, to an Organic Happy T, to a Motherlode Shopping Tote. Each design is hand-printed to the fabric color of your choice in super-soft, non-toxic inks which are planet and skin-friendly. The combinations are endless! (Really, what’s more festive than oh-so-many choices?) You can upgrade any piece to an “Extra-Fancy” Grade Tomato with hand-sewn embellishment and/or embroidery, and best of all?–it’s 100% washable, dryable art that is totally custom, totally clever, functional and frugal. Enjoy some creative spending at The Happy Tomato! www.happytomatokids.com

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My dad loves two things: when the family comes together and good food. I know he’ll love a gift certificate to our favorite local restaurant that serves organic and sustainable foods.

A great gift idea is what I like to call “an experience gift.” Give a gift certificate to a local restaurants that supports local farmers and serves organically grown foods. Your family will thank you later when you are sitting around the table in a beautiful restaurant that looks nothing like your kitchen.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

We are all trying to raise our families the natural and organic way. Sometimes, we need a little inspiration to keep us going.

My cousins Liz and David have three kids ages 10 to 16. They try to buy organic foods and cooks most of their meals. Their family is constantly trying to find a good balance between juggling everyone’s schedules. A year subscription to KIWI Magazine will definitely spice up their eco-ability!

With the buy one, gift one offer KIWI is running for the holidays, I can also get a subscription for my best friend Nikki (her daughter Julie can thank me later).

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Yesterday my friend, Leigh, told me what she is buying her twin nephews for the holidays. “The perfect and fun gift for Matthew and Jacob to “Go Green!”

Deluxe Earth Kit For Kids

This earth friendly kit makes the perfect gift with the 16oz. BPA-Free Kids Go Green spill-proof water bottle by Camelbak, Kids Go Green 100% organic cotton t-shirt, Everything Kids Environment Book by Sheri Amsel, EarthKits seeded download card, Kids Go Green dog tag, Green at Heart wristband and a Kids Go Green recognition certificate. What kid wouldn’t love this kit!
$48 including shipping at earthkits.com

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Earthwise Kids gift sets from Nubius Organics make the perfect green gift! Each set includes a super-comfy organic t-shirt and eco-friendly book. All gift sets come wrapped and ready to give in our reusable jute bags (no wasteful wrapping). Sure to please any 2-6 year old.

Price: $32
Where to buy: nubiusorganics.com

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

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 at taggies.com or your local specialty gift shop.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Music is such a great gift to give to anyone for the holidays! The Laurie Berkner Band invites your kids to blast off! Their newest release, Rocketship Run, has twenty-four tracks sure to make you and your kids singing and dancing. You can rock out with Laurie Berkner at musicspacekids.com and anywhere music is sold for $18.98.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My 12-year old beagle, Scooby Doo, is the cutest dog in the world! Doesn’t everyone think their pet is the cutest? I believe that Scooby is so cute because we feed her (yes my Scooby Doo is a girl) a healthy, natural diet.

She’ll be extra loving when she opens her present of Wellness Natural Treats. To find Wellness near you starting at $7.49, visit wellnesspetfood.com.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My cousin Sam is very curious and super savvy with technology. I found the perfect gift for him! With EyeClops BioniCam, you can see the world around you like you have never seen before. You can zoom up to 400x, take a picture and show your friends on the digital video screen. I can’t wait to see what Sam finds!

Available at all major retail stores such as Toys “R” Us, Wal-Mart, Target for $79.99

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My mom cannot drink a hot beverage without sweetener. I have been trying to introduce her to fair trade organic honey for years. It’s the perfect addition for anyone’s warm cup of (fair trade organic) tea!

This year I think I can convert her with Wholesome Sweeteners. Their Fair Trade Organic Amber Honey is only $9.99 at Whole Foods Markets or a retailer near you. Even better, check their website for delicious recipes and other fun ways to use their products.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

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!

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My 10 year old cousin Emily loves animals and nature. She wants to travel the world. Now she can see everything at home with Xeko. It’s the outrageously fun, new animal trading card game that’s driving kids wild. She’ll learn what a club-tailed cruiser is (and maybe teach me!)

Xeko Agents–Mission: China, the fourth Xeko adventure, has launched! Purchase for $24.99 at most Barnes & Noble stores and Amazon.com.

And don’t forget to enter the Mission Madagascar Sweepstakes!

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

When I was younger, my grandparents took my sister, brother and me to the boardwalk in Atlantic City. My brother somehow got separated from us. I remember running up and down the boardwalk screaming his name. Then after what felt like a billion hours, I heard an announcement over the loudspeaker for his family to pick him up at the lost and found. I started crying.

If only he was wearing a tee shirt from Child Safe Tee. For only $17.95 + flat rate shipping, you can customize your child’s tee so you don’t have to worry. Buy now at www.childsafetee.com.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My cousin, Maggie, loves The 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.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My partner’s adorable neice is 14 months old. She loves dolls and reading books. I found the perfect gift for her to begin going green the fun way. Idbids! Each eco-friendly starter kit contains: a 100% organic Egyptian cotton plush toy, organic cotton sack to wear, a storybook and field guide printed on recylcled paper with eco-friendly inks and online reward program. I know she is going to love this!

Visit www.idbids.com to purchase online for only $39.99.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

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.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

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!

Available at Happy Healthy Baby, $36.