Natural New Age Mum

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How to do a $10 Christmas

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How to do a $10 Christmas

We had a $10 Christmas last year and it was so wonderful, that we are adopting this tradition for ever more.

I haven’t really seen a $10 Christmas concept around so when I asked on socials if anyone was interested in hearing about it, the response was overwhelming!

So here we are, I am going to share with you our tips and gift ideas to create your own $10 Christmas tradition.

“A recent Australian survey by McCrindle Research has shown that 78.5% of Australians have received a present that they didn’t want. 13.7% of people will throw away these unwanted presents – meaning they go unused from manufacturer to landfill.” ~ Clean Up Australia

Why did we do a $10 Christmas?

Basically we were fed up with ‘stuff’ and the gross consumerism of Christmas!

As a family we have long been conscious consumers and our Christmases have always been very low-key.

Last year in December, we had decluttered, downsized and moved to a smaller house.  I suggested we cut back even further and limit gift purchases to ten dollars or under.

Luckily the family thought it was a brilliant idea. We were all keen to avoid adding loads more stuff back into our new house!

Why stress?

I know that for many people, gift giving has become a ridiculously stressful ordeal. There are expectations of a certain dollar spend, having to buy for lots of people, actually getting to the shops and doing all the shopping and then wrapping everything, having anxiety about what to buy and if the recipient will like it and use it and more! Then the credit card bill arrives in January just before the school expenses begin.

I think that all that stress, anxiety and overwhelm start to over-ride the joy of gift giving and gifts can become infused with negative energy. There was a time when kids were happy to just get an orange for Christmas in their stocking! Christmas can be simply a lovely family time to spend together and celebrate, not a huge spending spree that ends up in debt.

Keep it simple

My first tip is to scale right back and keep it very simple. We limit the gift buying to just the immediate family. This year we have decided to go even thriftier and make the gifts from each couple, not individuals.

Have a chat to the extended family and see what you can work out. Maybe you could do a $10 Kris Kringle if the aunts and uncles still want in or maybe just buy for the kids.

Cheap doesn’t mean nasty

I was very adamant that buying $10 gifts didn’t mean we were going to buy cheap AND nasty stuff. Just budget-friendly stuff!

By nasty stuff, I mean anything poor quality or novelty that will end up unused and unwanted in landfill and anything unethical that was so cheap that someone, somewhere was exploited.

Second-hand is a winner

For some reason, giving a pre-loved gift seems to come with a stigma of being stingy. Not in our family! We actively celebrate the amazing things we have found for under $10 and congratulate each other on the find.

Check out your local op shop (find my tips here for op shopping), vintage stores, buy swap and sell groups, Facebook marketplace and places like Reverse Garbage and tip shops. You can find lots of things still in original packaging if second-hand bothers you. We don’t buy anything that’s in poor condition or grotty! A quick wash or polish can be needed though.

Op shopping is a little bit harder than regular shopping as it’s lucky dip! If you can devote half a day, visit a few op shops and see what’s on offer. Many times you will find three or four op shops conveniently located together. If I am out and about on errands, I will pop in and have a quick look in my local shops to see what new stuff they have in. If you want to get really serious, visit those more affluent suburbs where the quality of donations tends to be better.

You can also regift anything received throughout the year that you don’t have a use for. I keep a basket in a cupboard for these and then either regift or donate.

Ideas for gifts $10 and under

The family and I find the challenge of gifting amazing things under $10 lots of fun! You do have to be a bit more creative and think outside the box.

Here is a list of things that we gifted each other and some other ideas you could do as well.

  • Books. Many book shops will have a great selection of books under $10 – check out those pop ups where everything is $5 or $7. My daughter found a beautiful set of animal oracle cards for $7 and I found a book on numerology for my son’s partner at QBD for $10. QBD also have a whole online section of discounted books under $10. Second hand book shops and op shops are great for books too. My mum received a brand new Food Safari cookbook from me last year and it only cost $4!
  • Toys. Depending on their age, kids won’t notice if their toy is second hand or new. Op shops always have a selection of toys, board games, sporting equipment and sometimes electronics for kids. I found my son a ‘Star Wars Family Feud’ board game for $2 which has provided us with lots of laughs. You could also hold a ‘Toy Swap’ with some friends and get free toys! Older kids and teens are able to understand the eco implications of too much stuff and hopefully will be on board with the plan. It could also be a fantastic learning tool to research things for their wish list that meet the $10 requirement. We tend to make Christmas low key and birthdays a bit more special with gifts up to $50, so that could be a new tradition in your house too that keeps the kids happy.
  • DIY Beauty Products. These are very easy and fun to make. My daughter made us all a beautiful lavender body scrub in upcycled glass jars last year. Krissy Ballinger has an awesome book, The Inspired Little Pot with all sorts of easy recipes for DIY beauty and home products including these gorgeous bath bombs. I am using her lip balm recipe to make a gift for my son’s partner this year. You can personalise it with some cute labels and different essential oils.
  • Plants. My son chose an easy option last year and just went to the local nursery and bought everyone a plant! New plants are always welcome.
  • Food. It really can be as simple as a box of chocolates, tin of special tea or basket of fresh cherries. If you have time, make a big batch of something yummy, pop it into some glass jars and whack on a Christmasy ribbon or a bit of twine and foliage. Here are 25 Real Food Homemade gift ideas to get you started.
  • DIY Gifts. Okay, this does take a bit more time and effort, but things lovingly made are such treasures. You don’t even have to be that crafty or clever – there are loads of ideas out there that are very easy to execute. Here are a few to get you inspired. It can also be as simple as a photograph or postcard in a nice frame.
  • Handmade. Have a browse around your local markets for beautiful things made by hand.
  • Eco-friendly. My favourite eco stores have whole sections online devoted to budget gifts. Check out the soaps and tote bags at Biome. 
  • Clothes and Jewellery. This is where op shops really come into their own! For this year’s Christmas, I found my son a Politix business shirt and a Mossimo t-shirt for $6 and $2.50 respectively. A quick google online shows the value of these as around $150 and $30. They are in perfect condition. I also found two nice pairs of pants for my mum for a combined total of $6.00. A few months ago, the op shop gods delivered a Spell dress for $5! I really should have saved that for my daughter for Christmas but I was too excited and gave it to her! This year she is getting a gorgeous aventurine necklace and bracelet set from the op shop which was half price and exactly $10.
  • Homewares. Again op shops and Facebook marketplace are amazing for quality homewares at a fraction of their retail price. Last week at my local op shop, I found a stainless steel coffee moka pot for $4 and an insulated drink thermos in original packaging for $6. Most kitchen shops would at least have cute coffee cups under $10.
  • Other stuff. I could keep going and be here all day, but I’ll wrap this up for you with a few other things we have gifted. I found my son a large Reebok sports bag as new for $6, my mum got me some teeny bird statues for the garden, we found a new wooden painting easel for my daughter on Facebook marketplace for $5 (although I ended up giving the lady $10 because it really was worth a lot!). 

When it comes to wrapping gifts, we use Santa Sacks (basically fabric bags in Christmas prints) that we have had for years. I pop them out on Christmas Eve and everyone adds their gifts (without peeking in!).

On Christmas morning, we all get our bag and take it in turns to pull out one gift each. It’s really lovely and mindful and we all get to see and appreciate each gift instead of it being a frenzied free for all. Here are some more ideas for eco-friendly gift wrapping.

This is my Christmas shopping all done for the year as mentioned throughout the article. Seven gifts, three op shops, two hours and all for under $45. Yes, I am loving myself sick!!! 😉

How do I get the family onboard?

I think once you explain all the benefits of a $10 Christmas to your family and present it as a fun challenge, they can see that it’s a great idea. If anyone is resistant, they are totally fine to do what they want to do but you can still go ahead with your plans to gift them a $10 gift! Here are some great tips to navigate gift giving with the extended family.

What do you think? Would you give the $10 Christmas a go? I found it so fun and so liberating. Best of all, I love that I don’t have a huge credit card bill due in January! I hope these tips and ideas have given you some inspiration and a starting point. Let me know if you have any questions!

If you are up for the challenge, I would love you to tag me on socials and show off what you’ve come up with and what your ideas are. You can also use the hashtag #atendollarchristmas

How to do a $10 Christmas 

Want to read more?

How to do a $10 Christmas 

Check out my eco-friendly tips for a very green Christmas.

Top ten tips for a Stress-Free Christmas.

Here is Lindsey from Treading My Own Path on why she completely opts out of Christmas.

My top 20 gift ideas for Christmas

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My top 20 gift ideas for Christmas

It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was showing my favourite gifts for Christmas last year! I hope you love this year’s top 20 picks for Christmas as much as I do. Let me know what you think.

A huge shout out to my incredible sponsors and affiliate partners for giving us all some very nice discount codes to help with the Christmas shopping budget. Thank you!

Keep an eye out in the next few days for my kid’s Christmas gift guide too.

♥ Creation Diamond® Pendant

Anna and LJ are gorgeous sisters from Love is Your Compass and this year they have added a stunning pendant to their offerings. The Creation Diamond® is a sacred tool for harnessing intention as a daily ritual.

Consciously set an intention for the day, intuitively select a crystal to support that intention and then wear it close to your heart in the pendant that symbolises your diamond-shaped energy field. The Creation Diamond® pendant and chain is sterling silver and presented with your choice of three crystals in a gorgeous linen bag and gift box.

Get the the Creation Diamond® pendant here.

♥ MG Naturals Lipstick

If you are after a truly natural, high quality lipstick, Kailah at MG Naturals has you covered! These lippies are organic, vegan and specially formulated to be vibrantly pigmented & super nourishing for your lips.

All of the MG Naturals lipsticks contain absolutely no dyes or colourants and are made with pure mineral pigments – no added micas or titanium dioxide. Hand-crafted and poured in small batches to ensure purity and quality, there are six luscious shades to choose from.

Get MG Naturals Lipstick here.

♥ Loving Herself Whole Book

Loving Herself Whole by natural, new age mum Laura Gillett is a gorgeous little gift book for anyone wanting to connect further with their own spiritual journey.

The book is a collection of guided messages and insights into spiritual awakening, collected from Laura’s personal journals over the past decade. Laura has opened her heart and shared this wisdom with the intention of inspiring women, mothers, wives and daughters going through their own transformation.

It’s heartfelt, wise and poetic and both my daughter and I resonated strongly with many of the messages. A special, special gift.

Get Loving Herself Whole book here.

♥ EverEscents Organic Hair Care Pack

EverEscents have some great hair care gift packs for Christmas! There are seven variations to choose from to suit your hair type and all contain an organic shampoo, conditioner and deep treatment.

EverEscents have been making their salon quality certified organic products for over ten years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. They use only the absolute best natural ingredients including plant extracts and pure essential oils and everything is vegan friendly, cruelty fee and carbon neutral.

Get EverEscents Organic Hair Care Pack here.

♥ Shakti Head Pillow

I love my Shakti Mat! They are a perfect gift for the hard to buy for person. Shakti Mats now have a pillow which is designed for the head, neck and shoulders area but you can also use it under your legs or in the lower back area as well if you want! Use the pillow lying down, sitting in a chair or on the couch and with or without the shakti mat.

Ethically hand-made with organic cotton and recyclable non-toxic plastic, the Shakti Head Pillow works using acupressure points. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to relieve stress, release tight, sore muscles, increase circulation and improve sleep!

Get the Shakti Head Pillow here.

♥ Amazing Face Trio

Amazing Oils has just released their new range of skincare, Amazing Face Trio! I am a huge fan of their amazing magnesium moisturiser (it’s got new packaging) so I was keen to try out the new products.

I have been trialling them for a few weeks and I am hooked. It’s been formulated with top quality organic, bio-active ingredients like quandong, lilly pilly and kakadu plum (that also smell sublime!) The three-step system leaves my skin feeling so fresh, hydrated and soft and you only need to use the tiniest bit, so it’s very affordable.

The Amazing Face Trio pack includes a Face Off cleansing gel, Skin Food brightening serum and No More Bags eye cream. There are absolutely no nasties, sulphate or parabens and the range is cruelty free and made in Australia.

Get the Amazing Face Trio here.

♥ Wonderbag

The Wonderbag is the ultimate in eco-friendly cooking and makes a very unique gift. The Wonderbag slow cooks your food, electricity free!

All you do is bring your food to a boil, pop the pot into the Wonderbag, seal it up and let it do its thing. The heat-retention design will keep it slow-cooking for up eight hours, although most things only need one to two hours to cook.

It’s much safer than leaving appliances on all day and it will save you between 30 and 80% of the energy you usually use in cooking. I love that it’s portable too – perfect to take with you on picnics and barbeques.

When you are not using it to slow cook, you can also use it to keep food warm, cook rice, make yoghurt and proof bread and it’s insulation makes it a perfect cooler bag for drinks and food too.

Western Australian mum, Lisa, is the Aussie stockist of Wonderbag and has four beautiful designs to choose from. I do love the ocean blue though!

Get the Wonderbag here.

♥ Milk and Love Christmas Gift Box

Brisbane mum, Corryn from Milk and Love, has curated these gorgeous gift boxes ready for Christmas. They are great for new mums but anyone would love them!

Milk and Love is a gorgeous boutique store specialising in natural products for pregnancy, breastfeeding and babies.

There are a three Christmas boxes to choose from or you can create your own. This one featured includes a deluxe Turkish beach towel, a healing bath soak, coconut body butter, a beautiful journal, stainless steel reusable coffee cup and a reusable shopping bag.

Get Milk and Love Christmas Gift Boxes here.

♥ Waters Co Water Filter

I’ve had my Waters Co Water Filter for over five years now and I love it! As well as re-mineralising and ionising ordinary tap water, they filter out chlorine, chemicals, heavy metals, fluoride & bacteria.

The water tastes incredibly pure and fresh and it’s much more eco-friendly than buying bottled water!

Get your Waters Co Water Filter here.  

♥ Glass Hand Drip Coffee Maker

I have seen these coffee makers in all the cool cafes! They would make an awesome gift for the coffee lover.

Made from glass and stainless steel, the hand drip coffee maker produces a beautiful eco-friendly coffee. The functional design includes a polished wood collar (with twine tie), stainless steel micro mesh filter and glass body.

Get the Glass Hand Drip Coffee Maker here.  For 10% off use the code: NNAM-XMAS until the 18th of November!

 

♥ Soul Glass Water Bottle

Being eco-friendly has never been so stylish. I love all of the Soul Bottle prints but this gorgeous purple lotus, Just Breath is my favourite.

Completely plastic free, made from recycled glass and beautifully designed, these bottles are leak proof, vegan and carbon neutral too!

Get Soul Glass Water Bottles here.

♥ Vintage Jar Aromatherapy Candles

These candles are made with recycled, one of a kind vintage jars and filled with pure soy wax and 100% pure organic essential oils. Choose your size and essential oil blend and Gold Coast mum, Fiona will hand-pour it for you.

Get Vintage Jar Aromatherapy Candles here. FREE shipping on all orders over $50!

Bokashi composter australia

♥ Bokashi Composter

With an increased awareness of reducing the waste we send to landfill, many of us are thinking about practical solutions. Bokashi One are a small compact composting system you can use in the kitchen.

The Bokashi is great as an introduction to composting or if you have a lack of space for a big composting system. You get a Bokashi One Bucket and Bokashi One Mix which work together to transform your food waste into useful compost and liquid fertilizer, without the yucky smell!

Get the Bokashi Composter here. 

♥ Sol Aromatherapy Diffuser

I love the glass and bamboo style of this aromatherapy diffuser. It has minimal plastic parts and will diffuse your essential oils without heat or chemicals.

Use it for fragrance, aromatherapy, humidifying, and negative air ionising for a continuous eight hours.

Get the Sol Aromatherapy Diffuser here.  For 10% off until the 18th of November, use the code: NNAM-XMAS

♥ The Wild Offering Oracle Cards

With 52 beautifully illustrated cards, this oracle deck helps you to see yourself in a new light – the Divine Light of Self Love. Each card focuses on a different situation such as ambition, money, regrets, solitude, ageing, travel and truth.   

You choose how to use the cards: as an oracle where the Divine guides you to a specific card; to carry or put on an altar as a reminder to reflect on an issue; or in any way you are drawn.

Get The Wild Offering Oracle Cards here. 

♥ The Art of Self Love

This beautiful book by aromatherapist and mum, Kim Morrison shows you how to fall in love with taking care of yourself; mind, body and soul.

Kim draws on her own life experiences and wisdom to give us a step-by-step guide to help navigate the struggles of life with courage, grace, strength, and dignity.

Get The Art of Self Love here.

♥ Organic Cotton Straw Pouch

Keep your reusable straws and cutlery handy in this hand-made organic cotton pouch. I love this phases of the moon print by Amy Jade Creations. There is also a matching hanky!

Get the Organic Cotton Straw Pouch here. 

 

 

 

Wrap

Christmas is such a wasteful time of year with so much packaging going to landfill. Check out my eco-friendly wrapping ideas to inspire you to have a more sustainable Christmas.

 

Want more?

20 Awesome Christmas Gifts for Kids

10 Must-Have Books for Christmas

Stocking Stuffer, Secret Santa Gifts under $30

10 Teacher Gifts under $30

How to choose safe, non-toxic toys for kids

The Best Natural Perfumes

All my gift guides

 

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A natural, new age Christmas gift guide

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A natural, new age Christmas gift guide

 

I think the older I get, the less tolerant I am of shopping centres!! Finding a park, the noise, the people… it all does my head in.

These days I much prefer to do online shopping from Aussie family businesses. I can relax in my pyjamas with a cup of tea, browse and buy with a few clicks and then get it all delivered to my door.

 

 

 

I have been steadily collecting gift ideas for a few months for you.  I am very fussy about what makes it into my Christmas Gift Guides… they need to be affordable, healthy, organic, fair trade, non toxic, recycled or eco-friendly and pretty much just awesome.

Plus, I have also found some awesome deals – discount codes and free shipping so take advantage.

I hope you like the list! Let me know in the comments what you think.

 

 

♥ Crio Bru Taster Pack

Get eight taster packets of Crio Bru in a beautiful gift box!  Crio Bru is one of my all time favourite healthy drinks. The ground cacao beans come in a variety of flavours for an awesome chocolatey hot or cold drink or for using in cooking. It’s the perfect substitute for coffee if you want to give up or cut back.

If you want to spend a little more, add in a Fressko Flask to brew the Crio in! This is the ideal gift for those hard to buy for people. I often have a few packs on hand for thank you gifts throughout the year and they are always well-received.

Exclusively for NNAM readers, you can use this code to get 10% off everything in store: CHRISTMAS10 until 15 December here.

 

A Bit Hippy Christmas Pack

♥ Hippy Go Lucky Christmas Pack

One of my favourite natural, vegan-friendly skincare brands, A Bit Hippy has this gorgeous gift pack out for Christmas. It’s called the Hippy Go Lucky Pack and you can try out a few things from their range for a very nice $36!
Included is the Rice and Fresh Face Wash, Soothing and Improving Moisturiser, Nothing to Smell Here Deodorant and Pineapple and Ginger Moisturising Lip Balm. I have tried all of these products and they are fabulous quality and work really well, without all the nasties of course!

Find it online here.

 

essential-oil-holder

♥ Essential Oil Holder

Store and display your essential oils in this beautiful wooden stand. This gorgeous piece is hand made in WA from Curly Mallee wood and finished with natural wood oils. There are other display stands and holders to choose from or ask for a customised piece.

Find them here.

 

Singing Bowl♥ Singing Bowl

This beautiful blue Tibetan singing bowl comes with a cushion and a carved wooden wand in a gift box and includes the story of the singing bowl. Perfect for meditation, music, relaxation, and personal well-being.

Find it here (free shipping when you spend over $80, use the code: X16W8O )

 

The Art of Frugal Hedonism

♥ The Art of Frugal Hedonism Book

Living frugally but hedonistically – saving money buy enjoying life! I can’t wait to read this book. Check it out here.

 

Ceramic Water Filter

 

♥ Southern Cross Pottery Water Filter

Southern Cross make quality ceramic water filters that removes virtually all impurities including fluoride and lasts up to 12 months.  Featuring a non-toxic ceramic finish with stainless steel tap, these water filters hold 12 litres and are hand-made in Australia to order in a colour you choose.

10% off at the moment and free shipping but hurry ends 30th November here.

 

Crystal Bracelet from Five Star Hippie

♥ Turquoise Crystal Bracelet

Gorgeous healing crystals with charms from Five Star Hippie. There are heaps to choose from over at Emporio Organico here (get 10% off everything until the 30th of November).

 

African Bolga Basket

♥ African Bolga Basket

Shop the farmers’ markets in style! This multi-coloured traditional bolga basket is hand-woven in Ghana and coloured naturally with vegetable dyes. Sturdy and durable with a leather handle, these baskets are well-known for their quality.

Get them online here (free shipping when you spend over $80, use the code: X16W8O)

 

Safe Sleeve Leather Phone Case and Wallet

♥ Leather Radiation Protection Phone Case and Wallet

Finally, the perfect gift for that hard to buy for male in your life! This stylish leather case has multiple features including radiation protection, a wallet with RFID blocking (prevents illegitimate scanning of your Pay Wave capable cards), a protective cover for your phone and a phone stand!

Get it online and check out the other radiation protection products here. 

 

Soda Stream♥ Soda Stream 

We decided to buy ourselves a Soda Stream for Christmas! It’s way more eco-friendly to make your own mineral water and reuse the glass bottles than buying from the supermarket. It’s also much cheaper and saves you lugging home all those bottles.

Get it here with 10% off until the 30th of November, using the code: WBM10

 

 

Aroma Move Diffuser

♥ Aroma Move Car Diffuser

Ditch the toxic car perfumes and use something more natural and delicious. I like the black one because it blends in with your car interior, but there are three colours to choose from. You can also use it around the house or take it on holidays.

Check them out online here.

Mindful Mandala Mug

♥ Mindful Mandala Mug 

How cute are these gift boxed mandala mugs and plates?  They come with non-toxic paints so you can colour them in yourself and then bake in the oven to set.

See the whole range here and get 35% off until the 30th of November or until stocks last!

 

 

Handmade Beauty Book

♥ Handmade Beauty Book

In this book, you will learn how to make your own face and body scrubs, cleansers, toners, moisturisers, hand creams, lip balms, body butters, bath bombs, foot sprays, shampoos and hair treatments. Step-by-step illustrations and clear instructions throughout ensure that recipes are easy to follow. You could package it up with some of the basic ingredients and some jars in a cute basket!

Find it here.

 

Amethyst Penant

♥ Amethyst Pendant

Karina from Karmic Star has a gorgeous range of hand crafted crystal jewellery. I love this amethyst sphere in hand woven, eco friendly recycled sterling silver.

Check out all Karina’s beautiful pieces here.

 

 

Mandala Chopping Board

♥ Mandala Bamboo Chopping Board

Some zen in the kitchen! Laser engraved bamboo boards, hand made to order in Australia.

Check out the whole range here.

 

luxury_bathrobes_-_womens_-_small_-_10539

♥ Organic Cotton Bath Robe

A luxurious 100% Organic Aegean Cotton bathrobe in men and women’s various sizes.

30% off right now here (10% off everything in store as well until the 30th November use the code: WMB10).

Oasis Food Thermos♥ Oasis Food Thermos

Lunch with bling! I am loving this champagne coloured stainless steel food thermos. Perfect for taking leftovers to work for lunch. It’s very affordable and there are loads of other colours available too.

Find them here (10% off everything until the 30th November use the code: WMB10).

 

Peony Design Dip Dish

♥ Peony Dip Dish

This beautiful dip dish features five ceramic compartments in a rattan basket with lid. The hand painted blue peony design is hand painted using non toxic paint and glazes and made ethically in Vietnam.

See the whole Peony range here (free shipping when you spend over $80, use the code: X16W8O)

moon-diary♥ Moon Diary.

Handwritten and illustrated by artist author Shekhinah Morgan, this 2017 diary is printed on recycled paper with vegetable inks.  It contains information about lunar lore, myth, Moon phases and times as well as plenty of space to journal or plan your days. For the luna lovers!

Get it online here.

Recycled Sari Flower Garland♥ Recycled Sari Flower Garland

This flower bunting/garland is made from recycled saris. You could use it for Christmas decorations on a tree or for decorating anywhere around the house. Super cute.

Find it here (free shipping when you spend over $80, use the code: X16W8O )

 

weleda-hand-cream-duo

♥ Weleda Hand Cream Gift Box

Famous natural skincare brand, Weleda has this Hand Cream Duo Pack out for Christmas. It includes their Citrus and Sea Buckthorn Hand creams in a gift box.

 

Glass Infuser Dispenser

♥ Glass Infuser Dispenser

How awesome is this! Perfect for a barbecue or just keep it in the fridge over summer to get the kids off the softdrink and onto the fruity water. This one is 8.5L and there is 35% off until the 30th of November.

Check it out here.

 

 

Thinking of buying perfume this year?

Choose a natural one to avoid nasty toxins. Check out my recommendations here.

 

 

Where to shop:

Biome Eco Stores for all things good for the planet

Emporio Organico for a huge range of eco and lux gifts

Oxfam Australia for fair-trade gifts, food, toys and clothes

Yardgames for outdoor and educational toys

Hello Charlie for all your eco baby and toddler toys and necessities

Etsy for all things handmade, unique and beautiful

 

You might also like to read:

Stocking Stuffers, Teacher and Secret Santa Gifts under $30

Natural and Non Toxic Christmas Gifts for Kids and Teens

Teacher Gifts under $30

Stocking Stuffers under $15

 

 

 

Oxfam Shop

Natural and Non Toxic Christmas Gifts for Kids and Teens

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Natural and Non Toxic Christmas Gifts for Kids and Teens

 

Natural and Non Toxic Christmas Gifts for Kids and Teens

 

Cheap toys and gifts, especially those made from plastic are often very toxic. Made from cheap, nasty ingredients and mass produced in often unethical conditions, they also contribute to landfill.

I know that shopping for quality, non-toxic toys and gifts for kids takes more of an effort than just popping down to your local KMart.

I know that eco-friendly, non-toxic good quality toys made by small, ethical businesses cost more.

But I also know that our kids are worth it and so is our planet.

With that in mind, here are some of my top picks for natural and non toxic christmas gifts for kids and teens.

 

Finn and Emma Wooden Baby Gym

♥ Wooden Baby Gym

Both my kids adored hanging around under baby gyms! It meant I could get stuff done while they were entertained for a bit. I love this eco-friendly, non toxic version. Made from sustainable birch wood, certified organic cotton and sheep’s wool, it’s height adjustable and completely safe. You can also unclip the toys and use them elsewhere. Gorgeous!

Get them here.

Wishbone Wooden Bike

 

♥ Wishbone Bike

So popular amongst our natural, new age mums, the Wishbone Bike is an award winning, NZ design, 3-bikes-in-1! It grows with your child from a push along to a balance bike aimed to take them straight to a pedal bicycle with no need for training wheels.

Made from kiln-dried, preservative-free plantation birch/ash finished with eco friendly glues, certified organic cotton spare parts bag, recycled packaging printed with non-toxic inks.

Get it here.

No Nasties Play Make Up♥ No Nasties Play Make Up

No Nasties make a range of awesome non-toxic hair chalks, make up and face paint for kids. Kits include brushes, sponges and fun tattoos! Wooden Sandpit with Canopy

♥ Wooden Sandpit with Canopy

Made from sustainably sourced pine with a fabric canopy. When the kids get older, use it as a veggie garden!

Check it out here.

 

 

 

Yumbox Leak Proof Lunchbox

♥ Yumbox

New lunch boxes are a totally legit Christmas gift!! The Yumbox is another firm favourite amongst our natural new age mums. It’s affordable, leak proof and free of any nasty BPAs and phalates. It is also dishwasher safe and easy to clean and pack – no little containers needed.

See the whole range here.

 

Lily Lolo Gift Set

♥ Lily Lolo Giftset

My daughter said I must put this in the gift guide! She loves this non-toxic range of makeup by Lily Lolo. There are a few different gift sets but this one covers you for eyes, lips and cheeks and it’s in a cute gift box.

Get Lily Lolo natural makeup online here.

 

Boho Organic Henna Kit

♥ Boho Organic Henna Kit

A kit to design and paint your own henna tattoos! Certified Organic henna with 100% natural ingredients, the kit comes with everything you need including stencils.

Check it out here.

Bamboo Phone Stand and Charging Station

♥ Bamboo Phone Stand

Bamboo stand to charge phones and store watches and bits and pieces. Handmade in Australia! See the whole range here.

 

Where to shop:

Biome Eco Stores for all things good for the planet

Emporio Organico for a huge range of eco and lux gifts

Etsy for all things handmade, unique and beautiful

 

You might also like to read:

 

Stocking Stuffers, Teacher and Secret Santa Gifts under $30

Teacher Gifts under $30

Stocking Stuffers under $15

All my articles about Christmas

 

Gorgeous Christmas Gift Ideas

· 6 Comments


Gorgeous Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas shopping can be emotional, expensive and exhausting.

Never fear! I am here with a round-up of the best natural and new age gifts for Christmas. Grab a cuppa or a wine, sit back on your couch, browse and shop. Too easy.

Actually this gift guide sort of accidentally, maybe on purpose turned into my Christmas wish list. My birthday is five days after Christmas so I have even more chances of getting lucky!

What is on your Christmas Wish List???

The Jojoba Company Christmas Pack♥ The Jojoba Company Starter Pack

Beautifully gift boxed, this starter pack from The Jojoba Company has a sample of some of their most popular products. Ideal to try them out yourself or introduce someone else to the magic of jojoba oil! I love everything I try of this range and it really has improved my skin. Life long fan here!

You can get it in pharmacies or health food stores or you can buy online here.

 

 

Happi Gratitude Journal

♥ Happi Gratitude Journal

My all-time favourite gratitude journal by the very talented Fran at Happi Empire. Beautifully designed, it has various prompts, quotes and inspiration for your daily gratitude.

Get it from Fran here.

 

Fressko Flask

♥ Fressko Drink Flasks

These are fabulous! They keep drinks hot or cold for hours as they are double walled and still cool to touch. I love the inbuilt infuser for my loose leaf tea. I just make up a brew before I leave home and sip on it throughout the day – it sure beats buying hot drinks and it’s eco-friendly. They look so stylish as well. You can get a few different sizes and also one in stainless steel with a bamboo finish too.

Get them online here.

 

 

 

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♥ Hot Air Ballooning

If you have never been hot air ballooning, you are missing out on a wonderful experience! I went many years ago over the Cairns hinterland and I still remember the beautiful feeling of serenity and peace floating up above the earth. It’s pretty magical!

You can get vouchers for hot air ballooning all around the country online here.

Mortar and Pestle

♥ Mortar and Pestle

A mortar and pestle makes a great gift for any foodie. They are so handy in the kitchen – this one is so funky and it’s affordable too. Made from porcelain and bamboo.

Get it online here

iPad-mini-13

♥ Radiation Protection Ipad Case

I actually bought this for my daughter a few weeks ago. It’s a beautiful black leather case that protects you from radiation emissions.  There is a massive 50% off the Cellsafe brand for phone (we also have these!) and ipad cases at the moment too.

Shop online here.

book-fermented

♥ Fermented Book

Fermenting is making a come-back but a lot of us don’t know how to make these traditional foods. They do require a little bit of knowledge to get just right. This beginner’s guide will give you everything you need to know about sourdough, yoghurt, kimchi, kefir, kombucha and more.

Get it here.

Stocking Stuffers:

These little gifts are great for stocking stuffers, secret Santas or just for small gifts!

 

dindi-soap-saver-natural-palm-oil-free-lemongrass-lime

♥ Dindi Hemp Soap Saver

This crocheted hemp soap saver bag comes with a natural soap bar. No nasties – just beautiful natural ingredients and essential oils. The hemp does not rot and will last ages and ages – it’s particularly great for filling with all those little bits of soap so you don’t waste them.

Get it online here.

 

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♥ Love Chai Tea

Love Chai is one of my all time favourite tea brands! They are a small, Aussie owned business and formulated by naturopath Emma Watson. I love that they are all organic and loose leaf so there is no need to worry about toxic teabags.

Get the range online here.

 

firesteel-20-scout-firelighter-coco-shell

♥ Firelighter

You will never need matches or a lighter again with this magnesium striker that works in any weather and at any altitude. Made in Sweden, it also has an inbuilt emergency whistle. A very practical gift that is sure to also be a talking point!

Get it online here.

Eye Pillow

♥ Eye pillow

These are the most amazing things ever! Made with natural cotton, flaxseeds and lavender oil, the gentle pressure is soothing on your eyes. A really lovely relaxation experience.

Get them online here.

 

Where to shop?

Biome Eco Stores for all things good for the planet

Emporio Organico for a huge range of all things natural and eco-luxe

 

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10 Teacher Gifts under $30

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10 Teacher Gifts under $30

Teachers are wonderful, aren’t they?

At Christmas time, it’s nice to give a little token of appreciation for the year. I have put together some gift ideas for all sorts of teachers – school, sports, music and activities.  Things that are natural, organic, eco-friendly and meaningful and they are all under $30!

Actually these gifts would be perfect for the work Secret Santa or the neighbours. Anyone, really!

♥ Happy Botanical Soap

A gorgeous large bar of all natural boutique soap infused with pure essential oils. Packaged in a reusable calico bag. Find it here.

 

 

♥ Urban Kitchen Herb Kit

Everything you need to grow herbs in one cute gift pack. Using only quality Australian seeds, you can grow your own Basil, Sage, Chives, Thyme and Parsley. Get it here.

 

♥ Crio Bru

One of my standard gifts I give at Christmas time- Crio Bru! It’s like ground coffee beans but it’s cacao beans and it comes in a few different flavours. Rich, dark and chocolatey, it’s great to make a hot drink or to use in recipes. You could always add a Keep Cup to the gift as well (see below) to make a more substantial gift.

Check out Mandy’s Crio Bru store online here.

 

♥ Xmas Decorations

Another of my standard teacher gifts every year. It is a little keepsake that will remind teachers of their student whenever they decorate the tree.  Check out these beautiful ceramic stars that are handmade by a Brisbane mum.

♥ Flora Remedia Calm Roll-On

Seriously, I don’t know how teachers cope with the noise and energy of 20 odd kids every day. I sometimes struggle with two! So this Calm roll-on from Flora Remedia may be a welcome relief! It combines not only gorgeous essential oils, but flower essences as well for a double whammy. You roll it on your pulse points for soothing, calming and centering. Actually, I think I need one for myself anyway!!

Find it online here.

♥ Keep Cup

The Keep Cup is a glass reusable cup for hot drinks. Perfect for playground duty or sipping on in class – a lot safer than a coffee cup. You might want to add a few vouchers from your local coffee shop as well.  Get it online here in all different styles and colours.

 

♥ Treehouse Room Spray

A practical gift perfect for the classroom. This room freshening spray contains pure essential oils to eliminate odours, disinfect and uplift and invigorate – multi-purpose! Get it online here.

 

♥ Homemade Food Gifts

If you have the time and inclination, get together with your kids and make up some yummy treats. Check out this bumper list of beautiful food gifts. Everything from bacon jam to biscotti!

 

 

♥ Reusable Cutlery Set

This set of 100% bamboo utensils includes full sized fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks. The pouch is made from post consumer recycled materials and has a handy carabiner to attach to a bag. Get it here.

 

♥ Organic Wine

If all else fails, just go with a bottle of good wine. After all they have put up with our cherubs all year. Maybe a case would be a more adequate compensation!! 😉

Check out this organic, preservative free (heck, it’s practically a health food!) sav blanc here.

 

 

Want more?

Check out these teacher gift ideas.

And my Stocking Stuffer, Secret Santa Teacher and gift guide. 

 

What do you give for teacher gifts?

 

 

Biome Eco Stores - Zero Waste, Toxin Free, Ethical Choices

Natural New Age Mum’s Christmas Gift Guide

· 46 Comments

Natural New Age Mum’s Christmas Gift Guide

 

Christmas shopping can be emotional, expensive and exhausting.

Never fear! I am here with a round-up of the best natural and new age gifts for Christmas. Grab a cuppa or a wine, sit back on your couch, browse and shop. Too easy.

I am not going to go all gender stereotyping and say Gifts for Her and Gifts for Him, but I do have a section for the ‘ridiculously hard to buy for‘ people, because we all have at least one of those to buy for!

Actually this gift guide sort of accidentally, maybe on purpose turned into my Christmas wish list. My birthday is five days after Christmas so I have even more chances of getting lucky!

What is on your Christmas Wish List???

 

lhami

♥ Vintage Soy Candle Kit from Lhami.  Make your own funky soy candles! The kit includes eco soy wax, wicks, pure vanilla oil, a digital thermometer, 2 antique glasses and instructions.  There is enough wax to make about 10 individual candles in the antique port glass size.  Or you can try china teacups, or another mould. Your local op shop is the place to go for inspiration!

What a great fun idea to get stuck into on the holidays!! I want one!! Get it online from Lhami.

 

 

Kelapa Organics Skincare

♥ Kelapa Organics Skincare Gift Box. This beautiful Aussie certified organic skincare range is based on organic coconut oil. I have been trialling it and I love it – it smells heavenly and leaves my skin soft and feeling fresh. The packs make awesome gifts – they are beautifully presented in a gift box with an eco-friendly touch. What I am loving most is the price! They are very, very reasonable and they are good-sized products – so less packaging waste.

This pack is the Natural Beauty pack and contains your basic beauty routine -cleanser, exfoliator, moisturiser and night cream. Kelapa also do shampoo and conditioner, body wash and lotion, hand cream and moisturizer with sunscreen.

 

 

tpcforiphone5s_charcoalblack_anglek_v2_1kpxl_web_19dec2013

♥ Pong Radiation Protection Phone Covers. Yep, I really need to get these for everyone in my family. Simone at Nourishing Hub stocks the Pong covers for iPhones and Samsungs. These covers cut radiation by up to 91%, redirecting radiation away from your head and body. The cases can also improve reception and conserve battery life.

Find out how it works and more details here.

 

sacred self perfume

♥ Sacred Self Organic Perfumes. Handcrafted with three signature scents, Mind, Body and Spirit, these perfumes are based on essential oils and infused with flower and gem essences to really give you a holistic experience.  Each one comes with it’s own ritual card with a daily affirmation to remind you of how special you are. Michelle McGrath from Sacred Self has crafted something really beautiful and unique with these perfumes. It goes without saying that they are free from nasty toxins and synthetic fragrances that can harm your health. Get them online here.

 

 

Durand Kombucha jar

♥ Durand Kombucha Crock. All the cool kids are making kombucha! Kombucha is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar and scoby. It’s a cheap and effective way to get your daily probiotics and it’s fun to make. But you do need the right equipment or you could contaminate your batch. The Durand Kombucha crock has a plastic spigot and the pottery jar ensures your booch doesn’t get too much light, unlike glass jars. They are all handmade and hand decorated in Queensland and use non toxic glazes and no lead.

Get it online and delivered to your door – but give them a few weeks notice.

 

grat

♥ Gratitude Journal and Diary. The daily practice of gratitude is one of the most powerful things you can do to change your life. This journal and diary is incredibly beautiful and makes your practice a special ritual. As well as a daily space to record your blessings, it also has a diary, moon orientation chart, inspirational quotes and an astrology guide. Gorgeous.

Get it online.

rob-ryan-87143-1 ♥ Believe in People Mug. This range of inspirational mugs and crockery from artist, Rob Ryan is so lovely. I am really liking this one the most though – the colours and the little bird are super cute. They come beautifully gift boxed as well. Add in some homemade biccys and you have a really sweet and inexpensive gift. Get it online.
 
 
download (20)   ♥ Aromatherapy Diffuser. A diffuser is one of the best gifts I have ever been given. I have two now and I absolutely adore them. We use them to purify the air in our home, to create a lovely mood and they are also useful when anyone is sick. Depending on which oils you use, you can use them for all sorts of things. I use the Celebrate and Uplift blend from Twenty 8 when I need a bit of motivation to do housework and the Peace and Meditation blend at night time to get everyone chilled out. The diffuser is my preference over a candle burner because I don’t have to monitor the flame. Just set and forget. Aromatherapy has so many gorgeous health benefits. If you haven’t yet discovered this amazing modality, get into it! Get a diffuser and oils online from Twenty 8.
 
18469068 ♥ Recycled Sari Handbag. This recycled sarislouch bag is handmade in Bangladesh for Oxfam. It has an internal zip and a pocket for mobile phones. I am in love with this bag!! Supporting this fair trade project helps women in Bangladesh earn an income. Get it online from Oxfam.
 
ice-pop-mold
♥ Stainless Steel Popsicle Maker. I have wanted one of these for ages. Freezing food and drinks in plastic is something that worries me as BPA is not stable at extreme temperatures and can leach into your food. There is no need to worry with this iceblock maker which is made from stainless steel and has wooden sticks. The frame holds them steady in the freezer. Get it online (love the stainless ice cube trays too Santa!).
 
 
janella-s-super-natural-foods
♥ Janella’s Super Natural Foods.  This one is going to be popular under the tree this year! Naturopath, nutritionist, wellness coach, herbalist and environmentalist, and wholefood advocate, Janella Purcell has released her new cookbook, just in time for Christmas. 150 delicious recipes based on the food is medicine principle. Love it! Get it online.
 
 Kylie_Kwong_Oxfam_02 ♥ Kylie Kwong’s Lotus Tableware Set. Designed exclusively for Oxfam, Kylie has designed this beautiful ‘Lotus’ dinnerware and it has been hand crafted and hand painted by female artisans in Vietnam. You can get it as a whole set or just buy individual pieces (from just $3.95). I am so in love with the teapot! Get it online at the Oxfam Shop.
 
1959424_10153878383340010_808370449_n ♥ Wu Tao Dance DVD.  Wu Tao is a healing dance developed by Aussie mum, Michelle Locke. It’s fun, easy, effective and it can help with all sorts of health problems from stress and depression to diabetes and arthritis. I have the DVD and the books and can’t wait to get stuck in over the holidays and give it a go. Nourishment for the mind, body and spirit. Get it online, directly from Michelle.   casa-uno-405711-1 ♥ Bamboo Serving Bowls. I am sucker for a nice salad bowl and I love these from Casa Uno. Made from bamboo, they are eco-friendly as well as very chic. Get them online.
 
 
WellBeing2310149659-shadow
♥ Wellbeing Magazine Subscription.  One of my favourite magazines – Wellbeing is the Natural New Age Mum bible! It has well-researched, intelligent and informative articles, recipes and all sorts of interesting things. I can get lost in a copy for weeks.
Even better value if you get a yearly subscription – you save nearly 30% off the cover price.
Spiralisers_theRawFoodStore_grande ♥ Spiralizer. Another thing all the cool kids are doing – spiralizing their veges to make zoodles!! This is a fun way to get kids to eat veges and make a pasta substitute out of zucchini. Sarah from The Raw Food Store has tried lots of them and now she recommends the Gefu one for it’s staying power and ease of use. Get it online from Sarah here.
 
For Ridiculously Hard to Buy For People:
Yep, we all have one. I hope these ideas help. Think outside the box!   2207877 ♥ Glasses Stand. A place to perch your glasses or sunnies and never lose them again! So cute! Handcarved from sheesham wood in India by Oxfam partner, Asha Handicrafts. These programs help struggling communities make a living in a fair and ethical way. Love it. Get the wooden spectacle stand from the Oxfam shop.   mad-millie-fresh-cheese-kit
♥ Cheese Making Kit. These cool cheese making kits from Mad Millie have everything you need to start making your own cheese at home. You just add milk! Contains reusable equipment and quality ingredients – nothing artificial or nasty here. You can make up to 7 kgs of feta, halloumi, cream cheese, cottage cheese and quark. It’s pretty impressive turning up to a party with some fresh cheese on an antipasto platter and tell everyone you made it yourself!
Get it online.   1386036361459 ♥ Goats, ducks, chickens, pigs, water and wells. Just some of the awesome charity gifts that Oxfam Unwrapped offer. We love buying these. Oxfam sends your recipient a cute card with what charity gift you have bought for them and details of how it helps someone in need. Gifts start at just $10. Check out the range online.
 
Where to shop:
 
These are some more great online stores to check out that have ec0-friendly, upcycled or natural gifts.
 
Biome Eco Stores for all things good for the planet
Shop Naturally for a huge range of all things natural and healthy
Yardgames for outdoor and educational toys
Hello Charlie for eco baby and toddler
The Raw Food Store for a range of eco-kids products, appliances and food
Oxfam Australia for fair-trade gifts, food and clothes
 
Okay that’s my round-up! I think I had better email my lovely family this link. So many amazing people making amazing natural products. What is on your wish list? I would love to know.
 
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Christmas Gift Guide for Kids
 · 79 Comments
Christmas Gift Guide for Kids
Christmas Gift Guide for Kids
Christmas shopping with all the crowds does my head in.
I love supporting local or small businesses. So for Christmas gifts, it’s the markets or online shopping for me. I have done all the hard work for you this year and found my pick of gifts for kids.
Of course, they must be eco-friendly, natural, organic, fair trade, sustainable, educational or healthy.
 
 
lester and darnie
 ♥ Play Make Up
Don’t kids love experimenting with make up! Lester and Darnie have a safe, non toxic solution for you from Orla and Maeve (Australian made and owned too). Each Play Make Up Pack contains 3 Lip Balms (red, purple & pink) and 3 Eyeshadows (blue, pink & gold). Choose from stars or hearts and reuse the containers when you are done! I am loving the gorgeous recycled gift box it comes with too. Get it online from beautiful eco store, Lester and Darnie!
 
sand55sm♥ Kinetic Sand
How cool is this stuff!!  Sand…Inside…The…House! If the first thought that went through your head was NO!! Then think again with the amazing Kinetic Sand which is 98% sand and 2% magic. So bring the sand inside to allow your little one a sensory activity that also develops fine motor skills and creative play.  Totally non-toxic and safe for little ones and most importantly, fun! Get it online from Finlee and Me.
 
 
download (6)
♥  Drink Bottle and Lunch Bag 
Safe drink bottles and lunch bags are so important as our kid’s food is directly in contact on a daily basis. My Green Lunchbox has it all sorted for you. This stainless steel drink bottle contains no BPA and keeps drinks cooler and much safer than plastic. There are loads of designs to choose from. The So Young lunchbox has a waterproof insulated interior that is easy to keep clean. There is no BPA, PVC or phalates. The outside is a laminated linen in funky retro design.
 

 
Planet Eco Herb Patch Kit 
♥  Herb Patch Kit 
Perfect for getting the kids excited about gardening and growing their own real food! The Herb Patch Kit from Planet Eco is made for children aged 3-12 yrs old. It contains 5 x seed packs (basil, chives, coriander, dill and parsley), 5 x bamboo plant tags, 18 x biodegradable pots and a picture based grow guide.  The Bottle Top Waterer attaches to most plastic bottles and provides a gentle stream of water when squeezed – no more drowned seeds and seedlings! Easy for small hands to hold and so much fun. You can get them online from beautiful eco warrior mumma, Anna!
 
unnamed
 ♥ Kids in the Kitchen 
The beautiful Kristin Cosgrove from Mamacino has just released her brand new cookbook, Kids in the Kitchen. Get the kids cooking real, whole foods and having fun! There are over 15 recipes, all beautifully photographed and most are gluten and dairy free.  Get it straight from Kristin online, with free postage!
 
download (7)
 ♥ Green Toys Submarine
I am so digging these toys from Sustainababy! The Green Toys range is made from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs. There is no BPA, phthalates, PVC or external coatings and it meets the FDA food contact standards.  Packaged with recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks too. The submarine makes a great bath toy or water play fun. Get it online from Laura at Sustainababy – the fabulous baby and kids ecostore!
 
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♥ Organic Cotton T-Shirts
You know what they say – something they need, something they want, something to read and something to wear! Well, these cute t-shirts take care of something to wear! In a range of cute animal prints (personally loving the penguin) they are 100% certified organic cotton. Get them from Belinda at Earth Me via her Facebook page. Great price too!
463732-Large
 ♥ Kauri Jewellery Tree
One for the teenagers or older kids. Designed and made in New Zealand from Kauri timber, the tree comes flat pack, so it’s great to send. I love the little bird and butterfly details. Actually, I want one for myself! Get them online at Biome Eco stores.
 
zoku-slush-shake-maker-blue
♥ Zoku Slush and Shake Maker
Gently encourage the kids into a much healthier way to have their fun drinks. No more frozen coke!! You store the  BPA free inner core in the freezer and it’s ready to make iced shakes or slushies in 7 minutes! Let the kids get inventive and make up new flavours. A fun idea for parties and it’s eco-friendly too – no more takeaway containers. Get it online here.
karom-salt-lamp
 
♥ USB Salt Lamp
Another cool idea for teenagers! This  beautiful USB Himalayan salt lamp plugs straight into their computer! As well as a funky four colour light, the salt lamp counteracts the stream of positive ions being emitted from the computer. It will help purify the air in their room while they are studying or playing games! Get it online from Shop Naturally.
 
Don’t forget the eco cards and wrap!
Where to shop:
These are some more great online stores to check out that have ec0-friendly, upcycled or natural gifts.
Biome Eco Stores for all things good for the planet
Shop Naturally for a huge range of all things natural and healthy
Yardgames for outdoor and educational toys
 
 
 
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Homemade Relaxing Bath Salts
 · 12 Comments
 
Homemade Relaxing Bath Salts
 
I am always shocked at how expensive bath salts are to buy! Let’s not mention all the toxins – fragrances and artificial colours and chemicals added to commercial ones as well.
You can make a batch of your own for such a tiny cost. They also make amazing gifts – just pretty them up with a cute jar, label and scoop! So, here is my favourite way to make relaxing bath salts. Enjoy.
 
Homemade Relaxing Bath Salts
1 cup magnesium flakes
10 drops of good quality essential oils
handful of dried rose petals or any other flowers
Mix everything together in a ceramic, glass or stainless steel bowl. Stir well to distribute the oils or massage it in with your hands.
Package into cute glass jars, label and add a scoop or spoon to make a cute gift.
To use: Add to a few tablespoons of foaming product (such as castille soap), mix well and then dissolve in a hot bath or foot bath as needed.
 
♥ Magnesium flakes are fabulous for relaxing muscles and improving your magnesium levels and the bicarb will soften your skin and help detox the body.
♥ I really love the Instant Calm essential oil blend from Twenty 8. Based on Lavender, Mandarin, Orange, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile and Neroli it helps to strengthen an overburdened nervous system and restore calm. A great oil blend if you need to calm your emotions and relax before bed or simply to get into a nice quiet space. I love that these oils are affordable, but superior quality and Aussie owned. 
♥ I never buy dried rose petals as such. I just save them from bunches of flowers. All you do is just pull the roses apart and leave the petals to dry in a warm spot. When they are dried out, pop them in a jar and keep them in the cupboard. I also like to sprinkle a few in birthday cards!
 
HOT TIP: The bath is a perfect place to meditate. Turn off the lights and put a candle on and tune out from the world!
 
Do you DIY for gifts? 
 
10 DIY Christmas Gifts to Make with Love!
 · 47 Comments
10 DIY Christmas Gifts to Make with Love!
10 DIY Christmas Gifts to Make with Love!
I have put a challenge out to my family this year.
We have to make, with our very own hands, one gift for each other for Christmas!
This challenge was met with shock, then laughter and disbelief. When the hoo-ha had died down and they realized I was serious, their brains started ticking over and then ……… they started getting excited!
Trying to avoid the commercialism of Christmas time without being a Grinch is a pretty fine line. But this year, getting back to basics and making something with love for each other might just be the answer.
Now, DIY gifts may seem a bit daggy. But if you have been browsing Pinterest lately, you will soon see that DIY can be very funky, stylish and not all that hard, even for a creatively-challenged person like me!
We have all sorts of ideas lined up and I wanted to share a few with you that I have found with thanks to the wonderful world wide web.
Of course, I am going with natural and new age theme!
 
Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub
Simply mix 2 1/2 cups of sugar with 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Add 4 tablespoons of lemon juice and a few drops of essential oils. Any of the citrus oils would go beautifully with this. For the full tutorial, go here.  Put it into a pretty jar with some ribbon, a cute spoon and a home-made tag. Wonderful!
 
Christmas Tea
Oh how I love my tea and I also love these cute jars from Ikea, which I have a zillion of! I am looking forward to making some of this blend up for family and friends. Choose organic black tea and organic spices for extra goodness. Find some pretty Christmas ribbon and make some tags or find some free printable tags online.
 
Quote Crockery
This very cool idea has been going viral on Pinterest and Facebook. I can’t wait to try it. I can imagine all my favourite quotes on a whole dinner set! Draw some of the kid’s favourite characters with coloured Sharpies onto plates or a funny moustache for Dad onto a mug. The ideas are endless. Check out your local op shop for some white crockery and get into it! Go here to see how to do it.
 
Photo candles
How beautiful is this idea I found on Pinterest? I couldn’t find the original website, but the instructions were on the pin. Use glass vases (try the op shop!) Then print out your black and white photos on vellum (from a scrapbooking store or Spotlight) and glue them (or use double sided tape) to the outside of the vase.  Add a soy tealight candle and you have a beautiful and heart-warming gift for family and friends!
 
Oil Diffuser 
I love my aromatherapy oils! First, get yourself some good quality oils (check out the ones at Twenty 8). Then all you need is a pretty jar or bottle (try the op shop), some bamboo skewers and a carrier oil like almond or jojoba. I have also seen it done with twigs from the garden for a really rustic look. Go here to see how it’s done.
 
Aromatherapy Playdough 
I used to make this all the time when my cherubs were little, but with a little imagination, it transforms beautifully into a special gift. Make a whole set of play dough, each with their own natural colour and scent! Use Hoppers natural food colouring and good quality oils so you know your littlies will be safe. You can even name them fun things, make labels and package in some upcycled containers. Go here to see how it’s done.
 
Upcycled Jewellery Rack
How sweet is this!! Find a piece of driftwood or old bit of wood you have lying around. Go to the opshop or hardware store and find some cute door knobs. Attach. I even think I could manage to do this one! You could make it a coat or tie rack for the men in your life using slightly more masculine knobs (ooh that sounded a bit rude). Get creative! Go here for the details.
 
Upcycled Tyre Swing.  
A seriously cute and budget friendly idea for the kids. Get an old tyre, paint, attach hooks and chain and find a tree. Lots of fun! Go here for the info.
 
Okay, so that is some of the very funky and clever ideas I have found so far! We still have a few weeks to go until the fat man arrives, so we are busy thinking and plotting and planning. I am really pleased at how fun this is turning out to be!
I would love to hear from you. Do you make handmade gifts for Christmas? Do you have any more ideas or links to share with us?
 
        
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