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green gifts

10 Simple Green Group Gift Ideas for Preschoolers, Toddlers & Babies (Say that 3x Fast) – Inspired by ecofabulous

by inlu blog patrol on August 2, 2011

Photo Credit: Joanna Puza Photography

Kids! Our family has three of them (six combined from the co-founders). They rack up  a lot of birthdays (and baby showers, before they arrive). And, likewise, we attend baby showers, toddler birthdays and preschool parties, all with a gift in hand. Not that we don’t love gifts (and we LOVE giving them), but you can easily spend $5 on a bag to put it in + tissue paper + cards, several times a month (you get the point). What we’re all about at Inlu is simplifying by making group gifting easy for any gift out there, and with less run-around for everyone (and less mess on the planet).

So, in our search for cool gift ideas, we’ve peeked around ecofabulous for some simple group gift ideas that would be both a) awesome as a group gift for the youngest generation and b) feel-good to contribute to as a participant in a group gift! So, if you have kids or might be expecting one soon, check out these group gift ideas:

ONE: Taika Walker-Bike:
These kid cruisin wheels feature “FSC certified wood, finished with water-based low VOC paints and stains, Taika “walker-bikes”($175 AUS) will have your young one scootin’ around safely and sustainably.”

TWO: Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Wooden Doll House:

“Not only does this house teach your little one key environmental themes (recycling, solar power, rainwater collection), but it’s made of only renewably sourced rubber-wood and non-toxic paint ($149).”

THREE: Eco sheepskin blanket from Nature Baby

Bye Bye synthetic blankies. This natural woolly woobie is an excellent group gift for a new arrival or a toddler who likes to snuggle. “Unlike the conventional sheepskins on the market that are tanned with hazardous chemicals that can off-gas, Nature Baby hand-processes without any toxic materials so you can rest assured your child’s skin won’t be exposed to anything but super soft fibers.” ($99)

FOUR: Hatchling Tees and Onesies from OrganicEcho.com

What Grandma or Grandpa wouldn’t want to pitch in for a new TEE collection that is “made in the USA using super soft organic cotton with azo free dyes and non-toxic inks.” ($26/each, $104 for 4)

FIVE: Recycled Milk Jug Toys

Wow- this is radical. Jumpstart healthy play with recycled milk carton toys! You can collect for one or an entire basket full of smart, sustainable toys. AND, in lieu of the landfill, you can  recycle 100% of the minimal  packaging. Then, you can continue the happy-cycle when you hand them down the line…:) Green Toys, price varies.

SIX: Serena & Lily Bedset

The thing about babies? They require a place to sleep once they arrive! What’s better than an eco-friendly, 100% organic cotton collection to place that bundle of sweet joy? Nothing, except when they fall asleep in your arms. (Sigh…babies are awesome).

SEVEN: Sustainable Pillows from Jaya Loves Tekeko

Well, these are cuddly cool. “Made with organic bamboo and organic cotton, the pillows ($62) are stuffed with kapok fiber – a fluffy filling that is even lighter than down and is naturally resistant to dust mites. With a removable (and thus washable!) cover printed with non-toxic water-based inks,” these are safe and super fabulous.

EIGHT: Green Gift Basket of Goodies

Upon browsing, we saw lots of smaller ticket items that, in combination would make kickin’ group gift basket. Check out the baby care page @ecofabulous for a fantastic assortment of quality, nontoxic lotions potions and baby-skin smoothers.

NINE: Calming Baby Gift Set from Babo Botanicals

“Made in up-state New York, Babo Botanicals’ line of bath products for newborns (such as the Lavender Meadowsweet gift set $45) is made from certified organic ingredients…with anti-oxidants and vitamins to allow for superior protection and care.” There are several gift sets in different price ranges here.

TEN: Hushamok Organic Baby Hammock

“A lightweight aluminum stand and 100% organic cotton baby hammock come together to form a modern day alternative to the traditional bassinet ($409). The swinging and rocking motion will soothe young ones right to sleep (which means more snooze time for you too!).”

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6 Ways Inlu is Here for YOU in 2011

by inlu blog patrol on January 7, 2011

It’s one week into 2011, and long after the fizzy drinks have gone flat, our Inlu goals for 2011 beam down from neon notes on the wall. This year, we are committed to a continuing dream that we can help our users:

1. To simplify. In lieu of running around, writing checks and all that jazz, we want to continue hearing, “wow, that was so easy!”when people contribute to a gift or charity collection.

2. To send money where it matters. Imagine, “in lieu of” wrapping paper, a bow and a card, that money (about $5-10), was sent over to a cause? We’re here to help move that mission along.

3. To trim the excess “stuff.” If you’re hosting a birthday party, but your kid only wants a skateboard, by gollie, why not let friends pitch in for it, skip the other 19 gifts and give the extra funds to a cause?

4. To support local business. If your family is divorced or scattered sideways all over the country, why not collect a little from each in a streamlined effort and take those funds, spend them locally? It could be for anything! Yoga, haircolor, massage, dance lessons- whatever!

5. To find great group gifts. This year, we’re gonna find great group gift ideas and share them with our users. Group Gifting = Less mess. More love. Got a cool group gift idea? Contact us.

6. To continue sharing stories of giving and gifting “in lieu of” excess, hassle and waste. Want to tell us about your “in lieu of” experience with Inlu, please, share it on Facebook or email us with some info!

For 2011, the Inlu crew is readier than ever to grow and give more Inlu Luv to its users, friends, fans and allies. Tip o’ the hat to you all!

Please, swing by and see HOW IT WORKS or feel free to set up a few Inlus for later. Once you have an account, you simply login and they’ll be waiting in yer dashboard. GO FOR IT.

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Shopping online? 10 super holiday gift ideas that go easy on the planet.

by inlu blog patrol on November 29, 2010

No matter your budget- if you’re looking for gift exchange ideas, office presents or treasures for family or friends–we’ve rounded up a few solid ideas to get you inspired to buy gifts that give back, are crafted from recycled materials, or promote happier and eco-friendlier living. There are so many amazing ideas out there!

1. Etsy Store: COOB Originals= Original, one-of-a-kind jewelry, buckles and pendants crafted from recycled skate decks. Awesome idea for anyone inspired by skateboarding.

2. Xeko, the award-winning, collectible card game revolving around endangered species.”Not only are the cards and packaging made of 100% recycled stock, but all printing is done with eco-friendly inks.Xeko cards are designed for fun and realism with eye-popping artwork that makes the cards especially fun to play with and collect.Every Xeko game features remarkable plant and animal species from one of Earth’s 34 biodiversity hotspots, first identified by Dr. Norman Myers and recognized by Conservation International, Xeko’s non-profit partner and recipient of 4% of net game sales.”

TOMS Shoes

Click to find TOMS shoes!

3. Tom’s Shoes- If you’re gonna get new kicks, think about purchasing TOMS. With every pair, TOMS will give a pair to a child in need. Win-win!

Shop at TOMSshoes.com!


4. World of Good. Can’t even begin to list all the fair trade, artisan options on World of Good! Check out this cool vase:

Concentric circles nest inside one another, their smooth curves sculpted from mango wood. United by a glass tube, they form a vase of contemporary drama. Saifon creates an original and unusual design to stand alone or to present a tall blossom or cluster of buds.

5. Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade Marketplace- Make a difference, globally! Purchase gifts that give directly back to the international community. You can find everything from handcrafted toys to block-art napkins to wall art. Click around, find something unique and feel really good about helping others on the far sides of the earth.

6. Organic Coffee Sampler from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Three great coffees that help make the world a better place: Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Organic French Roast and Organic Sumatran Reserve. Click to purchase a caffeinated gift for your loved ones!

Color Aromas Chakra Balancing Kit

7. Know someone who could use a refreshed start in 2011? Why not give the gift of new energy? “Each Color Aroma blend provides a unique color energy that balances each chakra to awaken your life force energy–a perfect chakra balancing tool!” This is sure to promote happy vibes for the giver and the recipient. Match it up with some ECO FRIENDLY YOGA ACCESSORIES and this gift will keep on giving!

6 Months of Bouquets

8. Organic Bouquets! Delivered monthly. 3, 6 or 12 month options available through Organic Bouquet. You can also find organic wreaths and roses- perfect for spreading holiday cheer!

9. I love this catalog- every year it arrives with quirky ideas. If you’re looking for something original and recycled, look around uncommon goods!

10. Sweetcheeks “panties with a purpose: It’s about gifting, in the name of peace, love, and posterior. Wearing a pair of panties never felt so good, so pair up today. Founded by Hannah Teter, 2 time Olympic medalist snowboarder and social activist, Sweet Cheeks pairs together the worlds of fun and fashion with charity and outreach. You pick a pair of Sweet Cheeks and a donation will be made with each purchase to the cause.” – Nuff said!

Want more ideas? Check out Daily Candy’s List and our list from last year!

Note: Some of the above mentioned retailers are Inlu affiliates. We promote cool gift ideas so enjoy!

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12 Sites for Good, Green & Group Gift Ideas…

by inlu blog patrol on December 8, 2009

It’s time to get shopping! HMMM…where to start? If you know someone who would like a unique, socially savvy or eco-conscious item this holiday, we’ve got a few sites RIGHT HERE. (Psst…feel free to round up funds with inlu. We’re here to help YOU get what you want and give the planet a break!)

1. SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS: WORLD OF GOOD by eBay

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Inlu: The Gifting Gamechanger

by inlu blog patrol on July 16, 2009

What a week! Our launch has been relatively low-key, allowing us to test the waters and wade in before diving off the deep end. Thanks for all your interest-Google says eyeballs are peeking– so thanks. We really mean it when we say we appreciate your patience and tips for improving the brand, site and message. Since we’re new (although some of us spend our lives on the internet anyway), we know we have a lot to learn and we look forward to it.

Of course, not to be outdone by this week’s eco-savvy Inlu offering, Walmart came out with a doozy of an idea: green labels on product as they relate to co2 emissions and other eco-effects. Charles Gibson quoted an analyst’s response, calling it a possible “game changer.” Well, isn’t that timely? Take that as ONE huge indicator as to why Inlu is relevant, ready and gosh-darnit, really awesome.

But, before Walmart took the huge initiative, people over at Story of Stuff took the time to fill us in how it really works. Thank goodness someone over at WMHQ was listening.

In short, Story of Stuff was our game changer. So here it is, if you haven’t seen it….WATCH IT! If you have, watch it again and tell your friends. Now, people, let’s change the gifting game, together. Oh, and unlike Walmart’s plan, you don’t have to wait five years!

Start today by collecting for a gift and buying it locally. Pitch-in for eco-friendly products and local services or collect a few bucks and give the excess to a cause. That’s what Inlu’s all about, baby. CHECK IT OUT.


Fast Tube by Casper

See Walmart’s Green Initiative, here.

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