20 Eco-Friendly Gifts Under $25

Eco-Presents That Help Other People

If you're old school like me and still buy (or borrow) printed books, then consider Design for the Other 90%. The book is based on an exhibition that was held at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum focusing on the ways in which design can solve our most pressing humanitarian problems. The website explains: "Of the world's total population of 6.5 billion, 5.8 billion people, or 90 percent, have little or no access to most of the products and services many of us take for granted; in fact, nearly half do not have regular access to food, clean water, or shelter. Design for the Other 90% explores a growing movement among designers to design low-cost solutions for this 'other 90 percent.'" This book will change the way you see every product that touches your life. The nonprofit Project H Design works toward a similar goal to design initiatives for "Humanity, Habitats, Health, and Happiness."

Donations to nonprofits that you find inspiring are my favorite gifts. There are so many groups that could use your support, and it feels great to customize donations for beloved friends around issues they care about. In the spirit of creating a healthy home, I highly recommend donations to Environmental Working Group and the Ecology Center, both dedicated to educating the public about toxins in everything from toys to beauty products and empowering us to make the best consumer choices we can.

Knowledge: There's an app for that!