Head to the 13th Annual Green Gifts Fair to find eco-friendly holiday gifts

173

The season of giving is almost upon us. Which unfortunately means you might have already felt that twinge of anxiety as you mentally run down the list of people you need to get gifts for. However, this year, you can cheat the mass marketing, commercial retail system by getting amazing, one-of-a-kind gifts that not only support local businesses and artists, but also help strengthen your community as well as the planet.

Well, it certainly beats going to the mall.

Green Gifts

Just recently I was introduced to the annual Green Gifts Fair. Now in its 13th year, Do It Green! Minnesota is hosting the Green Gifts Fair at Midtown Global Market, where you’ll be able to shop from over 80 eco-friendly local vendors. The theme of this year’s event is My Green Journey where you’ll be able to share and reflect on your own green journey and the steps and changes you’ve made in your life or in your community. And, well, if like me, you haven’t really done much in the realm of your green journey, heading out to the Green Gifts Fair is the perfect place to begin.

Even if you haven’t “gone green” you can be assured that each of the vendors has embarked on their own green journey and taken steps to become more eco-friendly. For instance, local vendor Wood from the Hood reclaims otherwise discarded trees from Twin Cities’ urban neighborhoods and refurbishes them into beautiful, high quality wood products. Another vendor Twiggy Fresh creates an alternative to the plastic toothbrush by designing one made of bamboo while Squirrel! LLC offers up natural and locally made “distractions” for pets which include organic catnip and dog treats made of natural ingredients.

Other vendors to make an appearance include Patagonia, Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market, Poco a Poco Jewelry, Scandinavian Inspirations, Wine2Wax, and so many more. With this wide range of vendors from home decor and handbags to clothing and food, you’ll make everyone on your holiday shopping list happy while at the same time knowing that you’re contributing to something greater.

Sure, shopping is the main event, but definitely come hungry as the Green Gifts Fair will showcase over 30 delicious global food vendors. They will have live music and performances throughout the day as well as several live demonstrations including a non-toxic cleaner display and prize wheel presented by City Pages, a basil planting station, herb sensory garden, bike repair station, and a free coffee station from Peace Coffee to keep you well caffeinated during your shopping foray.

You can also win prizes by completing a passport or participate in their silent auction with proceeds going to Do It Green! Minnesota to help their mission on educating Minnesotans about living healthy and sustainable lives.

Come out to the Green Gifts Fair for one day on Saturday, November 17 from 10am–5pm at Midtown Global Market. They ask for a $1 donation at the door.

It’s the perfect way to wrap up the 2018 year on a high note by giving special and unique gifts to all your family and friends while also helping your community and the planet thrive.

About Do It Green! Minnesota

The purpose of Do It Green! Minnesota is to educate Minnesotans about green and sustainable living and promote building healthy, local communities through:

  • Over 800 educational articles on the website www.doitgreen.org
  • Community education through demos, workshops and events
  • Offering a public resource kiosk for visitors to learn more about green living through volunteer educators and checking out materials
  • Offering the Green Gifts Fair event to educate visitors about reducing waste over the holidays and supporting local green businesses and artists

Do It Green! Minnesota will ensure that people of all incomes will have access to our resources and activities, and we will serve as a model for other cities and states nationwide.

Read this next: Save money and have your gifts beautifully wrapped by Gift Six The Wrappery