Throughout the pages of The Succulent Wife, you will see numerous articles about companies and products that contribute to making this planet a better place to live on. Whether it is about helping the environment or about helping each other, we are always passionate about sharing their stories.

Thus, this Gift Guide is near and dear to us. The ideas shared here show us that we can all be conscious shoppers, make our gift recipient happy and, all at the same time, also greatly impact the life of someone less fortunate. It becomes a win-win for everyone. And it’s so easy to do!

	UNICEF – Every year my mother would buy UNICEF Christmas cards as a way of supporting all their global efforts. UNICEF has changed a great deal since then. They now also offer a beautiful array of gifts such as as this Genuine Pearl Necklace ($48.00), this Men’s Alpaca Scarf ($40.00), Children’s Gifts and unique Christmas Ornaments ($22.00). See their entire line of beautiful gift ideas here. In addition, companies, such as, Disney, Gucci, and IKEA are also doing their part to end preventable childhood deaths and have partnered with UNICEF this holiday season. Check out their gifts here.
	Fair Trade USA – When something as simple as the purchase of a chocolate bar, a bag of coffee or a bar of soap can send a child to school or bring clean water to a village for the first time, why would we even look at buying these products anywhere else? Fair Trade USA is making a difference in the lives of farmers and workers around the world. Shop here for great gift ideas and here for the people that are hard to buy for.
	Sustainable Kids – Buy an item (or two) from Sustainable Kids and it will arrive in a gift box which then can be filled with items such as, toothbrushes, tooth paste, flip flops, books and so on, for kids in Haiti. The box is postage-paid, so once it is filled just drop it in the mail. This is a great way to teach our children the importance of giving back.  Shop here.
	Prosperity Candles – We mention this organization in last year’s Fair Trade Gift Guide, but they are worth mentioning again. Prosperity Candles has expanded from just candles to candle accessories and gift baskets. Buy a gift and change a women’s life who has been displaced by war, political unrest or natural disasters.

And, here are some other companies that we love to support as they endeavor to each make a difference in the lives of people in need:

Laga Bags – Each bag is unique and hand sewn by Tsunami Survivors in Indonesia.
SchoolBagforKids – With every school bag purchase, another school bag with supplies goes to a child in need.
SittingTallerKids – With every purchase is one step closer to ending human trafficking.

Need more ideas? Take a look at last’s year’s gift guide titled “Impossible-to-buy-for Gift Guide“. In it, we mention organizations such GlobalGirlfriend.com (liberate a girl from a lifetime of servitude), Kiva, and Heifer International, all of which work at improving our world in their own way.

It does not take much to make this planet a better place. So, what did you buy?

Beatrice Holiday has the cutest bike accessories for the biking fashionista and the biking commuter.

We love the matching seat covers and handlebar bikebags that will have you truly be stylin’ as you will be wheelin’. The unique handlebar bag also converts into a beautiful and functional shoulder bag, to keep all your valuables safe, on and off the bike. All are made with vintage upholstery fabrics that suits the look of a beach cruiser, but would also fit on the handlebar of a Baby Stroller, making this also a great gift for new moms.

Beatrice Holiday also designs a stylish line of jewelry made out of recycled bike inner tubes. These hip accessories are not only very eye-catching but they also bring the meaning of Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle to a whole new level.

Are you going to a party and know that the host/hostess is also a cyclist? Why not hang one of Beatrice Holiday Bike Chain Star Ornament on a bottle of wine. The ornament hangs from a recycled bike inner tube string and would definitely add some flair to any tree.

Everything is made right here in the USA and is Eco and Animal Friendly. Use code HOLIDAYBEA at checkout for 15% off.

My husband never writes a list for Christmas, or hints about gifts that he would like. Every year, I encourage him to please tell me what he would like and, every year, he says that I always know the right thing to give him (except the one year I gave him a vacuum – if you know my husband it really was the perfect gift, although he did not think so). What he does not realize is that it really would be a whole lot easier if he would help – just a little. If your significant other is anything like my husband then this list may offer some inspiration. And, of course, these gift ideas are good for lots of the other guys in your life too.

	Hot Rod Heated Travel Mug – Retro-style heated mug for the man on the go. Plugs into the car’s 12 volt port and keeps the contents nice and hot. The analog gauge, glossy exterior will make it a hot topic around the office. Buy from ThinkGeek. $24.99
	Portable Espresso Maker – For the coffee addict who is always on the go! The Mypressi Twist makes the perfect cup every time with no external power source. Simply add coffee, pour in the hot water and pull trigger. Voila! Buy from Ahalife. $169.00
	Corkcicle – Read the full story »

All of us have had a teacher who has had a profound effect on our lives. One that may have influenced us by changing our future path or made us think of things differently. The power of a teacher is, truly, unparalleled. So, how do you say thank you to their commitment to their profession and their compassion and dedication to your children? Really, their best gift, shall we say, is seeing her students grow into mature, intelligent and responsible, considerate citizens who express a continued fervor to learn and grow…

It is still nice, however, to show our appreciation for all that they do. This could also be a coach, a youth leader or a tutor. Here are a few gift ideas to show our gratitude:

	Inspirational Box Sign – Show that teachers do make a difference by giving one of these inspirational signs. Vintage lettering stamped on wood, making it a lovely addition to either the classroom or their home. Buy from CherryLaneKeepsakes. $13.95
	Getaway Candles – Give your teacher an instant vacation. As these candles burn through layers of fragrances, she will bask in the fragrances of either Bali, Paris or Florence. She may truly feel she is at these destinations – even if it is only by scent. Buy from ArhausJewels. $50.00
	Hot Chocolate Mug Hug – Read the full story »

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor

Every year at this time, we scour the internet looking for websites that bring out the child in all of us and help us (and our kids) get into the spirit of Christmas. Last year we found several Ho Ho Holiday sites and the year before, some Creative Christmas Magic Sites.

This year, we found another free site, PortableNorthPoleTV which creates a personalized video from Santa. What makes this one different? It’s not just for kids, but also works well for non-believers, aka teens and adults. Santa will tell them if they are on the naughty or nice list and why. Very cute and the smaller kids will think, for sure, that this is Santa himself.

Perfect for co-workers, neighbors, family members, teenagers (I sent one to my son, see below) and, of course, children. Have fun!

Warning: Slightly addictive and could take you away from doing actual work, but still so worth it!

Plus, do not forget to track Santa at NoradSanta.

Merry Christmas!

This is the time of year when celebrations should all be about family. Getting together and enjoying each others company.

In searching out the best gift picks to give to a family as a whole, we were looking for ideas that would celebrate the family unit, its values or that would encourage family members to come together to have fun…together.

Here then are some of our favorite gift ideas for the entire family. Enjoy!

	iPad Game Changer – This is a game board for an iPad, that brings interactive animation and sound to a traditional board game making it fun for the entire family. The iPad becomes the the central control to the electronic game board that easily attaches to the iPad, which then tracks all moves and guides everyone until the game ends and someone wins. Buy on Amazon, but also available at the Apple Stores, Toys R Us and Target. $79.00
	Family Charades – Bring an old classic back for the holidays. Great family game for the whole family. Choose from Picture, Kids, Family, Hollywood, Animal Party and Time Capsule categories. Be prepared for high energy play. Buy directly from UncommonGoods. $26.00
	Hometown Satellite Puzzle – Read the full story »

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor

It is not only the time of year when we decorate the house, buy and wrap presents for everyone on our list, bake goodies, entertain friends and family and attend Christmas parties (I am exhausted already), but it is also the time to send out the obligatory Christmas card!

As the countdown begins, the pressure is on to get those Christmas cards labeled, posted and mailed in order for friends and family to receive them BEFORE Christmas. I took the stress out of this annual ritual by sending my this-is-what-my-family-has-been-up-to-and-see-how-the-kids-have-grown Christmas letter via email.

Now, I know that most would think that this is cheating, but I’m justifying it by claiming (all of it true) that this practice is 1) far more environmentally friendly (I just think of all the trees I am saving), 2) cost-effective and 3) just plain more time efficient.

BUT, the reason that it will be so acceptable is that I will be using MeebleMail which, within seconds, will help me render my previously drab email into a lovely and festive communiqué just by using one of their holiday e-stationary designs.

The most time consuming part of the whole exercise is choosing from the almost 80 holiday designs they offer. It costs $4.99 per stationary design which you can use it for unlimited emails for the duration of a whole year.

So, take some stress out of the holidays and browse the wide variety of e-stationary designs at MeebleMail. You just may want to thank me.

If you still want to do it the oh-so-old-fashioned-way, there is still time to order personalized Christmas cards through Minted, one of our favorite custom card sources.