Overwhelmed by Green Gift Advice? Shop Sustainably with 3 Simple Questions

Okay, so you're one of the growing number of highly evolved and incredibly enlightened people that want to shop sustainably this holiday season. But let's face it. It's not always that easy to do. It's tough enough to find that perfect gift for dad or cousin Mary, but add to that trying to figure out what something is made out of and where it comes from, and you've got the makings of a fine holiday migraine.

Thankfully, there are lots of green gift guides out there that can help. From eBay's to Treehugger's to CNET's or The Daily Green's, green gift guides are great resources to figure out where to start your holiday shopping odysseys.

In eBay's, for example, you can find everything from refurbished iPhones to vintage necklaces. CNET offers a variety of ideas for the gadget gurus in your life. The Daily Green even goes as far as to offer 20 ways to give without giving "stuff," a nice breakdown of experiential, donation, and volunteer gifts that says you care in other ways.

However, if you are looking to get that loved one something they can hold, feel, or touch, here are a few things to think about before you buy.

1. Is it upcycled or made from sustainable materials?

This may be the most obvious for most of us. Designed for this season and seasons to come, gifts made from sustainable materials -- such as hardy, quick growing plants or cast-offs -- or recycled items are great ways to maximizing style, function, or comfort, all while minimizing the environmental impact in the long run.

2. Is it resource saving?

Whether they're using less energy or creating less waste, products that have a smaller impact on the environment sometimes have the biggest impact on our lives. These can range from aluminum or stainless steel water bottles, which can replace the need for plastic ones, to solar powered flashlights that can charge sitting out in the sun or even placed underneath a lamp.

3. Is it vintage or pre-owned?

Whether you realized or not, the greenest product out there is often one that already exists. By buying used, vintage, or repurposed goods, you can extend the useful life of a product and prevent them from ending up in a landfill. Plus, you'll give someone a unique and stylish gift that they won't be able to find on Banana Republic's shelves any time soon. The holidays are a time to let people know you care and think about them. They're about savoring moments and spending time with others. By shopping sustainably, using green gift guides, and asking yourself the three questions above, you'll be sure to let everyone know that this holiday season, you're gifting thoughtfully. New Holiday Traditions