"... buy locally made products, as the energy used to transport goods to the stores is one of the huge, hidden environmental costs of the holidays.

Look for used things with a provenance. Old books and maps, retro clothing, antique jewelry and the like are one-of-a-kind gifts that collectors and aficionados will appreciate.

Give things that reduce energy usage, such as commuter bicycles, solar-powered products, battery rechargers and carbon offsets.

Avoid excessively packaged products. The packaging wastes resources without adding value and, if made from plastic, can release toxins after being discarded.

If you shop on amazon.com be sure to visit www.5percentblue.com first and 5% of your total purchases will go to Surfrider!

Give tickets for concerts, shows, museums, sporting events, outdoor activities or parks. A great example is Cirque De Soleil which is coming to Del Mar. Cirque has an environmental policy that addresses three major issues: Water Management, Air Quality/Climate Change and Waste Management/Hazardous Waste Disposal. It open January 11th for a limited engagement, click here for discount tickets.

If you are interested in giving a donation, the Surfrider Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization and your donation is fully tax-deductable. Consult your tax advisor to see how this can be an advantage for you. You can always send your donation through the mail or via Paypal. For detailed instructions, please go to our donation page.

Give a party rather than presents -- and tell your guests that the party's giftless.

Give of yourself. Promise a shift of babysitting or dog-walking or a service that uses your special talents or skills, such as a webpage, a bridge lesson or home improvement help.

Swap contributions. Set up a registry listing your favorite non-profits atwww.networkforgood.org and suggest to your friends that they register, too, so you can give to their causes while they give to yours.

Most important, remember that the greatest gift of the season is the holidays themselves. It's the one time of year when society permits you -- indeed, encourages you -- to escape from the daily hurly-burly and experience the meaning and poetry of life. Don't miss the chance."

There are some interesting shopping alternatives given in the same newsletter. I will be posting those on my other blog: