If someone you know has invited you to an event such as a birthday, baby shower or wedding, it's always good manners to bring a gift. Gift giving is a way of expressing love, friendship, gratitude, recognition and appreciation. The gift you give should show the recipient how much your relationship means.  Gifts can strengthen relationships with family, friends and even business clients when you put some thought into the gift.

Express Your Love for the Environment by Giving out Eco-Friendly Gifts

Eco friendly promo items like a seeded paper card is a very thoughtful gift and they are not expensive. A seed paper card does not have to be planted right away, it can be planted as soon as the recipient is ready. Seed paper will grow  in the ground or in a pot and will remind the recipient of just how special they are to you every time they see it.  Just add your own thoughtful message, and you have a wonderful, inexpensive gift.  To add even more personalization, include the recipients favorite vegan recipe from AllRecipes.com.

Another eco friendly promo item is a reusable shopping bag. Reusable shopping bags can be used for more than just grocery shopping. They make great diaper bags, book bags or anything else creative you can think of.  These days, the colors and patterns are so unique and pretty, some women have started using them as every day purses.

Stainless steel water bottles are not expensive, last a very long time, will travel anywhere, and are better for the environment than buying a new plastic bottle of water every time you need a drink. Try to pick one in the recipients favorite color for an extra touch of personalization.

For the woman who has everything, model Josie Maran has  launched her own line of non toxic eco friendly makeup. Allure magazine named Maran's paraben and fragrance free mascara the best on the market. The packaging is biodegradable too.  Another supermodel, Carol Alt, has created her own line of skin care that matches her healthy lifestyle. Raw Essentials, sold on Home Shopping Network, contains no petrochemicals, parabens, preservatives, synthetic additives or fillers. Raw's line of stylishly packaged products includes a body wash, face wash and moisturizer.

Recycle Old Gifts at Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods makes recycled wallets out of old bike tubes!  They also make men's belts out of recycled seat belts and more.  If you haven't shopped at Uncommon Goods, check them out.

The most important quality of giving a gift is removing any sense of obligation to the recipient and making sure every gift you give puts a smile on the recipient's face.