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Feel-good Christmas gift idea: Adopt a wild animal

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If you're stuck for ideas of what to get your nearest and dearest who have everything, here's a present idea with a 100% feel-good factor: Adopt a wild animal.

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Many species such as tigers, pandas and turtles are facing extinction due to human exploitation of their natural habitat or illegal hunting. By donating a small (or large depending on how much you can spare) you'll be helping giving these animals a chance to survive for future generations to appreciate. There are many organisations that offering various adoption and donation programmes, but here are some of our favourite ones.

WWF

Now there is a lot more to the WWF than just animal adoption - read more about it here - but if you'd like to gift someone special a panda, a tiger, a snow leopard or a bottlenose dolphin among others, this is the place to go. For a monthly sum of your choice, you can help make a difference!

Born Free

In addition to its existing adoption scheme, this year Born Free has teamed up with Tiger Nation to launch a Tiger Tracker, which lets you follow the lives of individual wild tigers in India through the power of social media.

For only £20 a year you can access regular updates on tigers like Vijaya and her cubs and help protect them. Get involved here.

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

Founded in 1969, the International Fund for Animal Welfare saves individual animals, animal populations and habitats all over the world. It currently has projects in more than 40 countries and provides hands-on assistance to animals in needs, whether it's dogs and cats, wildlife and livestock, or rescuing animals in the wake of disasters. While you can't adopt a single animal, you can help by donating to the organisation.

The Wildlife Aid Foundation

Their animal adoption scheme enables you to help towards the costs of looking after sick, injured or orphaned animals that are brought to the Wildlife Aid Foundation hospital. Your donation will contribute towards the costs of the specialist care, food and medicines that the patients need to help them return to the wild as soon as possible. Find out more here.

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Ethical Christmas gifts for him

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He likes his bicycles, gadgets and caring for the environment one recycling at a time, but what do you get the eco conscious man in your life for Christmas? Men can be notoriously difficult to shop for, but we've found some cool things that we think he'd like.

Check out the gallery for some ethical Christmas gift ideas for him.

Ethical Christmas gifts for her

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Christmas is now only two weeks away, so you better start thinking about those presents if you want them to arrive in time for the holidays (if you're buying them online that is). But what do you get the ethical princess or should we say Queen of the household?

Whether she spends her free time at the yoga centre or browses the local markets for vintage finds, here are some gift ideas for the lady in your life.

Top 7 charitable gifts this Christmas

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We're two weeks away from the festivities of Yuletide and shops are bursting with Christmas songs, wishes of a happy holiday, and displays of all the things you could ever wish to buy.

If you're tired of buying into the materialistic consumer culture that goes hand in hand with Christmas, but still want to bring festive smiles to your friends and families (you can't just not get them a gift if they're getting you one right?), how about giving a gift with a difference?

Britons still have tough years ahead as the global economic crisis doesn't seem to be shifting much any time soon, and with most families having had to cut back over the last year, charitable gifts should be high up on everyone's wish-list this Christmas. Not only will they bring you - and the receiver - joy but you'd also be helping others.

Need some inspiration? Here are our top seven charitable gifts this Christmas.

Ethical Christmas presents for babies and kids

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It's that time of year, when you run around like crazy trying to get everything done in time for Christmas, including picking out a great tree for the family, ensuring your Christmas dinner (sustainably sourced of course) is in the house, and buying those essential ethical presents.

Today we've decided to focus on the little ones of the household - the babies and kids. Here are our favourite picks for a more sustainable future.

Five eco-friendly Father's Day gifts

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Whether your dad is an eco-friendly urbanite, a tech devotee or an outdoors kind of guy, there is plenty of choice out there of what to get him this Father's Day to show him how much you appreciate him.

However there are now so many great sustainable and ethical things available, so it isn't always so easy deciding on exactly what he might like - or even knowing if he's already has it!

To help ease your search we've compiled a gallery of five eco gifts we hope will be to his taste.

BAM-bamboo-clothing-large.jpgModern day life often pushes our stress levels to the max. And after a day of juggling work with school runs and other commitments, it is no wonder that many women turn to yoga to chill out - and shape up!

If your mum (or wife) is a yoga bunny then we're sure she would appreciate showing off her Eagle and Downward-facing Dog with some new yoga gear.

Any yogi will tell you that good clothing is important when practicing, as it can be extremely difficult to let go of those stressing thoughts and meditate (while trying to bend like a pretzel) if your top keeps on slipping up.

This is where bamboo clothing comes into the picture. Fabric made from bamboo is incredibly soft, follows your body contour perfectly and is luxuriously comfortable. Not only that but bamboo clothes also absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second, so you won't feel all sweaty and gross.

UK label BAM, a leading name in the world of bamboo clothing, makes a fantastic range of eco-friendly and ethically made bamboo wear for a wide range of activities. It is the softest of fabrics and feels like a snug hug, which would only increase the benefit of the yoga sessions. We were sent a vest top to test, and loved is so much that we ended up wearing it all the time, not only to the gym!

BAM is available from www.bambooclothing.co.uk with t-shirts from £22.50 and leggings from £25.00.

Now the yoga mummy wouldn't be found without her own yoga mat. If her current one is looking a bit tatty, perhaps investing in a new luxurious eco mat would put a smile on her face as she's saluting the sun. Pick one up one from John Lewis for £35.00.

With this year's Mother's Day just ten days away, we've put together a little gift list for the style concious mum.

So why not show your mum (or wife) that she's truly valued by helping her update her spring wardrobe with these fantastic eco-friendly finds - and the best thing you can buy them all online!

Tree Hug Image.jpgGiving a bouquet of flowers - however beautiful they are - on Mother's Day isn't very sustainable. This year, instead of the bouquet why not give your darling mum a whole tree... in a rainforest! Not only is it thoughtful and kind to Mother Nature, it's a gift that will last for decades. If that's not going to show your mum she means the world to you, well we don't know what will.

You can protect a real rainforest tree in the Amazon in your mother's name via Cool Earth, the rainforest charity, which counts the likes of Sir David Attenborough (our hero!), Dame Vivienne Westwoood and Kate Moss among its supporters. They will also have the tree geo-located for her so she'll be able to see exactly where it is in the rainforest on Google Maps.

"The idea behind Cool Earth is that if we can help pay to conserve an acre then we can make a real difference. Perhaps the biggest difference we will make in our whole lives."
- Sir David Attenborough

Now if you'd like protect more than just the one tree, there are acres of vulnerable rainforest that work hard to protect our climate, water, oxygen and biodiversity to cast your protective arms around. All rainforest protected with Cool Earth would be cleared for logging within the next 18 month, so any contribution is valuable.

Prices to protect an endangered rainforest tree start at £1 and £30 to save half an acre. For more information visit www.coolearth.org/save-an-acre.

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Photo credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

With the arrival of giant pandas Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine), eco fashion brand Rapanui has teamed up with Edinburgh Zoo to make eco-friendly, organic bamboo t-shirts for the two newcomers.

rapanui-tee-1.jpgThe zoo is conscious to raise awareness about conservation and have recruited Rapanui - winners of the RSPCA Good Business Awards - to make bamboo t-shirts that are going to be sold alongside the visitor's attraction to raise money and contribute to their upkeep.

Considering pandas are quite costly to keep, it is understandable that the Zoo wants to find other ways to raise money for the tubby two.

Bamboo is hailed as a fabric of the future with Mart Drake-Knight, co-founder of Rapanui and designer explaining: "Bamboo is an amazing fabric, it is as soft as silk but half the price, it grows fast without water, pesticides or fertilisers. Bamboo has a lot of potential as a sustainable textile, not to mention the softness and kind-to-skin properties that make them feel great."

Love the eco-cool panda shirts!

Available now from Rapanui for both women and men for £24.95.

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ECO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: Gifts for her

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Getting Christmas presents for girls can be easy, just head to the nearest beauty section and you'll be safe. But if you're looking to get something a bit more unique - and not to mention - eco-friendly, then you've come to the right place. I've waded through the froth to find some of the more desirable and sustainable presents for her out there. If organic knitwear, limited handmade pieces and fairtrade scarves are her things, look no further!

ECO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: 5 gifts for him

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There are plenty of eco-friendly presents available for the men in your life. But if bamboo socks aren't just what you're after - although they're probably very comfy - check out our five top choices for ethical presents to put under the tree this Christmas.

Here at Hippyshopper we love nerdy, geeky gadgets that can help us be even more eco-friendly and save energy. But with all the tech wizardry around, it can sometimes be difficult to filter through all the shiny gadgets to find those that can help with a greener lifestyle.

[thanks to energyrethinking.org]

Top 10 eco and wellbeing gifts this summer

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OK summer might almost be over but as always we remain ever hopeful that we might get an indian summer this year. And of course we'd want to keep our eco creds and wellbeing levels up in preparation of the cold months ahead. If you're looking to give someone a gift you should check out the guide to wellbeing website The Baoli that lets you find great gifts for every occasion. Here are our top 10 eco and wellbeing gifts from The Baoli.

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Product: Florence - Printed Canvas Weekenders
By: NV London-Calcutta
A perfect bag for all your weekend getaway necessities. Monday morning office outfit might fit in too! Perfect marriage between British design talent with age-old Indian craftsmanship.

Eco and wellbeing features: Handmade, ethically produced in Calcutta. Screened by hand, using traditional methods and environmentally friendly, AZO free dyes. Accredited by World Fair Trade Organisation.

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Product: Iris Block Print Maxi Dress
By: People Tree
It's summer festival time, and this 100% cotton maxi dress with colourful dots from People Tree is a must-have. Adjustable halter neck is very helpful!

Eco and wellbeing features: People Tree promote natural and organic cotton farming. Its fashion meets the Fair Trade principles by World Fair Trade Organisation. Locally sourced and handmade in most instances, with natural and recycled products. Safe and natural dyes only.

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Product: Garudasana Jumpsuit
By: Sweaty Betty
You will master your "Eagle" (Garudasana) yoga pose in this relaxed racer back jumpsuit. Gentle blouson shape through the body yet close fitting at bust.

Eco and wellbeing features: Fabric - 91% modal, which is made of regenerated beechwood pulp and has all the great properties of cotton. It also absorbs 50% more moisture than cotton.

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Product: Grey Green Five Fingers Classic
By: Vibram
Go barefoot. Go KSO ("Keep Stuff Out" that is). Ideal for fitness training, cross fit, travel, relaxing after sports. Razor-siped for improved flexibility and slip resistance on a variety of terrain. Machine washable, air dry.

Eco and wellbeing features: Connect with the Earth and benefit from an increased sense of balance and greater agility, improved posture and less back pain.

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Product: Holistic Silk Eye Mask with Lavender
By: Wellicious
No more sleepless nights on the plane. Pop in this silk & velvet eye mask which will totally block light & sweeten the air around you with sleep inducing lavender.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Sleep in total darkness, which increases the quality and efficiency of your sleep with the help of aroma therapeutic lavender.

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Product: Glimmer of hope earrings
By: Satya Jewelry
Each sunny new day is full of thousands of possibilities. Be reminded of the promise of tomorrow with these airy lotus earrings. 24kt gold vermeil.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Blending spiritual symbols, healing gemstones and sacred meanings, Satya Jewelry is created with grace, style and a global consciousness.

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Product: Lip Balm 4 saver pack
By: Fair Squared
An ideal essential treat for your lips, times four: Citrus with SPF15, Spearmint, Vanilla and Vegan Pomegranate. Tasty, and longlasting.

Eco and wellbeing features: Recyclable tube; made of certified USDA Organic Ingredients; free from gluten and other nasty things like petrolatum, parabens, sulphates, and GMO.

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Product: Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender
By: John Masters
Dreaming of the beach holiday but can't get out of the city? Simply spray the desired amount on this magic liquid on your hair. Lavender oil also helps to protect the hair. Created by John Masters, part basement alchemist, part organic innovator.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Contains water, sea salt and certified organic lavender oil. Nothing else. Ingredients and products are never tested on animals.

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Product: Apricot Nourishing Cuticle Oil
By: Cowshed
Dry cuticles will never bother you again. This product is made of apricot oil, known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Rich in vitamin A to nourish, protect and add shine. Delicately scented with refreshing bergamot and palmarosa essential oils - nice little touch.

Eco and wellbeing features: No preservatives; no chemical ingredients; no sulphates (nasty chemicals); no synthetically made colours; suitable for veggies.

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Product: Matcha Super power green tea
By: Teapigs
Superhero amongst teas. Concentrated green tea powder packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Join the Buddhist monks and royalty who have been sipping on this beverage for over 900 years.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Energising and calming; metabolism boosting; antioxidant blast.

PA-10648077.jpgIs asking for green gifts the new thing among celebs when they get married or welcome a new addition to their brood?

Kate and William famously asked for charitable donations instead of things for their wedding gifts ahead of their wedding in April this year. OK so the royal couple might have everything they need already, but still a very nice thought and we count is as 'green gifts'.

Now US actress Kate Hudson and her rocker fiancé Matt Bellamy of Muse have asked their famous friends to plant 'celebration trees' to mark the arrival of their baby boy. They are doing so because they want their son to grow up in a greener world.

If David and Victoria Beckham, who welcomed baby daughter Harper Seven only a couple of days ago, will choose to go the green route for still remains to be seen. However we've heard that Victoria has got Christian Louboutin to create specially made baby shoes for her much waited for daughter Harper.

Photo: Alex J. Berliner/AP/Press Association Images

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