When you’re looking for something amazing for a birthday or anniversary, wouldn’t it be great if you could give the gift of health and wellness? Instead of picking out items that your loved ones may or may not use, choose earth-friendly gifts that are made using sustainable ingredients. Everyone welcomes edible items packed with organic flavors, nutrition, and goodness, without the guilt of contributing to ecosystem damage.

This holiday season, let’s eliminate the tons of packaging materials and other waste. Instead, invest in green gifts that are consumable. Not sure where to begin? Let’s get you started.

This holiday season, choose earth-friendly, edible gifts and bring good health and cheer to all your loved ones.

1. Dog Food Made with Earth-Friendly Ingredients

A common misconception is that dogs need meat to be healthy. However, research now shows that dogs are essentially omnivores, similar to humans. Meat is only a source of protein, and dogs can get high-grade protein from plant-based sources. Conventional dog food is made with the poorest quality meat and other filler ingredients that are typically deemed unfit for human consumption. A healthier alternative is vegan dog food containing fungi, yeast, and algae combined with several other sustainable foods – all of which together provide the 10 essential amino acids that pets need to thrive. So, yes! Pets can go green too!

2. Sweet Treats Packed in Gingerbread Containers

If the thought of used plastic candy boxes filling landfills bothers you, we have a greener substitute. How about mason jars and cookie boxes made with gingerbread? Make these edible containers with gingerbread dough wrapped around a metal can. Bake as usual and cool. Fill them with all-time favorites like frosted nuts, truffles, protein balls, and hard candy. Once the goodies have been eaten, recipients can move on to munching on the jars instead of trashing. Of course, they always have the option of eating the jars before getting to the treats inside.

3. Nutrition-Packed Nuts

Nuts are clearly the power foods of the plant world. By eating a handful of nuts, you nourish your body with an ideal blend of healthy fats, fiber, and carbohydrates. Nuts are delicious and perfect for healthy snacking, weight loss, and controlling diabetes and hypertension. Add some fresh fruits into the mix for a spark of color, and you’re looking at a sweet and savory treat that’s full of vitamins. Choosing kosher gift baskets ensures that no harmful additives are added, and the food is packaged in keeping with strict dietary regulations–great for the Hanukkah celebrants on your gift list.

4. Traditional Brownies with a Twist

Brownies are an all-time favorite that everyone loves. When you’re putting together an earth-friendly gift, consider transforming these fudgy goodies into a delightful surprise. Cut them into smaller, tree-like triangles and decorate with green icing and sprinkles. Pierce with a cake pop stick, and you have yummy treats that your friends can pick up and munch. Since the portion size is small, people can eat them without feeling too guilty. Swap out unhealthy, processed flour, sugar, and other store-bought ingredients with healthier, home-made versions. You can also skip dairy butter and use plant oils instead.

5. Nacho-Flavored Popcorn

Try a vegan popcorn without missing out on the taste and flavor of nachos. Delicious cheese – without real cheese. Pop organic, non-GMO popcorn kernels in an air popper or kettle with a little olive oil. Top with dried oregano-infused coconut oil, sea salt, turmeric, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cool thoroughly and fill a glass mason jar. Before closing off the lid, sprinkle nutritional yeast that will add that cheesy flavor. Join your loved ones for a movie at home with warm conversations and healthy snacks.

6. Dried Fruit Fillers for a Packed Lunch

This gift is just the thing you should buy for loved ones who enjoy fruit but are usually too busy with work or other commitments to indulge. Fruit keeps your heart healthy and is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you don’t have the time to eat the whole fruit, how about choosing the miniature version? Dried fruits have exactly the same nutrients and taste just like their fresh counterparts. The only difference is the dehydration process that removes the moisture to give them a longer shelf life. Since the natural sugars are concentrated, the dried version is sweeter and just the right size for a quick snack or after-dinner candy substitute.

7. Dukkah – Delicious Egyptian Spice Blend

Spices have been known for the health benefits for centuries. Ancient people used them to enhance their food and for medicinal purposes. Prepare this unbelievable spice blend with all the nutritional values of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and sesame seeds. Toast, grind coarsely, and mix with sea salt, a pinch of brown sugar, and chili flakes. When you’re ready to use, mix with almond or peanut butter and olive oil. The versatility of this blend is such that you can use it as a topping for toast, salads, tofu, and even as a dip for crackers and chips.

8. Classic Buckeyes for Vegans

What if you could give this classic treat a vegan twist? In place of the traditional peanut butter dough dipped in chocolate, try a blend of chickpeas, maple syrup, oatmeal, and peanut butter. You can also add a teaspoon of agave nectar for flavor. Make these delicious treats at home for your vegan friends and fill reusable mason jars. Tie up with a pretty ribbon and you have an earth-friendly edible gift packed with health, fiber, great taste, and goodness. Who says that the best things in life don’t always taste good?

This holiday season, let’s eliminate the tons of packaging materials and other waste. Instead, invest in green gifts that are consumable.

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This Holiday season, choose from these earth-friendly, edible gifts and bring good health and cheer to all your loved ones. Better yet, put together a hamper of these delicious options. You’ll have fun explaining why these items are so special and enjoy them together. While you’re at it, why not get these gifts for the most important person in your life? You!