The holidays are approaching rapidly, and many people are trying to be wise in their giving this year.

Here are a few tips to guide you in making your gifts meaningful and easy on both the earth and your wallet.

• Assemble a cookbook of your favorite healthy recipes. This gift will be kind on your wallet and the recipient’s waistline! You could even give it electronically instead of printing it on paper.
• Instead of purchasing wrapping paper, wrap your gifts creatively in the Sunday comics section, old maps, decorated grocery bags or colorful fabric you don’t need.
• Avoid purchasing a trinket that your loved one doesn’t need, and donate to a charitable organization in honor of him or her instead. You can also purchase livestock in his or her name to help a family overseas sustain themselves.
• When purchasing gifts, intentionally seek out products made by companies committed to using environmentally-friendly materials and minimizing harm to the earth.
• Create homemade holiday ornaments and decorations with recycled items you have at home. These artistic ornaments can make great gifts too!

May these tips guide you in making this holiday season especially meaningful as you give thoughtful gifts to your loved ones.