There’s something nostalgic about a box of baking mix. For most of us, these boxes were the gateway into our love for baking. We learned how to crack an egg, measure oil, and check with the infallible toothpick test. We also associate boxed mixes with early memories of childhood, spending time with family, acquiring our taste for raw cookie dough, and the pure joy of licking the spoon. Although we may have advanced our in culinary skills to preparing baked goods from scratch, there is still a place for the occasional boxed mix, especially during the rush of the holidays. We tested a plethora of options to find the best, veganizable boxed baking mixes for when you are short on time or craving some good old fashioned nostalgia.

6 Best Vegan Baking Mixes

1. Bob’s Red Mill

On Christmas morning, spend more time around the tree and less time in the kitchen with Bob’s Paleo Pancake Mix. This no-fuss, gluten-free mix creates thick and fluffy pancakes with minimal, whole food ingredients. No preservatives, no stabilizers, just homemade pantry staples. Of course, Bob has perfected the ratio of these ingredients for you. All you have to do is add eggs (we subbed a vegan egg replacer), water, and coconut oil (saffron or canola will work in a pinch). The hardest part? Mastering the perfect pancake flip!

2. FoodStirs

Can’t decide between a cookie and a brownie? Get the best of both worlds with Foodstirs Organic Snickerdoodle Blondie Mix. The finished product tastes like a snickerdoodle cookie, thanks to the cinnamon sugar packet we generously sprinkled on top, and has the mouthfeel of a thick, chewy blondie, reminiscent of the coveted corner piece. Note, the batter will look more like a crumbly cookie dough opposed to a thinner brownie batter. Don’t worry, just pat into your baking pan. We also found we could get away with using one less tablespoon of butter to avoid slightly oily edges. Although delicious straight of the pan, we highly recommend using these as a vessel for some vegan vanilla ice cream, candied pecans, and toffee or caramel sauce.

3. Cherry Brook Kitchen

Those with a gluten sensitivity know how difficult it can be to create edible baked goods. Even with the perfect recipe, the combination of multiple, often hard-to-find flours can be time-consuming and expensive. Thankfully, Cherry Brook Kitchen has created a gluten-free and vegan boxed cake mix that rivals Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines. Of all the gluten-free mixes we tested, this yellow cake had the best texture by far. It was light, moist, and devoid of that gritty mouthfeel. Slather on some chocolate frosting (Cherry Brook has mixes for this, too) and indulge!

4. Madhava

Craving rich, decadent brownies? Reach for Madhava’s Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Brownie Mix to get your fix. We love that the dry mix is completely organic and only includes familiar ingredients, like organic coconut sugar and spelt flour. Per the website’s instructions, we swapped the egg with applesauce to make our vegan treats. The result was a thick, gooey batter (as the name implies) and a rich, chocolatey brownie. Spoon-lickers, this is the batter of your dreams. If you save enough batter to actually bake, we suggest mixing in some vegan chocolate chips for some extra indulgence. You can also top these with peppermint frosting and crushed peppermint candies for a festive holiday sweet.

5. Miss Jones Baking Co

Nothing says childhood nostalgia like a funfetti cake with funfetti frosting. In fact, sprinkles have become popular in gourmet bakeries thanks to the unicorn trend. For those with a love of color and a severe sweet tooth, Miss Jones has you covered. This organic company has a Confetti Party Pop Box, complete with two vanilla cake mixes, two tubs of confetti pop vegan frosting, candles, a spatula, and recipe cards for inspiration to customize your four layer cake. All mixes and frostings are vegan as is, and although the instructions call for eggs, milk, and butter, the website includes an easy, vegan-friendly prep option. These products are on the sweeter side, but they also transport us back to a simpler time of neighborhood parties and frosting-laden sheet cakes. Nostalgia tastes so good.

6. It’s Wholesome

Yet another allergy-friendly option, It’s Wholesome offers a wide variety of baking mixes made with clean, organic ingredients safe for almost every food sensitivity. From scones, pancakes, brownies, cakes, and frostings, this company ensures that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. We were drawn to their unique flavors of cake mixes, such as the Lavender, Chocolate Lavender, and Chai Spice. The texture was rather light, considering its gluten-free base, and the flavor was on point. A chocolate lavender cake may not take you back to childhood, but even without the nostalgia, this is cake is crazy good.

Tanya Flink is a vegan, foodie, and certified Master Personal Trainer based in Orange County, CA. She is also the host of the podcast, “The Vegan Potluck.”

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• 5 Holiday Cookie Recipes You Have to Make This Winter
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Go green this season (and save some money) by choosing repurposed wrapping paper alternatives.

If you are freaking out right now about getting everything done before the holidays, take chill pill. We’ve got your back–or at least we can help you with wrapping your gifts this year.

According to The Atlantic, we spend $2.6 billion annually on wrapping paper and much of it cannot be recycled as a result of the dyes, laminates, glitter, and other decorative materials that make up wrapping paper. Instead of wasting money on wrapping paper that will inevitably end up in the landfill, use repurposed alternatives found around your house, the craft store, or thrift stores. Can’t see how that would work? Read on to discover some super easy (and green) alternatives to using store-bought wrapping paper.

Alternatives to Wrapping Paper

1. Newspaper/Magazines

The most obvious choice for repurposed alternatives to wrapping paper is newspaper. Of course, many of us do not take part in paper delivery anymore, but it’s around. Try asking neighbors, co-workers, families, or friends.

2. Snack Bags

Get super clever with your gift packing by repurposing snack bags. Turn snack bags (like chip bags) inside out and clean them well. You can either use them as a bag or cut them along one side and the bottom to use a flat wrap.

3. Brown Paper

Nothing is simpler than brown paper packing. It works for all gift occasions–holidays, birthdays, weddings, housewarmings–and can be decorated with that special handmade touch. You can purchase extra large rolls of brown paper to keep on hand for gift wrapping, package stuffing, for covering the table for crafting time, and more.

4. Baskets

Baskets can easily be repurposed for holiday regifting and are ubiquitous at thrift stores and yard sales. Even Easter baskets will work, simply dip dye them in more winter holiday appropriate colors.

5. Tea Towels/Cloth Napkins

Give a gift within a gift by using a practical home textile like tea towels or cloth napkins to wrap a gift up in. Other ideas include handkerchiefs, hand towels, washcloths, dishcloths, and more.

6. Decoupaged Boxes

Repurpose food boxes (like cereal boxes) as gift boxes by decoupaging them with colorful paper like junk mail, newspapers, catalogs and more. Cereal boxes can easily be cut up and made into take-out style boxes using this clever tutorial.

7. Fancy Shopping Bags

Reuse those fancy shopping bags with the handles as gift bags. If you want to disguise them as store shops, easily cover over logos or lettering with repurposed paper like maps, sheet music, old holiday cards, and more.

8. Mason Jars

Of course, mason jars are perfect for food treats, but they can also work for for small gifts. Things like homemade soy votive candles or handmade jewelry gifts would also fit nicely nestled inside a repurposed mason jar.

9. Reusable Fabric Bags

If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can purchase (or repurpose) lightweight cotton fabrics and make reusable drawstring fabric gift bags.

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You can check gift wrap off your shopping list because there’s no need for buying when you can just DIY. We’re showing you how to wrap presents in 6 eco-friendly ways.

From old newspapers to shopping bags there are so many resources to wrap presents without harming our planet. By opting for recycled or reusable gift wrap, you’ll save money, reduce your waste, and avoid overcrowded malls.

The holiday season takes a huge toll on the environment. According to Stanford University, Americans produce 25 percent more waste from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. You can imagine where all that excess waste comes from; shopping bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, etc.

Don’t think that all your wrapping paper can just be recycled and then you’ve done your part. Most gift wrap and trimmings contain foil or metal fibers which means they can’t be recycled.

You can prevent adding to the already huge amount of holiday waste occurring by wrapping your presents in an eco-friendly manner. Here are some awesome eco ideas that are totally savvy and festive!

How to Wrap Presents without Destroying the Earth

1. Use Old Newspapers, Magazines, and Paper Bags

Save your brown paper grocery bags, old newspapers, and even magazines. They can all be repurposed into wrapping paper. Glossy prints from fashion magazines work great for wrapping up small boxes. Newspapers are very sturdy and reliable to use when wrapping gifts. Plus, they have a vintage vibe to them that’s classy and elegant. Brown paper bags; lunch or grocery sized, can be cut at the seams and spread out in the perfect rustic wrapping paper.

2. Try Unused Sheets or Scraps of Fabric

If you have any unused fabric in your house, use it to wrap your gift! Simply tie it around your gift or hold it together with ribbon. Fabric scraps can be used to make ribbons or bows. Encourage your gift recipient to save the fabric for future use.

3. Employ Reusable Shopping Bags

Many stores are now putting your purchases in reusable canvas or fabric bags. I recently bought a gift for a friend at 100% Pure and it was put into a pretty pink bag that was reusable. All I had to do was add some (recycled) tissue paper to make it ready for gifting. Your gift recipient will be able to use the bag too on future shopping trips.

4. Skip It Altogether (Kind Of)

Try to skip gift wrapping altogether. If you’re giving an experience rather than a materialistic object, then this is perfect. When giving tickets to an event such as a concert gift wrap definitely isn’t necessary. Put the tickets in a holiday card made from recycled paper instead.

5. Save Everything

If this is your first year trying to have a sustainable holiday season, you may not have a large collection of old ribbons, and gift bags to reuse. Well, it’s never too late to start! Ask family and friends if they have any old, unwanted ribbons or paper materials you can use for wrapping presents this year.

Then, at your gift exchange ask your friends and family if they mind you saving all gift bags, bows, and ribbons. Others may even want to join in, and in that case, you can just divvy it up between everyone. You’ll be set for next year’s holiday season with your new brimming collection of gift trimmings.

6. DIY It!

Save your shopping bags after trips to the mall so you can try this DIY project which uses old shopping bags to make holiday gift bags. All you need are solid paper shopping bags, a few stamps, and an ink pad to make them. It’s super chic and a great way to repurpose all those bags you received when holiday shopping.

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The post How to Wrap Presents (without Destroying the Earth!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Reduce waste and put a personalized touch on your holiday gifts this season with these DIY gift bags. These rustic stamped bags make the perfect vessel for all your holiday gifts and the recipients will love that you made them yourself.

These DIY gift bags are fun and easy to make! Involve your kids for a fun crafting session and teach them the importance of recycling while you’re at it.

The waste that accumulates during the holiday season is largely due in part to gift wrap and shopping bags. According to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25 percent more trash during the holiday season. If just three presents per American family were wrapped in reused materials “it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.”

By repurposing shopping bags into gift bags, you reduce your holiday waste and save money. The only cost you’ll have for this DIY project is the accessories like washi tape, stamps, ink, and ribbons. But you can reduce those costs (or avoid them altogether) by reusing materials from past gifts.

Gift bags are preferable to the environment than wrapping paper since wrapping paper is torn apart upon opening. Gift bags, however, can be reused for years to come. Encourage your gift recipients to reuse the bags instead of disposing of them after.

There are also alternatives to using tissue paper in gift bags. You can use already read newspapers or magazines neatly crumpled instead. If you get some weird glances at the holiday gift exchange, simply explain that you are choosing to reuse materials in order to cut back on waste.

Tips

I like to use Anthropologie bags when I make these since they are solid and sturdy enough for reuse. You can cover the store logo on the bag with a strip of decorated washi tape. If you don’t have any extra shopping bags on hand, then you opt for brown paper craft bags made from recycled materials.

If your reused gift bags and/or tissue paper are wrinkled you can make them look like new again with an iron. Heat an iron over low heat with no steam and then press the bags and tissue paper until the wrinkles are gone. Be sure to turn off the iron after and move it away from the bags and paper.

You can also make this project even more eco-friendly by making your own stamps from wine corks! Pair them with eco-friendly stamp pads made from non-toxic ink to avoid harsh fumes from chemicals.

DIY Gift Bags

What You’ll Need
Shopping bags
Washi tape
Holiday themed stamps
Stamp pad
Recycled gift tags
Ribbon or twine

Directions
Flatten your shopping bag and place it on a hard surface. Press a stamp into the ink pad and then press the stamp onto the bag. Make sure to press evenly to ensure the ink fills out the stamp shape. Repeat until desired design is achieved.

Place a strip of washi tape over the shopping bag logo. Trim the tape so it hits the side of each bag.

Let the stamped bag dry for about 10-15 minutes. Once dry, flip the bag and repeat above on the other side. Let dry for 10-15 minutes more.

Decorate each gift tag with a matching stamp and tie onto the bag strap with a piece of ribbon.

Fill decorated bags with gifts and top with recycled tissue paper. Happy gift giving!

Related on EcoSalon

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Holiday Special: Your Health and Wellness Gifts Guide is Here

Images via Karissa Bowers

The post Super Simple and Chic DIY Gift Bags: Reduce Your Holiday Waste with Style appeared first on EcoSalon.

Making holiday plans yet? Whether a viewing of The Nutcracker is on your agenda or not, ballet inspired beauty is hot this holiday season.

Ballerinas always radiate serene beauty. That’s why the look is a fabulous way to add classic femininity to your holiday vibe.

Greys, blacks, and whites are all ballet-esque and look good on all skin tones. No pirouette skills? No problem. Following are the best beauty products for attaining ballet inspired beauty looks.

Ballet Inspired Beauty Looks

For Eyes: Ballet inspired neutrals are easy to wear and seriously, they go with everything. Create a smoky eye by lining with Ilia Beauty Pure Eyeliner Rebel Rebel, a creamy traditional black. Use Kjaer Weis Eye Shadow Compact Onyx, a slightly shimmering grey, for an au courant look.

For something a bit different, start with a layer of Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow Meringue, a sparkling snowy white, and line eyes with Ilia Beauty Pure Eyeliner Havana Black. Not your basic black, this liner has a bit of gold to zhoosh things up.

A simple daytime look doesn’t have to be completely drama free. A creamy swipe of Ilia Beauty Silken Shadow Stick You Spin Me Round falls somewhere between grey and black. Modern perfection.

For Lips: You really only need one lip product for this look…a pretty ballerina pink. Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner Hold Me Now couldn’t be more perfect. Just right, day or night.

For Hair: A bun or chignon is always ballet season apropos. Use Josh Rosebrook Hair Spray Firm Hold to keep the look sleek and in place.

For Nails: Think timeless, not goth. Well manicured nails in jet black are a tasteful accent. Try Kure Bazaar Nail Lacquer Kohl. Too much? A prima ballerina pink, like Priti Nail Polish Coronation, is always appropriate.

For Legs: Black leggings are stylish, go anywhere, and comfy. Dress them up with a white button front shirt and you are good to go.

For Feet: What shoes to wear with your look? Ballet flats, of course.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of ballerina via Shuttestock

The post Ballet Inspired Beauty Looks Just in Time for Nutcracker Season appeared first on EcoSalon.

These 5 international holidays are occasions for you to change your habits for the global good.

As 2015 comes into full swing, so too do our resolutions to become faster, better and stronger in all aspects of our lives. The new year is a time of renewal and excitement about the changes to come, but these changes require a proactive spirit willing to try new things and change the course of learned behaviors. Above all, becoming an improved human being is not only about respecting your mind, body and soul but also about giving back to the community and Mother Nature.

Sometimes we simply need a reason to act. Be it because we like the idea of an organized event or we’re-in-this-together sentiment, some of us just like the idea of being part of something bigger, something global. These 5 international holidays are meant to inspire you to make changes in your lives, no matter how small, that will inevitably affect your community and environment.

1. Meatout

There are many international holidays that pertain to diet, but Meatout is one that is making groundbreaking strides around the world in recent years. Meatout is movement that takes place on the first day of spring, around March 20^th, each year. Since its inception in 1986, Meatout has been promoting a healthy diet that veers in the opposite direction of meats – one full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Essentially, it is all about being vegan for a day and promoting the availability and diverse selections inherent in such a diet. Today, it is the world’s largest annual grassroots diet education campaign. Meatout events vary and take place all over the world. Learn more about how to get involved at Meatout.org.

2. Earth Month

The UN has designated the entire month of April as Earth Month. During this month, we are all encouraged to think about earth issues, both in our local communities and around the world. How you take part is entirely up to your own creativity. Organize a group of people to tidy a park, or plant a tree! Whatever you do, remember that even the littlest of actions count!

3. World No Tobacco Day

Need a reason to quit smoking? May 31st offers a unique occasion to try it out, at least for a day. World No Tobacco Day is meant to inform people of the inherent dangers in using tobacco as well as the sketchy business practices of tobacco magnates. The World Health Organization created the celebration as a vehicle to draw attention to the tobacco epidemic and expose the diseases (and death) it causes. And tobacco is not just a matter of human health – it’s a matter of protecting the environment. Did you know that the air pollution emitted by cigarettes is 10 times greater than diesel car exhaust!?

4. TV-Turnoff Week

Mark your calendars! The third week of April is your incentive to step away from the remote control and take a break from your beloved, albeit passive, pastime: television. Let’s be real – television programming has hit a new low in recent years, especially with increase in mind-numbing (but unfortunately entertaining) reality series. So, you aren’t losing much by giving it up. Even if you can’t forgo television altogether, it’s a great practice in discipline and in appreciating more productive hobbies by withstanding the screen for at least a week’s time. Save electricity, go outdoors, be active and enjoy nature!

5. International Volunteer Day

December 5^th has been designated by the UN as a day to give back. The International Volunteer Day is actually an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to showcase their contributions to the local, national and international communities in line with the Millennium Development Goals. An award is even presented to several winners in recognition of their services. Despite its quite grand acknowledgements, International Volunteer Day has implications for all of us – its is our celebration of what we can accomplish in the comfort of our respective communities. If you don’t already volunteer, find a way to do so, either through local shelters, schools or non-profit organizations. Make 2015 a year of selfless acts.

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Photo Credit: SWHB

The post 5 International Holidays About Green Living We Can All Celebrate appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnHow to eat healthy during the holidays? First, let’s rethink what “healthy” means.

At the beginning of the year, we talked about how the No-Diet Diet was your best bet, and as we come to the end of the year I deem it important to talk about eating healthy around the holidays, because just like January is the start of I Have to Find A Way to Eat Healthy Now, December is the start of Oh God How Will I Survive All This Eating and Temptation? season.

Of course, I could give you a 100 Holiday Foods Never to Touch Ever or a Eat Only These 53 Holiday Foods and You’ll Feel Great list, but we all know those won’t help you for a second. If someone suggests you try their miraculous holiday diet, JUST SAY NO. Diets don’t work, healthy lifestyles do.

How to eat healthy? First of we need to think about what we mean by “healthy.” I am a big believer in the fact that if you’re putting your body through so much stress because you’ve committed strictly cutting certain foods out, you might miss out on the larger physical and emotional benefits of enjoying the holiday spirit. A little indulgence now and then never hurt anyone. Being healthy around the holidays is just as much about enjoying the people around you as it is about the food in front of you. So don’t let an extra holiday cookie get in the way between you and having a good time.

In my family we have an expression: it’s not what you eat between Christmas and New Years that matters, it’s what you eat between New Years and Christmas. Now, assuming that you are usually a fairly healthy, well-balanced individual, a few extra slices of fruitcake during holiday time aren’t going to put you over the edge.

At this point you’re thinking, “ok, ok, but I want a list of tips!” Well, here you go. Your official How to Eat Healthy, Not Freak Out and Still Have Fun During the Holidays guide.

1. Eat in balance

Eating healthy is about balance. It’s about knowing your limits. It’s about letting yourself enjoy food as much as it is choosing food that’s good for you. Ok, so you overdosed on bubbles and chocolate truffles last night, that’s fine! Maybe just eat some sautéed greens for lunch.

2. Bake your own treats

Seriously, this is probably the best thing that you can do for yourself. When you make your own food, you have control over the ingredients, and there won’t be anything weird like trans fat or carrageenan lurking around.

3. Let those fruits and vegetables shine

I think the one major faux pas of holiday cooking is that we douse some of the best seasonal fruits and vegetables in the nastiest of stuff. I mean seriously, sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top? Ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin and apples are sweet on their own; you don’t have to add a lot to make them taste good. Cut down on the extra sweeteners and sauces and let the produce speak for itself.

4. Avoid the pressure of “having” to serve certain things

So you’re not going to put a Christmas ham on the table. THAT’S OK. Ultimately, enjoying the holidays is about spending time with people we love, and food is merely a vehicle to do so. Make the classics if you want to, but don’t be afraid to experiment and do something a little different. Change is as good as a holiday as they say.

5. Everything in moderation

We all know this, and yet, so often we get so concerned about extremes. “I am cutting out sugar this Christmas!” “I’ll only eat cookies on Sundays!” For those of us that don’t have debilitating food allergies, live a little. And as Oscar Wilde once said, “everything in moderation, including moderation.”

6. Oh wait, not everything in moderation

High fructose corn syrup candies and processed chips? Nope, get rid of them. Even at holiday time.

7. Get exercise

You hate to hear this, but it’s true. Stay active. Drink water. Take care of your body, there’s no need to turn into a slob. That being said: if you need to skip that run because you need to treat yourself to a morning of sleeping in, that’s fine too.

8. Eat, laugh, love

Those three words were written by a friend recently and I couldn’t agree more. What’s great about this time of year is that you’re encouraged to celebrate – every single day if you want to. Throw a party, gather together with friends, have fun. Don’t let your strict requirements about eating get in the way of that. Otherwise: what’s the point?

There you have it. Now, go attack this holiday season with full force!

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This is the latest installment of Anna Brones’ weekly column at EcoSalon: Foodie Underground, an exploration of what’s new and different in the underground movement, and how we make the topic of good food more accessible to everyone. More musings on the topic can be found at www.foodieunderground.com.

Image: Markus spiske

The post How to Eat Healthy, Not Freak Out and Still Have Fun During the Holidays: Foodie Underground appeared first on EcoSalon.

KA: What was the inspiration behind “Handmade Gatherings”? Did this have more to do with throwing your own parties or with being a lucky attendee at other people’s soirees?

KA: Tell me about a handmade gathering, for which you were the host or a guest, that changed you in some way, for better or worse.  This could be something subtle (Whoa! I never thought to serve chili out of a pumpkin!) or, you know, an earth-shattering epiphany (I witnessed a Handfasting ceremony and was moved to start my own coven).

KA: One thing that’s always impressed is your seemingly effortless way of creating community within the walls of your home. I always leave with a full belly, a warm heart, and a new friend.  What’s your secret?

A little gift for our readers! This recipe, perfect for serving, sharing or gifting is featured in”The Cookie Exchange” from the forthcoming book, “Handmade Gatherings“, by Ashley English.

The post Interview: Author Ashley English on Holiday Entertaining & Handmade Gatherings appeared first on EcoSalon.

I think I’m just like you. The clock is ticking and there are so many loved ones on your list to buy just the right gift for. But it isn’t a question of giving–it is what to give. Am I right? Here are the absolute best holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list–all under $89, to. Each holiday gift idea is sustainable and special in it’s own way. So give a gift of lasting joy, and have a happy holiday.

Stein Stone Notebook by Ogami

Zady, $14

Etched Wood iPhone Cover by Toast 

Made Collection, $35

Set of 3 Gold Cocktail Spreaders

Shop HDB, $20

Anatomical Heart Notecard Set of 10 by Lark Press 

Moorea Seal, $12

Pure Gloss Lip Gloss by Jane Iredale

Jane Iredale, $24

Guerrilla Gardening Slingshot Seed Bomb Kit for Garden Bombing to Grow Colorful Wildflowers by Visualignual 

Etsy, $16

Mini Wallet Black and Tan by Shana Luther

Shana Luther, $45

Essential Body Pack by Kora Organics

Kora Organics, $54.67

Guest Towel by ShopHBD

Shop HBD, $34.00

Garrison Dopp Kit by Winter Sessions

Zady, $85

Shave Bundle by Imperial Barber

Imperial Barber, $34

Want More Holiday Gift Ideas? See Also:

From Cheap to Chic, 10 Holiday Gifts That Respect the Earth

Slack Shopper? Last Minute Gifts You’ll Get in Time

12 Organic and Artisan Gifts for Food Lovers

Gifts That Give Back: 20 We Love

12 Green Gift Ideas For the Eco Hostess

11 Ways to Simplify This Holiday Season (P.S. You’ll Also Drastically Reduce Stress)

The post 11 Absolutely BEST Holiday Gift Ideas For Everyone On The List (Under $89) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Etsy has set up their yearly holiday shop full of awesome handmade and vintage fashion gift ideas, decorations and of course some of the coolest styles for the Christmas season.

We’ve rounded up our favorite Etsy vintage fashion finds from both the handcrafters and vintage experts selling on through the site to give you some holiday wear inspiration. Get these festive digs for your wardrobe or grab them as gifts for friends and family. After all, Christmas comes around every year, so they’ll never go out of style… completely, anyway.

Gangster Wrapper Holiday Ragland T Shirt from TopBananaPhilly

Hand-printed on to an all cotton raglan tee, this awesome holiday slogan shirt is perfect as a white elephant gift to give at your work Christmas party – everyone will want it!

Snowflake necklace from PureRoxJewels

Dainty, delicate and pure, this sterling silver necklace is wonderful as a gift or treat to yourself. Ideal for the whole wintery season and easy to pair with almost any outfit, we love the uniqueness of each snowflake.

Vintage ’50s cocktail dress from BombshellsandBabes

Need a cute dress for holiday parties? This Audrey Hepburn-esque LBD is strikes the perfect chord between festive and sexy, and will be sure to turn heads left and right. The best part is that you wont have to save it for the holiday season since its ideal for any cocktail party.

Vintage Ivory Bead Encrusted Draped Gatsby Style Silk Cocktail Dress from enidandedgar

If the ’50s high waists aren’t your thing, opt for this stunning ’30s style gown and channel Daisy Buchanan’s hair and make-up for that effervescent vintage fashion flapper look.

Navajo ’80s Holiday Christmas Sweater from WELIKEWEIRD

We absolutely love this oversized geometric Navajo print sweater! Perfect for throwing over a pair of leggings for lounging, or donning over a dress to keep stylishly warm.

Christmas leggings from CaliforniaWear

These leggings are super cute and great for your comfy Christmas morning attire. The maker Nina has plenty more patterns to choose from in her shop, so check them out.

Images: Etsy

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The post Etsy Handmade and Vintage Fashion Holiday Hunt appeared first on EcoSalon.