Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively: When Giving Lasts a Lifetime: The Gift of Trees

This post is in partnership with Arbor Day Foundation.

During this time of year, I do my best to focus on what is truly important about the holiday season. For me, a big part of this is showing my family and friends how much they mean to me. This can be through verbal reminders about how much they're loved, through time set aside to just hang out or enjoy fun experiences together, or through more tangible means like greeting cards and gifts.

When it comes to cards and gifts - whether specifically for the holidays or beyond - there is little I enjoy giving (or receiving!) more than those that make a difference not just in terms of showing my love, but also to a greater cause. Those who know me in real life or who have been reading this blog for a while know that environmentalism is a cause that has been dear to my heart from the time I was a little girl through the almost 15 years I spent working as the head designer for an eco-friendly clothing company through to today. If I can give gifts that help protect the earth, especially in a way that honors the recipient, I am all in.

This is why I knew the second I came across Arbor Day Foundation's Give-A-Tree® Cards and Trees in Celebration Certificates that I'd found an incredibly special holiday card for one of the most important people in my life - my mama, and a truly meaningful 5th birthday gift for another love of my life (and budding environmentalist!) - my daughter.

From the time I was a child, my mother taught me about the importance of appreciating, respecting, and taking care of the earth - to the point that I gave her the nickname "Nature Woman" in my middle school days. (I'm pretty sure two of the highlights of her life were when I became president of my school's ecology club and when I started my business designing eco-friendly clothing.) But even if she wasn't your stereotypical "tree hugger," I don't think I could have chosen a more meaningful holiday card for her. Give-A-Tree® Cards are more than greeting cards. By sending one, you are truly giving a gift that lasts a lifetime. Whether sending holiday greetings, a thank you note, or a "just because," every card you purchase plants a tree in honor of the recipient, which helps bring our nation's forests that have suffered due to a natural disaster or wildfires back to life. How great is that? There is also free shipping of the cards this month and in December, and you can also personalize the cards for free, with no minimum order required. It's so easy to choose and purchase the card too, and takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish. I chose the Parchment holiday card for my mom and added a photo of my kids, and you guys, she loved it. My daughter wanted to hand deliver it and as soon as my mom opened it, her eyes filled with tears. For only $5.95, we were able to give her something that touched her heart and will last a lifetime.

Just as my mom taught me how and why caring for the earth is crucial when I was growing up, I try to instill the importance of the environment in my children. Both of my little ones also have a deep love for nature outside of me encouraging it, which brings me so much joy. For my daughter's fifth birthday in December, I wanted to get her something beyond just the regular toys and clothes she receives. I knew a Trees in Celebration Certificate from Arbor Day Foundation would be the perfect gift. For Essley's special certificate, I just got on ADF's website, picked a forest (I chose Chippewa National Forest because it's the closest to us), chose the number of trees to be planted in her honor (I chose 5), and wrote a personalized message to let her know the gift would be in honor of her birthday. It couldn't have been easier. When the certificate arrived in the mail and I read it to her, her eyes lit up and she told me it was the "most specialist gift ever." (See top photo above for her reaction.) I wasn't sure she'd completely understand what it meant, but she did. Later I caught her explaining to her little brother that there were 5 "Essley trees" planted in a big forest because she was turning 5 and she was going to help save the earth. Major proud mom moment! I plan on buying Trees in Celebration certificates for other upcoming birthdays and anniversaries as well. I really can't think of a better gift than one it is living, lasting, and full of love like this.

If you're looking for holiday cards and gifts this year that go beyond the average and truly make a difference, I can't recommend Arbor Day’s Give-A-Tree® Cards and Trees in Celebration Certificates enough. Arbor Day Foundation itself (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and
education organization) is wonderful and does so many positive things to help our earth through tree planting and more. (Their motto is "We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees." Love!) The fact that they offer such meaningful gifts to honors loved ones in such an incredible way is just one more reason for me to love them. And the fact that it's so quick and simple to purchase the items a huge bonus. I can't wait to order more this season and beyond.

I am also teaming up with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away a Give-A-Tree Card Holiday 10-Pack (worth $39.95)! Just visit my Instagram to enter (you can enter on the photo of my mama and Essley looking at the holiday card), or click here to visit the raffle page for more info.

Who else finds joy in choosing gifts that have a positive impact on the earth or greater good?