You better not pout, you better not cry, but if you did I’d say that I understand why. For those of us who lack such time-saving devices as a team of uber-industrious elves or a jug of high-octane reindeer fuel, it can be a daunting if not insurmountable challenge to get all the gingerbread men properly decorated, the freshly cut Doug fir thoroughly tinseled, and every stocking hung by the chimney with care.
But at least when it comes time to stuff those stockings with thoughtful, meaningful treasures that have been produced ethically and without exploitation of the Earth or her inhabitants, Bambu Batu has a few bamboo gift ideas to help ease your holiday shopping while adroitly avoiding such dreaded pitfalls as the Walmart parking lot catastrophe or the Best Buy customer service fail.
So without further ado, here’s our Top Eight list of items under $20 for this holiday season.
#1. One of our all-time most popular items, the re-usable and indispensable bamboo spork. Arm yourself for a power lunch, and proper picnic or a simple appetizer… this one tool does it all. Available with or without the handsome cork carrying case.
#2. You may not be so traditional as to roast your own chestnuts, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying an open fire. Even the smallest of fires—produced from the non-toxic wick of an eco-friendly and naturally scented beeswax candle from Big Dipper Wax Co.—can be a genuine pleasure this time of year.
#3. Can’t think of anything more creative than an entirely utilitarian personal hygiene item? Yes, toothbrushes are a welcome addition to every stocking. So how about a bamboo toothbrush from Smile Squared? For every toothbrush purchased, another is donated to child in the developing world who needs one. Win-win!
#4. In the spirit of less-than-original stocking stuffers, don’t forget to stock up on bamboo socks and underwear, and start 2015 on the right foot!
#5. Another great gift for the avid traveler, or anyone who likes to eat on the go, the travel utensil set from To-Go Ware (available from Amazon) eliminates the need for disposable plastic ware, and adds a touch of class to every impromptu take out dining session, with bamboo fork, knife, spoon and even a durable pair of chopsticks.
#6. For purposes of personal pampering, it doesn’t get much better than a fluffy soft bamboo washcloth from Daisy House. Savor the sumptuous luxury of a super absorbent face cloth with the finest bamboo towels on the market. (Named best overall towel by the Wall Street Journal!)
#7. As a Bambu Batu customer, we know you care about shopping local, so don’t forget to pick up a few bars from Poppy Soap Co., handmade with love by Lindy LaRoche of Los Osos, available in eight remarkable recipes.
#8. I almost forgot the most import thing about holiday giving: the children! Spoil your little ones with a new set of bamboo pajamas from Yala, just about the most snuggly things on earth.
2021 UPDATE: Adapting to the COVID-19 situation, we’ve had to make some pretty drastic changes here at Bambu Batu. We closed our brick & mortar store in San Luis Obispo, CA, in May 2020, but we continue to maintain our online presence. For now we present Bambu Batu as an online information resource only. But you can still support us by buying from our partners listed in the SHOP tab above.
