Top 10 Best Eco Gifts

Winter birthdays coming up or still trying to find gifts for the holidays? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are the Top 10 Best Green Gifts that you can find right on Digs.com: 1. Collectors Robots- Who can resist! Perfect for the robot collector to the child within, these robots make great eco gifts made from recycled cardboard, bolts and bottle caps.

2. Origami Earrings & Necklaces- gorgeous origami crane and butterfly earrings made from recycled magazines are great eco gifts for mom.

3. Cork Cases- use the small case for your wallet, the medium case from your receipts to make-up and the large case for your iPad! Made from 100% recycled billboards and sustainable cork.

4. Leo Scarf- Great holiday eco gifts for those chilly winter days, the Leo Scarf has a matching Leo Cap and Leo Mittens. Made from natural fine Alpaca fiber.

5. Zebra Bag- Stylish, sophisticated and eco-friendly! These tote bags are great eco gifts, made from recycled and reclaimed rubber tires.

6. Kid's Metro Striped Scarf- warm, classic and has matching mittens and tassel hat, made from natural fine Alpaca fiber.

7. Women's Coco Sweater- the perfect sweater, you'll want one in each color. Knit and designed by master artisans up in the Andes mountains, this luxurious yolk neck sweater is hand made out of natural fine alpaca fiber.

8. TranSglass Lidded Carafe- the perfect eco gifts for someone who loves to decorate, buy one or get the whole set of glasses for a beautiful ensemble.

9. Recycled Glass Earrings & Necklaces- The lovely transparent jewelry is made from recycled Bombay Sapphire Gin bottles. The shape captures the motion of the liquid drop and captivates the sun when you move. Contemporary, chic and eco, we love it.

10. Felt Tote Bags- Made of all naturally dyed Alpaca wool high up in the Andes mountains, these low-slung felt bags are funky and functional, awesome eco gifts! The deep-set pocket is big enough for a laptop with plenty of extra room for all your essentials. Buy alone, or add a trio of our stellar brooches. Pin them to your bag, or clip them onto your sweater - the most versatile bag EVER!

Looking for specific eco gifts for Mom, Dad or the Kids? Check out our other shopping guide blog posts!

Holiday Green Gift Ideas for Dad

Trying to find the perfect gift for Dad this holiday season? At DIGS we have a great selection of green gift ideas for Dad that we know he'll love! 1. Clark Cable Knit Scarf, Gloves & Hat- Top quality and very luxurious green gift ideas, this set of super warm knitwear will keep dad warm during the cold winter months.

2. Spencer Striped Gloves & Hat- Great green gift ideas for the quirky dads, this set of winter wear is fun and cheerful. Made from 100% natural fine Alpaca wool.

3. Leo Scarf, Hat & Mittens- Elegant and stylish, this set of winter wear is made Fair Trade so they are great green gift ideas but also a must have for every Dad this holiday season.

4. Collectors Robots- Perfect for the inner boy in your Dad, these robots will bring him back to childhood. Made from recycled cardboard, posters and bottle caps, more creative green gift ideas.

5. Branch Lounge- A vital addition to any room, that has the look and design Dad will love. Add the branch lounge to dad's workshop, garage, home office or even his man-cave! Made from FSC certified, formaldehyde-free plywood that uses a soy based glue, they're true green gift ideas.

6. TransNeomatic Bowl- TransNeomatic is a conceptually innovative container bowl. Each recycled tire is thoroughly steam-cleaned and finished in an eco-friendly sealant. Handcrafted by skilled artisans from rural Vietnam. They're rugged and modern green gift ideas that Dad will love.

7. Mend Messenger Bag- Each Handbag has been individually created and sewn by a woman whose name is forever labeled within, connecting the consumer to the journey of their healing and advancement of the war-affected areas of Uganda. They're green gift ideas with a conscience, Dad will love the message behind the bag and love how useful it is for work, travel and everyday use.

8. Original Sailcloth Duffle Bag- This duffle is made of reclaimed sailcloth, they're striking, bold and modern green gift ideas. Clip in shoulder strap allows you to throw it over your shoulder or just use the handles to carry on the go. Perfect for travel, the gym or everyday use.

9. Office Escape Boxsal- Want to surprise Dad at work? The Office Escape Boxsal is the perfect way to spend the afternoon catching up with Dad and help him unload some stress from work. It's the perfect excuse to turn that boring spread sheet into a noon-time picnic blanket. Everything in the Boxsal is compostable, it's another inventive green gift idea.

10. Chad Checkered Scarf- Simple and handsome, this men's check scarf boasts all natural colors and was designed and hand made by top Bolivian artisans. Woven from natural fine alpaca, these scarves are green gift ideas that will make Dad look super stylish.

11. Cork Cases- Sustainable cork cases lined with recycled billboard comes in 3 sizes: a wallet, a pouch and a sack/iPad case. The small and medium cases can fit easily into Dad's pocket, satchel or laptop case. The large is a cool iPad case, folder for work papers or a handy travel case. They're super green gift ideas for all of Dads gadgets!

Handmade Christmas Gifts Shopping Guide

Every year, we all go searching through the shopping malls on christmas eve looking for the best gifts and presents at the last minute. This year do something different, and shop online for gifts early and skip the rush!  Here are some great DIGS  handmade christmas gifts for everyone in the family. Plus shop now and catch up on our Holiday Sale before the deadline!

1. Holiday Christmas Tree Ornaments - From gorgeous and classic Chrysanthemum and Dahlia flower ornaments, to rubber Robot, Llama and Taxi cab ornaments that are perfect for the kids. These ornaments are great handmade christmas gifts and are perfect for your own christmas tree as well, now on SALE!

2. Moon Alabaster Votives - These votives are a gorgeous accent to any living room, and give a great sense of warmth during those cold winter nights! It's another great handmade christmas gift.

3. Shea Radiance Shea & Coco Butter - Everyone could use a great shea butter during the holiday season. These lotions are perfect for chapping and drying cold winter weather. Handmade christmas gifts that will made your skin shine.

4. Eros Felt Necklace - Bold and modern, great handmade christmas gifts, wear it over a turtleneck or against your skin. With its ravishing red color, its the perfect accessory for your holiday cocktail parties!

5. Chrysanthemum Felt Brooches - Looking for great handmade christmas gifts? Look no further, these brooches are the perfect gift for any woman who loves to accessorize! Plus with fun holiday colors like red, green, blue and white, its another great addition for a holiday outfit.

6. Dahlia Felt Brooches - More beautiful handmade christmas gifts, that can be bought in bundle and given as a gift to everyone at the office!

7. Japan Flower Table Runner and Napkin Rings - This gorgeous and elegant table set can be given as beautiful handmade christmas gifts or can be used for your holiday dinner with the family.

8. Ojota Star Coasters - Celebrating Channukah? These star shaped coasters are a wonderful addition to any dinner set, and are great for the kid's table too!

9. Handknit Wool Pillow Covers - These pillow covers make great handmade christmas gifts and a  classic addition to any bedroom set or living room set.

10. Wool Getaway Blanket - A super warm wool blanket will be an appreciated handmade christmas gift for those cold winter days!

11. Glass Beaded Bracelet - A gift guaranteed that Mom will love, a gorgeous and glamorous bracelet with beautiful color glass beads. Comes in a varitey of colors, red and green for christmas or pick one with Mom's favorite color!

12. UM Carry Tote Bag - Another perfect choice for handmade christmas gifts, these UM Tote bags made from excess factory wool are a universal style that any woman will adore.

Browse and shop even more handmade christmas gifts perfect for every member of your family or friends at Digs.com.

DIGS Fall Newsletter 2011

Artisan Spotlight: Mend

Gulu, Uganda: In northern Uganda, thousands of girls have been kidnapped by a rebel army. After escaping an abusive life, these now grown women often return home as mothers. Unable to return to school because of their duties, they are left to fend for themselves. Many are trained to sew as part of their rehabilitation, and this- our latest and potentially greatest program to date- will further enable such women to MEND.

MEND has a sewing facility with 13 women, 1 Pattern/Fabric Cutter, 1 Technical Manager, and 1 Production Coordinator all based in Gulu, Uganda. All the women were former sex slaves, abducted very young & tortured for years by Joseph Kony's rebel army. Now they are all rehabilitated and have been given full time employment.

Mend is a new brand & handbag line by Revolutionaries at Invisible Children. Each Handbag has been individually created and sewn by a woman whose name is forever labeled within and will tell the story of the women who made it, and build into the healing and advancement of the war-affected areas of Uganda.

Special Designer Offer: Use code NL0804 to receive 20% off all MEND'S messenger bags! Available in black or army green, these spacious and comfortable bags are a back-to-school essential.

Independence Day Sale! 20% Off Everything!

Confessions of an Overworked Mom Giveaway

Confessions of an Overworked MOM is giving away our Black Felt Bag!

Ellen says, "This bag is the perfect fashion accessory for the college student heading off to school this fall. It's room enough for a laptop or a note book and book with a few pens and pencils as well. The classic black means that it will be an easy accessory to match with any outfit whether a casual pair of jeans or a more dressy outfit for an interview or internship position. The bag is also available in mauve and grey. I just love the rich, soft feel of the wool felt.  It's very well made and is holding up quite well to constant use."

Click here to find out how to enter the giveaway!  Good luck!

Digs Product Spotlight: Marrakech Beach Tote

Marrakech, Morocco: Designer Frederic Alcantara designed the Marrakech Beach Tote as a playful alternative to the pagne carried in St. Tropez.  Made from recycled tyvek advertising posters woven through palm leaves, this tote is this seasons stylish and sustainable must-have!  The short leather handles and ample interior fits your beach towel, blanket, picnic lunch, and magazines. Life's a beach with this bag!  Made exclusively for DIGS. Frederic, born in France, is a seasoned product developer who has designed and developed for many international brands and consulted for non-profits such as Aid to Artisans.  Working and residing in Morocco provides an unending stream of inspiration from its rich handicraft traditions

DIGS in Essence!

Along with our Multicolor Felt Cuff, Essence Magazine has featured our Marrakech Beach Tote in their July issue!

Use code "essence0611" for 30% off this great bag!

Essence Magazine June 2011-DIGS Marrakech Tote

We are officially having a summer romance with Essence Magazine!  Our Summer Marrakech Tote, handmade by women artisans in Morocco, is featured in their June issue.  Use code essence0611 for 30% off our marrakech tote!  Have you seen our Multicolored Felt Cuff also in the issue?

Designer Spotlight: Marie Havens

New York City: Marie Havens is a designer and photographer based in New York City.  She moved here at 17 to study fashion design at Parsons New School of Design, where she graduated with honors and the distinguished Designer of the Year award.  Marie has worked within the fashion and photography fields for over a decade -- traveling the world from Europe, Asia, and Central America to Mexico, Australia, and Africa.  She is currently the Design Director of MEND, the new accessories division of the media based non-profit Invisible Children.  Marie also collaborates and consults for celebrity photographer Patrick McMullan; a ten year working relationship that includes photographing events and designing his top selling photography book and exhibition: so80s: A Photograohic Diary of a Decade.  As a result, her design and photography work focuses on extremes in society, which greatly parallels her life and experiences in both New York City and Africa. Special Designer Offer:  Receive 20% off Marie's  Green and  Black Messenger Bags! Use Code NL0308 at checkout!

This weeks giveaway: Win our adorable Daisy May Headband - the perfect way to brighten your look!  Like DIGS on Facebook to find out how to enter!

Special Designer Offer ends Tuesday, March 15, 2011.  While supplies last.  Winners of previous giveaways may not enter to win. Winner will be named via email on Friday, March 11, 2011.

Designer Spotlight: Frederic Alcantara

Marrakech, Morocco: Frederic Alcantara was born in France.  He is a seasoned freelance product developer who has designed and developed for many international brands and a consultant for non-profits such as Aid to Artisans.  Today, he resides in Marrakech, Morocco, surrounded and inspired by unending streams of rich handicraft traditions. Special Designer Offer:  Receive 20% off Frederic's Tootsie and MagdaPacemats! Use Code NL0301 at checkout!

This weeks giveaway: Win our Felt Bag with Long Strap in Grey- A $70 value!  Like DIGS on Facebook to find out how to enter!

Designer Spotlight: Dieter Kaiser + Christa Laib of Raymisa

 

Lima, Peru: Dieter Kaiser and Christa Laib are experts working with textiles and natural dyes since 1970.  Between 2002 and 2008, they traveled back and forth from their native Germany to Peru to assist Raymisa in developing the venter for natural dyes and felt products.

Raymisa was founded in 1981, located at 4,000 meters above sea level in the Peruvian Andes in the town of Tinki in the Cusco region.  Its most important objective is to promote Peruvian handcraft, stimulate and preserve the creativity of artists and craftspeople, and also to promote the improvement of the quality of Peruvian products while respecting the cultural expressions and traditions in order to access the market.

Special Designer Offer:  Receive 20% off Raymisa's Felt Bag with Long Strap inBlack or Grey! Use Code NL0222 at checkout!

This weeks giveaway: Win our Sable Dispenser with Chrome Pump - A $52 value!  Like DIGS on Facebook to find out how to enter!

Designer Spotlight: RIKA

Lima, Peru: Industrial Designer Ricardo Geldres Piumatti, and plastic artist Kareen Nishimura Doy, established The Rika Collection in 2004. The name RIKA is a combination of both their names.  Rika is dedicated to design and develop products manufactured with nonconventional materials, rescuing artisan techniques and adding playfulness to each singular proposal. They make use of materials reusing, adapting and recycling them in an innovative way. They live in Lima, teach design at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica and have their studio just outside of Lima where they create their wonderful items by hand working side by side with their team and their mascot, Chingo.

Special Designer Offer:  Receive 20% off RIKA'S Ojata Purse! Use Code NL0118 at checkout!