This holiday season, try to be green when giving gifts.

There are a bunch of eco-friendly ways to show you care without excluding the Earth. Just be conscious of what you are buying and if you choose to create your own gifts, use materials that would make the planet happy.

Here are a few tips and ideas that should help you along the way.

When shopping, stay local and try to do most of it in the same day. This way you are driving less and using less gas. This is good for the planet and your wallet.

Choose stores that carry eco-friendly items or search vintage shops for the perfect nostalgic gift. Recycling objects and materials is one of the best ways to show the planet you care.

I’m sure you can find some recycled cards at Colony Cards and Gifts on Merrick Road or Cards Unlimited on Merrick Avenue. The LI Antiques Center on Sunrise Highway should have a huge selection of vintage finds that would make perfect gifts.

Create your own gifts with homemade baked goods or themed baskets. Everyone loves a good cookie! Baskets are great because the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s a dinner for two theme or an awesome collection of art supplies, the overall package can be done so many ways. This is one gift you can surely get creative with.

Stop by Home Goods to check out their collection of baskets and other items you could use. Trader Joes on Merrick Road has a great variety of organic/natural foods perfect for a gfit basket. Plants and flowers make gifts as well. Stop by Feldis Florist on Sunrise Highway to see what you can find.

Be wise when choosing wrapping paper. You don’t have to spend tons of money on paper that is just going to get torn up and thrown away. Try using things you have around the house like newspaper, magazine pages, construction paper, tissue paper or purchase recycled wrapping paper at the store. You can even make your own by drawing or painting on a piece. You never know, it might even get framed!

If you’re an artist, share your talent and give loved ones gifts with your stamp on it. Framing photographs or poems, creating a scrapbook and painting a work of art are just a few fantastic ideas. It makes gift giving much more personal.

Show your community you care by lending some of your time to a local charity such as the Pins for Pauly Foundation or help our a neighbor with yard work. You can even start a food drive or a bake sale to help the needy. Another good idea is to offer your time to a loved doing something nice like watching their kids or cooking a healthy dinner.

Never forget to smile and spread joy. The more people are nice and show consideration, the community will be a much happier place.

Have a happy holidays, Merrick!