Ocean Friendly Holiday Gifts
The Holiday SEAson is upon us, and with that comes an abundance of gift-giving. While getting gifts is nice, finding gifts to give isn’t always the easiest, which is why we have put together this list of gifts at various price points that are ocean-friendly.
If you are looking for a gift for the wine or cider drinker in your life, look no further than Proud Pour Wines. From Rose for Reefs, Sauvignon Blanc to Save the Ocean, to Cider for Sea Turtles and more, each of the Proud Pours wines or cider give 5% of their top-line revenue back to environmental restoration partners. They support science based non-profits like the Billion Oyster Project which has restored 16 million wild oysters and S.E.C.O.R.E. who has grown and planted over 250 baby corals helping to restore damaged coral reefs. The average cost of a bottle of Proud Pour wine, if you can find it locally, is between $10-$15, though it may cost a little bit extra if you have it shipped directly.
If you have a friend or family member who likes to stay cozy and loves marine life, perhaps you should consider a gift from the PADI Gear shop. They have several styles, but the Whale Shark hoodie comes in three colors and in sizes from XS-3XL. Aside from its fintastic print, this high quality hoodie is made from organic cotton, and recycled plastic! If the $75 price point on this is a bit much for your budget, maybe consider the Whale Shark Camper Mug instead, which is only $12. One last thing to consider, especially if the person you are buying for is a Scuba Diver, is the Trshbg Ocean Cleanup Bag. It is a wearable accessory you can use to collect and contain trash you come across while diving. These are handmade from upcycled materials which mean this $40 gift is a bespoke one of a kind item.
Do you have a seafood lover you need to find something for? Why not consider a dining experience at a restaurant that serves sustainable seafood? If they prefer to cook, how about a gift certificate to one of the local San Diego sustainable seafood markets like Carlsbad Aquafarms or Tuna Harbor Dockside market. Make sure to check out our website for a list of the local Southern California Sustainable Markets to find the one nearest you. While some of the markets like the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market have a minimum of $50 for gift certificates, you could always pick up some shellfish or a few filets and surprise someone with a home cooked meal.
Did you know the average person uses 580 drinking straws a year? That's a lot of single use plastic waste, which is why this next gift idea is perfect for anyone in your life. A wonderful item you could give someone is a reusable straw. A local family run company in Washington State, called Drinking Straws, makes socially conscious and eco-friendly glass drinking straws and carrying cases. You can get regular sized or smoothie/ Boba straws and each one comes with a lifetime guarantee. Even the straw sleeves they sell are made out of organic cotton. The prices range from $1.75 for the cleaning brushes up to $80 family travel packs, however on average you can purchase a straw, a sleeve carrying case, and a cleaning brush for around $20 and they have dozens of designs to choose from!
Last but now least, a gift for that ocean loving friend who has everything. Consider making a donation to the R/V Pilar. Your donation could help to support clean up events, the work we do to raise awareness about mylar balloons, or even a tag to help study billfish so we can learn more about their populations. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and your donations are tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated.
