December 11th, 2008 · 1 Comment

Our cocooning fantasy basket

We’ll admit something right up front with this one – you’re going to need a big basket. But at the end of the road, you’ll have created something truly earthy and original for the person whose home reminds you of a little zen boutique hotel. They’ll cocoon with a renewed appreciation for light, warmth, texture, softness and sound.

Viva Terra’s Multi-Colored River Stone Mat ($59) got this started; imagine your toes feeling their way through this mosaic of smooth river stones, a sensual experience straight from the outdoors. Available in white, ochre, black or multi-colored, the mat makes a visual and textural statement you’ll want to build on. We believe in contrast, so we’re moving straight to Our Green House’s Brushed Cotton Organic Blanket ($119-$199), made from the softest organic cotton grown in Egypt, with no bleaches, dyes or perfumes.

Sprinkle these around the room for touches of light: Eco Choices’ Beeswax or Soy Votives and Tea Lights ($7-$8 for 3 votives; $8.50-$9 for 6 tea lights). They come in scented and unscented; if you opt for the latter, then you might include the Napa Soap Home Diffusers from Nimli ($38, right). It uses natural reeds to send the gentle essential oil scents of lavender, grapefruit or orange through a room.

Earth, water, fire, air – let’s add metal, with a hand-hammered Copper Vase from EcoChoices, which comes in different shapes and sizes to complement almost any décor ($49-$170). Tuck a little ambience in with Gaiam’s Experiential CD set ($20); the three CDs are named Comfort (classical compositions), Exhale (instrumental melodies) and Serenity (harp music), and are meant to inspire and uplift.

Final touches? We are imagining your recipient relaxing with ease, listening to soft music, enjoying the sights, sounds, scents and feel of everything you’ve gathered. There’s just one sense missing – taste. Add a pair of exquisite Indian Sivam Pottery Mugs ($12) from Grounds for Change and a Velvet Tea Caddy of Fair Trade Teas from Numi Tea ($24), and finish with a tiny something sweet – Organic Bouquet’s Decadent Truffle Gift Box ($35). You’ve almost ensured that they’ll never leave home again.

Ho, ho, ho.

Pages: 1 2 3