Impact Story

Holiday gifting: Wrap it up with five practical ideas

Does the idea of holiday shopping make you break out in a cold sweat? The DCSEU team has collected five solid gifting options this year, each one guaranteed to pull you out of that exhausting ‘don’t know what to give them’ spiral. No ugly sweaters here; just practical, energy-saving cheer. Remember, an energy-efficient home is a healthier home—and there’s no place like a healthy home for the holidays. 

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  Don’t let the sun catch them cryin’.

  Portable Solar Charger | Starting at around $40. We’ve all been there: Your device runs out of power at the very worst moment. That said, who on your list wouldn’t love a solar charger? This handy, portable gadget captures the energy-packed rays of the sun to charge depleted batteries and turn technology frowns upside down—on the go. Pair it with a portable power bank to ensure ample juice on days the sun won’t cooperate. Dry their eyes with the BigBlue SolarPowa 28 Portable Charger.

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  Let it shine with this little light (of mine).

  LED Smart Bulb | Starting at around $6. For over a century, Edison’s incandescent light bulb held the top spot in home lighting. What would Thomas think of an LED smart bulb? We bet he’d be giddy, creating timer schedules, adjusting brightness and warmth, and rocking the color-change features to match his mood. Know what else he’d be doing? Saving energy and money. We doubt you know anyone who’d love an LED smart bulb as much as Edison, but we still think they’d enjoy the GE Cync reveal HD+ Smart Bulb.

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  Stir it up!

  Kitchen Countertop Compost Bin | Starting at around $30. Holiday leftovers are a joy. But what happens to the food no one eats, scraped from plates? Oxygen-poor landfills produce methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. A countertop composter is a great way to keep food waste out of the landfill. Help a loved one reduce their carbon footprint and mix up some natural, nutrient-rich garden fertilizer. We like the Bamboozle Astrik Compost Bin.

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  Don’t paint it black—put up a curtain.

  Blackout Curtain | Starting at around $25. Sleeping is serious business. For folks who prefer a dark bedroom, blackout curtains are a must. Did you know they have a hidden talent? Insulating properties. Your window doesn’t have to be open for precious warmth to escape. Help friends and family hold on to their heat (and stay cooler in the summer) with thermal, energy-efficient blackouts. Check out the IKEA Rosenmandel Blackout Curtain.

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  Love is in the air.

  Air Purifier | Starting at around $100. The holidays are a festival of the senses. Whether you’re dealing with the unique aroma of Grandma’s casserole or the aftermath of Uncle Jimmy’s third helping, an air purifier can help you breathe easier. First, consider the square footage of the space you want cleaned. Next, select an ENERGY STAR® model with a high-quality HEPA filter to remove the airborne particulates that can cause irritation—even illness. We recommend the Medify Air MA-25 Air Purifier. Be sure to nab our $50 rebate.

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The DCSEU is your partner for an energy-efficient, healthy home this season and all year ‘round. Visit our rebates page for generous savings on everything from ENERGY STAR televisions to electric induction stoves. Happy holidays from our family to yours.