Just in time for gift-giving season, Kim Carlson, eco-expert and founder of EarthSmart Consumer Certified, is ushering the holidays with the 12 ways of gifting. This is the perfect time of year to get in the green spirit. Many Americans are still on tight budgets with savings on their minds. Before disposing of commonly tossed items, stop and rethink it. Can it be made more attractive, repaired or crafted into something else? Give it a second-life. Below are the 12 ways of gifting that are wallet and eco-friendly.

* Extra or leftover fabric? Make cloth-covered gift boxes or bags instead of wrapping paper.

* Cover gift boxes with leftover contact paper or wallpaper.

* Use saved bows from other gifts. It’s ok to reuse these items as long as you’re not giving it to the person who gave it to you.

* Last year’s holiday cards make great gift tags. When cutting the card, use decorative scissors for a little something extra.

* Take a walk through Mother Nature and collect pinecones. Pinecones with raffia (ribbon made from a plant) are great for adorning boxes.

* Ice cream lovers start collecting and saving your cartons. Take a washed out and clean cylinder ice cream carton. Cover the outside and use as gift containers.

* Old paint and coffee cans are great for shipping or using as a gift box in a fun creative way. Make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned and decorate the outside. It can even be a double gift where the person can use the paint can for storing or organizing items.

* Shipping? If you have leftover – or don’t mind popping extra dry popped popcorn for movie night – this is a great way to send a treat for the birds while protecting your package.

* Reusable items such as hair bows, ornaments, shoe laces or toys can adorn packages and gift bags. Again, they can double as gifts as well.

* Stencils or pictures from holiday cards pasted onto a plain brown paper bag or box.

* Old neckties can make clever bows on any gift. The silkiness of the neckties glams up any old box without needing much work.

* For those who have old faux flowers collecting dust, use them for gift wrapping and to dress up ordinary boxes. Just be sure to dust them first.

Remember, get creative, these are only starter ideas. Feel free to try alternative gifting options that are green as well. After the holidays, be sure to use leftover gift wrap to line shelves or drawers. Also it can be cut to make great scratch pads by stringing together.

For more information on Kim, please visit www.earthsmartconsumer.com.