It's the graduation season! Bring out the gifts and the hankies... your baby, little sister, big brother, the bully from down the street you babysat... are graduating and it's time to celebrate their well-earned achievements.
"Now glory be to God the Father who by His might power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of--infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." Ephesians 3:20
Miracles and Blessings, Kiki here... we're keeping the May college graduation decorations up here at iCafe Woman Moderne and adding a fresh bunch of latex balloons each week, which are biodegradable and compostable.
They break down in about six months. About the same amount of time it takes an oak leaf. We also have paper lanterns in a wide range of colors to represent various school colors. And yes, all of our decorations are eco-friendly.
(Chocolate and Peanut Butter Graduation Cupcakes)
Thanks for stopping by iCafe Woman Moderne... a virtual cafe for inter-generational women inside a mid-century Art Moderne home... for your graduation gift shopping pleasure.
Our iCafe Woman Moderne divas are fabulous at coming up with innovative and eco-friendly gift ideas. Why should graduation day be any different? So sit back with your favorite cold beverage, relax and let your eyes feast on these green wonders your special graduate will never forget.
No surprise here that Apple MacBooks are top graduation gifts. What many people don't know is that it's also environmental-friendly. Here's the breakdown:
a. Efficient Power Supply
MacBook has a highly efficient power supply that reduces the amount of power wasted when bringing electricity from the wall to your
computer. Lower power consumption reduces energy bills and lessens the
environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
b. Advanced Power Management
Unlike a lot of Windows-based PC systems, MacBook uses energy-efficient hardware components that work hand in hand with the operating system to conserve power. Mac OS X spins down hard drives and activates sleep mode on already energy-efficient LED-backlit displays. And it balances tasks across both central processors and graphics processors. It even regulates the processor between keystrokes, reducing power between the letters you type.
c. ENERGY STAR Qualification
2. Vintage or Upcycled Briefcase
I've said it before and I'll say it again. What's old is definitely new again. Let's say, you inherited a classic briefcase from a cherished grandparent that's collecting dust in an attic or basement, but with a little TLC... it can be good as new again. Why not pass on the legacy with a briefcase that was part of a cherished relative's work life.
Your grad will appreciate the sentimental value and the memories of grabbing the briefcase out of Mom, Dad or Nana's hand at five and playing CEO for hours. And now, seventeen years later... your college grad is well on her way to making it a reality. I just love the circle of life, don't you?
Vintage Cowhide Leather Briefcase
Recycled Street Sign Briefcase
Like the idea of recycling/upcycling an old briefcase, but don't have one? No worries here, you can find them at flea markets, thrift stores, online vintage sites, Etsy.com, Ebay.com and even on your local Craigslist.org.
3. Sustainable Desk - ReKindle Desk By InModern- $425
A healthy work environment is important whether it's at home or in a corporate setting. You'll rekindle your love for mid-century modern design with this stylish, green desk... while taking care of business.
Your recent college grad will make good use of this sustainable "ReKindle" modern desk. It's built from FSC/Rainforest Alliance Certified SmartWood with 100% formaldehyde-free adhesives, water-based stains and a UV cured finish to minimize volatile organic compounds and indoor air pollution.
All pieces are shipped flat to conserve packaging and reduce waste, and it assembles (and disassembles, for easy moving) without any tools.
4. Change The World Organic Pillow Cover, $19, pbteen.com
It's a known fact that the power of positive thinking feeds into your spirit and creates an abundant life. This statement pillow not only encourages high school/college grads to be green in their new living space (dorm or new apartment), but also encourages them to make a difference in their lives and leave a notable footprint in the world. But the encouragement and giving doesn't stop there. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and $5 of every purchase will go to www.dosomething.org.
5. Eco-Lounger - $159.99-$209.99
Your college-bound grad will study in style and comfort in this green chair. Filled with eco-friendly recycled materials, this supercush seat is easier on the environment and provides a comfy place to study, socialize and chill.
Loosely packed filling creates a casual, beanbag feel.Single: 34" wide x 36" deep x 28" high
Double: 42" wide x 36" deep x 28" high
Cotton twill with all-recycled polyester fill.
Designed with a plush backrest and arms for extra comfort.
Personalization is available for an additional $7.00.
Available in patterns and solids.
6. Plantable Journal,
$25, Uncommon Goods
Here's a place for grads to transcribe their new lives... those lovely struggles, challenges and joys that come with life's growing pains.
Yes, you can judge this journal by its sustainable cover made from 100% recycled office paper and wildflower seeds while the inside is also recycled paper. Once she's finished with filling it up with her deepest thoughts, she can plant the cover and watch the wildflowers spring up... kind of cathartic... don't you think?
7. Etón Soulra Solar Powered Sound System for iPod and iPhone (Black)
What will they think up next? Well, apparently they thought of a solar-powered charging dock. Soulra, an innovative solar powered charging dock for your iPhone or iPod has a re-chargable lithium ion battery pack, a rugged rubberized case and aluminum body that's splash proof. It also boasts bumping stereo sound with full range speaker drivers and bass boost. It doesn't get any better than that.
8. IZZO's Sun Spot Solar Charger...Power Up Anywhere! ($34.95)
When was the last time you saw kids without a gadget attached to their bodies? A solar charger is a practical and scientific graduation gift for elementary, middle school, high school and college grads. For the little ones, you can throw a solar lesson in there and quiz them later. Sure, this is a favorite for golfers and include GPS, but it works for all eco-minded ages.
IZZO's Sun Spot Solar Charger provides charging power anytime, anywhere with a little light. Pocket size, portable and super convenient. Compatible with cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, digital cameras... Provides instant backup power when needed. Includes 4-piece adaptor set and carabiner that conveniently clips onto backpacks.
9. Recycled Colored Pencil Picture Frame - Starting at $14.99
Ingenious! Color me unique with this innovative recycled colored pencil frame. It's a definite ice-breaker when your college-bound grad go off to college or first apartment.
10. Boogie Board Paperless LCD Writing Tablet - $32.99
No trees were sacrificed for your loved one's creative convenience. It lets you make lists, draw doodles, jot down thoughts all without paper or pencil. You write on it with the included stylus, or even your fingernail if need be. Without wasting paper or ink, the Boogie Board displays your notes and thoughts until you decide to erase them. And they erase simply with the touch of a button. Boogie Board sealed internal battery uses no power until you erase--and lasts for about 50,000 erases!
b. Advanced Power Management
Unlike a lot of Windows-based PC systems, MacBook uses energy-efficient hardware components that work hand in hand with the operating system to conserve power. Mac OS X spins down hard drives and activates sleep mode on already energy-efficient LED-backlit displays. And it balances tasks across both central processors and graphics processors. It even regulates the processor between keystrokes, reducing power between the letters you type.
c. ENERGY STAR Qualification
MacBook meets the stringent low power requirements set by the
EPA, making it ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR 5.0 sets
significantly higher efficiency limits for power supplies and aggressive
limits for the computer’s typical annual power consumption.
d. Fewer Toxins
BFR-Free, PVC-Free, Lead-Free, Mercury-Free Display, Arsenic-Free Display Glass.
e. Lasts Up to Five Years
Battery in the newest MacBook lasts up to five years, and seven hours per charge.
Battery in the newest MacBook lasts up to five years, and seven hours per charge.
2. Vintage or Upcycled Briefcase
I've said it before and I'll say it again. What's old is definitely new again. Let's say, you inherited a classic briefcase from a cherished grandparent that's collecting dust in an attic or basement, but with a little TLC... it can be good as new again. Why not pass on the legacy with a briefcase that was part of a cherished relative's work life.
Your grad will appreciate the sentimental value and the memories of grabbing the briefcase out of Mom, Dad or Nana's hand at five and playing CEO for hours. And now, seventeen years later... your college grad is well on her way to making it a reality. I just love the circle of life, don't you?
Vintage Cowhide Leather Briefcase
Recycled Street Sign Briefcase
Get Ready for Life in the Fast Lane!
A perfect gift for the young woman about town, this one-of-a-kind
briefcase are for those driving their God-given gifts toward their life's purpose. The aluminum
case, created by artist Tripp Gregson,
gets its dose of color and modern iconography from lawfully salvaged
traffic signs. Interior organizer and file pockets, combination locks, a
laptop compartment and carrying strap get you to the office and back in style and functionality. Its unique exterior will stop all eye traffic.
Made in China. The veneer work is done in North Carolina.
Upcycle Vintage Cowhide Leather Briefcase
Creative professionals-to-be will love this vintage cowhide leather briefcase upcycled with vintage Heathcliff comics. You can easily do this yourself and decoupaged it with your grad's favorite comics e.g. Cathy.
Upcycle Vintage Cowhide Leather Briefcase
Creative professionals-to-be will love this vintage cowhide leather briefcase upcycled with vintage Heathcliff comics. You can easily do this yourself and decoupaged it with your grad's favorite comics e.g. Cathy.
The linen interior looks like it has never been used.
Like the idea of recycling/upcycling an old briefcase, but don't have one? No worries here, you can find them at flea markets, thrift stores, online vintage sites, Etsy.com, Ebay.com and even on your local Craigslist.org.
3. Sustainable Desk - ReKindle Desk By InModern- $425
A healthy work environment is important whether it's at home or in a corporate setting. You'll rekindle your love for mid-century modern design with this stylish, green desk... while taking care of business.
Your recent college grad will make good use of this sustainable "ReKindle" modern desk. It's built from FSC/Rainforest Alliance Certified SmartWood with 100% formaldehyde-free adhesives, water-based stains and a UV cured finish to minimize volatile organic compounds and indoor air pollution.
All pieces are shipped flat to conserve packaging and reduce waste, and it assembles (and disassembles, for easy moving) without any tools.
4. Change The World Organic Pillow Cover, $19, pbteen.com
It's a known fact that the power of positive thinking feeds into your spirit and creates an abundant life. This statement pillow not only encourages high school/college grads to be green in their new living space (dorm or new apartment), but also encourages them to make a difference in their lives and leave a notable footprint in the world. But the encouragement and giving doesn't stop there. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and $5 of every purchase will go to www.dosomething.org.
5. Eco-Lounger - $159.99-$209.99
Your college-bound grad will study in style and comfort in this green chair. Filled with eco-friendly recycled materials, this supercush seat is easier on the environment and provides a comfy place to study, socialize and chill.
Double: 42" wide x 36" deep x 28" high
Cotton twill with all-recycled polyester fill.
Designed with a plush backrest and arms for extra comfort.
Personalization is available for an additional $7.00.
Available in patterns and solids.
6. Plantable Journal, $25, Uncommon Goods Here's a place for grads to transcribe their new lives... those lovely struggles, challenges and joys that come with life's growing pains.
Yes, you can judge this journal by its sustainable cover made from 100% recycled office paper and wildflower seeds while the inside is also recycled paper. Once she's finished with filling it up with her deepest thoughts, she can plant the cover and watch the wildflowers spring up... kind of cathartic... don't you think?
What will they think up next? Well, apparently they thought of a solar-powered charging dock. Soulra, an innovative solar powered charging dock for your iPhone or iPod has a re-chargable lithium ion battery pack, a rugged rubberized case and aluminum body that's splash proof. It also boasts bumping stereo sound with full range speaker drivers and bass boost. It doesn't get any better than that.
8. IZZO's Sun Spot Solar Charger...Power Up Anywhere! ($34.95)When was the last time you saw kids without a gadget attached to their bodies? A solar charger is a practical and scientific graduation gift for elementary, middle school, high school and college grads. For the little ones, you can throw a solar lesson in there and quiz them later. Sure, this is a favorite for golfers and include GPS, but it works for all eco-minded ages.
IZZO's Sun Spot Solar Charger provides charging power anytime, anywhere with a little light. Pocket size, portable and super convenient. Compatible with cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, digital cameras... Provides instant backup power when needed. Includes 4-piece adaptor set and carabiner that conveniently clips onto backpacks.
9. Recycled Colored Pencil Picture Frame - Starting at $14.99
Ingenious! Color me unique with this innovative recycled colored pencil frame. It's a definite ice-breaker when your college-bound grad go off to college or first apartment.
10. Boogie Board Paperless LCD Writing Tablet - $32.99
No trees were sacrificed for your loved one's creative convenience. It lets you make lists, draw doodles, jot down thoughts all without paper or pencil. You write on it with the included stylus, or even your fingernail if need be. Without wasting paper or ink, the Boogie Board displays your notes and thoughts until you decide to erase them. And they erase simply with the touch of a button. Boogie Board sealed internal battery uses no power until you erase--and lasts for about 50,000 erases!
