Affordable Gifts for the Discerning Lover of Vedic Studies

During the holiday season, how do you select gifts that reflect your high state of consciousness? You are walking a fine line between consumerism and conscious gifting. Where to begin? Start with this list.

Books for "Enlightened" Adults

The Internet Sacred Text Archive On Disk - All the core texts of religion, mythology, folklore and the esoteric on one disk. Years of research and scholarship went into this product, and many of the over 750 texts were specially transcribed for this disk. DVD $99.95. http://www.sacred-texts.com/cdshop/amazon.htm

Autobiography of Vedic Astrologer Dr. B.V. Raman - It reads like a novel but teaches you so much. Read a review by Michael Laughrin. JDR Ventures $11.00. http://www.jdrventures.com/

Living with the Soul by Shree Maa - This true life story of Shree Maa is uplifting and filled with miracles and spirituality. Available at the Shreemaa.org website for $20. http://www.shreemaa.org/drupal/taxonomy_menu/55/96

Gifts for "Enlightened" Adults

Carbon Offset Gifts - Cars, homes, and travel put carbon dioxide into the air. Balance this with carbon offsets. Order gift certificates at Terrapass starting at $10. http://www.terrapass.com/gift/giftcertificate.html

LED Tire Alert - Tire cap turns red when your car's tire pressure is low. $34.95 for a set of 4. http://www.terrapass.com/green-store/energy-savers/

Digital Photo Keychain - Stores digital photos in a tiny keychain. Using the latest technology to stay close to the people and places you love. Available at most stores starting at $20, and at Brookstone.

Organic Chocolates - Dark chocolate contains antioxidants. Plus, in moderate quantities, it's delightful. Avoid the genetically modified corn sweeteners and pesticides by buying organic. Warning: some organic dark chocolate does not have enough sugar, so you may need to taste it first. Find organic, fair-trade chocolate at the health food store, or visit Sweet Earth Organic Chocolates.

Gift Certificates at Enlightened Clothing Stores - Buying clothing for a lady is a high-risk operation. Most of the time, a gift certificate is your best bet. Select a nearby organic clothing store or buy gift certificates online for stores such as Natural Selections (also available in Fairfield, Iowa).

Bookstore Gift Cards - Guys love bookstore gift cards! Every literate person loves bookstore gift cards! Gift cards have matured and they are the "hot" gift this season. Gift cards are available online and at stores like Borders, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, etc.

Gifts for New-Age Children

This year, we had an awakening about heavy metals, phthalates and lead paint in toys. Skip the toxic toys. If you can find a local toy store that has safe toys, shop there. Or try these safe toy websites:

Turner Toys - Wooden trains, balsa planes, sleds and tops and wooden blocks, rattles, puzzles, riding toys, for all creative girls & boys. http://www.turnertoys.com/

Maukilo - European Haba baby toys, Ravensburger puzzles, Selecta games, Kettler tricycles, Like-a-Bikes. http://www.maukilo.com/

Our Green House - Eco-friendly, all-safe toys and other products.
http://www.ourgreenhouse.com/

Adopt an Endangered Animal - The World Wildlife Fund offers gift packages for symbolic animal adoptions (certificate, photo, plush toy, etc). $25-$250.
https://secure.worldwildlife.org/ogc/index.cfm?sc=AWY0800WC00

"As on the inside, so on the outside." As you become more aware of how your decisions have an impact on the world, gently bring your friends and family to this same awareness through conscious gift-giving.

(c) copyright 2007 Michael Laughrin.

From the December 2007/January 2008 issue of Michael Laughrin's North American Jyotish Newsletter. The newsletter is administered through Yahoo Groups at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jyotish_ws/

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