This past year I have learned to embraced my artistic self. Heck, I went to art school for goodness sake! Now that I am out of the baby and toddler stages and into the preschool stage, I am able to really enjoy the crafts with my kids. Since working with The Kiwi Crate Studio, I have found tons of great craft ideas that are on my bucket list to do. You should really check them out if you haven’t already!

They recently launched their kids craft materials shop, which is very cool! The shop is filled with top-quality materials, hand-picked by the kids art experts. I can personally say, doing crafts with quality art supplies makes ALL the difference. Here are some of my favorite products they carry are: Eco Dough, Wooden Beads, Eco Watercolor pigment powder and their easy grip Oil Pastels.

For more top quality craft supplies, visit The Kiwi Crate Studio Store.

Have you ever gone to your favorite store that starts with a “T” and ends with a “t” as you shop through the aisles with your restless and antsy child? And maybe you spend a little more money than you should because they have a way of sidetracking you from your shopping list. I promise you’re not alone…

My friends if you have not discovered Soap.com yet, I am here to tell you that they are the perfect solution for the eco-lifestyle parent looking to escape exhaustive trips to the store, long lines, and lugging bags in one hand and child in the other. Soap.com has come up with a simple idea to make life easier for parents.

Shopping online beats waiting in line any day. With Soap.com, there are no trips to the store, no circling the aisles, and of course, no waiting in line. Ever.”

Soap.com is giving one lucky Family Sponge reader a $100 giftcard + A Method Home Starter Bundle which contains all of the non-toxic home essentials you need to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

How Soap.com works

With over 40,000 household, health and beauty essentials (including grocery and school supplies), you shop for the products you love and adore that are easily categorized by traits like Organic USDA Certified, Gluten-Free, Bio-Degradable, and Vegan.

They carry my personal favorite and trusted brands like: Method, Seventh Generation, Burt’s Bees, Yes To, and Tom’s Toothpaste. And I’m pretty sure your entire shopping list can be taken care of here too.

While you’re spending quality time with your family, Soap.com does the dirty work for you. They stock, package and ship your “shopping cart” straight to your doorstep. It’s shopping made simple: Browse, Add to cart, Checkout, Pay, Done. Now go be the awesome parent you are and play!

I don’t think that I will ever buy the items offered on soap.com in the store ever again. It eliminates the hassle of shopping, fitting the items in my car, and unloading them when I get home along with 3 children.”

Why we love Soap.com…

I love the idea of skipping weekly trips to the store. I have found many days where I miss a fun trip to the museum or super fun play date because I have to stock up on the family household essentials. With Soap.com, you get every favorite product you adore under one virtual roof which makes shopping convenient.

And if you are like me, I am sure you normally spend over $49, which means you get free shipping. So now not only do you skip long lines, heavy bags and driving, you also get your goodies delivered to your door! Simply order by 6 p.m., and you will receive your package within 2 business days– such a sweet deal.

Enter the giveaway now!

Soap.com is giving one Family Sponge reader a $100 Soap.com giftcard + Method Home starter bundle.  Here is what you have to do to qualify for this awesome giveaway:

1: VISIT Soap.com

2: LIKE Family Sponge on Facebook.

SUBMIT: After you complete these two steps, please comment below this post and share what’s your biggest challenge when shopping for home essentials with kids in tow. This is how you will be entered in the giveaway.

…………….

BONUS ENTRY SHARE this giveaway on your own Facebook wall. Leave an additional comment below letting us know.

BONUS ENTRY SUBSCRIBE to the Family Sponge Newsletter. Leave an additional comment below letting us know.

* This giveaway ends Dec 21, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.

** Soap.com is also giving Family Sponge readers 20% off  their first order. Use coupon code SOAPFAMILY when ordering online. Also, orders over $49 ship free in 2 days or less (no coupon code necessary).

Comment below to win.

ENTER OUR 10 DAYS OF AWESOME GIVEWAYS!

#1 Elf on the Shelf: Enter here Dec. 3 – 10
#2 Cuppow Mason Jar Lids: Enter here Dec. 4 – 11
#3 sugarSNAP Car Organizer: Enter here Dec. 5 – 12
#4 Yes To Carrots $100 worth of products: Enter here Dec. 6 – 13
#5 Kiwi Crate 6-Month Subscription: Enter here Dec. 7 – 14
#6 Honest Company Essentials Bundle: Enter here Dec. 10 – 17
#7 Land of Nod $100 Gift Card: Enter here Dec. 11 – 18
#8 Laundry Tree Soap Nuts: Enter here Dec. 12 – 19
#9 31 Bits $100 worth of jewelry: Enter here Dec. 13 – 20
#10 Soap.com $100 Gift Card + Method Home Starter Bundle: Enter here Dec. 14 – 21

I took an art class in college where we turned pieces of paper into beautiful things. We made intricate paper airplanes, two-story houses and 3-d objects— all from paper. Yet never once did I come up with something as beautiful as these necklaces made from paper beads. These Ugandan women are incredible artists. I am a huge fan of 31 Bits— not only is their jewelry vibrant and beautiful, but their heart is in the right place.  Watch this video to see how 31 Bits is revolutionizing the way people do business. They are transforming a community in Uganda and empowering women to rise above poverty and transform them from the inside out.

31 Bits has partnered with us to give away $100 worth of 31 Bits jewelry to one lucky winner. Keep reading on if you want a chance to win these incredible necklaces and bracelet in the picture below!

Why we love 31 Bits…

31 Bits is a company that rocks. It started when Kallie Dove, a college student traveled to Uganda in 2007. She was changed from the experience and wanted to find a way to help these Ugandan women who were living in poverty. The answer came through the paper beads these woman made into jewelry. Talk about some eco-love! The jewelry is beautiful, but the women behind 31 Bits are even more beautiful. Make sure to check out 31 Bits and learn more about their awesome mission.

Enter the giveaway now!

Family Sponge is giving away $100 worth of jewelry from 31 Bits to one lucky readers. Winner gets the Swift necklace in blue,  the Loom bracelet in navy, and the Bellflower necklace in maroon.  Here is what you have to do to qualify for this awesome giveaway:

1: VISIT 31 Bits.

2: LIKE Family Sponge on Facebook.

SUBMIT: After you complete these two steps, please comment below and tell us something you have made from paper. This is how you will be entered in the giveaway.

BONUS ENTRY SHARE this giveaway on your own Facebook wall. Leave an additional cmment below letting us know.

BONUS ENTRY SUBSCRIBE to the Family Sponge Newsletter. Leave an additional cmment below letting us know.
* This giveaway ends Dec 20, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.

Comment below to win.

ENTER OUR 10 DAYS OF AWESOME GIVEWAYS!

#1 Elf on the Shelf: Enter here Dec. 3 – 10
#2 Cuppow Mason Jar Lids: Enter here Dec. 4 – 11
#3 sugarSNAP Car Organizer: Enter here Dec. 5 – 12
#4 Yes To Carrots $100 worth of products: Enter here Dec. 6 – 13
#5 Kiwi Crate 6-Month Subscription: Enter here Dec. 7 – 14
#6 Honest Company Essentials Bundle: Enter here Dec. 10 – 17
#7 Land of Nod $100 Gift Card: Enter here Dec. 11 – 18
#8 Laundry Tree Soap Nuts: Enter here Dec. 12 – 19
#9 31 Bits $100 worth of jewelry: Enter here Dec. 13 – 20
#10 Soap.com $100 Gift Card + Method Starter Kit: Enter here Dec. 14 – 21

What in the world are soapnuts? I asked myself this question last June when I stumbled upon Laundry Tree while looking for a homemade laundry detergent recipe. Turns out this 100% all natural Himilayan dried fruit (it’s actually not a nut) is an excellent alternative to traditional laundry detergents. And after six months of using soapnuts, I totally agree– they do work for every day laundry duty. (Note: for heavily soiled clothes, I add in Oxi Clean to give it a boost).

Soapnuts are great for those with sensitive skin — including babies and those that suffer from allergies, eczema, and psoriasis. They’re totally biodegradeable, which means they are better for the environment than regular detergent. Also, they’re antimicrobial, so they’re even good for septic systems. So are you ready to try Laundry Tree soapnuts?

Laundry Tree is giving five Family Sponge readers SoapNut Starter Kits. Each kit contains enough soapnuts and fragrance to wash nearly 40 loads of laundry with SoapNuts.

How soap nuts works

Put 3-5 soapnuts in the drawstring bag that’s included with your Laundry Tree SoapNut Starter kit. Tie it closed and place in your washer with your dirty clothes. Turn on the washer and let run the entire cycle. That’s it! It’s shocking how simple it is, but that’s why I love it. Your clothes will come out clean and chemical-free. If you prefer them to have a scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the bag and run it through the wash.

Why we love Laundry Tree…

Laundry Tree began in the laundry aisle of the grocery store while searching for a safe laundry detergent that wasn’t outrageously priced. After trying product after product, they found soapnuts and they fell in love. The business is run by really great people who are committed to fair and ethical business practices.

Enter the giveaway now!

Laundry Tree is giving five Family Sponge readers SoapNut Starter Kits.  Here is what you have to do to qualify for this awesome giveaway:

1: VISIT Laundry Tree. 

2: LIKE Family Sponge on Facebook.

SUBMIT: After you complete these two steps, please comment below this post and share why you want to win Laundry Tree soapnuts. This is how you will be entered in the giveaway.

…………….

BONUS ENTRY SHARE this giveaway on your own Facebook wall. Leave an additional cmment below letting us know.

BONUS ENTRY SUBSCRIBE to the Family Sponge Newsletter. Leave an additional cmment below letting us know.
* This giveaway ends Dec 19, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.

** Laundry Tree is also giving Family Sponge readers 25% off between December 12 – December 18. Use coupon code PLAYGROUND when ordering online. Also, orders over $39 ship free (no coupon code necessary).

Comment below to win.

ENTER OUR 10 DAYS OF AWESOME GIVEWAYS!

#1 Elf on the Shelf: Enter here Dec. 3 – 10
#2 Cuppow Mason Jar Lids: Enter here Dec. 4 – 11
#3 sugarSNAP Car Organizer: Enter here Dec. 5 – 12
#4 Yes To Carrots $100 worth of products: Enter here Dec. 6 – 13
#5 Kiwi Crate 6-Month Subscription: Enter here Dec. 7 – 14
#6 Honest Company Essentials Bundle: Enter here Dec. 10 – 17
#7 Land of Nod $100 Gift Card: Enter here Dec. 11 – 18
#8 Laundry Tree Soap Nuts: Enter here Dec. 12 – 19
#9 31 Bits $100 worth of jewelry: Enter here Dec. 13 – 20
#10 Soap.com $100 Gift Card + Method Starter Kit: Enter here Dec. 14 – 21

Looking for unique gift ideas for your kids that will make you smile and want to do the happy dance? Then make your life easier by visiting The Land of Nod’s gift guides categorized by ages, themes, gift sets, and Nod’s exclusives and top picks! When shopping for kids of all ages, The Land of Nod is your one-stop online shopping destination for beautifully hand-picked, kid-friendly, and adult-approved furniture and toys. Their goods make you want to be a kid again!

Now is your chance to win a $100 giftcard from The Land of Nod– making this holiday season full of awesomeness!

Why we love The Land of Nod…

The Land of Nod makes shopping simple. We love simple. We also like pretty things and eco-friendly toys which this online store is stocked full of, from room organization and decor to planet-friendly toys, Land of Nod has you covered. They have an impeccable way of blending imagination play toys that are developmentally appropriate while not sacrificing quality and design, so your home (even when filled with Land of Nod goodies) makes you still feel like an adult. And that’s why we love, love, love Land of Nod. Here are a few Land of Nod items that are on my personal wish list:

Land of Nod Wish List: 1. A Teepee to Call Your Own | 2. Fold and Go Farm | 3. Bin There Done That Floor Book Bin

And if you need one more reason to love this company the way we do, their shopping cart checkout gives you an easy option to add $5 to your order to end childhood hunger. Yup, The Land of Nod teams up with No Kid Hungry giving you a chance to give back.

Enter the giveaway now!

Family Sponge is giving away a $100 giftcard to one lucky reader from The Land of Nod! Here is what you have to do to qualify for this awesome giveaway:

1: VISIT Land of Nod

2: LIKE Family Sponge on Facebook.

SUBMIT: After you complete these two steps, please comment below this post and tell us which item you would want to buy if you won the giftcard (creating wish lists are so much fun!). This is how you will be entered in the giveaway.

BONUS ENTRY SHARE this giveaway on your own Facebook wall. Leave an additional cmment below letting us know.

BONUS ENTRY SUBSCRIBE to the Family Sponge Newsletter. Leave an additional cmment below letting us know.

* This giveaway ends Dec 18, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.

** Save 10% off your Land of Nod order today when you sign-up to receive emails on Land of Nod’s homepage!

Comment below to win.

ENTER OUR 10 DAYS OF AWESOME GIVEWAYS!

#1 Elf on the Shelf: Enter here Dec. 3 – 10
#2 Cuppow Mason Jar Lids: Enter here Dec. 4 – 11
#3 sugarSNAP Car Organizer: Enter here Dec. 5 – 12
#4 Yes To Carrots $100 worth of products: Enter here Dec. 6 – 13
#5 Kiwi Crate 6-Month Subscription: Enter here Dec. 7 – 14
#6 Honest Company Essentials Bundle: Enter here Dec. 10 – 17
#7 Land of Nod $100 Gift Card: Enter here Dec. 11 – 18
#8 Laundry Tree Soap Nuts: Enter here Dec. 12 – 19
#9 31 Bits $100 worth of jewelry: Enter here Dec. 13 – 20
#10 Soap.com $100 Gift Card + Method Starter Kit: Enter here Dec. 14 – 21

I remember the first time I stumbled upon The Honest Company — I immediately embraced their mission and impressive line of eco-friendly products. Making the world a better place is always high on my to-do list, and I love how The Honest Company did all the research so that I can feel good about buying their household products. Here is part of their story that totally resonated with me:

Our goal is to relieve you of a few tasks by delivering the best family essentials to your doorstep – to simplify your life and bring more delight to every day. Our dream is to re-define the “family brand” and create something – with you – that’s better for all families, everywhere.

Together, we can do better.

We can do better! Change starts with us and I have jumped on the train. Now we are giving you a chance to join us. The Honest Company has partnered with Family Sponge to give away a Family Essentials Bundle to two lucky readers.

Why we love The Honest Company…

Their name says it all. The Honest Company creates products your family can trust. They work hard to create unquestionably safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient, and affordable essentials for your family. It’s exhausting reading the labels of products before you buy them; and now you don’t have to. You can sign up for monthly bundles and have your essentials sent right to your door. So far, my favorites are the fruit and veggie wash and the dishwasher pods.

Make sure you check out the new Honest Kits (these would be great gifts to give or to even add to your own Christmas wishlist).

Enter the giveaway now!

Family Sponge is giving away a Family Essentials Bundle to two lucky readers. Here is what you have to do to qualify for this awesome giveaway:

1: VISIT The Honest Company.

2: LIKE Family Sponge on Facebook.

SUBMIT: After you complete these two steps, please comment below this post and tell us what product you want to try most from The Honest Company. This is how you will be entered in the giveaway.

BONUS ENTRY SHARE this giveaway on your own Facebook wall.

BONUS ENTRY SUBSCRIBE to the Family Sponge Newsletter

* This giveaway ends Dec 17, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.

Comment below to win.

ENTER OUR 10 DAYS OF AWESOME GIVEWAYS!

#1 Elf on the Shelf: Enter here Dec. 3 – 10
#2 Cuppow Mason Jar Lids: Enter here Dec. 4 – 11
#3 sugarSNAP Car Organizer: Enter here Dec. 5 – 12
#4 Yes To Carrots $100 worth of products: Enter here Dec. 6 – 13
#5 Kiwi Crate 6-Month Subscription: Enter here Dec. 7 – 14
#6 Honest Company Essentials Bundle: Enter here Dec. 10 – 17
#7 Land of Nod $100 Gift Card: Enter here Dec. 11 – 18
#8 Laundry Tree Soap Nuts: Enter here Dec. 12 – 19
#9 31 Bits $100 worth of jewelry: Enter here Dec. 13 – 20
#10 Soap.com $100 Gift Card + Method Starter Kit: Enter here Dec. 14 – 21

Let the creativity flow with Kiwi Crate and their monthly box of crafts and activities. Our kids were all giddy when the bright green box showed up on the door. And I was truly blown away with all the high quality supplies and super creative activities inside each box— especially the heavy water color paper (it was beautiful!). Each Kiwi Crate box is crammed with beautifully designed instruction books, high quality craft supplies and really cool ideas.

Now is your chance to win a six month subscription to Kiwi Crate and get in on this creative exploration!

Why we love Kiwi Crate…

There are days (many days) when it’s a challenge to bring out the art supplies to come up with some sort of craft for the kids. Well, with Kiwi Crate the supplies and ideas are all in a box— making it easy peasy. Kiwi Crate also has a shop where you can buy gift crates, party favors and stocking stuffers— all embracing a child’s creativity. They recently launched The Studio, which is full of craft tutorials (Jadah, Melissa and I are all contributors over there.)

Enter the giveaway now!

Family Sponge is giving away a six month subscription to Kiwi Crate (worth $110) to one lucky reader. Here is how you enter:

1: VISIT Kiwi Crate.

2: LIKE Family Sponge on Facebook.

SUBMIT: After you complete the two steps, please comment below this post and tell us about one of the messiest crafts you have done (I love hearing these stories!). This is how you will be entered in the giveaway.

BONUS ENTRY SHARE this giveaway on your own Facebook wall.

BONUS ENTRY SUBSCRIBE to the Family Sponge Newsletter

* This giveaway ends Dec 14, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.

** Kiwi Crate is currently having a 12 Day Holiday Gift Away that we also wanted to share with you as well.

Comment below to win.

ENTER OUR 10 DAYS OF AWESOME GIVEWAYS!

#1 Elf on the Shelf: Enter here Dec. 3 – 10
#2 Cuppow Mason Jar Lids: Enter here Dec. 4 – 11
#3 sugarSNAP Car Organizer: Enter here Dec. 5 – 12
#4 Yes To Carrots $100 worth of products: Enter here Dec. 6 – 13
#5 Kiwi Crate 6-Month Subscription: Enter here Dec. 7 – 14
#6 Honest Company Essentials Bundle: Enter here Dec. 10 – 17
#7 Land of Nod $100 Gift Card: Enter here Dec. 11 – 18
#8 Laundry Tree Soap Nuts: Enter here Dec. 12 – 19
#9 31 Bits $100 worth of jewelry: Enter here Dec. 13 – 20
#10 Soap.com $100 Gift Card + Method Starter Kit: Enter here Dec. 14 – 21

We are big fans of Yes To and their organic fruit and veggie packed products. After finding them at Target last year, I have been hooked on their shampoo, conditioner, lip gloss and facial SPF. Now is your chance to fall in love with them too!

We are giving away $100 worth of Yes To products, hand picked by me and the awesome team over at Yes To.

Why we love Yes To…

Fruits and veggies aren’t just good for your health—they’re also good for your skin. From carrots and tomatoes to cucumbers and blueberries, the Yes To products use vitamin-packed ingredients that are targeted to different skin types. Plus, they’re free of iffy ingredients like parabens and petroleum, which makes the world a better place. Also, Yes To products are made in the USA— that’s not something you hear too often anymore!

Enter the giveaway now!

Family Sponge is giving away $100 worth of Yes To products, hand picked by me and the awesome team over at Yes To. Here is what you have to do to qualify for this awesome giveaway:

1: VISIT Yes To.

2: LIKE Family Sponge on Facebook.

SUBMIT: After you complete these two steps, please comment below this post and tell us one way you Say Yes to your health. This is how you will be entered in the giveaway.

BONUS ENTRY SHARE this giveaway on your own Facebook wall.

BONUS ENTRY SUBSCRIBE to the Family Sponge Newsletter

* This giveaway ends Dec 13, 2012 at 11:59pm PST. Free shipping for US winner. If outside of the US, winner must pay for shipping costs.

Comment below to win.

ENTER OUR 10 DAYS OF AWESOME GIVEWAYS!

#1 Elf on the Shelf: Enter here Dec. 3 – 10
#2 Cuppow Mason Jar Lids: Enter here Dec. 4 – 11
#3 sugarSNAP Car Organizer: Enter here Dec. 5 – 12
#4 Yes To Carrots $100 worth of products: Enter here Dec. 6 – 13
#5 Kiwi Crate 6-Month Subscription: Enter here Dec. 7 – 14
#6 Honest Company Essentials Bundle: Enter here Dec. 10 – 17
#7 Land of Nod $100 Gift Card: Enter here Dec. 11 – 18
#8 Laundry Tree Soap Nuts: Enter here Dec. 12 – 19
#9 31 Bits $100 worth of jewelry: Enter here Dec. 13 – 20
#10 Soap.com $100 Gift Card + Method Starter Kit: Enter here Dec. 14 – 21

At Family Sponge, we believe in sustainable and socially responsible gift giving for eco-loving families. We are always on the hunt for awesome world changing companies that make gifts that give back to charities and causes we believe in. And we think our holiday eco-friendly gift giving guide will make any one in your life feel loved and cherished.

So we did what we love to do– search the internet for our world changing families and compile a list of eco-friendly gifts that give back. We hope this list will help you shop quickly, so you can spend more time with your family. Whether it’s an environmentally friendly product or part of a social movement and charity, we’ve got socially responsible, fair-trade, handmade, nature lovin’ gift ideas for your loved ones. Here are some of our favorite gifts that keep on giving:

Eco-friendly gifts that give back

Eco-Friendly Gifts + Toys for Babies: 1. Blabla Knit Dolls | 2. Non-Toxic Plan Toys Alligator  | 3. 100% Natural Giraffe Teether | 4. Baby Teresa Organic Clothes | 5. Sustainable Bamboo Totter Tower

Eco-Friendly Gifts + Toys for Toddlers: 1. Eco-Dough | 2. Eco-Friendly Toy Dump Truck | 3. Wood Play House | 4. Tegu Mahogany Pocket Pouch | 5. 3 in 1 Rock & Roll Toy

Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids: 1. DIY Seedling Soap Kit | 2. Reusable Zoku Quick Pop Maker | 3. Altazimuth Refractor Telescope | 4. Wood Catapualt Kit | 5. TOMS Shoes

Eco-Friendly Gifts for Women: 1. 31 Bits Jewelry | 2. Fair Trade Local Coffee + Cuppow | 3. Etsy Gift Gard | 4. Method Home Gift Pack | 5. Cute Cotton Panties

Eco-Friendly Gifts for Men: 1. Recycled Record Clock | 2. Handmade Fire Hose Belt | 3. The Seven Year Pen | 4. Organic Socks for Charity | 5. Reclaimed Wood Beer Tote

Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Home: 1. Reconditioned Vitamix, $329 | 2. Pillows for Peace | 3. Fresh Air Compost  | 4. Recycled Micro-Seed Kit  | 5. Reclaimed Slate Cheese Board

More gifts that give

Charity Giving: 1. Heifer | 2. Charity Water  | 3. Milk and Bookies  | 4. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital  | 5. Do Good Everyday 365 Gift Baskets

Share with your loved ones!

Have friends you know would appreciate some world changing gifts that give? Spread the love and SHARE this post on Facebook!

P.S. if you are doing your holiday shopping online, support Family Sponge by shopping on Amazon (we get a small percentage when you shop through our link– and it doesn’t cost you anything. Sweet!)