While it’s all well and good to set big solar goals for 2009, sometimes it’s the little things that resonate with people—especially with those who still need convincing that solar energy is in fact a feasible energy alternative. Here are some gift ideas for both the solar enthusiasts and naysayers on your list.
The gadget inclined
The Glow Brick Night Light. This thing is as neat as it looks: a light bulb suspended inside a clear cube that radiates a cool turquoise light. Perfect for the bedroom, bathroom, study desk, or anywhere you need a burst of light.
Orbit Solar Powered Rain Sensor. This sensor gets rigged up to your lawn sprinklers and automatically shuts them off when it starts to rain. Perfect for those unpredictable summer rains.
The outdoors man/woman
Solar Mosquito Repeller. No more sticky bug spray or irritating nets. This little solar powered device clips onto your belt and offers a whole new method of ridding yourself of the blood-sucking pests.
Solar Tent. Do I ever hate fumbling with a flashlight inside my tent. This tent is genius in its practicality: 4-6 hours of sunlight gives you 2-4 hours of fumble-free, LED light.
The kids
Lego Style Helicopter. This helicopter’s rotor spins when charged with sunlight. The toy promises to be an interactive way to introduce solar energy to a child, and is fun and challenging to assemble while the spinning rotor demonstrates solar power in action.
Solar Mars Explorer. This little robot is the gift that keeps on giving, as kids are challenged to construct the model out of pre-cut wooden pieces, wiring and a gearbox. Great for keeping curious hands busy!
The parents
Automower Solar Powered Robotic Lawn Mower. Cut ¼ of an acre per 10 hours of charging without breaking a sweat with this futuristic-looking mower. Make your neighbors envious and the earth grateful.
Collapsible Solar Traffic Cone. Sure, this may seem like a strange gift. But I’ve created a tradition that every year I buy my parents something safety-related for Christmas, because it makes me feel better and them better equipped for emergencies. This glowing cone is great to stash in the trunk of the car and pull out if you’ve broken down and need to warn other drivers.
