The Goods - Brief Article

Vegetarian Times, Dec, 2000 by Abigail Chipley

Room for Improvement

Create a little peace on earth--or at least in your living room--with Shoyeido's new Snow Fall and Spring Incense Gift Bags ($19.95). Each shimmering organdy bag contains an elegant porcelain incense holder and three boxes of incense blends named after precious gems. You can rest assured that this 300-year old Japanese company never uses artificial fragrances or oils. Instead, its products are handcrafted from the highest-quality herbs, spices and woods. (800) 786-5476; www.shoyeido.com

Pack-a-Dermis

Just gazing at Ganesh (the Hindu elephant god), pictured on Better Botanicals' new Pamper Package ($34.99), may be enough to induce a nirvana-like state. Failing that, what's inside this colorful lunchbox is sure to elevate your spirits. After a soak in the tub with "Soothe" Dead Sea Salts, scrub up with the Lavender & Oatmeal Soap. Then nourish your stressed-out skin with Kokum Butter Body Balm and spritz on the vitamin-packed Revitalizing 5-Plant Oil Mist. Available at select stores through January 1 or while supplies last. (888) bbherbs; www.betterbotanicals.com

Spice It Up

Wild Thyme's intensely flavored chutneys are so delicious, you may be tempted to eat them straight out of the jar. Of course, there are more sophisticated ways to enjoy these all-natural, fat-free relishes. For a simple and elegant hors d'oeuvre, serve the Mango-Papaya Chutney with a dollop of goat cheese on crackers. Or enliven your holiday stuffing with the smoky Roasted Vegetable Chutney. Try all six varieties ($6.99/10-oz. jar)--or send a beautifully packaged gift set ($18/2 10-oz. jars) to your favorite epicure. (800) 724-2877

Get a Glow On

With Zum Glow candles ($15/8-oz. tin), you can create the perfect mood lighting--without scorching your lungs with the carcinogens emitted by regular petroleum-based candles. These soy-based candles burn cooler and cleaner than paraffin and are scented only with pure essential oils. Since they last 30 hours, you can fill the whole holiday season with the soothing aromas of the company's newest scents: Frankincense & Myrrh, and Lavender-Mint. (800) 361-5686; www.indigowild.com

Cause Chocolat

Help save animals one chip at a time with Semisweet (and dairy-free) Chocolate Chips from Endangered Species Chocolate ($2.29/12-oz. bag). Founder, and confessed chocoholic, Jon Stocking drew his inspiration for this eco-conscious company while working on a tuna boat and regularly jumping overboard to rescue dolphins entangled in fishing nets. But don't worry, you can help wildlife without getting wet, since 10 percent of the company's profits are donated to wildlife conservation organizations. (800) 293-0160; www.chocolatebar.com

The Whole Truth

Honest Tea's new line of teas ($4.49/15 bags) lets you enjoy the flavor of whole leaf tea without the mess or fuss. Because these premium, certified kosher teas are not chopped or cut, more flavor is retained. And with the one-piece bag and tag (which is made with unbleached paper and is thus fully biodegradable), you won't have to go fishing to remove the soggy remains. Bonus: Five of the eight new varieties are completely organic. (800) 865-4736; www.honesttea.com

House Proud

Frankly, designing and assembling a gingerbread house is a challenge most of us simply aren't up to. That's why we loved the Gingerbread House Kit from Dancing Deer Baking Company ($19.95). Inside the adorable box, which doubles as a template for the house, you'll find cookie dough and icing mix made from all-natural ingredients, a piping bag, cookie cutters and, most important, detailed instructions on how to make your gingerbread manse. Your kids will think you're a genius--or at least not a total loser. (888) 699-DEER; www.dancingdeer.com