As a park ranger, I always seek to give the gift of nature, something that is sure to inspire and motivate others to be outside. Realizing that all of my friends and family are not the outdoorsy type and accepting that I'm not going to buy gifts from a large box store, I've struggled with finding those unique and creative gifts. I wanted to give gifts that were somehow sustainable, useful, and beautiful. The challenge was finding that store.

So it was with 7 shopping days left till Christmas that I stumbled upon the website for Uncommon Goods, an Eco-friendly, on-line store that believes in changing the way business is done, by making sustainability a part of every decision they make. And that includes the products they sell. From door mats made out of recycled flipflops to glasses made from recycled windshield glass there is something on their site for everyone. And for the cost of gas needed to drive around town searching for gifts, you could have presents delivered to your door.

Their website is easy to navigate and recycled items are easily located with icons and content descriptions. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Vintage Iridescent Button Earrings - made from vintage Czechoslovakian buttons circa 1910-1950 these earring are beautifully hand-crafted by designer Sarah Durling.
• Flip Flop Mats - made from recycled flip flops these doormats add color to your home while keeping dirt out.
• Confetti Tumblers - made in Mexico out of recycled bottle glass these tumblers mix up any drink.
• Spaghetti Scrubbers - made in Japan of recycled corn cobs and peach pits, these naturally abrasive scrubbers get the job done. They don't smell, won't rust, and last for months.
• Bike Chain Bottle Opener - never be without a bottle opener again. Simply loop the recycled bike chain around a cabinet door and you are set. Can even be used on a belt!
• Recycled Bike Tube Haversack - yep a messenger bag made out of recycled bicycle tubes. Spacious, water and tear resistant, this bag is the epitome of sustainable style.
• Sail Bags - made from recycled sails, these messenger bags include a inside tag noting the history of the sail, from the type of vessel it flew, the seas it sailed and it's age.
• Index cutting boards - for the cook in your life, this collection of four, file-away cutting boards has one board for each of the food groups. Never worry about cross-contamination again.