Green Christmas: Give a garden kit

For a tangibly green gift, something as simple as a plant can replace those prefunctory Superman tie or lavendar bath salt gestures. Nurseries can offer potted plants that will winter happily indoors until spring. Superior Garden Center (3100 Old 63 S.), Total Environments Garden Center (804 Old 63 N.), and Tiger Garden (MU Agriculture Building, 2-34) all offer soothing alternatives to aimless mall browsing.

For the greener green thumbs, give a planting kit. Include a pot, seeds or bulbs, all natural potting soil and anything else you see fit. And if Superman or lavender is actually a must, a plant can still accommodate your needs. Get creative with the container (anything from an over-sized mug to a toy bucket) or exotic with the plant.