I enjoy giving housewarming gifts because owning a home is a celebration and an accomplishment all in one. Even better is when I find earth-friendly gifts that combine just the right mix of eco-consciousness and style. This time of year housewarming takes on a whole new meaning in regions where the temperatures are taking a dip. Here are some of my favorite green finds for the new homeowner in your life this season.

Medlock Ames Winery Gift Membership

If you live on the West Coast there is a little gem nearby called Medlock Ames Winery. This vineyard is one of the most sustainable businesses on the planet. It's 100% solar-powered, organic and operated on biodynamic farming principles. The vineyard owns more land than they use for wine growing and they leave much of the site natural for birds and other wildlife.

Medlock Ames uses no chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, they opt for natural processes and even "employ" natural predators to help keep pests at bay. The other great thing about Medlock Ames is the wine! But it's popular so they've created a Wine Club where friends can get the latest releases and the scoop before anyone else. If the wine club is beyond your reach a bottle of Medlock Ames finest will also say congratulations on your new home in sustainable eco-style.

Succulent Wreath from Viva Terra

Viva Terra is one of my favorite eco-friendly places to shop. They offer beautiful home furnishings and decor made from sustainable and fair trade materials. They often have living decor among the offerings like this beautiful succulent wreath.

"Hand-assembled into five groups of green-gray, burgundy and silver succulents, the design of this living wreath features each plant's distinctive textures, leaf patterns, and colors. As eco-friendly as it is enchanting, the succulents include water-saving crassia, lichen and other unique yet compatible varieties that thrive with minimal watering every six to eight weeks."

Wreaths are a great gift, but this one in particular because it's alive!

The Ocean, and cookies!

Oceana is working to protect the world's oceans. You can help by donating a gift of support in honor of your favorite new homeowner. Adopt-A-Creature and in return, your gift recipient will receive a choice of cookie cutters, an official adoption certificate, facts on ocean creatures and a sugar cookie recipe. And, for a donation of $100 or more, they'll also receive an exclusive Oceana oven mitt.

This kind of circle-back giving helps protect ocean creatures from overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction. The kitchen accessories for your new homeowner are fun and help protect the environment. What better way to celebrate a new abode!

More Land, for everyone

New homeowners may not need anything for their new home but everyone could use a little more space. That's why The Nature Conservancy has a great lineup of green giving ideas. You can purchase a membership as a housewarming gift or choose from one of the many options that Nature Conservancy gifts support the environment.

Among the choices are a gift of support for land protection in the United States, the Osa Peninsula, Yunnan Province in China, the South Pacific or you can purchase a gift for migratory birds. Whatever you choose you'll know that your gift goes to protecting the lands and water we all need to survive - the places we all call home.

BOGO Solar Powered Flashlight

Many of us are familiar with the Buy One Get One free or BOGO but this one is different. The BOGO Solar Powered flashlight is help lighting the world and making it safer and more environmentally friendly. Every year, billions of used batteries end up in landfills bringing along mercury and cadmium. The BOGO uses sun power and eliminates the need for batteries and the waste.

But there's more. Each purchase of a BOGO sends another BOGO out into the developing world where lack of light causes environmental degradation and danger to humans. Kerosene lanterns are a common, yet dangerous lightsource in many parts of the world. Deforestation is also a result of the need for light (by fire). By buying a BOGO as a housewarming you can give the gift of light to your new homeowner and around the globe.

A Tree from Tree Givers

Tree Givers has been planting trees for over twenty five years. They work with regional conservation efforts to plant trees in honor of just about anything. The giver can designate the state that they'd like the tree planted in and the recipient gets a certificate.

The trees are planted on public lands where they are needed most and where everyone can enjoy them. The type of tree planted depends on the state and the season. Tree Givers trees are grown in support of conservation efforts around the United States and Canada.

Tree Givers also enlists the help of youth groups for plantings which are led by nursery specialists or national foresters who specify the best species for the specific region. The trees are a lasting reminder of celebrations and great for any occasion.

Gardens in a Bag

These are a great gift for any occassion but especially for someone who has space on a newly acquired windowsill. Gardens in a Bag are perfect for new homeowners who haven't established a garden yet but would enjoy fresh herbs. And they are a "living reminder" that celebrates their new home every day. Seeds and soil are included in a leak-proof bag. Just mix, water and grow. These treats are available in organic basil, italian parsley, oregano, lavender and mini-tomato.

Tree-to-be Kit

What better way to mark the seasons and the start of a new home than to grow a tree from seed. Greenfeet's Tree-to-be Kits have everything needed to start and grow beautiful trees. The kit also includes an aluminum tag that can be personalized with an inscription and hung on the tree when it reaches full size. The kits are available in Ginko, Yule or Apple tree selections.

Fire & Light Glassware

Fire & Light hand-poured glass tableware is beautiful and made from over 91% recycled glass. These pieces blend handmade craftsmanship with an innovative partnership between the Arcata Community Recycling Center in Humboldt Count, California, and local investors. The pieces utilize post consumer materials to make unique gifts for any home.

Recharge Eco-Friendly Gift Basket

Recharge Gift Baskets are a great eco-gift for any occasion but especially for new homeowners. Recharge offers a wide range of eco-friendly products for house and home from practical to indulgent. Each gift basket comes in either a small or large organic cotton tote. The gift tag doubles as a door hanger to remind the recipient to take it shopping as a reusable tote. The gift baskets come with a listing of the products included, the green attributes and how to use each item. Some of the choices include organic skin care, biodegradable ball point pens, organic chocolates and much more.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.