The Best Programs to Recycle & Donate Clothes

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 5, 2020

Kids seem to grow literally overnight, and they outgrow their clothing just as quickly. So what do you do with all those adorable duds they (or you, if you’re cleaning out your own closet) no longer need? There are a lot of companies and services that will help you clean out your closet and donate clothing. Not only can you put those clothes to good use, but you’ll also help the planet by reducing waste. That’s a definite mom win. Keep reading to see our favorite spots to recycle and donate clothes below.

**Editor’s Note: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we suggest checking to make sure any retail locations listed below are currently accepting donations.

H&M

This Swedish retailer is well-known for its discount prices and stylish fashions, but it has also become recognized for its leading role in sustainability practices among the retail industry. Not only does H&M sell garments that are made with eco-conscious sustainable materials and recycled textiles, but it also allows shoppers to donate clothing for recycling. All you have to do is bag up your items and bring them to any location worldwide. H&M will accept any textiles, from mismatched socks to old sheets. For each bag of textiles you drop off, you'll earn a discount card for 15% off your next in-store purchase.

Gap

Gap, Inc. has partnered with resale company thredUP to make it easy for customers to donate and recycle clothing. At select Gap brand stores, including Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Janie and Jack you can pick up a free thredUP kit, which includes a Clean Out bag or a mailing label. Pack up your unwanted items, and send them in. If any items are accepted for resale, you can receive cash or store credit. If you opt to receive store credit and use it at any Gap Inc. brands you’ll receive an additional 15% off your purchase. Any items that aren’t accepted for resale can either be sent back to you for a fee or recycled.

Patagonia

Considering Patagonia’s mission statement is “in business to save our home planet,” it should come as no big surprise that the company offers a recycling program for all of its products. You can either drop off your used Patagonia products in-store at your nearest location or you can mail them to the address below:

Patagonia Service Center
8550 White Fir Street
Reno, NV 89523-8939

The North Face

With the Clothes the Loop program, The North Face invites customers to bring in unwanted clothing or shoes of any brand to help keep those items out of landfills. All items are then sent to the company’s nonprofit partner Soles4Souls whose mission is to create sustainable jobs. The organization repurposes and redistributes donated items. When you make an in-store donation you’ll earn a $10 rebate on your next purchase of $100 or more at The North Face. Check here to find the nearest The North Face location.

Blue Jeans Go Green

Denim is made from cotton which can be recycled and repurposed, which is good news for all those too-small pairs of jeans in your drawers. The American Cotton Producers and Importers are behind the Blue Jeans Go Green program, which allows you to donate your old jeans. Donated jeans are repurposed into housing insulation to be used in buildings constructed by Habitats for Humanity. While you can drop your jeans off at specific retailers for recycling, thanks to Zappos for Good, you can also mail them in for free. Just box up your jeans, print a free mailing label here, and they’ll take care of the rest.

Levi’s

The godfather of jeans also offers an easy way to recycle those dungarees, along with everything else in the closet. Levi’s will accept all clothing and shoe donations at any of its retail locations throughout the United States. All items donated will be repurposed or recycled through Levi’s partnership with I:CO. You’ll also score a voucher with your donation for 20% off a single, regular-priced item purchased in-store at Levi’s.

Pact

This sustainable fashion company is all about offering eco-friendly, organic alternatives for the whole family. It also wants to ensure that its products are long lasting and don’t end up in a landfill, which is why Pact has partnered with Give Back Box to help you easily donate any unwanted items instead of discarding them. Reuse the Pact box your items came in, and pack it up with any clothing, shoes or accessories you no longer want. You can print a prepaid label here and mail the box in for donation.

Give Back Box

You can also go straight to the source and reuse any retailer box you have at home to make a donation through Give Back Box directly. Simply pack up the box with clothing or household items, print the free label and send it off. When you make your donation through the Give Back Box site, you also have the option to choose a specific charity to receive your donation. You will pay a $15 fee to print the mailing label, rather than printing one for free.

Salvation Army

You’re likely already familiar with this organization to drop off donations, but did you know they also provide pick-ups, so you can add one less thing to your to-do list? Simply bag up your items and visit the Salvation Army online to schedule a pick up time.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: iStock

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“The Twelve Rebuilds of Christmas” Brings LEGO to Life at This London Hotel

by Erica LoopNovember 29, 2019

Forget about a faux fir and few twinkle lights. London’s The Savoy Hotel will feature a re-imagining of the 12 days of Christmas with a massive LEGO display—The Twelve Rebuilds of Christmas.

The fabulously festive holiday decor follows the LEGO Rebuild the World global campaign to highlight the importance of creativity as a life-long skill. The awesomely imaginative design features everything from a dragon Christmas tree to a singing choir, all made from LEGO bricks.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5aWTL6D9OB/

Nicola Morgan-Hulme, Senior Brand Relations Manager, UK/Ireland at the LEGO Group, said in a press release, “We are excited to be partnering with The Savoy for this festive celebration. As part of our Rebuild the World campaign, this partnership is designed to inspire people of all ages to unleash their creativity and explore the limitlessness of their imagination through play.”

Hulme added, “We hope that the Twelve Rebuilds of Christmas will truly inspire people to rebuild the importance of creativity this festive season.”

Not only can hotel guests glimpse the plastic brick perfection, but they can also join in and build their own LEGO decorations and do some good. LEGO will donate a free set to a child in need for every decoration built!

Visitors can also participate in special building workshops offered by the LEGO Group in The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar on Dec. 1 and Dec. 15.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of The Savoy

Best Christmas Tree Delivery Services in NYC

by Mimi O'ConnorNovember 27, 2019

Some years you want to go out and find—and maybe even cut—your own Christmas Tree. And some years, you just want your Christmas Tree to be delivered to your door. (That’s OK!) So we’ve rounded up the best Christmas tree delivery services in NYC to help lighten your load this season. Whether you need a tree delivered and where in New York City or to New Jersey, Westchester and Long Island, these companies can make it happen. Read on to “phone it in” (or point and click) this Christmas season so you can focus on the stuff that really matters!

SoHo Trees

This downtown spot has been serving NYC for more than 30 years. Delivering for free to Manhattan and Brooklyn, SoHo trees offers Fraser Firs (trees start at $1`29.95 for a five-foot tree) and Canadian Balsam Firs (starting at $109.95 for the same size). SoHo Trees specializes in really big trees and wreaths, and will also professionally decorate your tree if you need them to. If you have a change of heart and want to visit them, they have seven locations throughout Manhattan. Online orders include delivery, tree stand and installation.

Online: sohotrees.com

NYC Trees

Jessica T. via Yelp

Started by public school teacher Harold DeLucia in 2012, NYC Trees has delivered thousands of Christmas Trees to homes in NYC and beyond, and sources trees from area farms. New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester. It’s a full-service shop, not only delivering Christmas trees, but also decorating and putting on the lights if you want. (They’ll also come take it away for a fee.) Trees are Fraser Firs, and prices start at $119 for a four-footer. (You can get a 16-foot tree for $1,429 if you want, too.) Trees come with stand, skirt and installation, and you can get one as quickly as the next day. Delivery is free in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and additional fee applies for Staten Island, New Jersey and Westchester.

605 10th Ave.
Midtown
914-809-0795
Online: nyctrees.com

Christmas Tree Brooklyn

Dan S. via Yelp

Despite the name, Christmas Tree Brooklyn will delivery a tree to you anywhere in New York City. Siblings Dan and Morgan Sevigny are Maine native now based in Brooklyn, and have been running the business since 2011 are Brooklyn-based sibling entrepreneurs who you might say were born to sell Christmas trees. They stock premium Fraser Firs, and will also provide handmade wreaths, lights, decorating services and tree removal. A four-to-five foot tree is $80, and a 10-foot tree is $120. There is an additional charge for setup ($49) and stand ($20); delivery to anywhere in NYC is free! They will also come get the tree at the end of the season if you want.

184 Underhill Ave.
Prospect Heights
917-997-1216
Online: christmastreebrooklyn.com

Tyler’s Trees

Pam S. via Yelp

Tyler’s trees also offers skirt, stand and installation with their trees, and will add the lights and ornaments too if you want. (They also do tree disposal, too.) Trees four to five feet are $129, and anything over 10-feet gets the Elite Services https://www.tylerstrees.com/pages/elite treatment, making sure your big tree will fit into your place and is installed without incident. They also offers lights, wreaths and garland to make your holiday even easier and festive. Delivery is free in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and additional fee applies for Staten Island, New Jersey and Westchester. If you want to pay a premium of $75, you can even get a tree the same day in Manhattan!

646-543-0861
Online: tylerstrees.com

AA Christmas Trees

Alex M. via Yelp

This Sheepshead Bay tree provider has been in business for more than a decade and delivers to Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan (although they will deliver elsewhere for an additonal fee.) A.A. offers Fraser Firs from Tenessee and North Carolina, and on site also stocks Canadian Balsam, Noble Fir and Douglas Fir trees, as well as wreaths and other decorative items. They also sell three-to-four-foot “Charlie Brown Trees”, named for the short and sort of sad trees in the famous Peanut’s cartoon, which cost $40. A five-foot Fraser Fir costs $60, while a 10-foot one is $250. Delivery to Brooklyn is $15, it’s $20 to Manhattan and Queens.

2744 Coney Island Ave.
Brighton Beach
347-733-5475
Online: nycchristmastrees.com

—Mimi O’Connor

feature image: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is prepped for raising. Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

Get Your Fall Fix in with Milk Way’s Caramel Apple Chocolate Minis

by Erica LoopNovember 23, 2019

Even though the holiday decor at your local mall and the faux fir display at the big box outlets may make it seem like Christmas is here, it’s still autumn. With that in mind, Milky Way has a tasty treat that will remind you of a fall fave—caramel apples!

Milky Way Caramel Apple Minis combine the chocolate-y malt nougat and caramel you know and love with a red delicious apple flavor. Think of these miniature chocolate bars as a candy-coated fruit-packed version of the original.

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Whether you’re still in full-on sweater weather mode or you’re already planning for the winter season, these pint-sized picks are the perfect way to treat yourself (or your kiddos) to a different sort of tasty sweet.

So where can you buy Milky Way Caramel Apple Minis? Snag an 11.5-ounce bag on Amazon for just under $14 or get a two-pack on Walmart.com for under $8. If you’re even considering trying this fall flavor, pick up a bag/pack quickly. This seasonal chocolate is a limited-time treat!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Amazon

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It’s Not Christmas without a Tree…or Fondue

By Mimi O'Connor

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 18, 2019

I am very serious about our family’s Christmas tree. We have well-established traditions surrounding it now, but this is an attitude that pre-dates my seven-year-old daughter, my marriage, and even my relationship with my husband, who, by the way, is Jewish. (It was clear early on in our courtship that Christmas trees were kind of a big deal to me. As with all relationships, we have made many compromises but anything about The Tree was never really on the table.)

This evergreen devotion is rooted, so to speak, in my own experience growing up in upstate New York, where every year, my parents and I would set out—to where, I’m not exactly clear—to some rural spot to chop down our Christmas tree.

I have vivid memories of trudging through fields of pine trees under the gray skies of early winter, my dad with a saw in hand. I think most of the time we were at a tree farm, but others, we may have been off-roading it. (It was the wild west of the 70s after all.)

Looking at the photographic evidence, I see our trees reflected a criteria of “whatever works” (or more specifically what was easy, or affordable) with wildly asymmetrical forms and odd shapes more suitable to a Dr. Seuss narrative than a Norman Rockwell scene.

Of course, I never saw that, and it didn’t matter. The decorating of our tree was a special event, an occasion my sister and I looked forward to every year. A small, but simultaneously monumental affair, it involved our considerable stash of ornaments, my parents’ good friends Anne and John Farie—who would gift my sister and me two similar, but not exact ornaments each year—and fondue for six. (Served, on one special night, in the living room, tree side with logs blazing in the fireplace. Again, this was the 70s.)

Over the decades, my tree scenarios have morphed and changed along with my life circumstances, for sure. Living in New York City, I’ve been a repeat customer of several Christmas tree street vendors throughout the years, hauling my tree a few blocks with the help of a roommate or a “granny cart” normally used to ferry groceries.

But those street corner trees can be pricey (those 24-hour vendors do pay for that real estate) especially if you want to go big. So for my next Christmas tree shopping trip, I committed what I thought was the ultimate fresh tree sin, and went to a big box store.

As a New Yorker, I love a bargain, and I got a 6-7 foot Fraser Fir for a great price. (Did I have to call a car to drive my tree to my house? Yeah, but it was so worth it, especially with a Black Friday coupon. I’ve never looked back!)

Over the years, our tree trimmings have evolved from raucous, boozy affairs to kid-friendly brunches with a tipsy tail end, but we always have a real tree, fondue, and a considerable stash of ornaments—some of which, from Anne and John Farie, stood the test of time.

Now through Christmas, share a photo of your family’s REAL Christmas tree memory-making experience for a chance to win $1,000!

Photos: Mimi O’Connor

Mimi O'Connor

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a writer and editor in Brooklyn, New York, mom to a sassy seven-year-old, and doing the best I can.

6 Must-Follow Christmas Tree Safety Tips

By Alison Jacobson

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 9, 2019

Photo: Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

A favorite holiday movie is “Christmas Vacation.” And one of the most memorable (and hilarious) scenes is the squirrel flying out of the Christmas tree. While funny in the movies, the threat of Christmas tree mishaps can actually be quite serious.

Unsecured Christmas trees can topple over and cause serious injury, especially to a young child, and according to reports, Christmas tree fires are the deadliest of household fires. On average, one in every 32 reported Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires.

Here are a few simple tips to ensure a beautiful and safe holiday season.

1. Select a fresh tree. The tree should be green with needles that bend, not break. For pines and spruces, branches should be tough to pull, and fir trees should have needles that snap when bent. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.

2. Secure the tree. This will prevent it from accidentally falling over. If possible, make sure the tree stand is not on thick carpeting. Screw some eye-hooks into the wall and thread fishing line through the tree and tie to the hooks.

3. Keep ornaments high. This is true especially for families with young children. Place ornaments off the lower limbs and consider using a gate around the tree to prevent kids from getting too close. Ditch the glass ornaments for non-breakable.

4. Go hi-tech. Safer Alarms Inc. just released a first of its kind Christmas tree fire detector that looks like an ornament. While it looks like traditional tree decor, the ornament wirelessly connects to an alarm placed elsewhere in the home like near where you sleep. If the ornament detects unsafe heat, the alarm will sound (and continue to sound even if the ornament catches fire).

5. Water, water, water. Make sure the tree holder always has enough water. Cut an inch off the bottom of the trunk; fresh wood can absorb more water, so the tree will stay fresher longer.

6. Be mindful of placement. Always place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Only use indoor lights indoors and look for the UL label. Do not use any lights that are broken and make sure sockets are in good condition, and that there are no frayed or bare wires. Keep light off lower branches that pets or babies could reach as they might chew on the wire. Be sure to turn the lights off whenever you leave the house. And if you have ornaments that light up with an off/on switch, be sure to turn off as well.

Alison Jacobson

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a mom to 4 kids - my first died of SIDS and my second has Intellectual Disabilities. I'm the step-mom to another two. My husband has MS. I write about how to keep everyone in the family happy, safe and sane - especially women!

Reduce, Reuse, Treecycle! Local Holiday Recycling 411

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyJanuary 1, 2019

It seems that even the tree knows when Christmas is over—ever notice how those pine needles fall off at a faster clip after the holidays? Yep, all good things must come to an end. But even more pitiful than a bare Frasier Fir is a bare Frasier Fir leaned against an outdoor trash bin for days (weeks?), gathering dust and potato chip wrappers. Read on for dates, times, and tips on giving your spruce the send off it deserves.

Photo: Jonny Hughes via Flickr

How to Say Goodbye to a Christmas Tree (No Tears Allowed)

Remove all of the lights and ornaments (including the ones that kiddo hid deep inside the tree).
Don’t bag the shrub. Most recyclers don’t want the plastic, just the tree.
If your little one asks “where does it go?,” explain that the tree will be chipped and composted to help flowers grow in the spring. Who knew you’d be teaching Junior about the circle of life just by chucking the tree?

D.C.: Holiday trees and wreaths will be picked up during regular trash pickup between Jan.14-Feb. 2. Trees picked up during these dates will be composted and made available to residents for free.

Fairfax County, VA: Trees are collected during the first two weeks of January.

Arlington, VA: Christmas trees will be scooped up on your regular trash day, between Dec. 31-Jan. 11. Trees picked up during these dates will be turned into mulch available to residents.

Prince William County, VA: Drop off your tree anytime at one of four spots—Prince William County Ladnfill, Balls Ford Road Compost Facility, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC), or Leesylvania State Park (where they’ll be used for wildlife habitats at the park).

Alexandria, VA: Put your tree on the curb during regular pick-up times. The trees will be turned into mulch, which is available in the spring for residents on a first come, first served basis.

Loudoun County, VA: Between Dec. 26-Jan. 20, strip your tree of all its bells and whistles and drop it off at one of these recycling locations: Loudon County Landfill Dropoff Center, South Riding Town Hall, Claude Moore Park, Game Protective Associating in Lovettsville, or Franklin Park.

Montgomery County, MD: MoCo residents who like to hold onto their Christmas tree for-like-ever are in luck—Christmas trees are accepted year-round in the county’s curbside yard trim collection. Just leave your fir on the curb by 7 am.

Howard County, MD: Tree collection is available through Jan. 19. Residents with yard trim collection can place their trees on curb by 6 a.m. on the day off service.

Prince George’s County, MD: Through Jan. 28 you can leave your Christmas tree out (before 6 am) to be picked up with yard waste. Bare pines can also be dropped off at the Brown Station Road Public Container Pad and Recycling Center or the Missouri Ave. Solid Waste Acceptance and Recycling Center.

Frederick County, MD: Re-gift your tree to one of these area parks (where they’ll mulch it up): Reichs Ford Road Yard Waste Recycling Site, Ballenger Creek Park, Middletown Park Recycling Center, Kemptown Park, Eyeler Road Park, Point of Rocks Ruritan Club, or Heritage Farm Park.

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

14 Things We’re Falling for from Target’s Magnolia Hearth & Hand Fall Refresh

by Karly WoodSeptember 21, 2018

It’s time to start decking out your home for autumn and Joanna Gaines is making it easy with Target’s Hearth & Hand collection fall refresh. The designer has released over 100 new items with a fall feel, including a bathroom collection for the first time. We’ve rounded up our favorite picks that will get you in the fall spirit in no time.

Textured Stoneware Pitcher

Whether you embrace the farmhouse look or really just love rustic decor come fall, this textured stoneware pitcher ($21) is for you! The cream and brown design make it rustic and festive for autumn, and we'd imagine this would look just as great holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers as it would service a chilly drink.

Decorative House Box

Small yet big on design, this decorative house box ($7) has a removable lid and is perfect for storing little items out of site. Spare change or your keys won't take over your fall vignette when you have one of these.

Tiered Serving Stand

Serving fall treats have never looked so beautiful as when you dish them up on Hearth & Hand's new tiered serving stand ($35). The wooden base and galvanized metal make this perfect for rustic decor or giving a little more of that autumn flair.

Acacia Bread Cutting Board

This Acacia bread cutting board ($30) isn't just functional, it's beautiful too. Made in a rustic design, you'll cut breads evenly every time and look pretty darn good while doing it!

Lantern

The gold accents on this metal and glass lantern ($35) make it perfect for fall. The 16" decorative piece can hold your favorite fall-scented candles and is also fair-trade certified.

Set of 4 Wood Appetizer Plates

This set of four wood appetizer plates ($23) is made from lightweight yet durable materials that make them beautiful yet still functional. Perfect for all your fall functions, these adorable plates are perfect for dishing up pumpkin pie and other tasty treats.

"Family" Throw Pillow

Use on your couch or on the floor, this 20x20 family throw pillow ($23) is made from polyester and foam to hold up to constant use. The "family" inscription perfectly embodies the fall season and the impending holidays spent with loved ones.

Faux Crespedia Wreath

Target

Welcome guests in total fall style with a Faux Crespedia Wreath that can be used for years to come. The vibrant yellows are a common theme in this years Hearth & Home refresh and we gotta say––we love it. The 17-inch wreath is perfect for outdoor hanging, or even on a feature wall inside your home.

You can snag one for yourself for $36 in the decor section at Target.

Plaid Table Runner

Target

This 90x20 blue and yellow plaid table runner is the perfect decor piece from September through November. The rich colors are a fresh change from traditional oranges and reds usually associated with fall, and make quite the statement on your table. Whether you regularly use your dining room table, or its a showpiece in your home, this runner will do its job of warming up your design for autumn.

You can pick up this runner at Target for just $25.

Hand Soap, Fir & Leather

Target

No seasonal decor is complete without some festive hand soap to accompany your design. As part of the newest collection within Hearth & Home, this Fir & Leather hand soap and lotion combo brings the smells of fall we love just as much as the sights.

You can pick up this soap and lotion duo for just $17.

Gold Pinecone Coaster Set

Target

Pinecones are often synonymous with fall, and that's why this gold set of coasters is so perfectly designed. Not only does it stylishly keep your tables free of condensation, but the entire set stacks up to form a full faux pinecone. And would you look at that lustrous gold color?

Grab this $20 set at Target before it's gone.

Wooden Vase

Target

Add some natural elements in the form of a sleek and classic wooden vase to your fall decor. Coming in three sizes and starting at just $13, any of the assorted vases would be the perfect addition to your mantle or autumn vignette.

Each size has a more gorgeous shape than the next and you can find them all at Target.

Set of 2 Blue Cake Stands

Target

Fall officially kicks off baking season and you can never have enough accessories to display all your pumpkin desserts. This set of two blue cake stands is a steal at just $10, and while their size may not contain a huge layer cake, they are perfectly poised for cupcakes and cookies.

Deck out your table in this festive flair from Target.

Throw Plaid Blanket

Target

What's fall without a little cozying up next to the fireplace? This year, you can cuddle under this gorgeous throw plaid blanket that comes with a nifty carrying handle. Made from a combination of acrylic and wool, this throw is machine washable and oh so soft.

Choose from 2 plaid color palettes for $35 at Target.

––Karly Wood

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Christmas Trees Delivered to Your Door

by Katie GruverNovember 2, 2013

Whether you usually spend hours hunting through the mountain snow to cut your own perfect tree, or you always grab your holiday greenery from the neighborhood Boy Scout tree lot… perhaps this year, you’re ready to add some ease to the whole Christmas tree process. Fear not! In today’s era of online shopping and overnight delivery, you can get the perfect Tannenbaum delivered right to your door, and even get help with set up and disposal!

Local Delivery & Set-up Services

MJW Services
A great local option (and the only local option we know of with a robust online ordering system) is MJW Services. Owned and operated for the past 20+ years by the super service-oriented Mike Wehrle, MJW will deliver and set up a full range of holiday greenery, including Noble Firs, Douglas Firs, Grand Firs and Fraser Firs, as well as garlands, wreaths and swags to your home or business. One unique offering is that MJW’s trees run from the adorable table-top tree (18″ for $20) up to the truly enormous (25′ for $625). If you’re on a tight schedule, you can get next-day delivery (or same day if you order online before 10 a.m.); delivery and set-up will run you an additional $35-$110, depending on the tree size.

Delivery is available only within the greater Seattle Metro area (includes Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Newcastle, Issaquah, Mercer Island, North Renton and Seattle), so if you’re not sure if your neighborhood makes the cut, be sure to call before ordering. And if you want to look your tree in the face (branches?) before buying, head to their Bellevue retail tree lot, pick out your tree in person and then set up a delivery time. Otherwise jump online and you’ll be done in 5 minutes. And if you just can’t face untangling those Christmas lights after years of tossing them into your attic, these folks will also help you create a holiday lighting display that would put the Griswalds to shame. Insider Tip: Online tree orders are only available between November 15 and December 18.

MJW Services (retail lot)
3549 W. Lake Sammamish Prkwy. S.E.
Bellevue, WA 98008
Online: mjwservices.com

Magnolia Garden Center
If you live in the heart of Seattle, check out the friendly neighborhood Magnolia Garden Center. You can either go into the shop to pick out your tree and schedule your delivery in person, or give them a call with your desired size and type and they’ll take good care of you. Their most popular trees are the 5′-8′ Noble, Grand and Fraser Firs, but they’ll also have an assortment of larger and smaller trees (ranging in cost from $15-$200), along with wreaths, garlands and ornaments to fill your house with holiday cheer.

Deliveries are made daily and are free (yes, we said free!) for residents in the Magnolia neighborhood. For outlying neighborhoods, delivery fees start at $15 (for Queen Anne) and go up to $45 (for downtown Seattle). Deliveries to outlying areas are available on an on-request basis. All costs (including tree stands if you need them) can be charged over the phone (no online ordering available currently) including delivery fees, so you don’t have to worry about having cash on hand at delivery time. Fresh trees (all from locally sourced sustainable growers) are delivered to the nursery weekly and given a fresh-cut right before they’re sent to your house. If Christmas has snuck up on you, don’t worry, deliveries are available November 21 through December 24 or until they run out of trees! Insider Tip: Bring your own tree stand in when you go to pick out your tree, and they’ll deliver your tree already attached to your stand.

Magnolia Garden Center
3213 W. Smith
Seattle, Wa 98199
206-284-1161
Online: magnoliagarden.com

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Swanson’s Nursery
You should probably already have Swanson’s Nursery on your winter to-do list for their outstanding, kid-friendly holiday events, including the reindeer festival with real live reindeer (and camels!), the holiday train and Santa portraits, but they’ve also got a heck of a selection when it comes to Christmas trees. You can order your tree by phone or in the store (their glamorous nursery has a wide assortment of cut and living trees), and have it delivered and set up in your house within 24-48 hours.

After you’ve purchased your tree, Swanson’s delivery plus set up fees for a 6′-7′ tree range from $90-$110 within Seattle, and $125 for Eastside deliveries. Larger trees requiring two-person moving teams are an additional $25-$50. Trees are available for delivery starting November 22 until they run out (usually a few days before Christmas). Insider Tip: Delivers are not made on weekends.

Swanson’s Nursery
9701 15th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98117
Phone: 206-782-2543
Online: swansonsnursery.com

Hours: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., daily

Wright’s Home & Garden
If you are looking for a tree with a little glamour and glitz, Wight’s Home & Garden in Lynnwood is your best bet. Of course, your run-of-the-mill evergreens are available for delivery, but Wight’s also offers unique additional services like flocking your chosen tree (with or without glitter), or adding a fire retardant or antitranspirant (which guards again wilting and moisture loss) before bringing it to your home for set up. Chose from a wide variety of Noble Firs, Fraser Firs, Silver Firs and all sizes of live trees starting on November 25 (any can be flocked).

Prices range from $19.99 for a 2′-3′ up to $355.99 for a 12′-13′; flocking is an additional charge starting at $35, but includes the price of a tree stand. Deliveries are available daily and prices start at $60 for a two-person delivery team within Lynnwood, going up depending on your location, size and weight of your tree. You can either pick out your tree at Wight’s Wonderland of Christmas (the nursery is an awesome afternoon adventure regardless, with dozens of themed Christmas trees to explore), or call and order your tree through their nursery where you’ll get help selecting the perfect size and shape of tree. If you’re in need, you can also consult with Wight’s decorating team to get ideas on tree decorations for any chosen theme you can think of. After-season tree pick up is also available and is the same charge as your delivery fee plus a $10 dump fee.

Wight’s Home & Garden
5026 196th St. S.W.
Lynnwood, Wa 98036
425-775-3636
Online: wights.com

Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

National Delivery Services

Nationally, a few coast-to-coast tree delivery services stand out. Keep in mind though, most national options only offer trees between 3′-8′ (since they’re shipped through FedEx or UPS, which impose size restrictions on shipments) and none offer set-up services.

Green Valley Christmas Trees
Green Valley Christmas Trees offer Noble Firs and Fraser Firs as well as garlands, wreaths and other greenery. Trees start at $59.99 and all orders within the continental U.S. have free shipping. That’s right, free shipping!

Christmas Tree Company
Another company offering free shipping is the aptly named Christmas Tree Company. Their Fraser Firs start at $75, and are shipped within 24 hours of cutting. Special tree plus wreath packages are available and all tree orders include a complimentary biodegradable Christmas tree skirt/bag for easy cleanup when you’re ready to retire your tree.

Redrock Farm
Redrock Farm will FedEx you a lovely Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir or Blue Spruce on the delivery date of your choosing from their Vermont farm (3′-4′ trees starting at $35 + shipping). You can also order a holiday garland or centerpiece. If you like the idea of planting your own little grove of Christmas trees for future holidays, Redrock Farm also offers seedlings in bulk.

Jackson & Perkins
If a small table-top tree is all you need, check out Jackson & Perkins for their huge assortment of pre-decorated, living miniature trees starting at $42 plus shipping.

Amazon
If you want to indulge your Amazon addiction, they’ll happily delivery your live miniature Norfolk Pine, tomorrow if you want.

If you’re not quite ready to give up your family’s holiday tradition gallivanting through the mountains to saw down your very own tree (or you’re ready to start a new tradition!), check out our list of awesome Christmas tree farms near Seattle. And, when the holidays are over, this list of where to recycle your Christmas trees and lights should help make the clean-up a little less overwhelming.

Did we miss your favorite tree delivery service? Do tell. Leave us a comment below!

–Katie Gruver

Photos by: MJW Services, VAstat eparkstaff, Swanson’s, Wight’s, wolfsavard and Mary Balmaceda

A Playground for the Senses: Tryon Creek State Park

by liz oversonOctober 18, 2013

While we hold onto every last vestige of autumn sunshine and the fresh air options that coincide, it’s also groovy to check out places that are delightful come rain or come shine. Exhibit A: Tryon Creek State Park. With a glorious tree canopy, flat, well-maintained trails, wooden footbridges galore and wildlife discoveries at every turn, this gem is open for nature-loving business all year and is mos-def a worthwhile adventure for you and yours whether the skies are blue or gray. A little rain never hurt anybody and neither did a good walk in the park.

Roam Around, Around, Around
Under the impressive stewardship of Friends of Tryon Creek this state park has been rocking and rolling on SW Terwilliger since the early 70s. The FOTC team of staff, volunteers and Board of Directors work hard to keep the park all it is now known for; Trillium viewing and festivals, kid-friendly classes, camps, field trips and hikes, and an amazing (and free) outdoor, tree-laden resource for all of Portland.

On any given day you will see multigenerational families, leashed dogs, trail runners, horseback riders on designated trails, and Lewis & Clark staff and students all wandering and enjoying the amazing green space. With trail maps explaining the many short and easy trails that can be combined for any length adventure, it is a very easy place to explore and exhale.

Hit the Trail
Our early autumn storms brought about changes to the forest and for the kidlets this means stumps to climb, forts to investigate and climbing options a-plenty. Birds and beavers make for teachable moments for all of us and simply listening to the creek helps melt away the stresses of carpools, workweeks, and dinner dilemmas. Four footbridges dot the trails and make for destinations and so does criss-crossing back and forth across the creek, the Maple Ridge Trail and Big Fir Trail (among many, many others).

Let’s Get Centered
Their Nature Center is ready for the mini canyoneers. Displays of deer, birds and beavers await. Super helpful volunteers will help coordinate your hike. Plus there’s a whole room dedicated to nature books, coloring and cutting, and a build-your-own-forest table. The kiddos will feel right at home checking it all out and here, too, are the only bathrooms. Perfect pit stop all around.

For the Little Birds
Oregon State Parks run several fam-tastic guided walks each week at TCSP. On Fridays at 1:00 kiddos ages two to six (and their grown ups) are invited for a Story and Stroll that combines art, nature, music, and literature with outdoor play. Saturday morning at 10:00 boasts 90 minute guided nature walks with rotating themes for fresh air enthusiasts of any age. Kiddos welcome and parents must stick around as well. Make it a bonding moment and learn about moss, woodpeckers, lichen or the winter solstice. Then pat yourself on the back for a superb morning.

A State Park and Then Some
Over winter break nature day camps abound. Their Annual Holiday Market is set for December 7 and 8 and classroom field trips are not only welcome, they are underwritten, with a field trip coordinator on staff.

Tryon Creek State Park is open everyday from 7:00 am. to dusk and the Nature Center is open everyday from 9:00 – 4:00 pm. Free, donations accepted. Easily accessible off of I5 at Exit 297.

11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd
Portland OR 97210
503-636-9886

What does your fam love to do at Tryon Creek State Park? Tell us in the comment section below.

— Liz Overson

Thank you for the photos Tryon Creek State Park Facebook page and Liz Overson.

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