Offering a creative and earthfriendly gift for mom doesn’t have to mean backpacking through the rainforest. When gifting mom, remember to keep the ultimate mother in mind ... Mother Earth. Here are some environmentally friendly ideas to consider, courtesy of Terralina skincare.

* Create a green pampering experience: Mom will love body lotions, facial creams and other skincare items that can soothe and pamper their bodies. However, not all products are the same. Choose items that are made from high-quality natural ingredients and limit the use of preservatives and oil-based substances. For example, Terralina skincare products were created by cousins Patricia and Gina Garrubbo who, while pregnant, were concerned about what they were putting on their skin and the effects that their skincare could have on their bodies. Experts say that 60 to 70 percent of what is put on the skin is absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore it pays to be aware of the ingredients being used.

The cousins were also interested in the environment and ways to protect the planet for future generations. Their skincare line features natural ingredients and are paraben-free and harsh chemicalfree. Ingredients include those rich in natural age-combating antioxidants like Olive Leaf, Olive Oil and White Tea. To learn more visit, www.TerralinaSkinCare.com or call 800-240-3084.

* Put the green in spa treatments: Nothing says relaxing more than soaking in a warm bath or having a therapeutic massage. Whether mom wants to visit a spa or enjoy the luxuries of these treatments at home, taking the time to be ecofriendly can make the difference. Create an all-natural soothing bath by mixing sea salt with a few drops of organic essential oils, such as chamomile or lavender. Many stores sell soaps that are made from natural ingredients and are even vegetarian or vegan in nature. Wrap these up into a meaningful gift. Or, give mom a facial using Terralina cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

* Rely on recycled or reusable containers: Did you know that about 8 percent of the world’s fossil fuels are used to produce new plastics? Instead, look for items that are packaged in post-consumer materials. It’s possible to find 100 percent post-consumer plastics and paper items. Also, look for gifts that do not feature extraneous packaging or wrapping. Not only could you be spending more for this packaging, it’s something that will simply end up in landfills.

* Be crafty with wrapping: Recycled materials shouldn’t only be in the products you purchase, keep them in mind when wrapping, too. Use a piece of fabric as a gift bag instead of purchasing a new one. Wrap a box in a scrap of decorative wallpaper or newsprint. Or even paste together a collage of dried leaves and flowers. The most environmentally friendly wrapping is actually none at all, which is perfectly acceptable, too.

* Recognize that going green can be beneficial to the environment ... and to you: Mother Earth isn’t the only one who benefits when earthfriendly ingredients are used. Generally these ingredients are safer for individuals, too. For instance, Terralina skincare products are at least 98.65 percent natural, employing a natural emulsification process using olive oil in lieu of potentially harmful silicone. The result is a host of products that not only produce healthy, radiant skin, but a healthy planet as well.

Green gift ideas are perfect for Mother’s Day when families celebrate the female caregiver in their lives. What better way to honor her than by caring for this special someone and protecting the planet for future mothers to come?