From San Francisco-based Branch Home shop owners Paul Donald and Tracy Brien, comes a wonderful array of hip, useful items that are made in socially and eco-responsibly ways. These Egg Plants are available with either cactus or herbs: basil, parsley, thyme or mint. Gently crack open the shell, water and watch your garden grow.

What a delightfully simple and fun way to sprout pesticide-free, fresh accents for your culinary concoctions. I especially like them as a “turn-on” for youngsters, appealing to their natural curiosity about “growing things.” And as a great housewarming gift for a recent college grad’s first crib. $12/each @ branchhome.com

Feel good about your purchase, knowing that Branch donates 10% of its annual profits to organizations that promote environmental responsibility.