Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring out the materialist in all of us.

Holiday shoppers got off to a good start yesterday, according to CNN. I missed the mayhem, but I’m working on my holiday gift list.

With a flailing economy, many of us are cutting back on spending this year. This may be a blessing in disguise, forcing us to reconsider our priorities and avoid filling up our homes—and landfills—with next year’s junk.

“In these challenging economic times, parents may feel concerned that they may not be able to provide the usual abundance under the Christmas tree, or other holiday giving,” says education specialist Barbara Nicholson, cofounder of Nashville-based Attachment Parenting International. “The good news is that what children really need and want is our presence, not necessarily presents. Think about other ways to make your holidays rich this year by providing more time for games, cooking together and, perhaps, making gifts together that will be treasured through the years.”

We couldn’t agree more. Tune in tomorrow for a holiday craft project that will bring family members together and nurture your organic spirit.

Whether the cook on your holiday gift list is a big-time organic foodie or just a dabbler in the culinary arts, she’ll appreciate this updated KitchenAid Metal Toaster.

With sleek styling and state-of-the-art performance, it’s a colorful kitchen addition, available in blue willow, empire red, gloss cinnamon, onyx black and stainless steel.

This toaster boasts the industry’s most advanced bagel-toasting function, thoroughly toasting sliced sides, while gently browning outer sides. An electronic sensor reads toaster temperature and adapts toasting time accordingly, which ensures consistent browning. A one-touch warming button allows you to reheat previously toasted breads without additional browning.

The toaster is available in two- and four-slot models (suggested retail: $89.99 and $129.99, respectively). But you can score some great online deals at Amazon.com, where the two-slot model sells for $69.99. Similarly, Cooking.com sells the two-slot model for $69.95, with the four-slot model going for $99.95.