• Solar-powered gadgets make great gifts for environmentally conscious friends.sun image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
  
  Holidays, birthdays and other gift-giving celebrations are great opportunities to show loved ones that solar power makes it easy to be environmentally responsible. Not only are solar-powered gifts easy to use and economically friendly, they are also developed to fit a variety of interests, from technology and travel, to home decor.
  
  

Tech Gadgets

• Solar-powered gadgets seem like a natural fit for a tech junkie and there are many gifts that he'll be proud to show off. Computer accessories are always a popular gift idea and there are many solar-powered options, including a wireless keyboard, portable battery charger and even a laptop that can be completely powered by the sun. Other gift ideas include a solar-powered cellphone charger, portable speakers and a wristwatch.
  
  

Around the Home

• Solar-powered gifts aren't just for the tech savvy -- there are many simple to use and Earth-friendly solar gifts available for the home. Consider purchasing a solar-powered gift that adds to the decor, such as outdoor sidewalk lights, decorative candles or even Christmas lights. More functional gift ideas include solar-powered alarm clocks, flashlights, bathroom scales and lamps. Not only are these gifts environmentally friendly, but they'll also enhance the decor and functionality of any home.
  
  

Travel Accessories

• Solar-powered gifts are a great choice for a person who's always on the go. For example, a solar-powered backpack can be used to charge a cell phone, digital camera, GPS and laptop, among other gadgets -- plus it holds all your stuff. Other options for the road-weary traveler include solar-powered razors, radios, flashing luggage tags and a cooling hat that uses the sun's rays to power a built-in fan.
  
  

Toys

• Just because a gift is good for the environment doesn't mean that it can't be fun. Encourage your friend to act like a kid again with toy race cars, boats and even robots -- all solar-powered, of course. For the mechanically inclined, there are also a number of do-it-yourself kits that provide instructions on how to build a solar-powered toy from start to finish.