SPANISH FORT, Ala. — While many people get traditional holiday gifts of winter scarves, candy or popcorn tins, step out of the box and consider some alternative holiday gifts that will make a lasting impression.

With the ease of Internet shopping, finding an unusual gift has become much easier.

The following suggestions focus on creating a record of the family’s history, giving a gift that helps the environment or animals and recognizing someone in a memorable and special way.

LEGACY GIFT: Start a new trend in your family by offering a “legacy” gift. Capture your grandparents or parent’s memories by filming them or writing down their memories in a keepsake journal.

Transfer old and new photos to a CD or videotape. Go through the stages of their lives from infancy to maturity and ask for funny stories or quirky tidbits.

Grandchildren may not know that their grandmother used to write poems as a child or that their grandfather once knocked on the door of Graceland and asked to speak to Elvis.

Or choose a historical perspective asking questions about what life was like during World War II or Vietnam. Reproduce the family tree on paper or a T-shirt as a gift for family members. Make a photo collage of grandchildren or children and take it to the nearest office supply store and have it laminated as a place mat.

GOING GREEN: Go green like the Grinch in “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” by giving ecology friendly gifts or recycled products. Buy organic foods, organic beauty supplies or soaps. Some hemp products are now used to make hats, wallets, clothing, backpacks or even dog collars. And, for those friends with green thumb or who like to cook, give a starter set of easy to grow eco-friendly herbs or vegetables. For the kids in the family buy nontoxic wood toys. Find items that use reinvented glass, aluminum or paper. A natural peanut butter mixer or organic chocolates may thrill the gourmet in the family.

NAME A STAR: Stars have been the subject of paintings, songs and children’s wishes. When you were young you may have wished upon a star, but now you can have one named for someone special. Pick a name, the dedication date and receive telescopic coordinates with a sky chart with the star circled.

MAKE A HONORARIUM GIFT: Give a monetary donation to a charity in honor of or in memory of someone special. With charitable organizations, no amount is too small or too large. Many nonprofit agencies have wish lists that included large and small items which could appeal to you and your budget. For example, you could donate movie tickets to a youth ranch or office supplies, like paper and pens, to a small charity.

ADOPT AN ANIMAL: Consider adopting a manatee, a whale or a pet at a local animal shelter. Most sites will give you an adoption certificate and a biography about the animal as well as updates.