The holidays can be such a fun time with friends and family.
It’s a time to share love and joy with all the people who matter in your life.
Among the merry and bright, though, there’s also a lot of waste.
Think of all the wrapping paper that goes in the trash, the Christmas lights plugged
in all night long, and endless cries for batteries and chargers for technology.
This year you can manage the wasteful holiday mess by making eco-friendly gifts
for everyone.
Here are some fabulous gifts you can make that your friends and family will love,
and so will the trees.
Cozy Scarves
Who doesn’t love a handmade scarf to keep them warm all winter long?
The internet has so many videos you can watch to teach yourself how to knit or crochet.
Think it’s too complicated?
Think again.
You can knit with your fingers!
How cool and easy is that?
Once you’ve got it down, you can whip up scarves for all of your friends.
The best part is there are plenty of eco-friendly yarns out there to use.
Did you know there’s even yarn made from bamboo? Awesome!
Reclaimed Wooden Jewelry Holder
For your friends who dread the snow and would rather soak up the sun, this gift
is totally for them!
You can make a jewelry holder out of a piece of old boards, old pallets or even driftwood.
Add few decorative knobs and you have yourself a jewelry holder.
However, when making this gift, you want to ensure you have the proper tools to securely
attach the knobs and boards. This is such a cute gift your beach-loving friend will enjoy!
Sugar Scrub
The holiday season can be beautiful when the trees are covered in snow, and everyone stays
cozy and comfy indoors. Going out in that brutal cold can do awful things to your skin!
Dry, cracked skin is anything but wonderful in the winter.
Organic sugar, coconut oil and a little essential oil are the ingredients you need to make
a sugar scrub gift your friends and family will rave about.
Sugar scrubs are great for the skin, and are fairly easy to make.
Succulents
Succulents are such a cute gift you can make in so many creative ways.
Your friends and family will love a little green amid all the white snow this winter.
You’ll have so much fun picking out plants and planters, you’ll want to make one for
yourself too.
You don’t have to have a green thumb to admit these are absolutely adorable—this is
the perfect way to give a green gift that anyone can enjoy.
Recycled Wine Bottles
Give a gift of recycled décor this season with wine bottles.
Admit it, you’ll have just as much fun emptying the bottles as you will crafting them
into décor.
Your options are endless — you can make so many different things out of wine bottles
including vases, recycled wine glass tumblers or serving platters.
Throw a little paint on them, add some ribbon and let there be sparkles everywhere.
You can’t go wrong with this recycled gift.
T-Shirt Tote
Don’t have a panic attack if you’re running out of time to make gifts for people.
A T-shirt tote bag is a great last minute gift because of how fast and easy it is to make.
This is the perfect way to recycle a shirt and keep bags cruelty-free.
If you’re out shopping and see a shirt that someone would love, but would never wear,
consider turning it into a tote as a gift.
All Natural Scent Jars
Water scents are a lot easier to make than you think.
You can make natural water candles with a few basic ingredients and give them as gifts
this season.
It’s simple — using essential oil or scented extracts, you mix a few drops into water and add
Put it in a cute jar and you’re done.
Give the gift of a glorious smelling room without burning harsh chemicals this Christmas.
Indoor Herb Garden
Nothing says “Christmas gifting” than giving someone some fresh greens.
There are so many different ways you can make an indoor herb garden.
Help your friends do a little conservation by saving transport pollution and one less trip
to the grocery store.
Herbs are perfect for cooking and other home remedies, especially during the holiday season.
“UnPaper” Towels
Christmas is full of joy and fun — but it’s also full of waste.
Reusable paper towels are the new eco-friendly fad.
Although they’re a little complicated to make if you don’t have a sewing machine, this is a
perfect project to start with.
Your friends and family will love saving money and the environment and totally ask you to
make them more.
Coasters
How cute are coasters that are handmade?
This is a fun craft and makes a great gift to give.
You can make coasters out of all sorts of recycled material, and turn trash into treasure.
Get a little creative this Christmas and craft up some coasters for gifts.
Wrap It With Love
Gifts are all fun and games until tons of wrapping paper fills the trash can.
Recycle that paper, or consider some more eco-friendly ways to wrap your gifts.
Use recycled paper, newspaper or even burlap to wrap your presents.
Add your own craft string or handmade gift tags.
Instead of using store-bought wrapping paper, your gifts will look more original and crafty
than the typical paper covered with clip art of Santa’s reindeer.
Everyone loves a handmade gift that shows time and thoughtfulness were a priority.
With these easy DIY presents, you can make the environment a priority too.
Keep your holidays happy, stay warm this season and go green with your gifts.
About the Author
Megan Ray Nichols is a freelance science writer and the editor of Schooled By Science. She is an amateur astronomer and environmentalist. When she isn’t writing, Megan enjoys hiking and camping with friends and family. Visit her blog to keep up to date on the latest scientific news.
What are your favorite DIY holiday gifts?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
There are some terrific novel gift ideas in this post. I would bet that any foodie would love recieivng a her garden. I don’t cook very much but even I would love that gift. Great ideas.
Great ideas, all of them! Thank you for joining the Holidays Celebration Link Party this week. Pinned!
These are such great idea’s Deborah
Such great ideas – I love that jewelry holder, it looks awesome! Thanks so much for sharing over at Friday Frivolity 🙂