Written by Summary
Sure, you could go the easy route and grab a gift card, but where’s the fun in that? Making something with your own two hands is peak holiday spirit. It’s a chance to infuse meaning into the season—showing your friends and family that you’ve actually thought about them and didn’t just panic-buy socks at the last minute.
“To invent you need a good imagination and a piece of junk” – Thomas A. Edison
It’s that time of year again when the world screams at you to spend obscene amounts of money on glittery plastic junk destined for a landfill by February. But this holiday season, you can rise above the chaos—and maybe even save the planet (or at least some dignity)—by giving gifts that are not only thoughtful but also circular. Yes, I’m talking about DIY gifts that won’t scream “last-minute B&B finds”. Forget candle kits and crocheted potholders; we’re diving into the weird, wonderful, and downright genius side of eco-friendly gifting.
Plant Starter Kits
Know someone with a burgeoning green thumb? Give the gift of life—plant life, that is. You can repot cuttings from your own plants into thrifted mugs or jars (bonus points if they’re hilariously tacky), throw in a DIY care guide, and voilà! Instant plant parenthood.
Why it rocks: You’re spreading greenery and oxygen while subtly hinting that the recipient could use a bit more responsibility.
Fabric Gift Wrap (that’s also the gift)
Ditch wrapping paper (because we all know it’s a lie—most of it’s not recyclable) and use a beautiful scarf, tea towel, or bandana as the wrap. This way, the packaging is the present. Add some festive twine and you’ll look like an eco-chic Martha Stewart.
Why it rocks: Two gifts in one, and no guilt about that glitter-covered wrapping paper.
Infused Olive Oil: For the bougie cook
Elevate someone’s culinary game by making infused olive oil. Use herbs like rosemary, garlic, or chili flakes and pour the concoction into a repurposed glass bottle. Slap on a handwritten label, and suddenly you’re a DIY artisan brand.
Why it rocks: It’s cheap, classy, and delicious—unlike most store-bought “gourmet” options.
DIY Beeswax Wraps
Help your friend ditch plastic saran wrap by making reusable beeswax wraps. They’re shockingly simple to make: just melt beeswax over cotton fabric squares, brush it evenly, and let it cool.
Why it rocks: These wraps are trendy, useful, and scream “I care about the turtles.”
Mason Jar Hot Cocoa Kits
Sure, mason jar gifts are borderline cliché, but hear me out. Layer in gourmet hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and maybe a shot of instant espresso powder for the grown-ups. Add a ribbon and a sassy tag like “For when life’s a snowstorm.”
Why it rocks: It’s nostalgic, customizable, and perfect for lazy snow days.
DIY Essential Oil Roller Blends
Turn your inner apothecary loose and create custom essential oil rollers. Mix soothing blends like lavender and chamomile for stress relief or citrus and peppermint for energy boosts. Use recycled roller bottles for extra eco points (grab one at your local beauty shop for free).
Why it rocks: They’re chic, practical, and way cheaper than those overpriced name-brand ones.
Cook Up Some Bath Salts
Not for eating, but for de-stressing! Use Epsom salts, a few drops of essential oils, and maybe some dried lavender or rose petals for flair. Pack them in glass jars or tins and include instructions like, “Dump this in the tub and forget the world exists for 20 minutes.”
Why it rocks: It’s self-care in a jar, and everyone deserves that.
Handwritten Recipe Collection
For the friend who always asks, “What’s in this?” whenever you cook. Gather your best recipes, handwrite them on beautiful stationery or cards, and tie them together with some twine (bonus points if twine is made from something upcycled!)
Why it rocks: It’s personal, timeless, and ensures your legacy lives on through cookies and casseroles.
Homemade Birdseed Ornaments
For the nature lover in your life, mix birdseed with gelatin, press it into cookie cutters, and let it set. String them up, and you’ve got adorable, wildlife-friendly decorations that’ll make your yard the hottest avian hangout.
Why it rocks: You’re giving birds a place to decompress and can pretend to be responsible for a minute!
DIY Coffee Scrub
Save those used coffee grounds and transform them into an exfoliating scrub by mixing in coconut oil and a splash of vanilla. Package it in a small jar with a label like, “For when you look as tired as you feel.”
Why it rocks: It’s a spa treatment and a caffeine fix all rolled into one.
Why DIY Gifts Are Actually the Best
Sure, you could go the easy route and grab a gift card, but where’s the fun in that? Making something with your own two hands is peak holiday spirit. It’s a chance to infuse meaning into the season—showing your friends and family that you’ve actually thought about them and didn’t just panic-buy socks at the last minute. Plus, it’s a great way to flex your creativity and maybe even turn gift-giving into a family craft night. May I even say –a win-win.
So go ahead—get messy, get snarky, and get crafting. Because nothing says “I care” like a lovingly homemade gift that doesn’t contribute to the ever-expanding landfill. You’ve got this!
You can also buy digital gifts like the “Seekers of Utopia” concept album here on the Fastfrwrd shop where we plant a tree at the checkout through Trees.org