(DIY) Do It Yourself Gift Ideas
More waste is generated between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than any other time of year, and studies repeatedly show that most of us would welcome less gift-giving and stress at the holidays. Check out some tips and “do it yourself” gift-giving ideas!
Holiday Cards
Paint Chip Cards
Holiday cards can be expensive and wasteful. Spread sustainable holiday cheer by making your own cards! Here is how you can make paint chip Christmas cards with 3 simple items. Paint chips can be found in any home store that would sell paint.
Here's what you'll need:
- Paint Chips
- Tape or Glue
- Card Stock
For the Foodie
Hot Cocoa Mason Jar
Who doesn’t love hot cocoa? Surprise someone you love with this delicious treat!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dry milk
- 1 cup cocoa powder
Tip: Make sure to get organic, locally sourced ingredients to be as green as possible this holiday season!
Homemade Trail Mix
Do you have nutty friends? Treat them to something special and sustainable this year.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Seed
- Savory Extras (Spices)
- Sweets
- Grains
- Dried Fruit
- Nuts
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup ground flax seed
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 2-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Cat Toys
Your kitty deserves some love too. Make a purrfect holiday gift.
Here is what you’ll need:
- Hollow papier mache shapes
- Rubber bands (optional)
- Toilet paper tube (optional)
- Drill with 3/32 drill bit
- Scissors
- Catnip
- Sesame Seeds
- 6 yds/18ft. of colored twisted paper
- Craft Glue
Painted Flower Pots
Make a flower pot special with your own creative touch!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Terracotta Pot
- Small plant
- Potting soil
- Paint brush
- Acrylic paints
Seed Bombs
Know someone with a green thumb? They'll love this!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4oz Air Dry Clay
- 1oz Flower Seeds
- 1oz Potting Soil
LEGO Picture Puzzles
It's not the 90's, but rest assured, every kid loves LEGOs!
Here's what you'll need:
- LEGO Duplos
- Double-sided tape
- an Xacto knife
- photos of your kids, family members, or friends!
Cereal Box Notepads
Put those cardboard boxes to creative use!
Here's what you'll need:
- Cereal Box (or other cardboard)
- Mod Podge
- Wide Thin Paintbrush
- 2 Large Binder Clips
- 2 Paint Stir Sticks
- Exacto Knife & Ruler or Paper Cutter
- Paper
Check out the best places to shop online if you want to save money and live a zero waste lifestyle:
Package Free Shop - Great for reusables like glass lunch containers, cloth napkins and kitchen towels, and handkerchiefs.
Zero Market - Harder to find items like tooth powder, mosquito spray, and makeup remover in glass bottles.
Arbor Teas - Wide selection of organic loose leaf teas including black, green, white, oolong, pu-erh, rooibos, and herbal tea.
BuyMeOnce - Carries items that last a lifetime.
There's more. Check out a full list on: RodalesOrganicLife