Tis the Season…
And sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed — because lots of times I have no idea what to get people… and it feels like buying stuff to buy stuff… well… is no fun and truly not in the spirit of the holidays. SO… here are a few DIY’s that you can create your very own handmade gift and some easy to buy ECO-FRIENDLY gift ideas — that will make you feel good! they are great ideas to get folks who seem to already have everything — or those who really don’t want stuff. Even for the hardest person to buy for on your list… one of these will be a winner!
HOLIDAY SEASON GIFT GIVING IDEAS! ECO FRIENDLY and DIY’s — BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!
For Your Boho Friends… make a fun wreath using feathers, painted pine cones, some beads, old jewelry and bits and bobs, ribbon and a little twine. I used a recycled metal bicycle rim for the frame — but you can get a wooden circle at the craft store. Some hot glue… and you can really go to town! Here are a few more BOHO and other holiday inspired craft DIY ideas…
OKAY — Seriously how fun (and funny) is this! For the young person who just moved into their own apartment or for your parents who have everything — how about a year’s worth of toilet paper — eco friendly style. Who Gives a Crap is just one of the many eco-TP companies. Does this matter — YES — it makes a huge difference to our Climate Controlling Boreal Forests! NRDC and Treehugger.com have lists of the Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers out there! For about $150 you can buy a year’s worth for one person. Just wrap up one roll — what a great stocking stuffer!! :)
Its Sweater Weather! Turn an old sweater into a wall hanging or even better a tote! Don’t throw away that wool sweater that has moth holes — or shrunk in the dryer (sorry about that). Just cut out the arms, and hand stitch around the edges and sew the bottom together! Voila — the best tote for grocery shopping or a gym bag. This simple holiday DIY is perfect for your fashion lovers! Need more ideas…
May be hard to think about a spring, summer and fall farmshare for the holidays but what a great gift idea to give someone local wholesome food! Support your farmers and your family will be reminded weekly of your thoughtfulness. Check your Local CSA listings for ones in your area.
Make your own wrapping paper out of vintage fabrics! You can paint on a fun star or even initials and keep reusing it year after year! Holiday Crafts are so fun — do them with friends —even better!
CARBON OFFSET! This holiday gift actually fights climate change! It is one of the most sustainable gifts out there! Help your family and friends reduce their impact of travel during the holidays by purchasing carbon offset through one of these meaningful companies. See Impactful Ninja website for the complete list of the best Carbon Offset Gift Ideas and Best Companies to Choose From. From Planting and Protecting Tress to Investing in Windfarms and many other options!
A few slices of birch bark and some paint and you have instant refrigerator magnets! You will need to make sure the birch bark slices are completely dry — and hot glue the back edges (so the bark does not slip off) then glue on the magnet. You will need a couple coats of white paint before you add the letters. You can also use old jewelry, heart shaped rocks, shells… go to town!
Who doesn’t love a good beanie! Now you can have one that is made from Climate Beneficial Wool… Like this North Face Wool Hat! There are many companies who are making hats, scarves, sweaters out of this amazing regenerative agriculture practices. So for more clothing options check out these eco fashion forward thinking companies…
Fabric Scraps, scissors and some bling… Just sew them together, going over it a few times… and voila — instant holiday tree hanging ornaments. This is one of my most popular Pinterest DIY Holiday Decor Pins ever! I have many ideas on this page. :)
Shop Local!! For me, that means Maple Syrup, Cheese and Gift Certificates for locally made ice cream, restaurants and more. Who can you support locally?
Coasters from family pictures or DIY’s made from stuff you have lying around the house. Link through here to see a few more easy DIY ideas for Holiday Gift Giving.
Books are always a great holiday gift idea. :)
How about some ornaments? Handmade holiday decor is always a crowd pleaser! Click through for a few more holiday DIY Homemade gift ideas!
Pick up an heirloom piece for someone you love. Whether is it the newly married couple, or someone buying their first home — a vintage wool rug, or ottoman or something of high-quality from the past — will always be welcome. New England Loom has a variety of items - rugs, ottomans, pillows and even slippers…
That’s a wrap!