DIY Holiday Gift Ideas

It’s that time of year where we begrudgingly shuffle our feet and wander big box stores hoping we find the perfect thing for everyone on our list. However, just how many times did we actually enjoy this task and how often would the recipient of our gifts actually use them? I cannot even count how many times I personally received gifts that just collected dust, a waste both for myself and the gift giver to purchase-- let alone the environmental impact of the item that has no use. 

Fortunately, I've changed my spending habits and these days I find myself wanting to give and receive more intentional gifts. Gifts that spark joy. I am talking about all things “do it yourself” or DIY for short. For all intents and purposes, these are more sustainable, which is perfect for the gift recipient who just won’t tell you what they want, or if you want to gift something unique, personal, and are on a tight budget!

First on my list is the thrift store. My tip is to shop at charity shops specifically because they are not for profit, they likely donate directly to a good cause, and are very transparent. And of course, always do your research. 

Things to thrift:

• Art

• Books

• Brass candle holders

• Candles

• Christmas ornaments

• Chachkis / Knick knacks

• Gently used clothes

• Glass bowls

• Framed photos

• Other glassware / Kitchen Items

• Furniture

• Vases

You can easily clean and add a personal + creative touch to your thrifted goods to make it your own, or in this case your recipient's own. :) Paint the frames, or modge podge dried foliage onto your glassware or vases, the list goes on! Other creative ideas…

Things to literally DIY:

• Art

• Body scrubs

• Cook a homemade meal or treat

• DIY Christmas ornaments

• Dried flower bouquet

• Dried pampas

• Propagate and pot plants you own

• Handmade letters

And thus concludes my DIY portion. Of course for the more extreme, that do not want to buy things and “stuff” may I suggest the route of DIY-ish...

Virtual:

• Charitable donation in person’s name

• Curate a playlist

• E-card

• E-book

• Fitness subscription

• Online newspaper / zines

• Other subscriptions

• Make digital vouchers

• Pay for online classes

• Pay for apps / streaming service from 1 month - year

Lastly, if you really want to buy something, your go-to’s and rule-of-thumb going forward in 2021 should always be to shop sustainable, small, local and BIPOC-owned first! There’s literally no excuse not to. I also made a dope curation of 10 amazing sustainable businesses here, if you find that helpful. They’re all doing awesome work and a lot of the company’s initiatives directly support the earth + people. 

For me this year, I took my own advice, and made friends cookies, worked for months propagating my pothos babies and potted them. I thrifted chic ashtrays, glass and wood bowls and cups, and even whimsical soap dishes with dual purposes in mind to gift to friends to do whatever with them, whether it is their intended purpose or to hold jewelry in a cute way! I also got my mother a Strava year subscription. She recently overcame cancer and her health is a huge focus, so I wanted to be in line with her personal goals. I also dried a few foraged pampas from a nearby beach for a few close people in my life as well. Whatever you do, do it from the heart and with intention in the forefront of your mind! Happy Holidays friends!

Stay in touch and let me know what you’d like to hear from me next!!