Sustainable Christmas: 12 DIY Ideas for Gifting
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Christmas creates a huge impact on our environment—and that’s the last thing we need in 2020.
So we’ve compiled a list of ways you can make Christmas a bit greener, with homemade and DIY gifts and decoration.
First up, how to create memorable and sustainable gifts, no matter who’s on your Christmas list.
Simple and cute presents
Brownies in a Jar
Know of a keen chef in your life? Or perhaps a Junior Masterchef? This gift idea is the perfect way to show someone you love them and to also cut down on the amount of plastic that is used.
It is also a great way to repurpose old food jars that tend to end up in landfill.
You’ll need:
- 1 ¼ cups plain flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup caster sugar
- ¾ cup milk chocolate chips
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- 100g walnuts, roughly chopped
Make it here: bakeplaysmile.com/brownies-in-a-jar-homemade-gift-with-free-printable-gift-tag
Relaxing Bath Bombs
Give the gift of relaxation this Christmas in bath bomb form. You’ll also be surprised how many ingredients you already have.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup epsom salts or pure sea salts
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon almond oil
- Vegetable-based food colouring or ground herbs e.g turmeric, beetroot powder
- 5 drops essential oil of your choice
- Mica powder (optional)
Make it here: helloglow.co/coconut-oil-bath-bombs
Beeswax Wraps
The perfect way to continue the eco-friendly gestures after the holiday period.
Beeswax wraps are the perfect zero-waste alternative to plastic-wrap and they can be personalised through the choice of fabric.
You’ll need:
- Cosmetic-grade beeswax pellets
- 100% cotton fabric
- Scissors or pinking shears
- Brush
- Baking Paper paper
- Baking sheet
Make it here: goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/g25642328/diy-beeswax-reusuable-wraps
Propagating plants and reusing second-hand pots/ceramics
Share the plant love by gifting propagated plant cuttings!
Lot’s of plants that you probably already own can be propagated and created beautiful gifts. Pots and old ceramics can be easily picked up from charity stores or on Facebook marketplace.
Here’s a list of plants that can be propagated and how to do so apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-propagate-plants-weekend-projects-258823
Crochet Wall Art
Already a DIY whiz? Why not give the gift of beautiful art by making crochet wall hangings.
A boho staple, this is a gift that really says ‘I love you, and your home’.
You’ll need:
- Crochet Needles
- Yarn
- Hanging Rod
- String
Make it here: 1dogwoof.com/diy-crochet-wall-hanging
Polymer Clay Earrings
One of the most popular accessories this year has been clay earrings. Perfect for gifting to your girlfriends—they will be a staple in our wardrobe all summer.
You’ll need:
- Polymer clay in the colours of your choice*
- Rolling pin
- Knife or clay cutter
- Jewelry pliers
- Earring posts and backs (I used gold)
- Jewelry jump rings with open connectors (I also used gold for these)
- (optional) Small circular cookie or clay cutters
- Super glue
- Cutting surface
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Make it here: papernstitchblog.com/diy-clay-jewelry-techniques
Paper Crane Mobile (perfect for bubs and expecting parents)
The perfect gift for a newborn bub or for parents that are expecting. This DIY is also another great way to reuse old paper.
You’ll Need
- Paper
- Twine
- Hanging pole
Make it here: lanaredstudio.com/2016/09/diy-renters-friendly-origami-ceiling-decoration.html
For our Fur Babies: Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
We haven’t forgotten about your fur baby—they deserve to be spoiled too. This recipe sounds good enough for us to eat.
You’ll need:
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups whole wheat flour
Make it here: damndelicious.net/2015/01/07/homemade-peanut-butter-dog-treats
For Him: Homemade shaving cream
The men in our life deserve a bit of homemade love this Christmas. Handmade shaving cream is a wonderful stocking filler that won’t get pushed into the ‘crap draw’.
You’ll need:
- Mango Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Castile Soap
- Oil (sweet almond oil, avocado oil or jojoba oil)
Make it here: dontwastethecrumbs.com/diy-homemade-shaving-cream
Recycled Paper
Every day we throw away paper—but old paper can easily be teared up and turned into new paper. It may be a lost craft, but we’re determined to bring it back
You’ll need:
- Waste paper (almost anything will work — just avoid glossy paper like magazines)
- Water
- A blender or food processor
- An old picture frame
- Mesh or screen (can be found at a craft store)
- Felt, cloth or sponge
- A rectangular bin to hold water (a 13” x 9” pan would also work)
- Decorations like dried flowers, confetti or seeds (optional)
Make it here: earth911.com/living-well-being/events-entertainement/recycle-your-own-paper
Gifts made from your recycled paper
Make a Journal
The perfect way to showcase your handmade paper…
You’ll need:
- Regular 8.5 “x 11” printer paper (you need about 7 sheets per journal)
- Crop-A-Dile punch tool
- String or twine
- Paper trimmer
- Embellishments for the cover
- Paper, leather, faux leather, or oil cloth for your cover material
Make it here: abeautifulmess.com/gift-idea-homemade-journals
Use to wrap small gifts
Whilst it may be challenging to wrap bigger presents with this paper, it will be sure to get the job done for smaller gifts.
Make it here: lovecreatecelebrate.com/rustic-gift-wrap-ideas
Homemade zero waste gift cards
Use your beautiful homemade paper to create a personalised gift card. This is also a great way to support local business.
Some ideas include a dinner out at their favourite restaurant, a voucher for babysitting or a home-cooked meal.
