Parties, over indulging, time with friends and family… there’s lots to love about Christmas. But the pressure to go on a reckless buying frenzy spending money on things people don’t really want or need? That’s not one of them.
While it’s hard to imagine NOT waking up to a haul of presents on Christmas morning, giving at Christmas comes at a massive cost to the environment – according to cleanup.org.au, Australians unwanted presents, Christmas trees, wrapping and food will amount to 40 tones of waste.
This year, me and my boyfriend are forgoing gifts in favour of a weekend away, and I’ll happily admit I’m relieved I won’t have to battle the Christmas-shopping hoards.
And for everyone else, I’ve got a little DIY in mind!
For most of us, time is more precious than money – so here are a few simple ideas of what you can give your nearest and dearest to re-discoverer the joy of receiving a hand made gift from the heart!
Experiences
Consider buying a guitar lesson, a kayaking tour or 10 salsa classes. Better still; spend your money on activity that you can enjoy together, like a lunch out or horse riding trail tour.
Or what about giving your own time and talents? A ‘gift voucher’ of a night of baby sitting or a family portrait session if you have a fancy camera is a lovely gift.
Charity
Make your gift really count by donating to a charity on someone’s behalf, or consider buying one of CARE Australia’s online range of meaningful and life-changing gifts for impoverished communities, such as goats, chickens, clean water for a community or you can even send a girl to school. Gifts start at $10.
Cook up a storm
If you’re a foodie and a wiz in the kitchen, share your culinary gift by gifting a home made cake, pudding, cookies, or home made chocolates.
Even something as simple as a jar of healthy home made muesli can make a gift that is sure to be appreciated – and enjoyed.
Here’s a simple recipe I love from Mel at Escape Haven Retreat and Spa in Byron. Present in a jar with a festive ribbon or doily!
Special shopping bag
If you’re a gun on the sewing machine, consider making something simple and useful like a bag. I wish I could lay claim to this, but it was actually my mother’s very talented craft group who sewed together some yoyos, and stitched them onto canvas supermarket bags.
DIY Soft Toys
Rather than buying something with batteries that will be forgotten after a day, inspire kids creativity with simple homemade presents that you can work on together. I made these (rather lumpy looking) shark and dolphin out of calico, stuffed them with old material and wrapped up with a set of fabric pens.
Bath Bombs
Whip up a massive batch, divide into jars, tie with a pretty ribbon and you’ve got some beautiful gifts anyone with a bath will love. Here’s how to make them.
Fruity booze
What do you get when you let blueberries and lavender sit in a bottle of vodka for a week? A really good time! Split into mason jars and finish with a ribbon. Watch my how-to video HERE.
Sweet Dreams
This is my go to gift for anyone really special in my life. I love making dream catchers, they are so easy to make, plus you can personalise it any way you like.
Drink up
I happened upon this fantastic idea last year – so guess what everyone got for Christmas?! These personalised mugs are so easy – just scribble whatever you like with an oil based pen, and bake in the oven for 20 minutes on a low heat to set. Kids will love to make these too! Here’s how to do it…
Super sneaky jewellery case
Keep all your treasures super safe with this ingenious hidden jewerlly box. Just buy an old book (I got mine from my local op shop) carve out the insides and squirrel away all your precious things.
Green and growing
If you have a garden, why not give a cutting as a gift or even a bunch of flowers?
Fridge magnets
If you are really pressed for time, find some old, unmatched earrings or buttons, and glue them to a magnet for an easy, no buy gift!
Remember, it’s the thought that counts!
Happy Christmas 🙂
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