You scroll through Pinterest as one gorgeous DIY holiday tutorial after another fills your screen. You feel inspired by the gorgeous photos that fill your feed, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking, “I could never make that!”
You want to be the type of person who plans out their holiday preparations months ahead and makes everyone from your children’s teachers to your mail carrier the perfect homemade gift.
The reality is that year after year, you’re scrambling to order gifts for everyone on Amazon at the zero hour.
You just don’t have the time. Or the talent (or so you tell yourself).
The good news is that you do, and you can!
In as little time as 30 minutes, you could make most of these DIY holiday gifts.
Whether you are looking for a gift for your sister, a hostess gift for your best friend, or a thoughtful eco-friendly gift for a special person in your life, you’ll find something for everyone on your list!
(And you can even batch make a few to get everyone covered.)
Get inspired by these DIY eco-friendly holiday gift ideas that use thrifted or upcycled materials
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DIY Painted Mugs
I kept seeing this super cute mug DIY by Glue to My Crafts Blog in my Pinterest feed. They are super easy to make — and I made them for my older daughter’s childcare providers a few years ago using mugs I purchased at a local thrift store. They absolutely loved them!
DIY Hot Cocoa Kit
The other day I really wanted a peppermint hot chocolate. I couldn’t find the right cocoa mix (just the unsweetened kind) and it turned out we didn’t have any peppermint extract in our house, so I sadly gave up on that endeavor. However, had someone been sweet enough to gift me one of these adorable hot cocoa kits by Hoosier Homemade I would have been all set!
Use fair trade chocolate and package them with reusable mason jars and the above-mentioned mugs and you’ve got a really sweet teacher’s gift!
Super Simple Spiral Necklace
This super simple spiral necklace can be made in under 15 minutes! Use silver rings made from recycled/reclaimed silver and repurpose an old chain. Package it in a recycled kraft jewelry box, or make your own out of a cereal box!
DIY Holiday Snow Globe
There is something so fascinating about a snow globe, shaking it up and watching the fake snow twirl around. These super easy DIY snow globes by Mommy’s Bundle using upcyled baby food jars would make a really sweet present for a child or even for an adult to have on their desk. Use biodegradable glitter, figurines from a thrift store, and food oil instead of baby oil and you have a super cute and eco-friendly gift idea!
DIY Upcycled Picture Frame Jewelry Display
I made this upcycled earring display out of a picture frame I had on hand and a repurposed pillowcase from the thrift store two years ago and it’s still sitting proudly in my bedroom. I know from experience it was really easy to make and very inexpensive and would make a lovely gift for a daughter, friend, or sister. (They also go really well with repurposed wine bottle bracelet holders!)
DIY Immune Boosting Lotion Bars
Cajun at Blooming in Bedlam put together a fabulous natural skin care gift guide with recipes to make some fabulous natural skin care products. As a mom of two small children, I am constantly surrounded by germs, plus my hands get super dry in the winter time. I know this would be the perfect gift for all of my fellow moms of little ones who I know are looking at a long, dry & cold winter indoors.
DIY Repurposed Holiday Frame
I’m all about repurposing, and I really like how Theresa of Dear Creatives took an ordinary old picture frame and turned into something dazzling and gorgeous for the holidays. Again, switch out the glitter with biodegradable glitter and a frame from your local thrift store.
DIY Simmering Pot Recipe & Mason Jar Gift
Though I have yet to ever make a simmering pot recipe, for some reason to me they make me think of a cold, winter day snuggled under a blanket with a cup of tea and a good book. This would be a lovely hostess gift or for a good friend.
DIY Homemade Vanilla
A few years ago a friend made Sam and I a bottle of homemade vanilla. We sadly ran out, and I have been looking to replace it. I have lots of friends and family members who enjoy baking and looking forward to making some for them as well with this simple recipe for making your own homemade vanilla.
And if all else fails, a lovely piece of handmade minimalist eco-friendly jewelry that already comes boxed for you in a reusable, recycled box makes for a very thoughtful gift!
Do you make any of your holiday gifts? What is your favorite thing to make?
Looking for more DIY holiday gift ideas? Check out my Pinterest board, and if you have one you’d like me to add put your link in the comments below!