15 easy eco-friendly gifts you can make yourself

4. Pickles and chutneys

Continuing the food theme, pickles and chutneys add texture and tang to a range of savory dishes and make great gourmet gifts. If you have your own garden or know someone who does, pickles and chutneys are an easy way to reduce food waste by preserving gluts of fruit and veg such as zucchinis, cabbages, onions and apples. Of course, you can also buy the ingredients you need. Get started early if possible, as preserves tend to improve with age. But there are recipes that only need a few weeks to mature – look online. 

5. Reusable beeswax wraps 

Holiday meals often mean holiday leftovers. Beeswax wraps are non-toxic covers made from cotton fabric infused with beeswax or plant-based alternatives such as soy wax. They are an attractive and sustainable alternative to plastic wrap and aluminum foil for keeping leftovers fresh. Various prints and sizes are available to buy, but a hand-made wrap makes a personal and practical gift. You will need some (patterned) cotton fabric, jojoba oil, pine rosin and wax pellets. The Spruce has a really easy method (with a video), and the whole process should take only about 30 minutes. Beeswax wraps can be reused for up to a year and composted when they wear out.

6. DIY natural candles

Add warmth and light to any home with natural candles made from soy wax, beeswax or coconut wax. Melt the wax, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for scent and pour the mixture into a reusable container like a glass jar or tin. Insert a wick (available from hobby and craft shops) into the center of the container. Wrap the end of the wick around a pencil and balance the pencil across the container so that the wick stays centered and upright as the wax hardens. Natural candles are free from the harmful chemicals that can be found in commercial candles, and using reusable containers helps to cut down on waste.

7. Cinnamon stick candle holders

Like the idea for baked goods in a jar, this is another time-saving alternative. Instead of making your own candles, cinnamon stick candle holders use pre-made candles but still capture the warmth and spicy aromas associated with the holidays. Wrap cinnamon sticks around a plain pillar candle and secure them with twine or eco-friendly ribbon such as cotton or jute. These candle holders add a natural touch to holiday decor and can be reused with new candles once the original burns out. Choose a candle that does not contain paraffin, which is derived from petroleum.

8. Homemade plant-based soaps

Making your own soap is easier than you might think. All you need is a soap base (like shea butter or olive oil), essential oils and molds. If you have a garden, you can also add flower petals or herbs. Melt the base, mix in your chosen ingredients and pour it into molds to set. Plant-based soaps are vegan friendly, gentle on the skin and free from synthetic ingredients, making them an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought options.

9. Herb garden kits

Assemble a DIY herb garden kit by filling small pots with soil and seeds or young plants. Choose popular herbs like basil, thyme or rosemary. Package them in a reusable wooden box or basket with instructions for care. Herb gardens promote sustainability by encouraging home cooking with fresh, home-grown ingredients. Herbs can be planted almost anywhere, including on a windowsill, and reduce the need for shop-bought herbs packaged in plastic. For those without a garden, why not gift some native seeds to regreen urban spaces. Check out our guerrilla gardening toolkit here. 

10. Knitted or crocheted scarves

If you have some basic knitting or crocheting skills, making a scarf can be a rewarding project. If you are more advanced, you can customize your creation with seasonal patterns or objects that are specific to the receiver. Think of plants, pets or items related to a hobby. Choose sustainable yarns made from organic cotton, bamboo or recycled fibers. Hand-making a scarf ensures that the materials used are eco-friendly, and it avoids the carbon footprint associated with mass-produced garments. A note for avid knitters: check out our interview with Danish punk knitting sensation Laerke Bagger.

11. Upcycled tote bags

This is another easy craft project that requires only basic skills. Turn old T-shirts, pillowcases or even jeans into stylish tote bags. Simply cut out the desired shape, sew the edges together and add handles. Tote bags are practical and durable, and by upcycling materials, you give new life to items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Plus, they reduce the need for single-use plastic bags, making them a great sustainable gift with a lot of mileage. 

12. Custom planters 

Paint and decorate old cans or jars with non-toxic, eco-friendly paint to turn them into planters. Add small plants or succulents and include care instructions. These custom planters reduce waste by repurposing used materials as well as adding greenery to living spaces. In addition, all plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, which is good for the climate and the air we breathe. This is a good gift to make with kids.

13. Personalized photo calendars

Create a calendar using recycled paper or cardboard. Print out or handwrite each month and add photos or artwork that hold special meaning for the recipient. Bind the pages together with string or a simple hole punch. This sustainable gift uses minimal materials while also being very personal.

14. Framed pressed flowers

This DIY gift idea requires a bit of forward planning but is worth the effort. In the summer and fall, collect and press flowers or leaves, then arrange them in a simple frame. Avoid collecting any endangered species. This gift captures a piece of nature and makes for beautiful, sustainable wall art. It’s also an eco-friendly alternative to mass-produced decor.

15. Handcrafted wooden coasters

Using scrap wood or fallen branches, you can create rustic, handcrafted coasters. You will need a small saw and sandpaper. Cut the wood to size. You can create even slices or irregular, freeform shapes. Sand down the rough edges and finish with a natural wood polish. Wooden coasters are not only practical but also durable and biodegradable. Making them from reclaimed wood adds to their sustainability, ensuring that no new trees are cut down.

Reap the rewards of making your own sustainable holiday gifts

Making your own eco-friendly gifts allows you to create something unique and personalized. It’s also often more cost-effective than buying gifts, especially when using recycled or upcycled materials. Homemade gifts can reduce the environmental impact of the holidays and can be a creative and rewarding experience at an often-stressful time of year.

Not into making your own presents? Try these other great green gifting ideas and these holiday waste reduction tips.

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