10 Sustainable DIY Gift Ideas for This Holiday Season

DIY gifts can be a great way to save money, be creative, and add a personal touch to any holiday season. With overconsumption on the rise, they are also much easier on the environment and can be especially good gifts for the people you aren't sure what to buy for, as Americans waste over 10 BILLION DOLLARS on unwanted holiday gifts. Keep reading to get some sustainable DIY gift ideas.

Before you roll your eyes, DIY gifts do not have to be boring or require an ungodly amount of craft supplies. Here are 10 unique, affordable, and customizable DIY gifts for adults and kids alike that won't break the bank. Many of them use items you may already have or can easily find second-hand.

1. Drink Mixes

   This one is highly customizable to fit the recipient's taste. Variations include hot cocoa mixes, coffee/latte mixes, turmeric latte or other spice drinks, to cocktail mixes. This is especially cost-effective if you are making them for multiple people as ingredients can be purchased in bulk which makes them cheaper per serving and cuts down on packaging waste. Layer the ingredients however you see fit (or mix it all together) and decorate with scrap ribbons etc. Make sure to include instructions for the recipient somewhere on the container or tag. For containers, take a trip to the thrift store to look for mason jars or other suitable vessels, just make sure to wash and dry them thuroughly before packaging.

   *author's note: I have made these a couple of years ago and they were a huge hit! I did hot chocolate mix with mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes, peppermint mocha with instant coffee, hot cocoa powder, thin layer of powdered milk, and crushed candy canes, and tumeric latte mix with tumeric, cinnamon and a touch of sugar and black pepper. Pinterest is a great place to look for specific recipes.

2. Body Scrubs

   This is an easy gift you can make in bulk, similar to the drink mixes. You can pre-mix or layer the ingredients within their containers to mix up the look of them, and create all different scents and combinations. If you are making these for several people, it can be extremely cost-effective to buy the ingredients in bulk. While recipes vary based on personal preference and scents at the minimum you will need something abrasive (sugar, salt, coffee grounds or similar), something to bind it together (oil, lotion, or similar), and optionally a scent (commonly essential oils).

   
   

   

3. Decorative Candles

   This one admittedly does require the purchase of a few materials but is definitely worth it considering how expensive candles are nowadays. You'll need wicks, wax, scents or essential oils (do your research) crayons or dye if you are coloring them, and heat-proof containers. You can be as basic or creative as you like with this one. The thrift store is a great place to look for cute containers like teacups, mugs, glass drinkware, vases etc. to turn into candles. This could also be a great way to use up those half melted candles you never burn, as those could be melted down and repurposed. Just make sure to take the wick out and trim the top where it was burnt if you plan to reuse it for this diy.

*author's note: I have tried this one as well and highly recommend. Admittedly, I took quite extensive creative liberty and made hot cocoa candles complete with whipped cream and peppermints on top. Though a bit labor-intensive, the people I gifted them to still have them to this day and use them as holiday decor.

4. Embroidered Clothes/Accessories

   This tip does not require buying something new to then diy, though yes, that is also an option. Think of your thrifty friend with a fun fashion sense for this idea. Head to a secon-hand shop or even your own closet if you know you have something you like that you don't wear anymore, or that plain canvas bag in the back of your closet. While embroidery can range in difficulty and required skill level, the basics are fairly easy to learn and the materials are super affordable, you might already have them.

   This is also highly customizable to fit the recipient's taste, favorite colors etc.

5. Fabric Bookmarks

   This gift could involve some embroidery as well, but doesn't have to. These are great for the reader in your life and serve as a great way to use up any fabric or felt scraps you might have. You could alternatively thrift for extra fabric or scarves with a design you like to cut up and make these. A sewing machine is also not required but could be used if you have one or are making a lot of these. This would also be applicable to kids who are starting to read novels. You could make each sibling their own customized one for example.

6. Air Dry Clay Coasters/Games

   Air-dry clay has taken the world by storm, and for good reason, it is affordable, fun, and very straightforward to use. You can also DIY the clay by making salt dough or other similar versions, there are plenty of recipes online. Pinterest is another great place to look for inspo on what to make. Coasters could be good for someone who has recently moved or for anyone you could match the style of their home with. Small coffee table games like tic-tac-toe are also fun and super customizable, depending on the recipient and your skill level. The only materials required here are the clay, paint (or colored clay) and some type of sealant. If you are making them with the intention of being placed on a table, you may want to consider adding some thin corkboard or little felt feet to diminish the risk of it scratching any surfaces.

7. Sconce/Candle Stick Holders

   Next on the list is a hanging candle sconce, which can also be made out of clay. These can once again be decorated to match the recipient's style and are fully customizable. You might even be able to find candlesticks at second-hand stores or local sustainability shops. This idea is quite versatile as you can make them in fun shapes to be set on a table, or to be hung as a sconce, as seen here.

8. Photo Frame Key Hook

   If DIY isn't fully your thing, this idea is super simple and only requires enough skill to drill or nail a hook into a frame. This is of course, easiest to do with wooden frames, though still possible with other materials. Even better if the frame already comes with a hook on the back to be hung on a wall. Simply print out a photo, or get a bit more creative with a collage or decorative personalized sign, such as the recipient's last name like "The Smiths," etc. If the plain frame is too boring for your liking, you can take this a step further and customize that as well.

9. Customized Book

   This gift idea is admittedly a bit more hands-on and requires some creativity. Take any old book or buy one second-hand, and decorate its cover and pages to turn it into a meaningful keepsake for the recipient. You could turn it into a sort of scrapbook, a travel diary, fill the pages with letters and cards for that person, include journal prompts etc. To decorate the cover, make sure you go over it with some sort of sealant, like Mod Podge to prevent your decorations from wearing off. We found this idea and offered suggestions based on this creator's video.

10. Painted Wine/Champagne Bottle

    This idea is super affordable and creates virtually zero waste as the bottle can be kept as a decorative piece once it's finished (or recycled). Find a bottle you think the recipient would like and paint or decorate the exterior and seal it to make a display piece. You could also decorate it in a "open when..." manner if you know they have a milestone coming up. For example, decorate a champagne bottle, write "Open When You Finish Your Degree" or "Open When You Get The Keys to Your New Home". This can make it even more thoughtful and personal as they not only get a thoughtful gift, but have something to look forward to during their accomplishments. This can also be done on non-alcoholic bottles.

I hope you enjoyed this list of fun and affordable DIY gift ideas for this holiday season. It is absolutely possible to enjoy and indulge in this time of year without breaking the bank and while minimizing your environmental footprint. Personalized, thoughtful gifts do not have to be complicated; they just might take some creativity.

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