Making gifts is really fun. Even if you think you’re the least creative person in the world, there are things you can make that will be better received than any store-bought item, in large part because you took the time to make it. Below is a list of gifts I’ve either made and/or received from others who’ve made them:

• Candleholders made from tree branches using pipe-fittings drilled into the wood to hold the candle
• Cards with photographs or artwork printed on them
• Cookies, pies, spiced pecans, jams, wine, vinegars, pickles, applesauce, cakes, chutneys, sauces
• Scented powders and bath salts
• Balsam pillows
• Bird feeders
• Birdhouses
• Art, sculptures
• Musical recordings
• Paste paper covering otherwise thrown out jars and boxes, turning them into beautiful containers
• Candles
• Crocheted or knitted hats, mittens, booties, blankets, or scarves
• Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, barrettes
• Wreaths
• Collages, scrapbooks, photo albums
• Decorated or painted clothes (from a thrift shop)
• A poem or song
• A coupon book of fun activities
• A treasure hunt for found treasures (shells, sea glass, beautiful rocks)

More tips to come,

Zoe Weil
Author of Most Good, Least Harm, Above All, Be Kind, and Claude and Medea

Image courtesy of elana’s pantry via Creative Commons.

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Filed under: consumerism, MOGO (Most Good), social justice, systemic change Tagged: | Christmas, consumerism, creativity, DIY, do it yourself, gifts, holidays, homemade gifts, MOGO choices, presents, time, voluntary simplicity