7 DIY Sustainable Gifts
Sustainable gifts don’t have to be expensive or made by a sustainable community on the other side of the planet. You can create your own DIY sustainable gifts for those you love. Is there anything more special and eco-friendly?
If you’re already thinking “I am not creative enough” or “I am terrible at arts and crafts”… stop! There are plenty of DIY sustainable gifts you can do, even if you’re the most clumsy person on earth. I happen to be really clumsy, so I know what I am talking about.
Without further ado, here are some DIY sustainable gifts ideas that you can create just in time for the holidays.
Framed Photo
Even though digital photography has its perks (many), we totally lost the habit of getting our pictures printed and framed.
Why not surprise your loved ones with a print from a special moment? Select your favorite photo and get it printed. At home or at a local copy center.
What about the frame? Reuse one that you already have at home (and that you’re a bit tired of) or buy one from a local store. Getting a thrift one is also a suitable option.
In case you want to go for the extra mile and create something even more special, you can do a collage or put a few photos together. Don’t have design skills? Don’t worry, Canva got you covered and it’s free!
Cake in a Jar
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat every now and then? This is without a doubt one of the best DIY sustainable gifts that any sweet tooth can receive.
Also, you’ll probably be pushing that person out of its comfort zone (going to the kitchen, baking a cake), but hey… it’s totally worth it.
What do you have to do?
1- Pick up a recipe: from a cookbook you have at home or online. In case you’re looking for something healthier but equally delicious, there’s also a lot to choose from. Like the ones from Deliciously Ella.
2- Buy the dry ingredients: even though the recipe might include milk or other liquid ingredients, you’re just offering the dry ingredients. Why? Because these can hold its conditions properly without being refrigerated. Try to buy these in bulk at your local zero waste bulk store.
3- Reuse a glass jar: this is the perfect opportunity to show that a glass jar can have a second life and a totally new purpose. Instead of buying a mason jar, reuse one that you already have at home. From a previous purchase, like jam or tomato sauce.
4- Print out the recipe: print it or write it down yourself. You can make it simpler or artsy. Feel free to reuse papers or cards that you already have lying around the house.
Homemade Jam
This one is an oldie but goodie. Unfortunately, most store-bought jams are packed with sugar and preservatives.
Making your own at home is easier than you think and you can prevent some ripe fruits from going to waste. This also allows you to cut on the sugar, without compromising its sweetness at all.
Beeswax Food Wrap
This is one of those versatile zero waste stapes that you can easily create at home.
What do you need? Fabric, beeswax pellets, and a couple more things that you already have at home.
How can you do it? Well, Good Housekeeping has a great step-by-step article explaining the whole process.
It’s actually way easier than you might think, which makes this one of the best DIY sustainable gifts on the list.
Natural Deodorant
Let’s face it, we all need one. As standard store-bought deodorants are full of nasty ingredients and zero waste deodorants may be a bit pricey if you’re budget, you can opt for creating you’re own at home.
The ingredients are very simple and easy to find. In fact, you probably already have everything in your cupboard.
The best part? You can customize it according to each person if you use a different essential oil.
What about the container? You can buy a tiny tin at a local store (or on Amazon) or reuse some tiny containers that you already have at home.
Natural Lip Balms
Another skincare staple, especially on winter days. Even though chapsticks are really easy to find, most of these have ingredients that are not-so-good for you.
Of course, you can easily buy a more natural alternative these days. However, why not make your own?
If that’s the case, opt for organic ingredients instead. Here’s our recipe. Easy to make and more moisturizing than some well-known brands.
Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent
OK, this one is a little bit out of the box when it comes to DIY sustainable gifts. But let’s be honest, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce your loved ones to a more eco-friendly alternative.
They’ll be surprised by how little they need to use to wash an entire load. Our recipe has only three ingredients and you probably already have everything at home. Glass jar included!
