Gift-giving this Christmas doesn’t have to come with mountains of wrapping paper, plastic packaging, or mass-produced items that end up collecting dust. Instead, why not embrace the art of sustainable gifting?
By choosing DIY eco-friendly gifts, you can show your love and creativity while reducing waste. These gifts are perfect for anyone who values a greener planet. Plus, they often cost less and mean so much more.
This guide is here to help you get started. We’ll explore ideas for gift ideas you can make at home that are impressive to give and kind to the planet. So, roll up your sleeves, gather some supplies, and let’s create gifts that are as sustainable as they are heartfelt.
If you are looking for a more sustainable Christmas, check out some eco-friendly Christmas tree options.
DIY Candle Sweater Cozy

Transform an old jar or vase into a charming sweater cozy using a sweater sleeve or sock, then customize it with fun embellishments to match your style. These cozy covers from XOXO Bella are perfect for holding candles, flowers, or even small potted plants. They make thoughtful and festive seasonal gifts, so be sure to craft a few extras!
In just minutes, you can create a delightful handmade piece that looks stunning, especially when a tea light flickers inside. It’s an easy, creative way to give old items a fresh and cozy new purpose.
Homemade Gingerbread Lotion Bars

The perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list! These adorable Gingerbread Man lotion bars are made with all natural ingredients and use essential oils with a wonderful holiday inspired gingerbread scent. The full tutorial from Desert Naturals makes them easy to make! Make a batch for coworkers, grab bags, and more!
Looking for more homemade health care ideas? Check out our DIY coconut inspired beauty products.
Homemade Drum Clock

For the music lover in your life how about a handcrafted drum clock? Take a smaller drum and build a gorgeous clock that they can use as a display in a living room or bedroom. It a one of a kind gift that is useful, recycled, and gorgeous! Don’t have a drum? Head to a local thrift shop, you may be surprised at what you might find.
Homemade Hand Dipped Candles

Hand dipped candles make an amazing gift for almost anyone. It is easier to do than you might think and who knows, you may find a new hobby to enjoy! This DIY candle tutorial from Wholehearted Eats uses beeswax and a few simple steps to create a perfect gift idea. Wrap them with kraft paper and beautiful lace or string and you have a stunning gift that is ready to go.
DIY Fabric Leaf Brooch

A perfect homemade gifting option for lovers of all things nature. The tutorial from Christine’s Craft is easy to make and affordable. It can even be a zero waste gift if you happen to have some extra fabrics you were going to discard. Beads, buttons, sequins are all options for customizing the brooch to make it perfect for the recipient.
Homemade Leather Bracelets

For the jewelry guy, these homemade leather bracelets from Curly Made just might be a perfect gift. Pick the perfect leather style and clasp and build a bracelet for anyone on your list.
Homemade Birdseed Ornaments

Creating your own birdseed ornaments is a breeze and a cost-effective option compared to store-bought ones. With a handful of simple ingredients—birdseed, water, gelatin, corn syrup, and some cookie cutters—you can craft delightful feeders to welcome birds to your backyard. These homemade birdseed creations from XOXO Bella are perfect for feeding your feathered visitors throughout the year.
Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit the season or customize it with different seeds to attract specific bird species. It’s a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature while treating your avian friends to a tasty snack.
Whipped Body Butter

Body butter is a great way to nourish the skin, and is a gift that both men and women will love. This gingerbread scented body butter from Desert Naturals is easy to make. But you are not limited to gingerbread! Use any essential oil scent to create a blend your gift recipient will love.
Herb Infused Honey Recipe

The perfect gift for a tea lover! But, as we know honey has so many other uses making it a great DIY gift for almost anyway who appreciates an eco-friendly gifting options. This recipe from Desert Naturals offers a few options for how to create your honey – serving as a great starting point for making a perfect combination for your gifting recipient.
Add some creative eco-friendly wrapping and packaging – and this is a winning gift anyone would love!
DIY Peg Game with Brass Casings

While men may not be as thrilled with homemade gifts as our girl tribe, there are some options! This DIY peg game with brass shell casings from Virginia Sweet Pea might be one homemade gift he might love. This one will need some hand tools – or if you have a laser that might work too.
Photo Frame From Old Jeans

Using carboard or some cheap plain wooden frames you can create a really cool and meaningful decor item. Use the loops and wrap them around a frame, or use sections of denim to give it a cleaner look. Get creative and have some fun!
Homemade Wine Stoppers

Wine lovers will appreciate homemade wine stoppers – especially if they have meaning! These are great in bulk for groups you may be a part of where you can make a themed wine stopper. There are several ideas from Nourish and Nestle along with a great DIY tutorial.
DIY Terrarium

This is a fun and creative gift that many people will love. You can create a terrarium that fits a certain aesthetic so it is truly a custom gift. Use a glass jar and fill it with moss, ferns, rocks, stones, sand, and more to create a living element that requires little care. A guide on A Piece of Rainbow showcases options and ideas for creating your own.
DIY Seed Paper Cards

We love this idea from Craftidly! It is a step-by-step guide to making DIY plantable seed paper cards which is a perfect addition to your homemade gift. Using recycled copier and kraft paper, the materials are soaked, blended into pulp, and spread on parchment. Then the seeds are added to create a perfect plantable card. This tutorial features everything you need to make your own card that is zero-waste and eco-friendly.
Clothing Brands That Are Destroying Our Planet

Clothes will always be one of the more popular Christmas gifts. But, before you buy those pajamas or sweaters, consider the impact of where you shop! Learn more about the fashion brands that are destroying our planet and considering avoiding them not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Where Your Bedding and Towel Donations Will Be Most Appreciated

Maybe you got a new bedding or towel set for Christmas? If so, it is a great time to part with some of your older ones! There are places that would love to have your bedding or towel donations. Please consider making the trip – you will be doing so much good by making these donations to the organizations that need them!