Amid all the holiday-sale commercialism hustle and bustle, not to mention the rising prices and supply shortages, there are also many DIY and upcycling options this Christmas for the craftily inclined.
When planning gifts for family and friends, try thrifting or antiquing to find a unique present. There are many options for thrifty gifts, such as hand-lettering a favorite quote or poem and placing it in a thrift frame, upcycling old t-shirts to create a beautiful quilt, or upcycling cookie tins to regift with fresh homemade treats.
For Christmas cookies from scratch, check out the New York Times’ sweeping list of recipes.
When wrapping presents, recycled items can add a handcrafted and sustainable touch. Newspaper, magazines, old maps, or even fabric can all be used to wrap. Adding twine or embroidery thread as a bow can upgrade your presents to Pinterest-worthy.
For the extra crafty, consider wrapping presents with fabric rather than paper and giving furoshiki a try. Furoshiki is the traditional Japanese art of using fabric to wrap and transport goods. It is not only economical and eco-friendly, but presents will look extra fancy. According to Marie Kondo, utilizing furoshiki also helps the giver to be mindful and meditative in this thoughtful presentation.
Reusing sustainable materials, such as cardboard, ribbon and bows from last year’s presents, or fabric scraps to make wreaths or ornaments, can make great gifts or fun crafts for the kids.
On Paguro, there are lots of gift ideas for any family or friend member– creating personalized homemade candles, festive cookie and treat ideas, and Christmas decoration ideas to gift.
If you’re not so crafty, you can also try buying local and upcycled this Christmas. San Antonio artist Stacy Walters Levinson has created sculptural and functional art using glass for nearly 20 years and uses upcycled glass to create one-of-a-kind, top-quality Texas hand-crafted goods.
Levinson creates and sells bowls made from the tops and bottoms of Topo Chico bottles. She cuts the bottles, arranges the pieces into a design, and uses a kiln to craft the bowls. Each bottle bowl is unique in shape and size. She also makes planters, ornaments, decorative floral pieces, and other meaningful, sustainable pieces. Check out her website to buy wholesale.
Other options for memorable gifts include loads of vendors on Etsy and other websites selling upcycled gifts, such as Uncommon Goods, where you can buy everything from personalized upcycled shirts and vases to a reclaimed wood coffee table.