Thinking Outside the (Gift) Box

As December rolls around, many of us will start thinking about the joy of giving. We know that members of our EasiYo community are already big fans of choosing to make instead of buy (goes without saying, right?) – so this year, we figured we’d challenge you to take that same DIY spirit and apply it to your gifts!

To help get you started we’ve put together a list of sustainable, homemade gift ideas that don’t cost the earth… so long as you’re willing to get a little creative.

DIY Crafts

• This year, why not try your hand at crafting some DIY ornaments to send out to your friends and family. Terracotta clay is available from most hardware stores, and can be easily shaped and decorated with cookie cutters and paint.
• Print some handmade cards featuring your kids artwork! You can get your small folk involved by giving a theme to work with, such as birthday cakes, flowers or Christmas trees. Talk to your local printer or even head online to transform their paintings into beautiful gift cards.
• While the creative juices are flowing, have a go at making thumb print wrapping paper. Yep, you heard correctly! No art degree required, and the result is beautifully designed paper to give away or wrap all your goodies in.

Get Creative in the Kitchen

• Foodies, rejoice. We all know that the holiday season is a time for second helpings, and homemade gifts of the edible variety are always a welcome treat. Make your creations look extra festive by storing them in glass jars tied with ribbon or string.
• If you’re less of a sweet tooth, herb-infused olive oil makes for a special gift. All you need is good quality oil, a selection of ingredients and some pretty bottles to package it all up. From fresh greens to spicy chilli or fragrant cinnamon, homemade infused oil makes a perfect present for the aspiring chefs in the family.

Let’s go Eco

• It goes without saying that an EasiYo Yogurt maker is always a winning gift, especially for someone who’s already making steps to lessen their impact on the environment. We realise it’s not technically homemade, but with all the homemade goodness it provides we think it’s a worthy inclusion!
• Alternatively, you could try your hand at making some bees-wax wraps, the ultimate reusable food wrap. Simple to make, incredibly useful and perfect for a post-Christmas feast, a pack of three wraps in different sizes would make a brilliant present. Of course, festive fabric is a must.

At the end of the day, presents are a way of showing appreciation for your friends and family. Whatever you choose to make, invent, create or share, the important thing is that you spend quality time with the people that matter to you most.