The Alternative Gift Guide - DIY & Sustainable Gifts
I’m running very behind with my gift guide this year, I have to keep reminding myself that I have a five month old baby and now is not to time to worry about being organised! Better late than never I hope?
Simon and I are working to a budget this year and I’m only buying a few very special gifts that I know will last years and years. To supplement them I’m making a lot of presents myself to “bulk up” the gift giving. I’m making things like bath salts, beeswax candles and Christmas fudge so I thought I’d share a few other DIY ideas I came across. See this as an alternative gift guide, a mix of homemade things alongside some ethical, sustainable or indie gifts.
Pressed flower gift toppers from The Blondielocks
If you’re a wee bit more organised you can forage for greenery and a few flowers outside, press them in a heavy book then frame them for a beautiful gift. I love these brass frames, I have a few of them and pressed blooms look so pretty sitting inside.
Framed wedding vows via Em for Marvellous
I did something similar for Simon last year, I designed our wedding vows in my favourite typeface then framed them in two walnut frames. You could write or print out a favourite saying, joke or poem.
Leather card wallet from The Future Kept
I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a really well made card holder or wallet. It’s a perfect unisex gift and in my experience cheap wallets always get so grubby and worn so investing in a good quality one is a great idea.
Second hand editions and books from indie sellers on Abe Books
I’m really lucky because there’s a Oxfam Books about three minutes from my front door. This year I bought everyone at least one second hand book from there, the other day I picked up 7 for under £20. Abe Books is my favourite online alternative.
Mini loaf cake recipe from Simply Beautiful Eating
If you can bake there’s really nothing nicer than thoughtfully baked goods as gifts. I love these sweet mini loaf cakes, there are lots of recipes online.
Wooden lion from Mama Owl
I”m sure you’d agree that this hand carved wooden lion would make a lovely gift for children and adults alike! There are lots of animals available so I’m sure you could find a favourite.
Stovetop potpourri DIY from Boxwood Avenue
Give the gift of Christmas sprit with this DIY stove top festive potpourri. This would make a lovely addition to a hamper and your home will smell fab!
Pull along elephants from Sarah & Bendrix
The pull and push along toys I had when I was little were always my favourites, this set of wooden elephants are so sweet and will last for generations.
Photo calendar by Rosemood
I’m not usually a massive fan of personalised photo gifts (I always think of cushions with family member’s faces on!) but Rosemood makes really beautifully classic photo gifts like this classic calendar. I’m sure most grandparents would love one of these.
If you enjoy embroidery I think monogrammed gifts like this napkin are such a lovely gift. You could stitch someone’s initials or full name onto a tote bag, scarf, or even a set of pjs.
Chamomile and loofa soap from Modern Homestead Mama
A few years ago I made everyone goats mil soap using a pre made base that you can melt and add your own essential oils and exfoliants too. The recipe above is a really good one to follow.
Porcelain decorations from Aerende
Aerende is one of my favourite shops, they sell ethically made products that support people who need it most. I love these ceramic decorations but they also sell a fab range of homeware and gifts.
Simone le Blanc make lovely gift boxes
You really can’t beat a thoughtful hamper and if you don’t fancy putting one together yourself you can buy pre made ones from all the fancy department stores and online too.
Beeswax candle DIY from Bruna Masalin.
Rolled beeswax candles are possibly the easiest and most festive gift you could make. They smell great and you can buy the supplies very easily.
Hand-thrown Ceramic Travel Mug by Libby Ballard Ceramics
Most people have a favourite hot drink or love to treat themselves to a good take away coffee once in a while, I have to admit that it took me until this summer to finally get a reusable coffee mug but I would never leave the house without it now! I love this ceramic one.
Hand dyed napkins by Nettle and Silk
I love these naturally dyed napkins, you could easily make these yourself if you’re interested in dyeing but they’re also available on Etsy like the ones pictured above.
Bag kit by Merchant and Mills
A craft kit like this one is a great gift for anyone who loves to sew and much better than buying them the ready made option. It’s a cheaper and more fun alternative plus you get to choose what sort of fabric they’d like.
Coffee cups from Decorators Notebook
These classic coffee cups are one of those gifts that almost anyone would like to receive. I think it would be a lovely idea, to buy the set of three and give them along with some fancy coffee or hot chocolate.
Embroidered flowers by Lou Stitches
Embiordering someone’s favorite flower, wedding bouquet or birth flower would make such a meaningful gift and if you don’t feel confident enough to try it yourself talented people like Lou Stitches sell ready made embriodery art.
Christmas Eve candle from The Botanical Candle Co.
The Botanical Candle Co. is one of my favourite places to buy candles and their new winter collection looks really special. I love how they come in these weck jars which can be re-ued.
Premium Leather Ergonomic Bicycle Grips by Temple Cycles
These stunning leather bike handles would be the perfect gift for anyone that loves their bike or is looking to get into cycling. A really great unisex gift made by talented folk here in the UK to.
That’s this year’s gift guide! It’s a little smaller than previous years but I hope you still enjoyed it and found some good ideas for your gift giving this year. I have so many here on my blog so make sure to search “gift guide” in the search bar to see previous instalments. Have a really beautiful festive season!
Hi I'm Nancy!
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