Growing up I always loved receiving more than giving. I think most kids do. Now that I’m older, I love giving. and more so, I love putting lots of thought and care into each gift I get. And there’s always something so special about making someone a gift. And not a junky, dollar store gift. But a DIY zero waste gift!
These DIYs are made from upcycled, scraps, and thrifted materials making them super low waste and affordable too! You may need a thing or two from the dollar store if you don’t have them lying around but for the most part, you should be good!
DIY Zero Waste Gift Ideas:
1. Scrap fabric scrunchie
What you need:
- Scrap fabric (I hem/alter a lot of stuff from the thrift store so I always make sure to keep the excess fabric on hand for projects like this!)
- Elastic
- Needle and thread or sewing machine
The method:
- Cut fabric into 4″ by 26″
- Cut your elastic to 8″ long
- Fold the fabric in half, length-wise. Make sure it’s inside out if the fabric requires it
- Use sewing pins or clips to secure the fabric together
- Stitch along the two edges about 1/4″ in
- Turn fabric right side out
- Feed your elastic through the tube making sure not to lose it on either side. This will cause the fabric to bunch giving it that scrunchie” look
- Stitch the two ends of the elastic together
- Finally, sew the two ends of the fabric together
2. Teacup candles
What you’ll need:
- Thrifted teacups
- Soy or beeswax
- Wicks (wooden or cotton)
- Essential oils, dried flowers, herbs, etc (optional)
The method:
- In an old pot over medium heat, melt your wax. I don’t have an exact measurement, it depends on how big of a teacup you’re using
- While it’s melting, attach your wicks to their anchors and place them in your teacups
- Once the wax is melted, remove it from heat and add in your essential oils if doing so
- Stir to combine and pour into your teacups
- You can add in dried flowers and leave if you wish
- Let solidify for a few hours, trim wicks and they’re done!
3. Bath Soak
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 3/4 cup Himalayan salt
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup dried rose petals or lavender
- Essential oils (optional)
The method:
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix together
- You can add essential oils if you want or leave it plain
- Transfer to a jar and tie with a bow!
4. Produce bags
What you’ll need:
- Scrap fabric
- Needle and thread or sewing machine
- Twine/shoestring or some other kind of string
- Bobby pin or safety pin
The method:
- Place two pieces of fabric of equal size together with the patterns facing each other. Sew along 3 sides leaving the top of the bag open.
- While the fabric is still inside out, fold over the side we left open on either side to form a pocket. Making sure to leave a hole open, sew along the edges of the fold so there is room for the drawstring.
- Using a bobby pin or safety pin, attach it to your string of choice.
- Using your pin feed the string through the tunnel you just created until it comes out on the other side. Then tie the two ends of the string together and flip your bag right side out!
5. Infused olive oil
What you need:
- Olive oil
- 4-5 Dried rosemary sprigs
- Glass jar
The method:
- Place your DRIED (it’s very important that they are dry and not fresh) into a pot and cover with 1 cup of olive oil
- Warm over medium heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool
- Remove the rosemary sprigs and pour your olive oil into a glass jar
- The infused oil is good for about 3 months when stored in the fridge
6. Lip balm
What you need:
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 1 tsp jojoba/almond/vitamin e oil (optional but great for really dry or chapped lips)
- 15 drops of essential oils (Peppermint, lavender, sweet orange, and grapefruit are my favorites)
- Old lip balm tubes or lip balm tins
The method:
- Combine all ingredients except the essential oil in a double boiler on the stove. You can make your own by placing a small pot in a larger pot filled with water.
- Melt all the ingredients until well combined, stirring frequently so the mixture doesn’t burn.
- Remove from heat and let stand for about a minute and then add in your essential oils. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to tins or lip balm tubes and let cool completely. This may take a few hours
- Your lip balm is ready to use when mixture is completely cooled!
7. Aromatherapy spray
What you’ll need:
- 4 oz distilled water
- 2 oz witch hazel
- 20 drops of essential oils
- 8oz spray bottle
The method:
- Combine all ingredients into the spray bottle and label
- That’s it! It’s that easy!
10. Tie Dye towel/hankie
I have an entire post all about tie dying fabric naturally with different ingredients like avocados and turmeric! You can find it here!
This is such a customizable gift and you can tie-dye literally anything!
Giving sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Giving sustainably can be making something out of something second hand.
I hope these DIY zero waste gift ideas helped inspire you to get creative this holiday season! But if you’d prefer to buy you can always check out these sustainable gift guides:
Sustainable gift ideas for everyone on your list
Thank you so much for reading. Please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste living inspiration.
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