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DIY Holiday Gifts and Decorations


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DIY Holiday Gifts and Decorations

Making Gifts and Memories at the Same Time

As we head into the holiday season, I like the idea of making deliberate choices that mean I get to spend more quality time with my kids. For example, rather than rushing into the hustle and bustle of the mall scene, this year we’re going to create our own gifts for friends and family (as much as possible anyway). Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade gift—and what a special way for the kids and me to make memories. And who knows? I might just save a little money, too!

So in going online to come up with some ideas for us to try, I was a bit overwhelmed at all the amazing and clever ways for repurposing everyday items and transforming them into gifts and decorations. Several of them were beyond my skill or comfort level, but many seemed easy enough for a busy mom on the go. Here are a few of my favorites:

holiday_1Save those Cereal Boxes!
This 3-minute video walks you through how to use an empty cereal box, a hole-punch, some yarn, beads, glitter, garland and glue to create your own Christmas ornaments. It’s easy, and kids will love it!

holiday_2Into glitzy and glamorous?
You can use old holiday lights and a little glitter and glue to give your tree some new flair. Who knew?

holiday_8More natural more your style?
• Here’s a nice one for you. Etsy’s 101 Green Handmade Gift Tutorials have something for everyone and many of these would make fun gifts any time of year, for just about any occasion. Check out #57!
• I found these holiday ideas especially appealing as the aim is to reduce waste and beautify the world at the same time.

holiday_6Make It Personal
Here’s a fun idea for creating personalized Christmas ornaments—plus it seems pretty easy!

holiday_4Celebrating Hannukah?
Check out these beautiful ideas from Martha Stewart.

holiday_5Fun with Salt Dough
These easy ideas from The Artful Parent would work for just about any age. If your child can hold a crayon, this may be just the thing for you. And they’re guaranteed to melt the heart of anyone who receives one.

What are some of your favorite DIY gift ideas? We’d love to hear from you. Just leave a suggestion in the comment section below.

Resources:

YouTube: Glitzy Christmas Ornaments from a Cereal Box

Everything Etsy: 101 Green Handmade Gift Ideas

Never New Blog: Christmas Re-purposing Ideas

Better Homes & Gardens: Make a Name Ornament

Martha Stewart: Hanukkah Crafts

Mashable: 15 Simple DIY Holiday Gifts to Make With Your Kids

The Artful Parent: 11 Salt Dough Ornaments Kids Can Make

Give Presence NOT Presents Contest
The holiday season is about more than giving a gift/present bought from the store, it’s about family, traditions, community, togetherness, memories, nostalgia, volunteerism, visiting with relatives, group activities, and thinking outside of self. Giving gifts is great, but giving time, giving your skills, giving your presence is even better.
Family gatherings have traditions that everyone looks forward to and much of it is about spending time together.

Contest Details:

Share your favorite memories or traditions from family holidays with a photo and a short description of the memory /tradition and why you chose it.

** The Contest Has Ended **

View Contest Winners

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Kim@EverythingEtsy
8 years ago

What a great post of ideas! Thanks so much for including my 101 Green Gift Post! There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays with recycled materials.

Happy Holidays!

~Kim

Karen Codrington
Karen Codrington
8 years ago

Great ideas!

Karin Keranen
Karin Keranen
8 years ago

Great ideas!

Hope Beach
Hope Beach
8 years ago

I wish I was crafty! These all look great.

Gingi Freeman
Gingi Freeman
6 years ago

Great post.. wish I had done more DIY gifts this year….